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Updated 9 October 2026 · Cat Tree UK editorial team
Start with where and how your cat already sleeps. A new bed is more likely to be useful when it fits those preferences. Your cat does not need to be trained to appreciate an expensive purchase, and ignoring one bed does not by itself indicate a behavioural problem.
Match the bed to the sleeper
Look at the usable sleeping space, entrance height and support. A cat that stretches on their side needs room to do so; a cat that seeks covered spaces may appreciate a sheltered option alongside an open one. Reduced mobility can make a high edge or unstable base difficult.
Check washing instructions before buying. A removable cover is useful only if you can clean and dry it as directed. Heating is not an essential upgrade: if considering a heated product, choose equipment intended for that use and follow its instructions, with an unheated alternative available.
Try the familiar location first
Put the bed near a resting place your cat already chooses, away from regular interruptions. Check the room when they normally sleep: noise from an appliance, a visiting animal outside or a busy doorway may change its appeal.
Keep the approach and exit clear. In a multi-pet home, another animal watching the route may make an otherwise comfortable bed difficult to use.
Introduce it quietly
- Leave familiar resting places available.
- Place a familiar clean blanket in the new bed if it fits securely.
- Allow the cat to sniff and investigate voluntarily.
- Reward interest gently if they welcome it, without turning rest into a busy game.
- Leave them undisturbed when they settle.
Do not repeatedly lift the cat into the bed or remove every alternative. There is no need to move their food bowl onto it. Avoid strong scents and unnecessary sprays; a quiet location and an appropriate shape are better starting points.
If the bed is ignored
Change one variable at a time. Try a different location, remove an unfamiliar cover or offer a flatter surface. Give yourself time to observe rather than moving the bed several times a day. A cat may prefer different places at different times, so occasional use can still be worthwhile.
Check whether the bed slides, rustles or becomes too warm. Consider whether the cat can get in and out easily. Do not punish them for choosing the sofa instead.
When to look beyond the bed
A new reluctance to jump, difficulty settling or a marked change in sleep deserves veterinary advice. Buying more bedding will not address pain or illness. Cats Protection's sleep guide explains normal variation, and our sleep and routine guide covers the broader home setup.