The single most common mistake in buying an enclosed cat bed isn't the color or the material — it's the size. Too big, and your cat loses the snug, secure feeling that makes a cave bed appealing in the first place. Too small, and they simply won't fit. Here's how to get it right without guessing.
Why size matters more for cave beds than flat beds
A flat cushion bed is forgiving — almost any size works because your cat just lies on top of it. A semi-enclosed cave bed is different: the whole point is a snug, den-like space, so the fit has to be closer to right. A hood that's too large stops feeling like shelter and starts feeling like an empty room; a hood that's too small becomes uncomfortable within a week. (If you're not sure your cat even wants an enclosed bed in the first place, start here.)
The easiest method: weigh your cat
You don't need a tape measure. A kitchen or bathroom scale (weigh yourself holding your cat, then subtract your own weight) is accurate enough for sizing purposes. As a general rule across most enclosed cat beds:
- Under 2.5kg (~5.5 lbs): a compact size fits best — typically kittens, or naturally small/petite adult cats.
- Under 5kg (~11 lbs): covers the majority of average adult cats comfortably.
- Over 5kg: look for a larger size — a bed sized for an average cat will feel cramped for a larger breed.
If your cat's weight falls right on a boundary, size up rather than down. A slightly roomier cave still curls into a den; an undersized one just won't get used.
What if you have more than one cat?
Cave beds are generally a one-cat space — the enclosed design that makes them appealing to a solo cat also makes two cats feel crowded fast, even in bonded pairs. If you have multiple cats, it's usually better to get one appropriately-sized bed per cat rather than one oversized bed for all of them.
A quick gut check
Picture your cat fully curled into a circle, nose near their tail. The bed's interior should be close to that curled diameter — with just enough extra room to turn around, not enough to stretch out flat. That mental image is a better guide than the number on a tape measure alone.
Still unsure? When in doubt, size up by one — a cat that's slightly cozy will use the bed; a cat that's slightly cramped won't.
Sizing up for winter specifically? See our guide on keeping your cat warm and cozy this winter for more on why an enclosed bed helps most once the temperature drops.
Frequently asked questions
What size cat bed do I need for a 4kg (9 lb) cat?
A 50cm bed, which comfortably fits cats up to about 5kg (11 lbs).
Can two cats share one cave bed?
It's not recommended. Cave beds are designed as a snug, single-cat space, and even bonded cats tend to feel crowded sharing one.
What if my cat is between two sizes?
Size up. A slightly roomier bed still works as a den; an undersized one won't get used.