How to Wash Cat Bed

Cat beds accumulate dander, hair, saliva, and odor quickly — and cats are sensitive to strong smells, so using the wrong cleaning products can cause them to reject a freshly washed bed. Here's how to wash a cat bed properly while keeping it cat-approved.

How Often Should You Wash a Cat Bed?

Wash your cat's bed at least once a week. Cats with skin conditions or allergies may need more frequent washing. Always wash immediately after any accident or illness.

Important: Avoid Strong Fragrances

Cats have an extremely sensitive sense of smell. Heavily fragranced detergents or fabric softeners can cause your cat to avoid their freshly washed bed. Use fragrance-free or lightly scented pet-safe detergent, and skip the fabric softener entirely.

For Cat Beds with Removable Covers

Step 1: Remove Cover and Shake Outside

Remove the cover and shake vigorously outside to remove loose hair and debris before washing.

Step 2: Pre-Treat Any Stains

Apply enzyme cleaner to any stained areas and allow to sit for 10–15 minutes. Enzyme cleaners are especially important for cat urine, which contains felinine — a compound that standard detergents cannot break down.

👉 Recommended: Rocco & Roxie Stain & Strong Odor Eliminator, 1-Gallon — enzyme formula effective on cat urine and odor.

Step 3: Dryer Pre-Cycle

Toss the cover in the dryer on low heat for 10 minutes to loosen embedded cat hair before washing. Clean the lint trap immediately after.

👉 Recommended: Gain Dryer Sheets Plus Wrinkle Release, 120 Count — reduces static for better hair release from fabric.

Step 4: Wash on Hot Cycle

Wash on the hottest cycle safe for the fabric using a fragrance-free, pet-safe detergent. Add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to neutralize odor and release remaining hair. Vinegar is odorless once dry and won't deter your cat.

👉 Recommended: Lucy's Family Owned Natural Distilled White Vinegar, 1 Gallon

Step 5: Clean the Insert

While the cover washes, vacuum the foam or cushion insert and spot clean any stains with enzyme cleaner. Sprinkle baking soda over the insert, leave for 30 minutes, then vacuum off. Air in sunlight if possible.

👉 Recommended: Nutricost Pantry Baking Soda, 1 LB

Step 6: Dry Completely

Dry the cover on the highest heat setting safe for the fabric. Ensure everything is completely dry before reassembling — damp bedding develops mold and may deter your cat from using it.

For Cat Beds Without Removable Covers

1. Vacuum thoroughly with the upholstery attachment.
2. Spot clean stains with enzyme cleaner and blot dry.
3. Sprinkle baking soda over the entire surface, leave overnight, then vacuum.
4. If the bed fits in your washer, wash on a gentle cycle with cold water and fragrance-free detergent.
5. Air dry completely in a well-ventilated area or sunlight.

Why Your Cat May Reject a Freshly Washed Bed

If your cat avoids their bed after washing, it's usually because the familiar scent has been removed. To help your cat re-accept the bed:

• Place a worn item of your clothing on the bed temporarily.
• Rub a soft cloth on your cat's cheeks (where scent glands are) and wipe it on the bed.
• Avoid using strongly scented detergents or fabric softeners.

Final Thoughts

Washing a cat bed weekly keeps it fresh and hygienic without deterring your cat from using it. The key is using fragrance-free detergent, white vinegar in the rinse cycle, and ensuring the bed is completely dry before returning it. For the easiest maintenance, choose a cat bed with a removable, machine-washable cover.