No conversation about pets would be complete without the inclusion of cats. Independent but loyal, adventurous but playful, cats have been an ideal companion for humans for thousands of years, and today they have become synonymous with our home. But although they need less attention than a dog, it is still necessary for your cat to receive special attention, and one of the investments you'll need to make to ensure the comfort of your purring friend will be purchasing cat beds.
As with premium cat food or litter trays, pet beds are not luxury accessories but a necessity for your cat to feel safe. But there are surprisingly many types on the market, so how do you know you're choosing the right one for your kitty? In the following article, we will make your life a little easier and list the main types of cat beds available on the market and the advantages and disadvantages they bring.
Cats are fascinating creatures. On the one hand, it's not unusual for them to transform into Usain Bolt at five in the morning; on the other, they sleep an average of fifteen hours per day. The beds you can find for them come in various sizes and shapes, but the basic principle is the same. Namely, to provide comfort and safety for your companion.
The first cat beds we will talk about are the cat cave types. These take advantage of a cat's instincts and give them an enclosed space where they can feel safe. If your cat loves to crawl into confined spaces, like boxes, or into your boots, then this is most likely the type of bed for him. The disadvantages of such a bed have to do with its restricted space. A cat that likes to sleep lying down probably won't feel comfortable here and will instead prefer to sleep in slightly wider areas.
Another type of kitty bed we will discuss is the heated pad. Cats generally prefer warmth, which is why they tend to fall asleep in our arms. Heated pads are made of unique materials that absorb body heat and can be an ideal solution if you live in a cold environment or are the owner of a Sphynx cat. A disadvantage of heated pads is that they are unsuitable for warmer climates.
The last types of cat beds we will discuss in this article are the traditional cushion designs, which incidentally are also the most popular type of cat bed. The advantage of cushions is that they bring extra comfort to your pet as they are made of materials like fur or cotton that can be adapted to various shapes and sizes. It is not uncommon to find cushion beds placed on windowsills, which allows cats to always keep an eye on what is happening outside. A disadvantage of this type of bed is that it is not very scratch-resistant and, therefore, not suitable for small kitties who tend to claw almost anything that gets in their way.
Cats are clean animals, and unlike dogs, they have a natural tendency to keep their fur clean and bury their waste. The reason they do this has to do with their behavior in the wild. Most small or medium-sized felines bury their waste to hide their natural scent and escape unnoticed by apex predators.
In contrast, big cats such as tigers, leopards, or lions do not do this, as, in their natural environment, they are at the top of the food chain and do not need to hide from anything. And this instinct comes to the aid of owners because it means cats don't have to be litter trained. The cat litter trays available on the market vary, and choosing the right one for your cat will depend on its size, its tendency to spread litter, and the advantages it can bring you. But from how many types of designs can you choose?
The most popular types of cat litter trays are open-box designs. These plastic boxes in which you can spread cat litter represent a cost-effective, simple, and versatile option that can fit anyone's needs. These cat litter trays are compact and portable, and some cats may prefer them because they allow them to see around and stay alert while doing their business. Another advantage is that they are straightforward to clean. But their open-air design can also be a disadvantage, as they are not odor-blocking, and these trays are unsuitable for cats that tend to spread their bedding.
The second type is represented by covered cat trays. The advantage of these is that due to the closed design, the smell will be more contained, but the disadvantage is that, in some cases, they can be a little more challenging to clean. Their size is also larger than open-air litter boxes, which is why they are unsuitable for tiny apartments. However, the privacy offered by their design is likely to please your cat.
The last type of cat tray we will talk about is those with intelligent self-cleaning functions. The main advantage of these is that you can save yourself the effort of cleaning the tray every day, but on the other hand, they are also significantly more expensive than their simple, plastic counterparts, and the raking mechanism inside is likely to scare your cat. Plus, you'll still need to go in and clean the box at least once a week.
Whether we're talking about buying the best cat beds on the market or the most efficient cat litter trays, the comfort and well-being of your kitty should be a priority. A cat doesn't require the same effort as a dog, but it will still need attention and significant investments.
From beds to toys, from food to scratching posts, your home will need to be designed around your new furry friend, and his well-being will become a responsibility that will sometimes prove challenging to manage. However, in the long run, it will bring you great satisfaction.
