By BarkLoyal Team · December 1, 2025
How to Keep Your Cat's Bedding Clean
Cat beds are among the most overlooked items when it comes to household cleaning routines. Most cat owners wash their own bedding weekly without a second thought, yet the cat's bed, which collects fur, dander, saliva, oils, and outdoor debris, often goes weeks or months without a proper wash. This guide covers everything you need to know about keeping your cat's bedding clean, hygienic, and long-lasting.
Why Clean Cat Bedding Matters
A dirty cat bed is more than just unpleasant. It is a genuine health concern for both your cat and your household. Cat beds accumulate shed fur, dead skin cells, natural oils from your cat's coat, saliva from grooming, and, for outdoor cats, dirt, pollen, and parasites brought in from outside.
For cats with skin sensitivities or allergies, a dirty bed can trigger or worsen symptoms. For humans in the household, accumulated pet dander is one of the most common indoor allergens. Regular washing reduces allergen load significantly.
A clean bed also simply smells better, which matters more than you might think. Cats have an extremely sensitive sense of smell, and a bed that has become saturated with old oils and dander may actually be less appealing to your cat, even if they cannot tell you so.
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How Often Should You Wash Cat Bedding?
As a general rule, wash your cat's bed cover every one to two weeks. If your cat goes outdoors, has skin issues, or sheds heavily, wash it weekly. The inner cushion or foam insert should be washed or aired out monthly.
If your cat has had a flea infestation, wash all bedding immediately at the highest temperature the fabric allows, and repeat after any flea treatment to catch any remaining eggs.
Step-by-Step: How to Wash a Cat Bed
Start by removing as much loose fur as possible before washing. Use a lint roller, rubber glove, or stiff brush to lift fur from the surface. This prevents fur from clogging your washing machine filter and makes the wash more effective.
Check the care label before washing. Most cat bed covers can be machine washed on a warm cycle (40 degrees Celsius is usually sufficient), but some materials require a cold wash or hand washing. Memory foam inserts should never go in the washing machine as the agitation will break down the foam. Instead, spot clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent, then air dry thoroughly.
Use a pet-safe, fragrance-free detergent. Strongly scented detergents can be off-putting to cats and may discourage them from using the bed after washing. Avoid fabric softeners, which can leave a residue that irritates sensitive skin.
Wash the bed separately from your own laundry to prevent cross-contamination of fur and dander.
Dry the bed thoroughly before returning it to your cat. Damp bedding can develop mold and mildew quickly, especially in enclosed cave-style beds. Tumble dry on a low heat setting if the label allows, or air dry in a well-ventilated area. Make sure the inner cushion is completely dry before reassembling, as moisture trapped inside can cause odor and mold growth.
Dealing with Stubborn Odours
If your cat's bed has developed a persistent odour even after washing, try adding half a cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle. Vinegar is a natural deodoriser and is safe for most fabrics. Baking soda sprinkled on the dry bed and left for 30 minutes before vacuuming can also help neutralise odours between washes.
For cave beds or beds with non-removable covers, a pet-safe fabric spray can be used between washes to freshen the surface. Always allow the spray to dry completely before your cat uses the bed.
Removing Stains
For fresh stains, blot (do not rub) with a clean cloth to absorb as much of the liquid as possible. Apply a small amount of pet-safe enzyme cleaner, which breaks down the proteins in urine, vomit, and other organic stains. Leave it to work for the time specified on the product, then blot clean and allow to dry.
For dried stains, dampen the area first to rehydrate the stain, then apply enzyme cleaner as above. Avoid using bleach or ammonia-based cleaners on cat bedding. Bleach can damage fabrics and is toxic to cats if residue remains. Ammonia smells similar to urine to a cat and may encourage them to mark the area again.
Maintaining the Bed Between Washes
A few simple habits can extend the time between full washes and keep the bed fresher for longer. Use a lint roller or rubber glove to remove surface fur every two to three days. Shake the bed out outdoors weekly to remove loose debris. Place a washable blanket or liner on top of the bed that can be washed more frequently than the bed itself. Rotate between two bed covers if possible, so one is always clean and ready.
When to Replace a Cat Bed
Even with regular washing, cat beds do not last forever. Replace the bed when the fill has flattened and no longer provides adequate support, when the fabric has become permanently stained or damaged, when odours persist despite thorough washing, or when your cat has stopped using it despite it being clean and well-placed.
A good quality cat bed, properly maintained, should last one to two years. Orthopedic memory foam beds may last longer if the cover is replaced periodically.
Choosing Beds That Are Easy to Clean
If you are buying a new cat bed, prioritize washability from the start. Look for beds with fully removable covers that zip off easily. Avoid beds with non-removable stuffing or complex shapes that trap fur in hard-to-reach areas. Light-colored covers show dirt more readily, which can be a useful reminder to wash, but darker colors are more forgiving between washes.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your cat's bedding clean is a straightforward habit that pays dividends in your cat's health, your home's hygiene, and the longevity of the bed itself. A clean bed is a bed your cat will actually want to use, and a cat that sleeps well is a cat that thrives.
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