Recommending the best cat beds based on our cats

While we can't guarantee that cats will never turn their noses up at a bed again, we think most cat owners can find the best cat bed in The Cat Ball.

The best cat cave bed: The Cat Ball

Why we love it: the Cat Ball wins for its large size, quality of construction, washable bedding, use of natural materials, and excellent third-party reviews.

If you're not sure what type of bed your cat would like, the Cat Ball is a safe bet because of the security provided by its enclosed shape and its large base that's perfect for stretching out or curling up with larger cats. It has a foam skeleton, so it's more comfortable than the Meowfia Premium Cat Bed Cave, another spherical cave bed we tested, which has no extra padding. Made from 100% cotton, the Cat Ball is easier to clean than its competitors - other products have to be hand-washed or require multiple spins to remove excess water. While most of the beds we researched were made of synthetic fibres, the Cat Ball is made of cotton, so it's less likely to irritate your cat's sensitive nose. This bed measures 17 inches in diameter and 16 inches high, with entrance diameters of 6 inches and 10 inches. It can accommodate a cat weighing up to 19 pounds.

The Cat Ball averages five stars out of more than 1,800 reviews on Etsy. The staff at Wirecutter say the accolades are well deserved: "The shape of the sphere and thoughtful design is essentially designed to perfectly match the needs of the cat brain." Wirecutter's Jacqui Cheng says: "It's a 'safe' feel, they like the enclosed space, and the fabric and padding make it comfortable anywhere."

There are flaws, but they're not deal-breakers: since the foam core is less than half an inch thick, it's not ideal for older cats who need the support of a thicker mattress. The bed also comes with some specific washing instructions - wash separately from other clothes and watch for shrinkage if washed and dried on the wrong setting.

For more styles, visit Amazon, TheCatBall.com or Etsy for $50 to $100.