Do Cats Prefer Round or Square Beds? Understanding Your Purr-Friend’s Preferences

When you bring home a new bed for your feline friend, you might wonder: does the shape matter? Is a round bed better than a square one or vice-versa? More specifically, when you hear phrases like “donut tunnel cat bed” or “donut cat tunnel,” what are you really looking at, and how does your cat feel about it? In this article we’ll explore what science and behaviour show about cats’ bed-shape preferences, the advantages of round vs square designs, and how you can decide which fits your cat best.

Why Shape Might Matter to a Cat

Before comparing round and square beds, it helps to understand why the shape of a bed might affect a cat’s preference at all. Cats have instinctive behaviours, and their resting-spots are influenced by more than just softness.

1. Curling up vs stretching out

Many cats instinctively curl up when they sleep — this helps them stay warm, tuck away vulnerable parts, and conserve energy. A round bed or one with raised edges offers a natural “nest” form for curling. On the other hand, some cats like to sprawl or stretch out, in which case a flatter or square bed might give them the extra surface. According to one guide, “a sprawler will probably prefer a large flat bed, a round bed would be for the curled-up kitty.

2. Feeling secure and enclosed

Cats also value a sense of enclosure or boundary. Beds with raised sides or wrap-around structure provide a comforting “den” effect. As one article noted: “Soft, fleecy beds provide the most comfort. If they have tall sides that your cat can hide behind… that’s even better.” Cats protection A round bed with raised rim can give that feeling very well.

3. Location, scent, and context

Shape is only part of the story. Where the bed is placed, what materials it uses, and whether your cat already likes that spot matter a lot. According to the Ontario SPCA & Humane Society, you should “place the bed in the sun … cats like to feel safe where they sleep so consider placing the bed in an area where small kids and other animals cannot access. So even a perfect shape can be ignored if the location is wrong.

What About “Donut Tunnel Cat Bed” and “Donut Cat Tunnel”?

These are two related but slightly different design terms you’ll come across, and understanding them helps clarify the shape discussion.

• Donut cat tunnel: Think of a tunnel structure that has a “donut” shape—circular in cross-section—often with a cushioned rim or bed surface inside or attached. It invites crawling, hiding, and curling.
• Donut tunnel cat bed: A hybrid concept combining the features of a “donut” bed (round shape, rim or bolster) and a tunnel bed (a passage your cat can crawl into). So your cat can play in the tunnel, then relax in the donut rim area.

These designs lean heavily toward round/curved shapes, leveraging the curling instinct of cats and combining it with play/hide features. If you’re evaluating round vs square, these “donut” forms clearly favour round, but the tunnel element adds a dynamic dimension (movement + rest combined).

Round Beds: Pros and Cons

Let’s look at what round-shaped beds (and particularly donut shapes) offer, and what potential drawbacks may be.

Pros

• Encourages curling up: The circular shape and often raised rim allow a cat to tuck in, feel safe, and maintain body heat.
• Right “nest” shape for many cats: For cats who like to roam, trot, then collapse into a cozy spot, a donut tunnel cat bed offers both interest (tunnel) and comfort (cushioned rim).
• Sense of enclosure: The curved walls or rim help define boundaries and create a cozy space, which many cats appreciate.
• Dual role (if tunnel included): The play component (tunnel) plus the rest component (bed) make it a multifunctional piece for your cat’s day.

Cons

• May be too snug for “sprawlers”: If your cat prefers to stretch out fully, a round bed with high sides might feel confining.
• Space can be limiting: The circular footprint uses space and may fit less neatly into corners compared to rectangular beds.
• Tunnel may confuse some cats: Not all cats will immediately use the tunnel; some may only use the bed part, meaning the full design might not get full use.
• Higher cost or bulk: These more elaborate designs may cost more or require more room.

Buy Round Cat Tunnel Bed Now!

Square or Rectangular Beds: Pros and Cons

Now let’s look at the alternatives: square or rectangular shapes, flat mats, or beds with straight edges.

Pros

• Good for side-sleepers or stretchers: If your cat likes to lie on its side, sprawl or sprawl out fully, a square bed gives more surface.
• Fits corners nicely: Square/rectangular shapes often integrate better into room corners or against walls.
• Simpler design: Straight edges, lower sides, flat mats—these may suit cats who don’t want a “nesting” effect but just a comfy flat surface.
• Accessible for older cats: Beds with lower sides and flat surfaces are easier for cats with mobility issues to access. According to an advice piece, “Older cats do best with beds that are easier to access thanks to lower sides or even ramps.

Cons

• Less “cocoon” feeling: Straight-sided beds may not offer the same sense of being tucked in and secure as round beds with higher rims.
• May not encourage curling: If your cat would prefer a snug nest to curl into, a flat square bed may not provide the edges or wraparound feel they like.
• May feel more exposed: Without raised sides or a sense of enclosure, some cats may feel more vulnerable—especially in busy household environments.

So — Which Do Cats Prefer? The Short Answer

Here’s the reality: there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Cats have individual preferences. Some will leap into a donut tunnel cat bed and disappear for hours curled up; others will sprawl across a flat square mat. What matters more than the geometric shape is how the bed fits their style of resting, how comfortable and secure they feel, and how well it fits into their environment.

From behavioural guidance:

• Cats that like curling up will often prefer round beds with raised edges (nest-style).
• Cats that like stretching out or side-sleeping may prefer flatter, more open beds. 
• Location, scent, side-walls, and overall comfort are often more important than shape alone. 

Thus, if you’re deciding between round and square for your cat, ask: How does your cat like to sleep? Curl or stretch? Do they like being tucked in or do they like open spaces? That will help you pick a shape they’ll likely use.

Choosing Between a Donut Tunnel Cat Bed and a Square Bed – Decision Checklist

To help you decide what might suit your cat best, here’s a practical checklist comparing considerations for a donut tunnel cat bed (round, with tunnel/bolster) versus a more square/rectangular bed.

Use this checklist to sense check: if your cat is young, playful, loves hiding and snoozing in one product, the donut tunnel might be ideal. If your cat is older, quieter, likes to stretch, the square bed may be better.

Tips to Help Your Cat Accept the New Bed

Whichever shape you pick, you’ll improve the chances of your cat using it by following a few tips.

1. Match it to your cat’s sleeping style

Spend a day observing: does your cat curl up tightly when sleeping or do they lie sprawled out? Use that as your guide when choosing shape (round vs flat).

2. Choose the right location

Shape doesn’t matter if the spot is wrong. A quiet area, away from high-traffic noise, or in a place your cat already likes to rest, will help. As noted: “Some cats require more than one bed, in different locations.

3. Include familiar scent and comfort

Place a blanket your cat has used or a pillow with your scent in the new bed. According to the Ontario SPCA: “Put a small article of clothing of a favourite person… cats like familiar scents.

4. Introduce gently, with rewards

Don’t force the cat into the bed. Let them explore it on their own, drop a treat or toy in it. Encourage rather than compel. 

5. Consider dual-shape options

If you’re unsure of their preference, or you have more than one cat with different styles, you might offer both shapes: a donut tunnel cat bed and a flat square bed. Let them choose.

6. Evaluate and adjust

If after a week or two the bed isn’t used at all, try moving it, changing the orientation, or swapping to the other shape. Sometimes small tweaks make all the difference.

When Shape Matters More (and When It Matters Less)

There are some cases when shape becomes more critical — and others when it doesn’t matter as much.

Situations where shape really matters

• Active/hiding cats: If your cat enjoys exploring, hiding, then winding down, the tunnel element plus curved rim of a donut design can satisfy both movement and rest.
• Cats who curl tightly: If your cat naturally pulls in its limbs and tail and tucks in, a round bed offers the wraparound comfort they prefer.
• Young/middle-aged cats: These are more likely to use a more complex bed with play-features, so shape with a tunnel may matter more.

Situations where shape matters less

• Senior or arthritic cats: Access becomes more critical than shape. A low-entry square or flat bed may be easier for them.
• Cats who already have a favourite spot: If your cat already sleeps on your couch arm/rest or on a shelf, the new bed is more about replicating that comfort/place than shape.
• Space-limited areas: If your room is small, you may need to prioritize shape that fits the space rather than ideal shape. A square bed might win just for practical reasons.

Read: Do Cat Really Use Tunnel Bed

What’s Best for Your Cat?

In the age-old question “Do cats prefer round or square beds?” the answer is: it depends — on the cat, on the environment, on their resting style. But by understanding the key factors, you can make an informed choice.

If your cat:

• loves to curl up, enjoys enclosed spaces, plays/hides and then naps → go for a donut tunnel cat bed (round, tunnel + rim)
• prefers to stretch out, likes open flat spaces, is older or less mobile → go for a square/rectangular bed (flat, open, low sides)

Whatever you choose, place it in a quiet spot, make it comfortable with familiar scent, and let your cat adopt it at their own pace. After all, the best bed is the one your cat actually uses.

By giving your feline the right shape, you’re supporting their comfort, rest, and habitat preference. Whether it’s a cozy donut-shaped nest they crawl into or a flat square pad they lounge across, the shape that fits them is the winner.

Here’s to many cozy cat naps ahead—may your kitty find the perfect spot and enjoy countless restful moments!