How Pet Owners Can Choose the Perfect Bed

For pet owners, the right bed is one that copes calmly with hair, claws, muddy paws and the occasional chew while still looking good. That usually means choosing a frame with a smooth, wipeable or tightly woven surface, a sensible height for your animal, and a base that either seals off the space underneath or leaves it fully open for easy cleaning. Leather, faux leather, metal, wood and high gloss frames shed hair easily and resist snagging, while loosely woven fabrics and deep buttoning tend to trap fur and tempt claws. In this guide we look at materials and finishes in practical terms, explain how bed height affects older dogs and cats who jump, compare open frames with ottoman and divan bases, and share tips for protecting the mattress and bedding. We also cover how to plan the floor space around the bed so a dog basket or cat bed has its own place in the room....