The first bed we made for Mabel was too small. We measured her while she was standing, which is the wrong way to measure an animal that spends most of the day curled into a comma. She used it once, then went back to the sofa.
The second version was 15 cm longer. She ignored it for a week, then moved it two feet to the left, next to the radiator, and slept in it every night. The bed was fine. The placement was wrong.
Measure the animal, not the gap
Measure nose to tail while they are curled up, then add about 15 cm. If they like to stretch out, go up a size. A bed that is too large can feel exposed; a bed that is too small is a bed they will not use. For two cats who sleep together, one large bed is usually better than two small ones that slide apart.
Where it goes
Animals choose corners, edges and places where they can see the door without being in the middle of the room. Put the bed there first. If they ignore it, move it rather than buying another one. A bed in the wrong place is just an expensive cushion.
Raised beds suit rooms with cold floors or uneven heating. A thick, low bed suits an older animal who does not want to step up. A cave-style bed suits a cat who likes to hide; a dog who runs hot may prefer an open one.
Washing matters more than colour
A bed you cannot wash is a bed that will be washed less often than it should be. Look for a cover that unzips, a fabric that survives a cool cycle, and a shape that still fits together after drying. We air-dry our covers; the tumble dryer is faster but shortens their life.
The best bed is the one your animal uses when you are not watching.
If you are unsure between two sizes, bring the measurements and a photograph of the spot where the bed will go. We will give you an honest answer, even when it means the smaller one.