How to choose a Christmas dog bed or cat bed that your pet will actually sleep in: match the shape to their sleeping style, get the size right, and place it safely away from the tree.
Quick answer: The best Christmas dog bed or cat bed is the one that matches how your pet already sleeps. Curl-up cats and burrowers do best in a semi-enclosed cave (tree, stocking, or reindeer shapes). Sprawlers and older pets prefer an open sofa-style bed with a raised backrest. Nervous pets like a fully covered house or teepee. Pick a size where your pet can turn around and lie flat, choose a removable, washable cushion, and place the bed away from the tree, lights, and heaters.
Why a Christmas pet bed is worth it (beyond the photos)
A themed bed is one of the few holiday decorations that your pet actually uses. It gives a cat or small dog a warm, familiar spot during the busiest, loudest weeks of the year, when guests, wrapping paper, and a new tree in the living room can unsettle even a relaxed pet. It also gives curious cats a "tree" of their own to claim, which can take some of the attention off yours.
And yes, it makes for great holiday card photos. But comfort should drive the choice, not the costume factor.
Step 1: Match the bed shape to your pet's sleeping style
| If your pet... | Look for | Christmas styles that fit |
|---|---|---|
| Curls into a tight ball | Round base with raised walls | Reindeer bed, tree cave, stocking bed |
| Burrows under blankets or hides in closets | Semi-enclosed cave with a small opening | Christmas tree cave, reindeer cave, stocking bed |
| Sprawls out on its side | Open sofa bed with a backrest to lean on | Plaid sofa bed, gingerbread sofa bed, sleigh bed |
| Gets anxious with visitors | Fully covered house or tent it can watch the room from | Teepee, gift box house, tree house |
| Is a senior or has stiff joints | Low entry, thick cushion, head support | Sofa-style beds and the sleigh bed |
Not sure? Watch where your pet naps for a few days. A cat that disappears into the laundry basket wants a cave. A cat that flops across the rug wants a sofa.
Step 2: Get the size right
- Measure your pet while it sleeps in its favorite position, from nose to base of tail, then add a few inches.
- For caves and houses, check the entrance as well as the interior. A pet that has to squeeze in usually won't use it.
- For two cats who sleep together, size up or choose a roomy teepee.
- Large breeds like Maine Coons usually prefer open sofa beds over enclosed caves.
Our cat bed sizing guide walks through measuring step by step, and each product page lists exact dimensions for every size.
Step 3: Check the practical details
- Removable, washable cushion. Holiday season means muddy paws and shedding. Being able to wash the pad matters more than any decoration.
- Anti-slip base. Important on wood, tile, and laminate, especially for pets that jump in at full speed.
- Decorations stitched on, not loose. Stars, bows, and antlers should be sewn or firmly attached, with nothing small that a cat could chew off.
- Year-round potential. Neutral plaids and sofa shapes still look right in January. Tree and stocking shapes are more seasonal but can be stored and brought out every December.
12 festive Christmas pet beds, by type
Christmas tree caves (best for curlers and burrowers)
- Christmas Tree Cat Cave Bed: semi-enclosed tree with a star topper and ornaments, thick plush interior, and a removable, washable cushion.
- Christmas Tree Plush Pet Cave: dome-shaped tree with heat-holding plush and a memory foam cushion, a good pick for cats that feel the cold.
- Christmas Tree Cat House: a more structured tree silhouette that blocks drafts and doubles as décor next to the real tree.
- DIY Christmas Tree Cat House Kit: a no-sew felt kit you decorate yourself, for anyone who wants a holiday craft project.
Stocking and reindeer beds (best for small cats and toy-breed dogs)
- Christmas Stocking Cat Bed: soft flannel stocking shape with a semi-enclosed nest, lightweight enough to move from room to room.
- Christmas Reindeer Cave Bed: red cave with 3D antlers and a white plush entrance, plus an anti-slip dotted base.
- Christmas Reindeer Pet Bed: an open round bed with raised edges for head and neck support, for pets who don't like being covered.
Sofa-style beds (best for sprawlers and seniors)
- Christmas Plaid Pet Sofa Bed: classic red plaid with a raised backrest; subtle enough to keep out all year. Fits cats and small to medium dogs.
- Gingerbread Hug Pet Sofa Bed: a smiling gingerbread figure "hugs" the sleeping area; semi-open so pets can stretch out.
- Cozy Christmas Pet Sofa Bed: sofa silhouette with bow-tie accents and a removable cover for easy washing.
- Christmas Sleigh Pet Bed: Santa's sleigh with a "Merry Christmas" embroidery, non-slip bottom, and three sizes for cats through small dogs.
Houses and tents (best for shy or anxious pets)
- Christmas Cat Teepee Bed: solid-wood frame with a roomy interior that fits one large cat or two smaller ones.
- Christmas Gift Box Pet House: a present-shaped house that folds down from an enclosed den to an open bed.
See every style in one place in our Christmas collection.
Where to put a Christmas pet bed (safety first)
- Away from the tree. Close enough to feel part of the room, but not under the branches, where needles, ornament hooks, and tree-stand water are within reach. Our Christmas tree safety guide covers the full list of hazards.
- No string lights in or on the bed. They look lovely in photos but cords are a chewing and burn risk. Take the photo, then take the lights away.
- Not right next to a heater or fireplace. Plush beds hold heat well on their own; pets can overheat in an enclosed cave placed too close to a heat source.
- In a quiet corner during parties. On busy days, move the bed into a calm room so your pet has somewhere to retreat.
How to get your pet to actually use it
New beds smell new, and many cats ignore them at first. Put a worn T-shirt or their current blanket inside, scatter a few treats or a pinch of catnip at the entrance, and place the bed where your pet already likes to nap. Give it a few days before deciding it's not working. More tips in How to Get Your Cat to Use a New Bed.
Buying one as a gift? Order early
Christmas pet beds sell out of popular sizes in December, and international shipping adds time. If you want the bed under the tree, aim to order by early December. Check the estimated delivery date at checkout, and when in doubt, order a size up rather than down. For more ideas, browse our Christmas gift guide for cat owners and stocking stuffers for dogs and cats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Christmas cat beds only for cats?
No. Most Christmas pet beds are sized for cats and small dogs, and sofa styles like the plaid sofa bed and sleigh bed come in sizes for small to medium dogs.
Can I use a Christmas pet bed after the holidays?
Yes. Sofa and plaid styles blend in year-round. Tree, stocking, and reindeer shapes are more seasonal, but they are warm winter beds through February and can be stored for next year.
How do I wash a Christmas pet bed?
Remove the inner cushion or cover and wash it following the care label, usually gently on a cool cycle or by hand. Spot-clean the outer shell and let everything dry fully before your pet uses it again.
Is a cave bed or an open bed better for my cat?
It depends on how your cat sleeps. Cats that curl up and hide in small spaces usually prefer caves. Cats that stretch out, overheat easily, or are older usually prefer open sofa-style beds.
Is it safe to put a pet bed under the Christmas tree?
It's better not to. Under the tree, pets are close to fallen needles, ornament hooks, light cords, and tree-stand water. Place the bed nearby but out of reach of the branches.
What size Christmas bed does my dog need?
Measure your dog lying in its usual sleeping position and add a few inches. Your dog should be able to turn around and lie down without hanging over the edge.
