Have you ever set out a brand-new luxurious cat bed, with hopes of seeing your furry friend curl up in it… only to find them sprawled out on the cold tile floor instead? You’re not alone. It’s a pretty common scenario in homes with cats. Let’s dig into why this happens, and more importantly, what you can do about it.
1. Your Cat Might Be Choosing the Floor for Comfort (Really)
It might sound backwards, but the floor can be more comfortable for some cats than that soft plush bed you bought. For example:
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On hot days, hard, smooth surfaces like tile or hardwood can feel cooler and more soothing. Cats may switch to sleeping on the floor due to temperature changes… they look for cool surfaces like tile, hardwood or laminate, when things warm up.
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Some cats tend to like firmer surfaces rather than super soft ones. They may prefer the cooler temperature or firmness of the floor.
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Also consider placement: If the new bed is in a high-traffic area, near loud appliances or in a drafty corner, your cat might prefer the floor simply because it feels safer or more stable.
2. Instinct & Vantage Point Matter
Cats are both predators and prey (in the wild sense), so their instincts still kick in when choosing a sleep spot.
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They like locations where they can survey their territory and feel secure. The floor might give them that vantage, especially if the bed is tucked away.
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If the bed is low-sided, open-air or too exposed, your cat might prefer somewhere they feel more control. In contrast, placing a bed near a wall or with slightly raised sides creates a ‘safe zone’.
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Also, cats often like to have a separate cat scratcher or scratching post nearby their usual hangout, because scratching is part of their territory marking and body-care routine. Making sure you have a good scratcher near the bed zone can help gently shift their preference.
3. The Bed Itself Might Be Off-Putting
It’s not always about the floor being better — sometimes the bed just misses the mark for that cat. Things to look at:
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Material: Is it too soft, too plush, or slippery? If your cat kneads (makes biscuits) or likes firm surfaces, a bed that’s too fluffy might feel unstable.
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Location & scent: As the Cats Protection blog says, cats feel safest when their sleep zone is away from food, water and the litter tray — and when their bedding carries familiar scent.
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Novelty: A brand-new bed may feel strange. Cats tend to stick to habit.
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Health: If the cat is older or has joint issues, they may choose a flat, firm surface rather than a soft bed they need to climb into.
4. How to Gently Guide Your Cat to Using the Bed
Okay—so we know some reasons. Now let’s go through a friendly step-by-step plan that will help your cat transition from the floor to their bed, while also integrating a scratching post and maybe a cat tree for full comfort.
Step A: Provide Choice & Compare
Offer more than one sleep surface:
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The new cat bed (place it in a quiet, slightly elevated spot if possible)
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A firm mat or flat cushion on the floor (to match the floor feel they’re used to)
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A good cat scratcher near both sleep spots (so the scratch habit is tied to those zones)
Having options helps your cat choose and gradually shift preference.
Step B: Make the Bed Inviting
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Place the cat bed where your cat already likes to nap (maybe near the floor spot they’ve chosen).
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Sprinkle a little catnip or use a synthetic pheromone spray (cat-safe) to make it smell familiar.
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Place the scratcher just beside or near the bed: after a stretch & scratch, a nap flows nicely.
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Keep the area quiet, away from busy zones or loud appliances. According to Cats Protection, avoiding noise and giving a vantage point helps.
Step C: Maintain Temperature & Texture
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If your home warms up, consider a cooling mat under or beside the bed.
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In cooler seasons, choose a bed with raised sides or a more enclosed design so your cat can feel warm and sheltered.
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Ensure the surface isn’t slippery—cats like a bit of grip when getting in/out.
Step D: Patience + Positive Reinforcement
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Let your cat explore the new bed on their own time; don’t force them in.
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When you see them use it (even partially), give quiet praise or a small treat nearby.
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Continue offering the floor option without making it the “bad” choice—point is to shift behaviour, not punish.
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Over time the cat will associate the bed zone with comfort + scratching + rest.
Step E: Review & Adjust
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After a week or two, assess: Is the cat still on the floor primarily? If yes, try moving the bed slightly, changing the side of the bed, or swapping materials.
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Also check the scratcher: Is the cat using it? If not, consider one with different texture (sisal rope, corrugated cardboard) because scratching is part of the comfort routine and links to resting places.
5. When to Consider Health & Behavioural Check-Ups
If after all this your cat resists the bed and is spending all of their rest time in weird places, it might be worth a vet chat. One article warns: “If your cat’s new floor-sleeping habit is accompanied by other behavioural changes, such as decreased activity, difficulty moving… consult a veterinarian.”
Older cats especially might prefer the floor because of joint pain or mobility issues — in that case a bed with easy access (low sides, ramp or no climbing) is key.
Final Thoughts
So yeah — even with a snazzy cat bed sitting there patiently, your cat might still prefer the floor. And it’s usually not because they’re being stubborn or rejecting you. They’re simply choosing what feels right based on temperature, texture, location, safety, and habit.
Your job as the human? Offer choice, make the new spot slightly better (scratch-friendly, well-placed, comfy), tie in the scratch behaviour, and give it time. The goal isn’t to force them into the bed but to invite them gently until the bed becomes their go-to.
If you do this, you’ll likely see them start using that new bed more often — and when they do, you’ll know you set up the right environment for their comfort (and yours).
Happy cat-bed mission! 🐾