Eco-Friendly Cat Beds: Top 12 Picks & Buying Guide
- Olga Shavrina
- Sep 7
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 13
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I have two cats and 17 beds that they share. And guess what? Only one of them is truly eco-friendly. Once I realized this, I decided to do a deep review on how to choose a sustainable cat bed so other cat owners don’t repeat my mistakes.
I’m also planning to add one more warm nap spot for winter, and this time it will match all the eco-friendly criteria.
What Makes a Cat Bed Eco-Friendly?
Eco-friendly beds use sustainably sourced materials like organic cotton, bamboo, felted wool, or recycled fabrics (including second-hand textiles or plastics). They are easy to clean, free from harmful synthetics and toxic chemicals, and often compostable or recyclable. Many also come in sustainable packaging.
What’s great about cat beds is that they can last a long time, so it’s important to choose durable options that can be chewed, scratched, and washed without falling apart.
Of course, the best bed is still an Amazon box :D
Eco-Friendliness First, Safety Second. Or Vice Versa
Just like when we choose things for ourselves, we shouldn’t look only at the sustainability aspect – we need to consider many factors when choosing a bed for a cat. And above all, it’s about safety.
Apart from harmful ingredients I already mentioned, it’s important to avoid:
Loose threads: cats can chew or swallow them, which is risky for their stomach.
Slippery bases: always opt for anti-slip base, but keep in mind it’s often not enough for active cats – better to fix the bed additionally so it stays in place.
Tiny details: ropes, strings, or little toys can become choking hazards.
Metal parts: staples or clips can hurt claws, paws, or even eyes.
Dust-trapping fabrics: bad news if your cat (or you) has allergies.
Wobbly design: if the bed is tall, it should be steady and secure.
Sustainable Cat Beds Recommendations
I picked several beds that are as eco-friendly as possible. The majority of mats and pillows for pets on the market are still made of plastic and contain synthetic chemicals. Unfortunately, this remains the default option. The good news is that more and more brands are starting to offer alternatives made from natural fibers and recycled fillings. Today it’s possible to find beds made of jute, wool, rattan, and even paper rope – materials that are safer for cats and kinder to the planet. These options not only reduce plastic use but also add a natural, cozy look to your home.
Eco-Friendly Cat Bed Covers and Blankets
Special respect goes to eco-friendly covers and blankets. You simply buy the cover and fill it with old towels or clothes – and everybody is happy. Or you can cover your bed or sofa with a pet blanket and instantly convert it into a cozy pet spot. In my view, this solution is the closest to truly sustainable. The cover is easy to wash, lasts a long time, and the filling can be replaced or refreshed whenever needed.
Some of these beds are marketed for dogs, but I think they’re perfect for cats too. People often assume cats only like tiny beds where they can curl up in a ball. That might be true in winter, but when it’s hot, cats love to stretch out to their full length. Just like we enjoy a king-size bed even though we could technically fit in a single, cats also appreciate having extra space.
FAQ on Eco-Friendly Cats Beds
What material is good for cat beds?
Natural and breathable materials are best – organic cotton, hemp, wool, linen, or rattan. They’re safer, easier to wash, and don’t trap odors the way synthetics do. Bonus points if they’re recycled or upcycled.
How many cat beds does a cat need?
At least one per cat per room, but ideally as many as possible. Cats like options – they nap in different spots depending on the time of day, their mood, or the season. Think of it as giving them “real estate” around your home. It’s also important for cats to have their own dedicated space. Even if they love to chill on the human’s bed or sofa, those still belong to the humans. Cats need places where nobody can ask them to move.
And if you have more than one cat, keep in mind they’ll likely pick the same bed – so they need alternatives.
Where to place cats beds?
Put them where your cat already likes to nap – sunny spots, near windows, on the sofa, or in a quiet corner. Cats love variety: one cozy cave in a calm space, one perch with a view, and one open mat in the living area. Avoid drafty areas or high-traffic zones unless your cat enjoys being in the middle of things.
What type of beds do cats need/like?
I’m yet to meet two cats with the same taste :D Some love caves, others only mats.
Round or square? Shape matters less than comfort – many cats will happily use both.
Enclosed or open? Shy cats or kittens like enclosed, cave-like beds. Confident or social cats prefer open loungers.
Soft or firm? Most cats like a medium balance – soft on top, supportive underneath.
How do I choose size and shape for a cat’s bed?
Measure your cat stretched out and add a bit of extra room. For large breeds, avoid anything labeled “small pet.” I have two Bengals (pretty large beasts), and I’ve noticed they actually prefer dog-sized beds.
How do I help my cat use a new bed?
Place it where they already nap, add a blanket or piece of your clothing with familiar scent, and don’t wash it too soon – cats love their own smell. If, after all your efforts, your cat still ignores the bed, try moving it to a different spot – higher up or somewhere unexpected. Sometimes it takes patience; other times they claim it instantly.
How to clean cat beds?
The biggest issue is fur and potential allergens like ticks, so removing fur regularly is key. Use a strong vacuum once a week and shake out dust. If the bed looks dirty, wash it—having a removable, washable cover makes this much easier. Avoid strong detergents or fragrances; mild, pet-safe soap is better for both your cat and the planet. Don’t wash all the beds at once. Cats rely on their scent to feel secure, and if all their beds suddenly lose that familiar smell, it can cause stress.
What makes a cat bed self-warming?
Self-warming beds usually use insulating layers or heat-reflective materials that trap the cat’s own body heat. Wool and felt naturally do this without chemicals.
What makes a cat bed self-cooling?
Cooling beds use breathable fabrics, mesh, or gel layers that draw heat away from the body. Natural and eco-friendly options: linen, cotton, or raised designs that let air flow underneath.
Can I make a DIY cat bed?
Absolutely. An old sweater stuffed with blankets, a basket lined with towels, or even just a sturdy cardboard box with a cushion can make a perfect cat bed. It’s budget- and eco-friendly.
My cat has allergies. What type of bed is right for them?
Go for hypoallergenic materials like organic cotton, hemp, or tightly woven fabrics that don’t trap dust. Washable covers are a must. Avoid wool if your cat is sensitive, vacuum-clean regularly.
Author's Note
My two cats have way more real estate than my husband and I –17 beds, not including our own bed and sofa. Some of the beds are very simple, like a blanket on a shelf or a scarf in a box (the most eco-friendly). A few are wall-mounted as part of a scratching complex. They really love two big dog beds that I attached to the top of a medium-size Ikea shelf and immediately decided which one belongs to whom. We have winter beds and summer beds, round and square, soft and firm, in the open and tucked away. Some are used almost every day, while others only a few times a year.
What I can say with confidence is that cats never stop surprising you. It’s almost impossible to predict what they’ll like (except for cardboard boxes, of course :D). The only way is to try, test, and learn your cat’s unique taste.
Bonus: a two-story bed that organically appeared in our house👇 Designers? My cats.
#️⃣ Tags: DIY green solutions, Zero-waste solutions
Yes! I also have carton boxes all over my house 😂 And thanks for the bed cover recommendatins - it's something I was really looking for as I have many old blankets and was looking for ways to convert them into beds for my furry friends (I have two dogs and a cat).
Your cats are adorable!!! 😻😻