Cat Beds: How to Choose Your Cat's Favorite Place

There's a lovely poem by Eleanor Farjeon that starts.

'Cats sleep anywhere, any table, any chair. Top of piano, window-ledge, in the middle, on the edge'.

While this may be true of some felines, this may not always be convenient for their owners. There are times when you would like to have your favorite chair to yourself and not be covered in cat fur.
For this reason there is an enormous variety of different styles of feline bedding on the market. You can choose from cat blankets to heated feline beds, a cat hammock or luxury feline beds. With so many products to choose from, it is well worth thinking about some of the needs of your cat first.
Before you buy a feline bed consider the size of your cat, where your feline usually likes to sleep and do you need to keep your cat in a specific area, perhaps away from other animals such as dogs etc. You need to give your feline a bed that is his or hers own, where it feels safe, secure and warm.
The most important feature to consider in choosing your cat's favorite place is what your feline will consider comfortable. Cats like to be warm in winter and cool in summer. The cozy-factor of a cat bed is vital. A cat bed or basket that can retain body heat is ideal.
If you have a particularly cold house you might consider a heated cat bed. This may sound like the ultimate in luxury cat beds, but these are especially good for older felines. Some heated cat beds come with their own internal heaters, while others have a microwavable insert that can be warmed up and tucked under your pets bedding.
Cat blankets or mats are perhaps the most versatile and easy to use as they can be placed almost anywhere, including pet carriers. These can range from a very simple soft, plush piece of fabric to the more elaborate electrostatic ally charged to remove pet dander, hair or dust from your feline. Or a thermal cat mat which has a lightweight core which reflects the feline's own body heat back to the animal.
If your feline likes to be up high, beds on top of scratching posts offer a special place for your cat to sleep. These come with many accessories and toys and can be placed close to food bowls and cat flaps, very useful in small spaces.
Cat baskets are a favorite with many feline owners as they come in many styles and materials to fit in with your home. Soft fleece fabric cat baskets can be bought in low walled or deep dish shapes for felines that like to hide away. Some are more enclosed with a roof for security and warmth. Wicker baskets offer a more traditional style and also come in a variety of sizes. All of which will be very cozy for your cat.
Cat hammocks offer a comfortable place for your feline. These can be attached either to your radiator or be free standing. Cat hammocks mould to your cat's body, providing a sense of warmth, security and comfort. They are sturdy and lightweight and easily moved around the house. The ultimate cat hammock is a hammock enclosed in a box. The hammock is suspended in a sturdy cardboard box. This gives your feline an elevated spot off the ground. All things cats love.
The most desirable cat bed will be one that is washable, or at least have a washable cover or pad. This should be quick drying to avoid mould. It should be durable enough to last for some years. Importantly, it should be safe for your feline. Check that there are no strings or fabric that your pet could swallow, or sharp corners to injure itself on. Whichever style you choose it needs to become your cat's favorite place or she won't use it.