Who a pet bed suits
A pet bed suits a pet who sleeps a lot and has not got a proper place of their own. It is a good gift for a new puppy or kitten, a pet whose bed has worn flat, or an owner who is tired of a dog on the sofa. It fits Christmas, a birthday or a first week in a new home.
Most of the beds here are dog beds, from baskets and mats to a futon style, and a few are cat igloos and a cat hammock. A bed works when it is the shape the pet already likes to sleep in.
What to look for in a pet bed
- Size. Measure the pet stretched out, then choose the next size up. Listings give the dimensions.
- Sleeping style. A pet who curls up likes a basket or igloo with sides. A pet who sprawls likes a flat mat.
- Calming beds. Some beds are shaped and padded to make a nervous pet feel held. Read the listing for what the bed does.
- Cooling beds. For a pet who runs hot, look for beds described as cooling. It is a useful feature in an Australian summer.
- Cleaning. A cover that comes off and washes saves a lot of effort.
When a pet bed is the wrong gift
A pet may refuse a new bed and keep the old one, so ask the owner what they like. A bed is a poor gift for a pet who chews bedding, unless it is made for chewers. And for an older dog with stiff joints, an orthopedic bed is the better choice.



