How to Choose the Right Bed for Your Dog or Cat: Size, Shape and Materials

A good bed is one your pet actually uses. That comes down to three things: the right size, the right shape for how they sleep, and materials that stay comfortable and clean. Here's how to get each one right.

Start by watching how your pet sleeps

Before you measure anything, notice your pet's favourite sleeping position:

• Curlers tuck into a tight ball, nose to tail. Most cats and many small dogs sleep this way.
• Sprawlers stretch out on their side or flop on their back, legs out. Many larger dogs do this, especially when warm.
• Leaners like to rest their head or back against something, such as the arm of the couch or a wall.

Most pets do a bit of everything, but one position usually wins.

Round or rectangular?

Choose a round bed if your pet is a curler. A round bed with a raised ring gives them a cosy nest to tuck into and something to lean against all the way around. Round beds suit cats and small dogs especially well.

Choose a rectangular bed if your pet is a sprawler. A rectangle gives them room to stretch out fully, with a raised edge to rest their head on. Rectangular beds suit medium and large dogs, and older dogs who like to lie flat to take pressure off their joints.

How to measure your pet

1. Wait until your pet is lying down in their usual sleeping position.
2. For sprawlers, measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail.
3. For curlers, measure the diameter of the circle they make when curled up.
4. Add a little extra room so they can turn around and shift position comfortably. If you're between sizes, size up, especially for sprawlers.

Compare your measurements with the inner sleeping area of the bed, not just the outside dimensions. A thick bolster takes up space.

Our round bed comes in two sizes:

• Small: 45 cm outer diameter (35 cm inside), for cats and very small dogs
• Medium: 71 cm outer diameter (45 cm inside), for small dogs and cats who like extra room

What's inside a good bed

The cover is what you see, but what's inside decides whether a bed stays comfortable. Look for:

• Supportive foam. Orthopaedic memory foam spreads weight evenly and doesn't flatten like loose fibre fill.
• A comfort layer. A softer foam on top makes the bed inviting to lie on.
• A raised bolster. Gives curlers a nest and gives sprawlers a headrest.
• A waterproof layer. Protects the foam from accidents, water bowls and wet paws.
• A non-slip base. Stops the bed sliding on timber or tiles.

The Grounding Heart Pet Bed has all of these, plus a layer of conductive grounding fabric right where your pet rests. See What is grounding for dogs and cats?

Choosing a fabric

Pets shed, drool and bring the outdoors in, so the cover needs to be tough as well as soft. Bouclé is a looped, textured fabric that feels soft and hides fur and everyday marks well. Commercial-grade upholstery fabric stands up to digging, circling and daily use far better than lightweight cotton or plush.

Keeping it clean

Choose a bed with a removable, machine-washable cover. Wash it cold on a gentle cycle and air-dry it. A spare cover means the bed stays in use on wash day, and lets you change the look of the room, too.

Making it fit your home

A pet bed often lives in your living room or bedroom, so it's worth choosing one you're happy to look at. Neutral, natural colours like cream and green bouclé sit easily alongside timber, linen and stone, so the bed looks like part of the room rather than an afterthought.

Frequently asked questions

Should a dog bed be bigger than the dog? Yes. Your dog should be able to lie in their favourite position with room to spare, so the inner sleeping area should be a little bigger than their measured length or curled diameter.

What kind of bed do cats prefer? Most cats like a round bed with raised sides they can curl into, placed somewhere warm and quiet.

How often should I wash my pet's bed? Washing the cover every week or two keeps it fresh. Wash it more often if your pet sheds heavily or has allergies.

What's the best bed for an older dog? A supportive orthopaedic bed with a headrest bolster and a non-slip base. Read The best bed for a senior dog with stiff joints.