Do Cats Need Both a Cave and an Open Bed?

Quick Answer

Yes, many cats benefit from having both a cave-style bed and an open bed. Caves offer security and warmth, while open beds provide airflow and visibility. Offering both lets your cat choose based on their mood, the season, and their need for safety or observation.

Cats are famously particular about where they sleep. One day they might curl up inside a dark, enclosed space, and the next they sprawl out in the middle of the room. This has led many owners to wonder: is one type of bed enough, or does your cat truly need both?

The short answer is that having both options supports your cat’s natural instincts. A cave bed mimics the safety of a den, while an open bed allows your cat to monitor their surroundings. Understanding these differences can help you create a sleep environment that keeps your cat comfortable and content.

Why Cats Like Caves

Cats are both predator and prey, so they instinctively seek out enclosed spaces where they feel protected. A cave bed offers a sense of security that helps many cats relax and sleep more deeply. This is especially valuable in busy households or during stressful events like fireworks or visitors.

Caves also help retain body heat, making them appealing in cooler weather. Cats often choose snug spaces to stay warm, which is why a cushioned cave with raised sides can be so inviting. If your cat tends to hide when they sleep, a cave-style bed may be their first choice.

• Place a cave bed in a quiet, low-traffic area to help your cat feel safe.
• Notice if your cat prefers to sleep rolled up tightly—this often signals a love for enclosed spaces.

Why Cats Choose Open Beds

Open beds, like flat cushions or bolsters, give cats a clear view of their environment. This is important for cats who like to keep an eye on activity or who simply prefer to stretch out. Open surfaces also offer better airflow, which can be more comfortable in warm weather.

Many cats alternate between open and enclosed sleeping spots based on the temperature, their mood, or even the time of day. An open bed with a soft, supportive surface—such as the Bolstered Bed with its raised sides—can provide comfort while still allowing your cat to observe their kingdom.

• Choose an open bed with a plush surface to encourage lounging and stretching.
• Place an open bed in a sunny spot or near a window for cats that like to watch the world go by.

Signs Your Cat Wants Both Options

Not every cat will use both types of beds, but many will if given the choice. Watch for clues: if your cat alternates between hiding in a cave and sprawling on an open surface, they are clearly enjoying the flexibility. Some cats even use a cave for naps and an open bed for lounging or watching you.

If your cat tends to be anxious, a cave bed can serve as a retreat, while an open bed in a shared space lets them be part of the action. Providing both doesn’t require a lot of space—a well-placed cave and a compact open bed can cover all your cat’s needs.

• Rotate bed placement over a few weeks to see which spots your cat prefers.
• Consider the season: offer a cave in winter and an open bed in summer.

Myth-Busting Verdicts

• Myth: Cats only need a cave bed for security: While many cats love caves, others prefer to sleep in the open so they can see what’s around them. Cats have individual preferences, and some may feel more secure with a clear view. Offer both a cave and an open bed to see which your cat chooses.
• Myth: All cats will automatically use whatever bed you buy: Cats are selective about sleeping spots. Factors like location, temperature, and texture influence whether a bed gets used. An open bed placed in a high-traffic area may be ignored if your cat seeks quiet. Place beds in different spots and observe your cat's choices.
• Myth: Open beds are only for cats that don't like to hide: Some cats that enjoy hiding also appreciate an open bed in a safe spot, such as on top of a cat tree or in a quiet corner. It’s about offering choice, not forcing a type. Combining both types lets your cat adapt to their mood.

Product Facts to Consider

• Bolstered Bed: Fits ALL cat tree perches except the lower perch of the Uni. Design is a round bolstered bed perch with raised sides and a pom-pom ball. Suitable for cats weighing <15LBs, dimensions are ~16 inch total diameter with an inner diameter of ~11 inches. The raised sides provide a sense of enclosure while still being open on top, making it a great middle ground for cats that like to lean against something while they sleep.
• Flower Bed: Fits ALL cat tree perches except the lower perch of the Uni and the Ivy (it fits the top three perches of the Ivy). Design includes 5x cushioned petals for support and comfort. Suitable for cats up to 25LBs, with a flower diameter of ~19.5 inches. The open, flower-shaped design gives cats a wide, flat surface to stretch out, while the cushioned petals offer gentle support—ideal for cats that prefer an open bed.

Understanding your cat’s sleeping habits is key to choosing the right beds. Not every cat will use both a cave and an open bed, but providing both options—with designs like the Bolstered Bed and Flower Bed—gives your cat the freedom to choose what feels best. Watch their behavior, adjust placement, and you’ll create a cozy environment that keeps your feline happy.