Dog and cat beds get lumped together in a lot of buying guides, but the two animals actually want pretty different things from a place to sleep. Cats generally want to feel enclosed and slightly elevated; dogs, especially bigger or older ones, need real support under their joints. Heading into 2026, the market has gotten a lot better at serving both needs without forcing you to buy five different beds for a multi-pet household. Below we’ve rounded up the picks that hold up in real homes, plus a guide to sizing, fill types, and washability so you don’t end up replacing a bed every few months.
Our Top Picks for Dog and Cat Beds
Big Barker 7" Orthopedic Dog Bed
- Extra-thick supportive foam
- Machine-washable microfiber cover
- 10-year warranty backs up the build
- Pricier than basic pads
- Bulky to move between rooms
Furhaven Orthopedic Sofa-Style Dog & Cat Bed
- Works well for both species
- Removable, washable cover
- Several size and color options
- Bolsters flatten over time on heavy chewers
- Not ideal for dogs over 60 lbs
Bedsure Calming Donut Cat and Dog Bed
- Raised rim feels secure to nervous pets
- Soft faux-fur is genuinely plush
- Affordable enough to buy two
- Not durable against heavy scratching
- Too small for dogs over 25 lbs
K9 Ballistics Tough Rectangle Dog Bed
- Genuinely chew- and scratch-resistant
- Waterproof liner protects the floor
- Easy to hose off outdoors
- Firmer feel some dogs need to adjust to
- Not the coziest option for cats
PetFusion Ultimate Cat Bed
- Solid memory foam base
- Self-warming layer without electronics
- Washable and dryer-safe cover
- Sized only for cats and small dogs
- Cover can pill after repeated washing
K&H Pet Products Thermo-Snuggly Sleeper
- Gentle heating element built in
- Low energy draw, safe for all-night use
- Good for arthritic joints in cold weather
- Requires a nearby outlet
- Cord isn't ideal for dogs that chew
MidWest Homes for Pets Bolster Crate Mat
- Fits most standard wire crates
- Very affordable for the size
- Washable and quick-drying
- Thin padding compared to standalone beds
- No raised sides for burrowing pets
What Actually Matters When Choosing a Dog or Cat Bed
Size and shape by species
Dogs sprawl. Cats curl. A bolstered, donut-shaped bed with raised sides suits a cat’s instinct to feel tucked in, while a flatter, more rectangular orthopedic bed lets a dog stretch out fully. If you’re shopping for both species in one household, a sofa-style bed with bolsters on two or three sides tends to satisfy both behaviors better than a plain flat cushion or a fully enclosed cave bed.
Fill and support
Cheaper beds use loose polyester fiberfill, which feels soft out of the box but flattens within a couple of months, especially under a dog’s weight. Memory foam or high-density orthopedic foam costs more upfront but keeps its shape far longer, and it matters a lot more for senior dogs or breeds prone to hip and joint issues. For cats, fill density matters less than surface texture since most cats aren’t putting much sustained weight pressure on one spot.
Chewing, scratching, and durability
If you’ve got a dog that chews bedding or a cat that likes to knead and scratch, look specifically for reinforced seams and ballistic or ripstop fabric rather than standard plush covers. It’s a different category of bed entirely, and paying more upfront usually costs less than replacing a shredded bed every month.
Washability
Pet beds get dirty fast between shedding, drool, and the occasional accident. A removable, machine-washable cover isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s close to a requirement. Beds with foam inserts that can’t get wet need a waterproof liner underneath the cover, or you’ll eventually deal with an odor you can’t wash out.
Temperature needs
Older pets and short-haired breeds often benefit from a self-warming or low-wattage heated bed, particularly in homes that run cool overnight. On the flip side, if your pet already runs hot or you live somewhere warm, look for breathable mesh or raised cot-style designs instead.
Dog vs. Cat Bed Comparison
| Feature | Best for Dogs | Best for Cats |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Flat orthopedic or rectangular | Donut or bolstered cave-style |
| Fill | High-density or memory foam | Soft fiberfill or light foam |
| Priority | Joint support, durability | Warmth, security, coziness |
| Cover | Machine-washable, chew-resistant | Soft faux fur, easy to wash |
| Sizing tip | Bed should be 1.5x the dog’s length | Bed should let cat curl with room to spare |
Related buying guides
- Dog Beds Hub
- All Beds Hub
- Cooling Mattresses for Hot Sleepers
- Mattresses for Side Sleepers
- Bed Sizes and Dimensions Guide
- How We Test
- Mattresses Under $300
Ready to upgrade your pet's sleep?
See current prices and sizes on our top dog and cat bed picks.
Check price on AmazonCan dogs and cats share the same bed?
Yes, in many cases, especially if the animals already get along. A sofa-style bed with bolsters tends to work best since it offers both an open flat area and a tucked-in corner.
How often should I wash a pet bed cover?
Every one to two weeks for regular use, or weekly if your pet sheds heavily or has any accidents. Most quality beds have a removable, machine-washable cover for exactly this reason.
What size bed does my dog need?
Measure your dog from nose to tail while lying down and add several inches on each side. As a rough rule, the bed should be about 1.5 times your dog’s resting length.
Are orthopedic dog beds worth the extra cost?
For senior dogs, larger breeds, or dogs with diagnosed joint issues, yes. The higher-density foam keeps its shape and support far longer than standard fiberfill beds, which can flatten within a few months.
Why does my cat ignore the bed I bought?
Cats are picky about texture, height, and placement more than most owners expect. Try moving the bed to a quieter spot, near a window, or somewhere slightly elevated before assuming the bed itself is the problem.
Do heated pet beds use a lot of electricity?
No, most self-warming or low-wattage heated beds draw very little power, similar to a small nightlight, and are designed to run safely overnight.
How do I stop my dog from chewing up bed covers?
Look specifically for beds marketed as chew-resistant or made with ballistic nylon rather than standard plush fabric. These are built with reinforced seams that hold up much better against teething or anxious chewing.
Can I put a pet bed inside a crate?
Yes, just make sure to measure the crate’s interior dimensions first, since crate mats and bolster beds are usually sized to fit standard wire or plastic crate models.
Sophie Laurent
Sophie Laurent is TalkBeds' Beds & Bedroom Editor. With more than ten years covering home and furniture, she leads everything on the site that isn't the mattress itself: bed frames, platform beds, headboards, bunk and kids' beds, sizing, and the interiors decisions… Full profile & sources →