Do Cats Really Need Beds? Vet Facts vs. Internet Myths
In this article
<h1>😼 Do Cats Really Need Beds? Vet Facts vs. Internet Myths</h1>
<p>“Cats sleep anywhere, so why buy them a bed?”
If you’ve ever said (or thought) this — you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common myths in feline care. But while cats may nap on laundry piles, cardboard boxes, or countertops, that doesn’t mean <em>those places are actually good for them</em>.</p>
<p>In this article, we separate fact from fluff and explain why <strong>dedicated cat beds are more than just cute furniture</strong> — they’re an important part of your cat’s health, behavior, and daily rhythm.</p>
<hr>
<h2>📚 Myth #1: “Cats sleep anywhere, they don’t need a bed.”</h2>
<p><strong>Truth:</strong> Cats will <em>nap</em> anywhere — but that doesn’t mean they’re getting high-quality, restorative sleep.</p>
<ul>
<li>Many makeshift spots are <strong>cold, unstable, or disruptive</strong> (e.g. laundry machines, hard floors, near noisy appliances)</li>
<li>Lack of dedicated space = more hiding, less predictable routines, and sometimes even anxiety-related health issues</li>
</ul>
<p>✅ <strong>Vet-backed fact:</strong> Dedicated sleeping zones support deep sleep cycles and help cats feel secure in their territory<sup>[1]</sup>.</p>
<hr>
<h2>📚 Myth #2: “If my cat doesn’t use the bed, it’s a waste of money.”</h2>
<p><strong>Truth:</strong> Cats need time, scent familiarity, and sometimes training to adopt a new bed. It’s not rejection — it’s instinct.</p>
<ul>
<li>Most cats take <strong>3–7 days</strong> to warm up to a new sleeping space</li>
<li>Simple techniques like <a href="/zh-hant/blog/how-to-get-your-cat-to-use-their-bed" target="_blank">bed training</a>, scent association, and placement changes can work wonders</li>
</ul>
<p>🏆 80% of Purrz customers who followed our <a href="/zh-hant/blog/how-to-transition-cat-to-new-bed" target="_blank">transition guide</a> reported their cat using their bed within one week.</p>
<hr>
<h2>📚 Myth #3: “Cat beds are just for spoiled pets.”</h2>
<p><strong>Truth:</strong> Beds = routine = stability = fewer vet visits.</p>
<p>Cats who have <strong>safe, warm, structured places to rest</strong> are:</p>
<ul>
<li>🧠 More mentally balanced</li>
<li>🦴 Less prone to joint or muscle strain</li>
<li>😻 Easier to monitor (especially in multi-cat homes)</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Vet-approved cat beds</strong> like felt caves or orthopedic pads give cats what they crave: <em>warmth, privacy, and control</em> over their environment<sup>[2]</sup>.</p>
<hr>
<h2>📚 Myth #4: “My cat already sleeps in my bed — that’s enough.”</h2>
<p><strong>Truth:</strong> Sharing your bed is sweet, but your cat still needs <strong>independent sleeping space</strong> — especially if they’re older or anxious.</p>
<ul>
<li>Cats who co-sleep often develop <strong>nighttime disruptions</strong> or territory dependency</li>
<li>Senior cats may struggle to jump up/down or wake you due to joint discomfort</li>
</ul>
<p>🛏️ <strong>A secondary bed gives them control over comfort</strong> — without interrupting your sleep.</p>
<hr>
<h2>🛏️ Purrz Beds Designed to Be Used (and Loved)</h2>
<ul>
<li>🧺 <a href="https://purrz.com/products/uluru-felt-cat-cave" target="_blank">Uluru Felt Cave</a> – secure, enclosed, calming</li>
<li>🔁 <a href="https://purrz.com/products/3-in-1-cat-cube-cave" target="_blank">3-in-1 Cat Cube</a> – flexible, foldable, fun</li>
<li>☀️ <a href="https://purrz.com/products/xl-felt-pad" target="_blank">XL Felt Pad</a> – perfect for sun spots or sprawlers</li>
</ul>
<p>All designed by a vet, tested by real cats, and approved by thousands of happy humans.</p>
<hr>
<h2>💬 Dr. Duncan Houston Says:</h2>
<blockquote>
“Cats don’t <em>need</em> a fancy bed — but they do need stability, structure, and safe sleeping zones. The right bed can improve behavior, sleep quality, and even physical comfort.”
</blockquote>
<hr>
<h2>📚 References</h2>
<ol>
<li>Stella, J., & Buffington, T. (2013). Environmental factors that affect sleep and stress in cats. *Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery*, 15(9), 723–730.</li>
<li>International Cat Care. (2022). The importance of resting and hiding spaces. https://icatcare.org</li>
<li>Bradshaw, J. (2013). *Cat Sense: How the New Feline Science Can Make You a Better Friend to Your Pet*. Basic Books.</li>
</ol>
<p>😽 Ready to give your cat a space of their own?
🛏️ <strong><a href="https://purrz.com/collections/felt-caves" target="_blank">Browse all Purrz beds and caves here</a></strong></p>
