Pets are an important part of the family, so they deserve to have comfortable sleeping arrangements. However, not all pet beds are the same. Some beds are more suitable than others depending on your furry friend’s needs, including size and activity level. If you’re interested in finding the best pet bed for your dog or cat, here are some things to keep in mind when picking out the perfect option.

Why a Pet Bed?

To ensure that your pet feels comfortable and safe, a comfy and secure bed is a must. Some cat & dogs love to burrow into fluffier beds, while others may prefer more elevated sleeping spaces. You can also provide both pets with their own bed. Bonus: Studies show pets which have their own place to rest are calmer, more contented and may live longer lives than those without. It’s worth investing in quality sleep surfaces for dogs and cats alike – these come in a range of sizes, shapes and fabrics so you’re sure to find one that suits your pet’s personality as well as its physical needs.

Look For Durability

When purchasing a bed for your pet, look for one that is durable and made of high-quality materials. The last thing you want is to purchase a bed that looks nice but doesn’t actually provide adequate support. Pets should also be able to curl up comfortably on their beds. Some dogs and cats may need beds with raised sides, as well as ones that are orthopedic or made from memory foam. If you have more than one dog or cat, be sure they can both fit comfortably on one bed as they do tend to want to snuggle; so just make sure it has enough room. And finally, think about where you’ll keep your pet’s bed—some pets prefer softer surfaces while others like firm ones.

Pet Bed Safety Features

There are several safety considerations when it comes to choosing a pet bed. The first step is to make sure that there aren’t any zippers or other sharp edges on your pet’s bed. If you purchase a bed that has these features, consider whether they can be removed or otherwise padded so your pet can still have fun but won’t get hurt. Some beds have removable covers and liners so they can be washed easily. Also what if they rip it open, is the filling non toxic?

Choose A Material That’s Easy To Clean

Dogs are known to be great sleepers and if you’re looking to get them a new bed, it needs to be easy to clean. Dogs are usually ok with sleeping in smaller spaces, so you can opt for smaller beds that take up less space in your home. When picking out a material for your cat or dog’s bed, you want something easy to wipe down and also resistant to tearing apart. Some materials that work well are microfiber, faux-fur and memory foam (if it has a removable cover). If you have an old blanket lying around that seems worn out but still comfortable enough then re-purposing is another good option. There are even beds that can be thrown into the wash in their entirety - meaning no cover to take off just thrown the whole bed into the wash. In our experience its best to air dry beds and avoid the dryer altogether to promote longevity.

Softness

The number one thing to look for in a pet bed is how soft it is. If your dog or cat doesn’t like laying on it, it’s not going to get used. This has is more about personal preference—some animals love laying on blankets or pillow-like beds, while others prefer something more firm and structured. In either case, your furry friend should be comfortable when sleeping in their bed and if they feel too hard or too soft then you need to try another option. Dogs tend to be harder than cats, who enjoy layering themselves within a nest of blankets before they go to sleep. When purchasing a new pet bed in person or online, introduce it to them. You'll know right away whether they like it or not as they will most likely lay in it immediately if they dig it.

So Which Is The Best?

Unfortunately, there is no one size fits all. You may need to experiment to see which one your furry buddy prefers. However, from our experience, the one type of bed that most cats and dogs prefer, is a round cushy bed with faux fur & raised sides. The donut shape contours their natural curling up position as they sleep.  The faux fur reminds them of their momma and fellow cats and dogs & the raised edge acts as a pillow for their head.  We love the Best Friends by Sheri The Original Calming Donut Cat and Dog Bed . Its perfect for all cats & dogs, comes in multiple colors and sizes, plus it's machine washable!

It seems that more and more people are finding it important to purchase beds specifically designed for our furry friends. After all, some of us spend a lot of time choosing the perfect set of sheets for ourselves or researching which couch is best for our living room... why should we show any less attention to our pets? Now go buy a bed!