Most beds are not designed to withstand outside weather, such as rain and changes in temperatures. You can’t use just any bed outside, or it will decay under the elements.
Luckily, some beds are specifically made for outdoor use. In this article, we’ll look at these beds and help you choose the best one for your use.
Our reviews should help you shift through the countless options out there, while our buyer’s guide provides the essential information you may need to choose a suitable bed.
A Quick Look at Our Favorites of 2024
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Best Overall
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Hepper Pod Cat Lounge Bed |
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Budget Buy
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Dogzilla Rectangular Outdoor Cat Bed |
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K&H Pet Products Outdoor Cat Bed |
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FurHaven Deluxe Outdoor Cat Bed |
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Petmaker Waterproof Outdoor Cat Bed |
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The 10 Best Outdoor Cat Beds
1. Hepper Pod Outdoor Cat Bed – Best Overall
The Hepper Pod Cat Lounge Bed is raised off the ground, so your feline will be less exposed to dampness or chills. The outside is made with durable plastic, while the inside is lined with a thick Sherpa fleece. The inside covering is removable for easy cleaning. There is some assembly required, but it is very fast and easy. It only requires inserting and tightening four screws.
Cats that prefer to stay “hidden” while sleeping will prefer this bed. The design is aesthetically pleasing, and this bed seems to withstand more than others out there. The door is extra-large, so even larger felines can fit in it. The legs are designed so that the bed remains stable against your cat’s jumping force. It can also withstand a bit of wind before knocking over. There are non-slip rubber pads on the bottom as well, so you don’t have to worry about it sliding around when your feline jumps into it.
The inside fleece liner has a reinforced edge to help it withstand heavy use. It also doesn’t wrinkle or develop folds like other beds. The one downside is that it is not waterproof and must be moved under cover before it rains.
At PetKeen.com 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!
2. Dogzilla Rectangular Outdoor Cat Bed – Budget Buy
As you might guess from the name, the Dogzilla Rectangular Outdoor Cat Bed was mainly designed to be used by canines. However, it is perfectly suitable for cats as well. It is filled with a high-loft polyester fiber, which makes the whole bed quite soft. The outer material is durable and made of rip-stop fabric, so it won’t tear – even when exposed to your cat’s claws.
The bed is washable and very easy to wipe down. While this bed wasn’t made explicitly for outdoor use, it can withstand the elements thanks to the polyester cover. If your feline prefers a traditional bed, then this may be something to look into.
Plus, this bed is very inexpensive when compared to other options. If you’re looking for something inexpensive or are on a strict budget, this bed may be perfect for your needs.
3. K&H Pet Products Heated Outdoor Cat Bed
If you’re looking for only the best for your feline, we recommend the K&H Pet Products Outdoor Cat Bed. This bed is made for both cats and dogs. It is pretty significant, though they have smaller sizes available that may be more suitable for tiny cats. The largest size is made for large dogs, so this bed is big enough for practically any feline.
This bed is made with faux fleece for comfort. A cushioned bolster goes around the perimeter of the bed, though it is much lower than most of the other bolsters out there. The bed is heated with an internal heater. Each bed has a dual thermostat so that you can set them to different temperatures. This is useful since your feline can’t change the temperature themselves, but they can move to a warmer or cooler area of the bed. The bed can heat to a temperature of 102 degrees, even in colder weather.
This is one of the few beds designed explicitly for outdoor use. It is easy to clean. All you need to do is remove the faux fleece and then throw it in the washer. The bed includes a 5.5-foot steel wrapped cord, so an extension cord may be required in some areas.
4. FurHaven Deluxe Outdoor Waterproof Cat Bed
The FurHaven Deluxe Outdoor Cat Bed is a straightforward bed that both cats and dogs can use. It is a cushioned platform for your feline to lay one. On the outside, it doesn’t look like much. However, on the inside, it features orthopedic foam, which is perfect for older pets and those with mobility problems. The outside cover is weather-proof and water-resistant. It isn’t specifically made for outdoor use, but it can be used outside.
This bed does not include any bolsters, so it is easier to get in and out of. This usually isn’t a problem for cats, but it can help if your feline is older and has some mobility issues.
This bed comes in several sizes, all the way up to giant dogs. You should be able to find a size that is perfect for your feline.
5. Petmaker Waterproof Outdoor Cat Bed
Like many other outdoor beds out there, the Petmaker Waterproof Outdoor Cat Bed is pillow-shaped. It comes with two covers, one of which is entirely waterproof and weather-resistant. The bottom is non-skip and waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about it sliding around when your feline jumps onto it.
The cushion is memory foam and 3.5-inches thick. It provides joint support for older pets and those that have arthritis and similar problems. The outside is covered in a soft micro-suede, so cats should find it comfortable as well. This bed is suitable for use outside, but it can also be used for cats prone to accidents.
The micro-suede cover is removable and washable. It is able easy to wipe-down and vacuum as needed. If you remove the waterproof inner cover, this bed quickly converts to a standard bed.
6. Bedsure Elevated Outdoor Cat Bed
When it comes to handling the elements, the Bedsure Elevated Outdoor Cat Bed does an excellent job. It is raised off the ground, perfect for when it rains or when the ground is cold. This bed is medium-sized, so it should work for most felines. It is designed for pets up to 65 pounds, which covers practically every feline out there.
It is not machine-washable, but it is relatively easy to clean. You can wipe it down quickly and hose it down if necessary. It is even compatible with mild soap or severe cleanups. The design is somewhat unique and exceptionally durable. It resists claws and biting, which may be particularly important if your cat is into kneading. It does come with skid-resistant feet to protect your porch and keep the bed from moving around as your pet uses it.
The main problem with this bed is that it is made out of mesh, which many cats may not find very comfortable to lay on. Dogs typically aren’t as picky about where they lay, but cats may refuse to lay on anything that isn’t soft. If this is the case with your feline, then this bed may not get much use. While this bed is designed for outdoor use, some customers reported rust forming quite quickly.
7. Amazon Basics Water-Resistant Pet Bed
Amazon Basics is known for having inexpensive products. Their Amazon Basics Water-Resistant Pet Bed is no different, though it isn’t relatively as cheap as some other options on this list. The bed is entirely waterproof, which is why it is suitable for use outside.
It is made of oxford fabric, which is waterproof and somewhat soft. It is stuffed for extra comfort and comes with decently large bolsters. The edges provide a pillow-like area for your feline to snuggle into. There is a lower edge in the front for accessible entrance, though this is often not a problem for cats. The 2-tone design makes it somewhat stylish, though it still isn’t the best-looking bed out there. A 1-year limited warranty backs it.
This bed is not machine-washable. It can be spot cleaned, but this is about the extent of it.
8. Pet Magasin Thermal Outdoor Heated Cat Bed
The Pet Magasin Thermal Outdoor Cat Bed is relatively simple. Honestly, it isn’t much of a bed at all, but a heated mat. If you’re looking for something to keep your feline warm, this is probably a suitable option. However, if you’re looking for a proper bed, this isn’t going to fit. It is self-heating and doesn’t require and plug or electricity. However, it doesn’t get as warm as other heated beds. It includes a layer of mylar film, which is the same thing used in space suits. It absorbs and reflects your cat’s body heat, which helps it stay warm in colder temperatures.
This mat is covered with a soft layer on the top, so it is a bit soft. The underside is rubber so that it will stay put on whatever you set it on. You can also purchase these mats in a set of two if you have multiple cats or places you want to keep warm.
This product comes with a 2-year warranty and a 100% money-back guarantee.
This bed is somewhat cushioned, but it works best when paired with other beds. It also isn’t as heated as an electrically-heated bed. In the end, this is an excellent product for a particular situation, such as keeping your pet warm in areas without electricity.
9. K&H Pet Products Outdoor Cat Bed
The K&H Pet Products Outdoor Cat Bed is similar to the previous product we reviewed. However, this heated pad required electricity. It is designed to keep your pet warm in lower temperatures. Much of this bed’s design is centered around keeping your feline as warm as possible, not necessarily being the most comfortable bed around.
This bed is designed to control its temperature based on your cat’s temperature. It automatically adjusts to keep your cat’s temperature exactly where it should be. It is made of rugged ABS plastic, so it can withstand the outdoor elements easily. The cord is 5.5-feet long and wrapped in steel.
You will need to use this bed somewhere out of the rain. It is not waterproof, so it is only suitable for covered cat houses, sheds, garages, and similar areas. It will break if it gets wet, as it is electrical. You’ll also need to use it near an electricity source, as it needs to stay plugged in.
10. Mora Pets Warming Outdoor Cat Bed
At first glance, the Mora Pets Warming Outdoor Cat Bed seems like a pretty good cat bed. However, we found several things that you may potentially not like about this bed. Some cats simply don’t seem to like the texture of this bed. There are many reports of cats refusing to use it altogether. If your cat is picky about where they lay, this may not be the best bed for them.
This bed is quite large. It is suitable for multiple cats at the same time, so it works great for multi-cat households. However, this large size may not work for everyone. If you’re looking for a smaller bed for a single cat, this isn’t it. We recommend looking elsewhere.
This bed has a unique heating device that only comes on when pressure is applied. This ensures that it isn’t running when your cat isn’t on it. However, how good this system works is debatable. The fluffy texture is suitable for cats, but it doesn’t seem to hold heat very well either. The bed is extremely thin, so it works best when used alongside another, more padded bed.
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Outdoor Cat Beds
When purchasing a bed for indoor use, your primary concern should be comfort. However, when you’re purchasing an outdoor bed, there are several more factors to keep in mind. If you have outside cats or cats that occasionally don’t want to come inside, they must have somewhere warm and dry to go. Otherwise, they may be unable to escape the elements and can become sick and injured.
This section will discuss the many different factors you should keep in mind when purchasing a bed for your feline.
Heated vs. Non-Heated
Many outside seats are designed for colder regions and therefore are heated. Some of them plug into an electrical outlet, similar to a regular heating pad. Other pads have some film that retains your cat’s body heat very well, making it seem heated.
Heated beds are usually more expensive, for obvious reasons. They have more electronics shoved in them, which are pretty expensive. Even the ones that aren’t electronic are more expensive. They simply have extra components, which drives the price up substantially in some cases.
If you’re in a warmer area, you may not even need a heated bed. You may be better off saving some money, especially if you’re feline probably doesn’t need the extra heat. This is also true if your cat spends most of their time inside and won’t be caught outside when it is cold.
Some cats also don’t like heated beds and refuse to use beds that are heated. It is mostly a matter of the cat’s preferences. Many people complain that their cats refuse to use their expensive, heated beds.
Weather-Proof
If you’re using any bed outside, it must be designed to withstand the weather and rain. Most indoor beds are not waterproof and cannot withstand the rain and moisture of staying outside. For this reason, it is essential to choose an outdoor bed or an indoor bed that is designed to be waterproof.
Just because a bed is waterproof doesn’t mean it can withstand a torrent of rain. It also doesn’t mean that the bed will dry off quickly. A bed that won’t dry quickly will potentially grow mold due to the high moisture environment. Some beds will have an internal waterproof cover. This is great if your pet has accidents or if the bed is somewhere decently dry.
If you’re planning on leaving the bed in the elements, though, this is likely not suitable. The outside layer will become wet and will stay wet for some time. You want a bed covered in polyester or a similar substance that simply won’t get wet.
If you decide to choose a semi-waterproof bed, be sure you wash it any time it gets wet and dry it entirely before reusing it. This will ensure that it doesn’t start to grow mold or bacteria.
Price
You’re likely going to be concerned with price while shopping. You’re the only one who knows what yoru current budget looks like, so we included beds from various price points to ensure there is something for everyone.
Typically, more expensive beds are made better. They have better materials, which means they last longer and usually work better. For this reason, you may save by choosing a more expensive bed, as it will be able to withstand more use. You won’t have to replace it as early as an inexpensive bed, leading to less money spent in the long run.
Of course, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the more expensive beds are always better. You should do your research before purchasing any bed – not just go over the price.
Comfort
The comfort of the bed is essential as well. If the bed isn’t comfortable, your cat won’t use it, and many of the other features won’t matter. Usually, cats have their preferences for the material. You should know what your feline likes based on what they lay on now.
If your feline likes squishy, fluffy things, you should purchase a very padded bed. If your feline typically just lays on the table or the couch, a pad may be more fitting. Some cats like to “hide” while they sleep. Cave-like beds are most fitting for these cats. Felines will also be more protected from these beds’ elements, especially if you aren’t putting their bed in the covered area.
Some cats prefer to be out in the open where they can see, though. In these cases, a covered bed probably won’t get used, so you should avoid them if possible.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, our reviews helped you figure out precisely what bed is perfect for your feline. Choosing a bed can be difficult, especially if you have a picky cat. Luckily, our buyer’s guide should help you figure out precisely what you need.
For most people, we recommend the Hepper Pod Cat Lounge Bed. This cave-like bed helps protect cats from the elements and keeps the inside dry. The inner lining is machine washable as well, so you don’t have to worry about mud or anything of that sort.
For a cheaper option, we recommend the Dogzilla Rectangular Outdoor Cat Bed. This bed is relatively inexpensive, which is perfect for those on a budget. It is waterproof and suitable for outdoor use. It is a reasonably simple bed as well, so cats that prefer pads may prefer this bed.
Featured Image Credit: Hepper
