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9 Best Outdoor Cat Beds in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Written by: Christian Adams

Last Updated on October 2, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

Cat wagging thumping tail in bed sunshine

9 Best Outdoor Cat Beds in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Cat wagging thumping tail in bed sunshine Whether your cat lives outdoors full-time or is a part-time explorer, at some point, they’ll need a space to relax. Finding a soft, comfy bed for your outdoor cat can be difficult, as many cat beds are not designed to stand up in outdoor conditions. The wrong bed will rot and decay in the weather. Luckily, there are some cat beds designed specifically for outdoor use. They’re durable and weather-resistant and will keep your feline friend cozy and warm in the worst weather conditions.

Buying a cat bed online has its advantages and disadvantages. It’s hard to tell what you’re getting. That’s where we come in. We’re here to help you wade through the mountain of options and find the best outdoor cat bed to fit your needs.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Hepper Nest Outdoor Cat Bed Hepper Nest Outdoor Cat Bed
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Simple bowl design
  • Machine-washable fleece liner
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Dogzilla Rectangular Outdoor Cat Bed Dogzilla Rectangular Outdoor Cat Bed
  • Durable polyester exterior
  • Washable
  • Rip-stop fabric
  • Third place
    Pet Magasin Thermal Outdoor Cat Bed Pet Magasin Thermal Outdoor Cat Bed
  • Warranty and money-back guarantee
  • No electricity required
  • Rubber underside prevents slipping
  • Aspen Pet Self-Warming Cat Bed Aspen Pet Self-Warming Cat Bed
  • Extra warm and cozy
  • Low walls for kittens or senior cats
  • Affordable price
  • K&H Pet Products Outdoor Cat Bed K&H Pet Products Outdoor Cat Bed
  • Large size
  • Dual thermostat
  • Easy to clean
  • divider 2 cats

    The 9 Best Outdoor Cat Beds

    1. Hepper Nest Outdoor Cat Bed – Best Overall

    hairless-sphynx-cat-in-hepper-nest-bed

    Ease of cleaning: Machine washable liner
    Warmth: Moderate
    Size: Fits one large cat or two small cats

    The Hepper Nest cat bed works well indoors or outdoors, making it one of the most versatile choices on the market. This bed is easy to clean, looks good, and is lightweight, making it easy to move around wherever you want it. The interior fleece liner is removable and machine washable. Because the bed is bowl-shaped, it can easily accommodate two smaller cats who like to snuggle.

    The design of the Hepper Nest bed allows senior cats with mobility issues to easily get in and out of bed from the ground. Whether your cat likes to stretch out or curl up, it has plenty of room. This bed can easily be elevated onto a window sill or railing to save space if you have a small backyard.

    For what the Hepper bed offers, it is quite expensive. However, many customers report that the quality of the bed is worth it. The combination of portability, washability, and warmth is why we think this is the best overall cat bed.

    At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

    Pros
    • Accommodates senior cats
    • It fits one large cat or two smaller cats
    • Lightweight and portable
    • Simple bowl design
    • Machine-washable fleece liner
    Cons
    • Expensive

    2. Dogzilla Rectangular Outdoor Cat Bed – Best Value

    Dogzilla Rectangular Lounger Pet Bed new

    Ease of cleaning: Fully washable
    Warmth: No extra features for cold weather
    Size: Small

    The name alone tells you that this outdoor bed was originally designed for dogs rather than cats. However, it transfers well to pets of the feline variety and is suitable for the outdoors. The polyester-fiber fill of this bed makes it very soft and cozy. Rip-stop fabric is used on the outer layer of the bed, making it extra durable and resistant to tearing from your cat’s claws.

    The Dogzilla bed is fully washable and easy to wipe down. The polyester cover makes it waterproof, and it does a good job of withstanding the elements. If your cat is used to sleeping on a traditional cat bed, this is a good choice. One area where the Dogzilla bed lacks is in size. If you have a large cat, this bed won’t allow him to stretch out. More than one cat will need more than one bed, which could be impractical for some pet owners. There are also no added features for warmth in cold weather. This isn’t ideal if you live in a cold climate or your cat isn’t outdoors full time.

    We consider the Dogzilla Rectangular Cat Bed as the best outdoor cat bed for your money as it’s inexpensive compared to other outdoor cat bed options. If you’re on a budget, this bed will cover all the basics you need in an outdoor cat bed without breaking the bank.

    Pros
    • Durable polyester exterior
    • Washable
    • Rip-stop fabric
    • Inexpensive
    Cons
    • Very small

    3. Pet Magasin Thermal Outdoor Cat Bed

    Pet Magasin Thermal Outdoor Cat Bed

    Ease of cleaning: Not washable
    Warmth: Self-heating
    Size: Small

    While this product is advertised as an outdoor cat bed, it’s really more of a heating pad that would be more useful if paired with a larger bed. If you have an outdoor cat bed without heating and are looking to warm it up, this is a great option. The pad is self-heating without a need for power. It heats up using a layer of mylar film, the same material used to retain body heat in space suits.

    This heating mat has a soft top layer with a rubber underside to help it stay put. It can be purchased in packs of two for multiple cats or multiple beds. It also has a 2-year warranty and a 100% money-back guarantee attached to it, so it’s hard to go wrong.

    There is a small amount of cushioning on this bed, but as stated above, it’s too small to work as a bed on its own. In the end, this product is excellent for certain purposes and would make a great addition to keeping your cat’s bed warm.

    Pros
    • Warranty and money-back guarantee
    • No electricity required
    • Rubber underside prevents slipping
    Cons
    • Its advertisement as a bed is misleading
    • Not cushioned for comfort
    • Not washable

    4. Aspen Pet Self-Warming Bolster Cat Bed

    Aspen Pet Self-Warming Bolster Cat & Dog Bed new

    Ease of cleaning: Fully washable, washing machine safe
    Warmth: Fleece liner and space blanket
    Size: Available in 19-, 24-, 30-, and 35-inch sizes

    If you’re looking for an outdoor cat bed for kittens, the Aspen Pet Self-Warming Bolster Bed has all the features you need in an outdoor bed at a budget-friendly price. The fleece liner contains a reflective space blanket that reflects your cat’s body heat back at them. This is an ideal feature for kittens or senior cats who may have trouble maintaining their body heat in the cold. The low walls also allow them to hop in and out with ease.

    The entire bed is washing machine safe; just be sure not to put it in the dryer. Since it’s available in multiple sizes, you can choose a bed that will fit multiple cats, a whole litter, or a small one to keep a solo pet warm and cozy.

    The fabric on this bed has the potential to wear down. It is rated as being tear and scratch-proof but not chew-proof. If your kitten tends to chew on things, this could be an issue as the fabric isn’t safe for ingestion.

    Pros
    • Extra warm and cozy
    • Accommodates all sizes of cats and multiple cats
    • Low walls for kittens or senior cats
    • Affordable price
    Cons
    • It can’t be put in the dryer
    • Potentially hazardous fabric

    5. K&H Pet Products Outdoor Cat Bed

    K&H Pet Products Heated Deluxe Lectro-Soft Outdoor Dog Bed with Bolster new

    Ease of cleaning: Washable fleece liner
    Warmth: Dual thermostat controlled
    Size: Available in small, medium, and large sizes

    As one of the few cat beds designed explicitly for outdoor use, the K&H Pet Products Bed can be used for both cats and dogs. The small size is suitable for a small cat or two, while the large size is very large. If you have multiple cats who like to stretch out, it has more than enough room.

    The bed is made from faux fleece, with a cushioned perimeter bolster, and contains an internal heating element. The dual thermostat allows you to set different parts of the bed to different temperatures. So, while your cat won’t be able to adjust the bed temperature themselves, they can move to the “cool” or “warm” side of the bed as they see fit. For cold weather, this bed can be heated up to 102 degrees Fahrenheit.

    The fleece liner can be removed and thrown into the washing machine to clean.

    A 5.5-foot steel-wrapped cord is included with the bed. Depending on the location you wish to put it in, you might need an extension cord. This brings up some obvious concerns with your cat bed being connected to electricity. Cords will need to be elevated to prevent them from sitting in water, and there is a risk of your cat scratching or chewing the cord to cause a short.

    Pros
    • Large size
    • Dual thermostat
    • Easy to clean
    Cons
    • Requires power connection
    • Short connection cord

    6. Bedsure Elevated Outdoor Cat Bed

    Bedsure Medium Elevated Cooling Outdoor Dog Bed new

    Ease of cleaning: Easily wiped or hosed off
    Warmth: No heating features
    Size: Holds up to 65 lbs

    The Bedsure Elevated Outdoor Bed does a great job of handling the elements. Since it’s raised, your cat can stay off the ground when it’s raining or cold, and the medium size should accommodate most cats. The frame is designed to hold up to 65 pounds.

    While you can’t put this bed in the washing machine, it’s still relatively simple to clean. Since it’s waterproof, you can hose it off or wipe it down as necessary. It is compatible with most mild detergents to remove stains. The Bedsure Bed is designed to be claw and chew-resistant, which is a great feature if your cat likes to knead. Skid-resistant feet will protect your deck or porch from marking and keep the bed in one place.

    The biggest problem with this cat bed is the mesh material it’s made from. Picky felines may not find it comfortable, so you may have to add a softer cover. In this case, the bed will either be unused, or you will have to spend some extra cash to modify it. In addition, while this bed is made for outdoors, the legs are steel and can be prone to rust development over time.

    Pros
    • Holds up to 65 lbs.
    • Easy to clean
    • Weather-resistant
    Cons
    • Made of mesh
    • Prone to rusting

    7. FurHaven Deluxe Outdoor Cat Bed

    FurHaven Deluxe Oxford Orthopedic Indoor_Outdoor Dog & Cat Bed with Removable Cover

    Ease of cleaning: Washable outside cover
    Warmth: No special features
    Size: Multiple sizes available

    This outdoor cat bed from FurHaven is about as simple and straightforward as it gets. It doesn’t look like much on the outside. It’s a flat, cushioned platform for your cat to lay on. The inside, however, is filled with orthopedic foam to provide extra comfort, especially for older pets or ones with mobility impairments. The cover is water-resistant and weatherproof, which makes it a perfect bed for outdoor use.

    This bed doesn’t have side bolsters, making it easy for your cat to hop in and out of, and it comes in several sizes, from small to giant.

    Pros
    • Orthopedic comfort foam
    • Weatherproof outer cover
    • Large size
    • No side bolsters
    Cons
    • No special heating features
    • Not soft

    8. Petmaker Waterproof Outdoor Cat Bed

    Petmaker Waterproof Pillow Cat & Dog Bed w_Removable Cover new

    Ease of cleaning: Fully washable
    Warmth: Micro-suede
    Size: Large

    Since this bed is designed as an outdoor bed, it’s fully waterproof and weather-resistant. A non-slip surface on the bottom prevents the bed from sliding around when your cat jumps on it. There are two covers included with this bed, and one is significantly warmer than the other.

    Petmaker includes 3.5-inch-thick memory foam in this bed, which provides joint support for pets with arthritis or joint problems. The micro-suede material makes it a cozy and comfortable spot to curl up. Regardless of which cover you choose, they are both removable and machine washable. They are also easy to wipe off and can be vacuumed to remove dust and debris.

    The waterproof inner cover can be removed to convert this outdoor bed into a standard indoor bed for extra versatility.

    Pros
    • Orthopedic memory foam
    • Large
    • Two cover options
    • Fully waterproof
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Only one cover is waterproof

    9. Mora Pets Self-Warming Outdoor Cat Bed

     

    Mora Pets Self-Warming Outdoor Cat Bed

    Ease of cleaning: Fully washable, hang dry
    Warmth: Self-heating
    Size: Small

    If a cat created the perfect bed, this would likely be what they came up with. This warming pad from Mora Pets is crinkle-free and self-heats. It has five layers of fleece, padding, reflective material, and a cozy-soft exterior to keep your cat happy and toasty warm during their outdoor naps.

    The portability of this cat bed might be the greatest thing about it. It’s small enough to take anywhere but big enough to allow lots of stretching room. For ease of cleaning, simply pop it in the washing machine and hang it to dry.

    The only thing this outdoor cat bed lacks is waterproofing. It’s not waterproof at all, which is a real downer for an outdoor cat bed. Some user reviews also report that the heating element doesn’t work very well in cold weather.

    Pros
    • Soft
    • Portable
    • washable
    Cons
    • Not waterproof
    • May not heat as advertised

    divider 2 cats

    Buyer’s Guide to Picking the Best Outdoor Cat Bed

    cats lying in a cat bed
    Photo Credit: Pixabay, Pexels

    We’ve reviewed the ten best outdoor cat beds available. Each has different features, some of them unique, but how do you decide which features you need and which ones you don’t?  Let’s look at a few factors to consider when choosing your outdoor cat bed.

    What Size Do You Need?

    Some outdoor cat beds are made to be small and cozy, while others have lots of room to stretch out. How your cats like to sleep and how many cats you have will factor into what type of bed you need. While most cats like to curl up when they sleep, some stretch out to their maximum length. Pay close attention to your cat’s preference, so their bed has enough space for them to be comfortable.

    If you have multiple cats, do they like to sleep together?  Or do they fight with each other?  If they aren’t best friends, you might benefit from buying multiple smaller, less expensive beds. If they curl up and sleep together, a larger bed will do.

    Your cat’s size should be taken into consideration as well. If your cat is a larger breed, you’ll need to know how much he weighs, especially if considering a raised bed. Manufacturers list the weight restrictions for their beds, which is especially important if you have multiple large cats. If you have a kitten, keep in mind that they won’t stay tiny for long. If you don’t want to size up your cat’s bed as they grow, buy one that will accommodate their expected adult size.

    Does Your Cat Have Any Special Needs?

    If your cat is older or has any mobility issues, look for beds that accommodate this. Some seniors will benefit from beds with orthopedic foam that is on ground level rather than an elevated option.

    What Is Your Cat’s Personality?

    cat lying beside cat bed
    Photo Credit: Kimcolley, Pixabay

    Is your cat a free spirit who readily explores the world, or do they scare easily and prefer a safe hiding spot?  Most outdoor cat beds are open, but a fearful feline might be happier in an enclosed space.

    How much time your cat spends outdoors should factor into your decision as well. A full-time outdoor cat will need a heated space in the cold. If your cat only ventures out in mild weather, heating features may be less important.

    Warranties, Return Policies, Materials, and Price

    It’s not uncommon for cat owners to bring home a beautiful new cat bed only to find that their cat prefers to sleep in the box it came in. There’s no way to know what your cat will prefer, and the best bed is the one they’ll sleep in. If you suspect your cat might be finicky about a new bed, make sure to purchase one with a good return policy, so you don’t waste your money.

    Warranty is a good thing to check, too. As a rule, manufacturers don’t place guarantees on products that don’t stand up. Otherwise, they wouldn’t make any money. If an outdoor cat bed has a replacement warranty, there’s a good chance it’s high quality. And if it isn’t, you can get your money back (or at least a replacement bed).

    While we’d all like to buy the best product available without caring about the price, reality dictates otherwise. There’s a huge range of flexibility in the pricing of outdoor cat beds, and it doesn’t always reflect the quality of the product. Sometimes it is worth spending a little more money for a longer-lasting cat bed. On the other hand, expensive beds may have features you won’t use, so make sure you’re not paying for more than you need.

    Cats, like all animals, make messes. When messes happen, you will want the ability to wash your cat’s bed. There aren’t very many options that aren’t machine washable; those that aren’t are usually waterproof and easy to hose off. What’s not universal is the ability to dry cat beds in the dryer. If hang drying isn’t an option for you, make sure you choose a bed that’s dryer-friendly.

    Unlike dogs who like to chew on their beds, cats like to scratch them. Many cats “knead” their claws in and out as a comfort measure. The fabric on the exterior of your cat bed should be at least scratchproof. If it’s chew-proof as well, that’s a bonus. While it’s not common, there are some cats who will bite or chew on their bed.

    Outdoor Climate

    Where you live and how extreme your climate is should be a top consideration when buying an outdoor cat bed. Where you place the bed and what it will be subjected to in terms of weather will help you choose a bed that will last.

    Do you have extremely hot and cold temperatures?  Will your bed be sitting in lots of rain or snow?  Some outdoor cat beds are made for cold, wet weather. Others are designed for milder conditions. If both extremes apply (hot and cold), you might consider buying more than one bed for different seasons.


    How We Selected Our List of Outdoor Cat Beds

    Catster has an experienced, expert team of writers, editors, and veterinarians who carefully consider a wide range of parameters when choosing the cat beds. This includes but is not limited to customer reviews, brand reputation, veterinary experience, hands-on testing, and of course, our cats have a say in the process too! We aim to select and review only the best products available, to help you make the best possible choice and most informed decision for your and your cat’s needs.

    Why Trust Catster?

    A trusted online brand since 2001, Catster has a lot of experience with cat beds. Our team of cat-loving writers, editors, and veterinarians is dedicated to helping you make the best decision for your precious cats. Our aim is to provide the best information available for cat owners to help cats live their best life possible. To do this, we scour reviews from the most trusted sources available and this, combined with our veterinary team’s experience and expertise, helps us gather the best options available to readers. Our team is deeply invested in the health and welfare of cats the world over, and believes that expert knowledge and veterinary guidance will help you make the right choices—for you and your cats!

    divider 3 paws

    Summary

    We chose the Hepper Nest Outdoor Cat Bed as the best overall because it has the most comprehensive list of practical features for an outdoor cat bed. If this one is a little too expensive for your budget, we recommend the Dogzilla Rectangular Outdoor Cat Bed. It has sufficient features to meet a durable outdoor bed’s requirements and provides great value for your money.

    For the best of the best, choose the Pet Magasin Thermal Outdoor Cat Bed. This outdoor cat bed is another choice and the only fully enclosed option on the list. While it’s a bit pricey, it has several unique features that can’t be found in any other outdoor bed. If you are shopping for a kitten or senior cat, we recommend the Aspen Pet Self-Warming Bolster Cat Bed. It has built-in heating features to keep your cat warm and is kept at ground level for ease of entry and exit.

    We know how much you love your cat. Hopefully, these outdoor cat bed reviews have helped you narrow down your search for the perfect outdoor bed.


    Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock, Koldunov Alexey

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