If you just dropped cash on a plush cat bed only to watch your feline curl up in a shoebox... Yep, that’s normal cat behavior. The good news: with the right scent cues, placement, and positive reinforcement, you can turn that snubbed cushion into your cat’s new safe haven. Here’s how to get a cat to use a new bed, backed by cat-behavior guidelines and real-world tactics.
Add Familiar Scents First (Don’t Skip This!)
Cats navigate the world through smell. Rub a soft cloth over your cat’s cheeks (or use a recently used blanket/towel) and tuck it into the bed. Their own facial pheromones say, “This space is mine,” which lowers threat levels and invites lounging. If you haven't yet, make sure to set up a cat safe space. Pro tip: If your cat loves a certain cardboard box, put the box next to or inside the new bed for a few days, then gradually remove it.
Put the Bed Where Your Cat Already Sleeps
Your cat has a chosen “territory of naps.” Start there, then build a sleep-friendly setup. Common winners: a sunny window ledge (not too drafty), near a favorite perch, or a quiet corner with a view. Avoid high-traffic walkways and loud appliances; many cats prefer semi-secluded, low-noise zones. If the first spot fails after a week, move the bed to the second-favorite nap site.
Offer Covered/Cave Options for Shy or Anxious Cats
Shy rescues and overstimulated cats often choose enclosed, den-like spaces that feel safe and warm. A cave/tunnel bed can outperform flat “donut” pads because it doubles as a hideaway. This lines up with the “safe space” pillar in feline-environment guidelines and research on cats’ preference for enclosed resting spots.
Sweeten the Deal: Treats, Clicker, Play, Then Bed
-
Treat trail: Drop a few high-value treats on the bed daily.
-
Clicker shaping (1–2 minutes): Click and reward for sniffing the bed → stepping onto it → lying down.
-
Play-then-park: After a short wand-toy session, guide the final “catch” onto the bed so your cat settles there to “own” the prize. (Ending play with a capture and a soft place encourages resting.)
Catnip, Silver Vine, or Valerian: Use the Right Attractant
About half to two-thirds of cats respond to catnip. If yours doesn’t, try silver vine or valerian, which can attract many non-catnip responders. Sprinkle a pinch or use a safe spray on the bed fabric once or twice a week (don’t overdo it). Not all cats respond and that’s okay, it doesn't hurt to try.
Follow a Realistic Patience Timeline
Most cats need several days to a couple of weeks to claim a new spot. Keep the routine: refresh familiar scent weekly, offer post-play parking, and avoid dragging or forcing your cat into the bed (that backfires by associating the bed with stress). Environmental consistency is key: quiet, predictability, and choice.
When to Move the Bed to a “Quiet Zone”
If your cat still avoids the bed after few days, relocate it to a quieter, partially enclosed area: beside a sofa, under a side table, or near a vertical perch. For multi-cat homes, provide multiple beds in different territories to reduce resource competition.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Forcing or placing your cat in the bed.
-
Parking the bed in a hallway or next to a noisy appliance.
-
Over-scenting daily with catnip (novelty wears off).
-
Offering only one style—many cats switch between covered and open options depending on mood.
Conclusion
Getting results with how to get a cat to use a new bed comes down to three things: familiar scent, smart placement, and gentle reinforcement.
For shy or anxious cats, an enclosed option often wins. That’s why the StayPurr Cat Tunnel Bed can outperform a standard cushion and turn curiosity into daily use. Keep it low-pressure, keep it consistent, and your cat will claim their new spot on their own terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What’s the single best first step for how to get a cat to use a new bed?
Add familiar scent (your cat’s cheek scent or a used blanket) and place the bed where your cat already chooses to nap. These two changes alone convert many holdouts.
Q2. My cat ignores catnip—what else can I try?
Try silver vine or valerian. Studies suggest silver vine attracts a higher percentage of cats than catnip, including many non-responders.
Q3. How long should I wait before moving the bed?
Give it 10–14 days in your cat’s favorite nap zone. If there’s no interest, shift it to a quieter, semi-hidden area and keep rewarding any interaction.
Q4. Are cave/tunnel beds really better for shy cats?
Often, yes. Enclosed beds provide a protected “den,” which aligns with feline environmental guidelines emphasizing safe spaces.
Resources
-
Cats benefit from safe, enclosed resting spaces as part of the AAFP/ISFM “Five Pillars” framework. SAGE Journals
-
Positive, predictable routines and gentle reinforcement work better than force. International Cat Care
- 7 Proven Benefits of an Anti Anxiety Cat Bed why enclosed beds calm cats