How to Get Your Cat to Actually Use Their New Bed

Aug 26
3 min read

You did it. You found the perfect bed! Maybe it's plush, coffin-shaped, and spooky-cute beyond belief. You bring it home, place it in your cat’s favorite corner......and they walk past it like it personally offended them.

Two ginger cats with collars cuddle on a black coffin cat bed, resting peacefully on a gray wooden floor, creating a cozy and warm atmosphere.

Sound familiar? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Cats are notoriously picky, but with a little patience (and maybe some catnip toy magic), you can help them fall in love with their new gothic throne.

1. Let Them Sniff It Out First

A black cat sniffs a fluffy green coffin cat bed on artificial grass. Nearby, a skeleton cat sculpture, an amethyst crystal, and a small plant are visible, creating a quirky scene.

Before you place the bed exactly where you want it, let your cat investigate it freely.

Set it down somewhere open, familiar, and low-stress. Cats are curious but cautious, let them take the lead.

Bonus Tip: Rub a worn shirt or blanket into the fabric so it smells like you, your scent is comforting.

2. Choose the Right Spot

Two cats sit on a green coffin cat bed in a sunny window. A ginger cat lounges, while a black cat wears an orange collar, both relaxed and content.

Placement is everything. Most cats love to nap:

In sunbeams
Near a window perch
In quiet corners
On elevated surfaces

Try placing the bed near where your cat already lounges. Want it somewhere specific? Slowly move it closer over time, don't expect an overnight throne takeover. But it has happened, so maybe.

3. Use Catnip, Treats, or Toys to Tempt Them

Orange cat hugging a purple catnip kicker toy on a plush coffin cat bed on wooden floor and cowhide rug; the cat looks content and playful.

Sprinkle a little catnip, place a favorite toy, or toss in a treat trail that leads onto the bed. Make it a place where good things happen.

Katnyx pro tip: Our customers say cats often climb into the Coffin Bed when they least expect it, especially after a long play session!

4. Make It Feel Like Theirs

A tabby cat cozily sleeps under a thick red blanket. The background is dark, creating a serene and cozy mood.

If your cat loves a certain blanket, towel, or worn shirt, place it on the bed. Adding their scent helps them feel safe and in control.

Alternatively, we often suggest to our customers that they use the bed first as a cushion in order to scent it. You will be surprised at how quickly the kitties want it after their human used it first.

5. Be Patient (and Avoid This One Mistake)

Hand and tabby cat paw touching gently, conveying warmth. Soft focus background with gray and maroon tones enhances the serene mood.

Whatever you do, don’t force them into it. Cats like to choose their spots on their own terms. Let the bed become part of their environment instead of a demand.

If they use it even once, praise them, toss in a treat, or give some chin scratches nearby. Positive reinforcement goes a long way.