How to Choose a Cat Bed That Reduces Shedding on Your Furniture

Quick Answer

To reduce cat hair on your furniture, choose a cat bed with a smooth, washable surface and a non-slip bottom to keep it in place. Look for materials like micro-luxe plush that are easy to wipe or toss in the washer. A bed with antimicrobial fabric can also help control odors while managing shedding.

If you're tired of finding cat hair on your couch, chairs, and bed, the right cat bed can make a big difference. Cats naturally shed, but providing a dedicated sleeping spot that captures loose fur can keep your furniture cleaner. The key is choosing a bed that your cat actually wants to use and that is easy to clean.

This guide walks you through the material choices, design features, and cleaning habits that help reduce shed hair on furniture. We'll also highlight specific products that make hair control easier, so you can enjoy your cat's company without constantly lint-rolling your sofa.

Why Your Cat's Bed Choice Affects Furniture Shedding

Cats shed for many reasons, including seasonal changes, diet, and stress. When they lounge on your furniture, loose hair transfers to the fabric. A cat bed that is comfortable and appealing encourages your cat to sleep there instead of on your couch. The bed's surface can also trap hair, making cleanup easier.

Plush materials like micro-luxe plush are soft and inviting, but they can hold onto fur. That's fine if the bed is washable. A bed with a skid-stop bottom stays put, so your cat feels secure and is more likely to use it regularly. The more your cat uses the bed, the less hair ends up on your furniture.

• Place the bed in a spot your cat already likes, such as a sunny window or near your couch.
• Use a lint roller or pet hair remover on the bed between washes to keep hair from spreading.

Key Features to Look for in a Shedding-Control Cat Bed

When shopping for a cat bed to reduce shedding, focus on materials and construction. A washable bed is non-negotiable—you'll need to launder it regularly to remove accumulated hair. Look for a bed with a removable cover or one that can be machine washed entirely. A non-slip bottom prevents the bed from sliding, which helps keep your cat comfortable and less likely to move to other furniture.

Antimicrobial fabric is another helpful feature. It inhibits odor-causing bacteria, which is especially useful if your cat sheds and leaves dander behind. This can also be a plus for allergy sufferers. A bed with a plush top provides comfort, while a durable base holds up to frequent washing.

• Check the care label for washing instructions before buying.
• Choose a bed with a skid-stop bottom to keep it in place on smooth floors.

Washable Cat Beds: Your Best Ally Against Fur

A washable cat bed is essential for managing shedding. Washing removes loose hair, dander, and dirt that would otherwise end up on your furniture. Aim to wash the bed every one to two weeks, depending on how much your cat sheds. Use a pet-safe detergent and avoid fabric softeners, which can irritate your cat's skin.

Before washing, shake the bed outside or vacuum it to remove loose hair. This prevents fur from clogging your washing machine. After washing, air-dry or tumble dry on low heat. A bed that dries quickly is convenient, so you can return it to your cat without a long wait.

• Vacuum the bed before washing to remove surface hair.
• Wash with a pet-safe detergent to avoid skin irritation.

Material Matters: Choosing the Right Fabric

The fabric of a cat bed affects both comfort and hair control. Smooth, tightly woven fabrics are easier to wipe clean and tend to release hair more readily than fuzzy, loose-knit materials. Micro-luxe plush is a popular choice because it's ultra-soft and inviting, yet still washable. It also feels warm and cozy, encouraging your cat to use the bed.

Consider a bed with a removable cover for easy cleaning. Some beds have a plush top and a skid-stop bottom, which is a practical combination. The plush top provides comfort, while the non-slip base keeps the bed in place. Avoid materials that are difficult to wash or that trap hair permanently, like some velvets or fleeces that pill.

• Look for a bed with a removable, machine-washable cover.
• Avoid materials that are not washable or that attract and hold hair excessively.

Training Your Cat to Use the Bed

Even the best cat bed won't help if your cat ignores it. To encourage use, make the bed appealing. Place it in a spot your cat already favors, like a sunny windowsill or near your favorite chair. Add a familiar blanket or toy to make it smell like your cat. You can also reward your cat with treats when they use the bed.

Be patient—it may take a few days or weeks for your cat to accept a new bed. If your cat consistently avoids the bed, try a different location or a bed with a different shape. Some cats prefer enclosed beds, while others like open, flat surfaces. The goal is to provide an attractive alternative to your furniture.

• Use positive reinforcement with treats when your cat uses the bed.
• Try moving the bed if your cat ignores it initially.

Diagnosis: Is Your Cat Bed Actually Reducing Shedding?

• Symptom: You find cat hair on your furniture despite having a cat bed. Your current bed may not be inviting or easy to clean, or your cat may prefer other spots.
• Likely Cause: The bed material may not trap hair effectively, or the bed is not being used because it's uncomfortable or in a poor location. Assess the bed's material, washability, and placement.
• Corrective Action: Choose a washable bed with a plush, non-slip design and place it where your cat likes to lounge. Wash it regularly to remove hair. Invest in a bed like the Arm & Hammer Pillow Pet Bed and establish a cleaning routine.
• Stop or Choose Another Option: If your cat still avoids the bed after a few weeks, consider a different style (enclosed vs. open) or consult your vet to rule out skin issues causing excessive shedding. Sometimes the right bed is a different shape or fabric—don't give up.

Products That Help Manage Shedding

• Arm & Hammer Pillow Pet Bed: It features built-in antimicrobial fabric backed by the trusted Arm & Hammer brand. Stuffed with fluffy polyester fiberfill, the ultra-soft micro luxe plush top provides extra comfort while the skid-stop bottom holds the bed in place. The antimicrobial fabric helps control odors, and the washable plush top makes it easy to remove accumulated hair. The skid-stop bottom keeps the bed stable, so your cat is more likely to use it instead of your furniture.
• Petmate Litter Mat Circles Design: Minimize litter scatter and keep floors clean with a Petmate tufted Litter mat created from a soft, rubberized material that is easy on paws. The webbed design traps litter scatters as your cat exits their litter pan. While not a bed, this mat can be placed near the bed or litter box to catch loose hair and litter, reducing the spread of fur around your home. It's easy to clean and helps keep your floors tidier.

Reducing cat hair on your furniture starts with choosing a bed your cat loves and that you can easily clean. Look for washable materials, a non-slip base, and antimicrobial features to keep things fresh. With the right bed and a regular washing routine, you can enjoy a fur-free home and a happy, comfortable cat.