Beds & Comfort

Beds for cats and small dogs: cave, cuddler or cooling mat

Start with how your pet sleeps. Cats that hide away often take to a covered cave, pets that curl up tend to like a raised rim, and pets that sprawl on cool floors may prefer a cooling mat. Our guide on how to choose a cat bed your cat will actually use walks through the options.

Self-warming cat cave bed: use it as a cave, a mat or a sack

The GOOPAWS 4-in-1 Self-Warming Cat Cave Bed works as a cave, a sack or a flat mat. It has faux rabbit fur over soft cotton fill and comes in cream, green, grey and pink. It also appears in our cat essentials range.

Plush cuddler bed with a raised rim and a non-slip, water-resistant base

The Armarkat Ultra-Plush Cuddler Bed has a raised bolster all round for resting a head. Its water-resistant, skid-free base keeps the bed where you put it and the floor dry. The Small also makes a practical small dog cuddler bed for toy breeds that curl up.

Cooling gel mat for dogs and cats: no water, ice or electricity

The Green Pet Shop Chillz Cooling Gel Mat is a pressure-activated cooling mat: its non-toxic gel cools when your pet lies down and recharges after a few minutes unused. It does not replace shade and fresh water; ask your veterinarian if your pet struggles in the heat.

How to choose the right size

Measure your pet asleep and add a few inches. The cat cave measures 21 x 17 x 3 in and the Small cuddler 22 x 22 x 8 in; larger or sprawling pets may prefer the Medium cuddler. The cooling mat comes in one size, Medium. If the cooling mat or the Medium cuddler needs to fit a crate, email us at info@iglomart.com and we will confirm the measurements.

Where to place a pet bed

Choose a quiet, draft-free spot where your pet already rests. The cooling mat works on a bed, in a crate or on the floor, and folds flat for the car; keep it out of direct sun.

Washing and everyday care

For the cat cave, follow the care instructions that come with it.

Cuddler: gentle machine cycle, hand washing recommended

Hand washing keeps the plush softest. Let the bed dry fully before use.

Cooling mat: wipe clean with a damp cloth

A damp cloth cleans the easy-wipe surface. Supervise pets that chew bedding, and stop using the mat if its surface is torn or punctured.

Pet bed questions

Do cats prefer a cat cave or an open cuddler bed?

It varies. Cats that hide in boxes often choose a cave, while cats that curl up in the open tend to like a bed with a raised rim. The GOOPAWS bed also opens into a mat, so you can try both.

How does a self-warming cat bed stay warm without electricity?

It traps your cat's own body heat. The faux fur and cotton fill hold that warmth close rather than producing heat.

Does a cooling gel mat need to be refrigerated or filled with water?

No. It needs no water, ice or electricity and recharges between uses.

Can a cat use the cooling mat?

Yes, it is made for dogs and cats. Place it where your cat already rests to encourage a first try.

Can the cuddler bed go in the washing machine?

Yes, on a gentle cycle, though hand washing keeps the ultra-thick plush soft for longer.

Shipping and returns

Every bed ships free to the 48 contiguous states and Washington, DC. See shipping details and our 30-day returns policy.