Every pet needs a place to call their own. Cats especially appreciate a small, cozy nest to cuddle in where they can feel safe as they drift into sleep.

When you are choosing a new bed for Kitty, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• The bed or it's cushion must be washable. Ideally, you should be able to wash the entire bed, and not just a removable cushion cover. Cats are obsessive in their need for cleanliness and absolutely will not tolerate a dirty bed. Washing the bedding frequently will help keep any potential "cat odor" from permeating your home as well.
• Next to cleanliness, cats crave comfort! From a cat's point of view, there is no such thing as too much luxury to sink into for a nice long nap. Make sure that the bedding is soft, cushy and pliable. Many cats will like to exercise their claws, kneading the bedding before they actually settle down, and they can't do this on a hard surface. While some people may consider cedar chips acceptable cat bedding, your cat will not. Think Princess and the Pea here, and you can't go wrong.
• Cats like to be in small, cozy spaces but they also need room to stretch out. The ideal cat bed must be sized right for your cat. A soft bed cushion with a softly padded bumper side will make most cats very happy. Some will appreciate bed that incorporate a covered place to hide away as part of the bed design.
• Share your home with more than one cat? Then you need more than one cat bed. You may find them sharing their beds regularly with each other, but they each need a place completely their own.
• Consider whether your cat needs addition heat to be comfortable. Elder cats may really appreciate a heated bed if they have arthritis. If the bed must be placed in a drafty location, a heated bed may be needed as well.
• Location is important too and this will vary from cat to cat. Some cats never want to miss a thing and others will prefer their beds to be in a secluded, quiet part of the house. If you find that your cat just doesn't seem to be interested in the bed, try moving it to another location for a few days.