If you've ever watched your cat abandon a plush cushion for a cardboard box, you know this truth: placement matters as much as the product. In this room-by-room guide, we map out exactly where to put a cat cave, a cat donut bed (aka donut bed for cats), and a cat donut tunnel so your feline actually uses them. We'll show you how to read your cat's signals, tune your home to feline comfort, and pick an all-in-one option that covers the cave-plus-donut dilemma.
The quick take: Why placement is half the battle
Cats seek three things from sleep spots: safety (hiding/cover), warmth, and elevation/visibility. That's why many cats split their time between an enclosed cat cave (for privacy) and an open donut cat bed (for lounging with a view). When you place beds where these needs naturally converge (quiet corners, draft-free sun, and off the floor) you'll see more naps and fewer box-betrayals. Veterinary guidelines place "a safe place" at the center of feline well-being, and research shows access to hiding reduces stress behaviors. Meanwhile, cats prefer warmer ambient ranges than humans, so keep beds out of drafts and in the sun when possible.
Your home, mapped for cat comfort
Use this simple compass in every room:
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Sightlines: A perch that sees the doorway without being in it.
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Sound & traffic: A buffer from footpaths, TVs, and appliances.
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Drafts & heat: Away from vents; near sun pockets or warm walls.
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Escape routes: Especially for multi-pet homes-never corner your cat.
Living room: your cat's social lounge
Best placements
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Cat cave: Slip a cave or "cat cavern" pod under a side table or beside the sofa back. The idea is private, close to you, and away from traffic.
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Cat donut / donut bed for cats: Put it on the sofa end, a window perch, or a low shelf at waist height.
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Donut tunnel (cat donut tunnel): Park it between the sofa and a window to create a playful corridor that also doubles as a calming cave.
Internal reading: For setup ideas that boost play and rest, see Best Tunnels for Cats: Ultimate Guide
Bedroom: deep-sleep territory
Best placements
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Cat cave donut (cave + top perch): On a nightstand's lower shelf or beside the bed-quiet, dark, and within scent range of you.
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Cat donut bed: Foot of bed or bench-great for kneaders who like the "bolster hug."
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Tunnel: At the bed's foot for pre-sleep play; keep pathways clear.
Pro tip: If your cat is shy or newly adopted, begin the first week with a cave in the bedroom "safe zone," then expand. See How to Set Up a "Safe Space" for more.
Home office: calm companion mode
Best placements
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Donut cat bed: On a window shelf or beside your monitor stand-close, visible, and warm.
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Cat cave: Behind your desk chair or on a cabinet-gives control when Zoom gets noisy.
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Tunnel: A low-traffic wall for quick play breaks without crossing your chair wheels.
Kitchen & dining: proceed with caution
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Skip beds near clattering appliances and traffic.
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If you must, use a donut on a bench away from food prep and a cave in a quieter breakfast nook.
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Avoid doorways; avoid litter-box adjacency.
Hallways & entryways: mostly a "no"
High-traffic zones spook many cats. If a hallway must host something, tuck a low, covered cave deep into a recessed corner with a second exit path. Choice and escape routes reduce stress.
Balcony, patio, or sunroom (secured)
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Cat cave beds shine in shade/sun mix; rotate to follow seasons.
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Donut bed on an elevated shelf for sun naps, but monitor heat-the feline comfort range runs warmer than typical room temps, so draft-free sun wins.
Multi-cat homes: resource math that works
Aim for one primary bed per cat + one extra, split styles (open donut + enclosed cave). Separate placements by sightlines to lower competition and give individuals control. This mirrors the "multiple, separated resources" pillar in feline guidelines.
Troubleshooting: "My cat ignores the new bed"
Start where your cat already naps, add familiar scent, and reward contact-then adjust location after 10-14 days if needed. Full playbook here: "My Cat Ignores New Beds" - How to Get Your Cat to Actually Use One
Donut vs. cave vs. tunnel: which for which cat?
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Nest-curlers & kneaders: Donut cat bed offers bolster security and chin rest.
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Hide-seekers & easily overstimulated cats: Cat cave dampens light/sound for faster calm.
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Energetic explorers or kittens: Donut tunnel adds play value + a low-arousal hideaway.
Product spotlight: the best all-in-one option
StayPurr™ Cat Tunnel Bed - a tunnel, bed, and calming cave in one piece. It zips together from two halves, offers a comfy rest spot on top (think "donut-like" lounging), and a soft tunnel for hide-and-seek naps. The felt material tolerates light scratching during play, helping save furniture from scratching. Available in multiple sizes and colors, with a 30-day money-back policy. See the product page for full details and size guide.
Editor's note: While the tunnel bed can redirect some scratching, pair it with a dedicated sisal post for long-term claw health.
Room-by-room cheat sheet (no table)
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Living room: cave under side table; donut on sofa/window; tunnel along wall.
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Bedroom: cave near bed; donut at foot; tunnel foot-path play.
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Office: donut near workstation; cave behind chair; tunnel wall lane.
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Kitchen/dining: avoid appliances/traffic; place off walkway.
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Hallways: usually skip; only use a tucked cave with clear exits.
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Sunroom/balcony: shade + sun mix; monitor heat/drafts.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Where should I put a cat cave first?
Start where your cat already naps, but give it cover: beside a sofa back, under a side table, or on a stable shelf off the floor. This aligns with feline guidelines emphasizing safe, elevated resting areas.
2) Is a cat donut bed better than a cat cave for anxious cats?
Often no. Anxious cats respond to the privacy and noise-damping of a cat cave. Social loungers often prefer a donut for visibility and a bolster "hug." For switchable personalities, choose an all-in-one tunnel/cave with a perchable top.
3) How many beds do I need for two cats?
Plan two primary beds + one spare, split styles, and separate them by sightlines to reduce competition.
4) What's the best spot for a donut bed for cats?
Near you but off the main walkway: sofa end, window perch, or low shelf. Keep it warm (sun) and draft-free to match feline comfort preferences.
5) My cat ignores the new bed-what now?
Scent it with your cat's cheek rub cloth, place it at the favorite nap site, then reward contact daily. If there's no action after 10-14 days, relocate to a quieter corner and try a covered style. Full guide: How to Get Your Cat to Actually Use One
6) Can a tunnel bed replace a scratcher?
Use it to redirect light scratching, but keep a dedicated sisal post for nail care and routine scratching needs.
7) Is a "cat doughnut" the same as a donut cat bed?
Yes, different spelling, same idea: a round bolster bed that supports curlers and kneaders.
Conclusion
Ready to cover tunnel + scratch-redirect + bed + calming cave without crowding your space? Check out our calming aid for cats for versatile, room-friendly enrichments you can place under a side table, by a window, or next to your desk.