You've carefully chosen a soft cat bed, but your cat walks right past it. Instead, they lie in a cardboard box, on a chair, or in the middle of a pile of laundry. This can be frustrating, but it usually doesn't mean the bed is unsuitable. Cats don't just judge a sleeping spot by its softness. Rest, overview, scent, temperature, and accessibility also play a role.
In this blog, you'll read why a cat sometimes ignores a new bed, where best to place the bed, and how to gently accustom your cat to the new resting spot.
Why is my cat ignoring their new bed?
Cats sleep and rest throughout the day. Cats Protection states an average of about 12 to 18 hours per 24-hour period for domestic cats, although this varies by age, health, and individual cat. While sleeping, a cat is less alert. It's therefore logical that they are particular about where they choose to lie down.
A bed might seem perfectly placed to you, but to your cat, it might feel too busy, too open, or too unfamiliar. New materials also have a scent that doesn't yet belong to their familiar territory. Some cats will step into a new bed on the same day, while others will watch from a distance for days or even longer.
It's also normal for a cat to switch between multiple sleeping spots. An empty bed doesn't automatically mean the purchase was a failure. First, check if the location and introduction align with your cat's behavior.
1. Place the cat bed in an existing favorite spot
The greatest chance of use often arises when you don't choose an entirely new location yourself. Observe where your cat already likes to rest. This could be a quiet corner of the living room, a wide windowsill, or a sheltered spot next to the sofa.
Temporarily place the bed on or as close as possible to that spot. Don't move it to a different room every day. A fixed location gives your cat time to investigate the bed and associate a familiar scent with it.
2. Avoid busy thoroughfares and loud noises
A hallway, passage, or spot next to a television, washing machine, or noisy door is usually not ideal for undisturbed rest. Choose a corner where people aren't constantly passing by and where children or other pets can leave a sleeping cat in peace.
Complete seclusion isn't always necessary. Many cats actually find it pleasant to be able to observe their surroundings without being in the middle of the hustle and bustle. A quiet spot at the edge of the living room can therefore work better than a closed room that the cat rarely visits.
3. Pay attention to drafts, sun, and heat sources
A comfortable temperature makes a sleeping spot more attractive. Don't place the bed in a cold draft near an open door or window. Also, don't place it directly against a radiator, heater, or other heat source. Especially on hot days, a sunny spot can quickly become too warm.
Consider the seasons. A favorite spot in winter doesn't have to be the same in August. Always allow your cat the option to move to a cooler or warmer place.
4. Give the new bed a familiar scent
Scent is important for cats. Place a small blanket or cloth in the bed that your cat has already slept on. A familiar toy can also help, provided your cat likes to rest with it. Do not use strong perfume, interior spray, or scented detergent to make the bed more attractive.
Don't wash all favorite blankets and resting spots at once. By always keeping a familiar scent somewhere, there remains a trusted reference point in the house.
5. Never force your cat into the bed
Picking up a cat and repeatedly putting them in the bed often backfires. The bed can then become associated with being handled or loss of control. Let your cat explore, sniff, and enter the spot independently.
You can sit quietly nearby or occasionally place a familiar toy next to the bed. Reward relaxed curiosity, but don't block the exit and don't try to keep the cat in the bed.
6. Choose a shape that suits their sleeping behavior
Not every cat sleeps in the same way. Some cats like to curl up compactly against a soft edge. Others stretch out completely or prefer a flat, open surface. Therefore, observe the position in which your cat usually sleeps.
For a small cat who likes to curl up and lie against an edge, a soft round model might be suitable. The flower-shaped donut bed from By Cee Cee has a diameter of 50 cm, a thickly padded sleeping surface, and soft raised edges. Always check in advance whether the inner space is sufficient for your cat's normal sleeping position. A cat should be able to turn and lie down comfortably.
7. Offer multiple resting spots
Cats regularly switch sleeping spots. One bed therefore doesn't have to become the only allowed resting place. Preferably offer multiple options in different places, for example, an open bed, a higher spot, and a quiet hiding place.
In a multi-cat household, choice is extra important. Don't assume cats want to share a bed. Ensure that every cat has access to their own resting spots, water, food, and litter boxes without confrontation.
8. Consider a safe elevated spot
Many cats like to choose a higher point from which they have an overview. A bed on the floor may therefore be less attractive, even if it is soft. A low, stable piece of furniture can be an alternative, but only if the bed is securely placed and cannot shift or fall.
Pay extra attention to kittens, older cats, and cats with less agility. A high spot is only suitable if the cat can easily and safely get in and out. A lower, easily accessible resting place may then be more pleasant.
9. Give your cat time and change one thing at a time
Leave the bed in the same place for a few days before drawing conclusions. Then, if necessary, change one factor, such as the location or the blanket. If you adjust the place, scent, and arrangement all at once, you won't know what your cat is reacting to.
Some cats only use a new bed when the novelty has worn off. Patience is therefore often more effective than constantly luring or moving it.
Where should you preferably not place a cat bed?
- in the middle of a busy thoroughfare;
- next to a washing machine, dryer, or loud appliance;
- directly next to the litter box;
- close to food and water if your cat gets anxious from it;
- in a draft or directly against a heat source;
- on an unstable or hard-to-reach piece of furniture;
- in a place where the cat cannot leave independently;
- in a room that is regularly closed off.
Cats Protection advises creating resting places and hiding spots, among other things, in a quiet place, away from food, water, and litter boxes. A scratching post, however, can be placed nearby, as many cats like to stretch and scratch after sleeping.
How to clean the bed without removing all familiar scent?
Always check the washing instructions of the bed first. Regularly remove hair and spot-clean small stains if the material allows it. Do not use strong-smelling cleaning products and ensure the bed is completely dry before putting it back.
If your cat has multiple blankets or beds, do not wash them all on the same day. After cleaning, you can place a familiar cloth back in. This way, the sleeping spot remains recognizable without having to sacrifice hygiene.
When does changed sleeping behavior require extra attention?
A preference for the sofa over a new bed is usually not a problem in itself. However, pay attention if sleeping or hiding behavior suddenly changes significantly. Contact a veterinarian if your cat sleeps much more than usual or withdraws for extended periods, and this coincides with signs such as:
- eating or drinking less;
- changed litter box use;
- difficulty jumping, walking, or lying down;
- pain or sensitivity to touch;
- unusual restlessness, lethargy, or irritability;
- vomiting, diarrhea, or other physical complaints.
These signs can have various causes. A bed or another location is not automatically the solution. A veterinarian can assess whether an examination is necessary.
Frequently asked questions about cat beds
How long does it take for a cat to use a new bed?
That varies per cat. Some cats step in immediately, others need days or longer. Leave the bed in a quiet place, add a familiar scent, and don't force anything.
Why does my cat prefer to sleep in a box?
A box is often sheltered, compact, and contains familiar household scents. That can be appealing. You don't have to remove the box immediately. Use the preference as an indication that your cat may enjoy enclosed rest.
Can a cat bed be placed next to the heater?
Do not place a bed directly against a radiator or heater. The spot can become too hot, and the cat must always be able to easily move to a cooler place.
Can two cats share the same bed?
Some cats do this voluntarily, but don't assume sharing is desired. Always offer enough separate resting spots so that each cat can choose for themselves.
Should I wake my cat if they sleep for a long time?
You normally don't need to wake a cat who is sleeping peacefully. Focus on changes compared to your cat's normal pattern and any accompanying complaints.
The best cat bed is where your cat feels comfortable
A soft bed is only attractive when the surroundings are also right. Choose a quiet, accessible spot, maintain a familiar scent, and give your cat freedom of choice. By observing carefully and not forcing, you increase the chance that the new bed will naturally become part of their regular sleep routine.