One of the most common questions new Squishmallow cat bed buyers ask is: which size should I choose? Get it right and your cat will nap in it all day. Get it wrong and you’ll have a gorgeous bed gathering dust while your cat sleeps on your keyboard. Here’s everything you need to know to pick the perfect size the first time.
Why Sizing Matters for Cat Sleep Quality
Cats are surprisingly particular about their sleeping space. A bed that’s too small feels cramped and restrictive. A bed that’s too large lacks the snug, cozy feeling most cats instinctively prefer. The Goldilocks zone exists — and this guide will get you there.
Squishmallow cat beds currently come in three sizes:
- Small: 16 inches — Cave designs and kittens
- Medium: 24 inches — Most adult cats (the most popular size)
- Large: 30 inches — Big breeds, stretchy sleepers, multi-cat homes
1. Small (16 Inches) — Best for Kittens & Cave-Style Beds
The 16-inch size is the smallest in the Squishmallow pet lineup and is home to the iconic Fifi the Fox Cave — the only enclosed cave-style bed in the range. Here’s who should choose it:
- Kittens and cats under 7 lbs — the snug interior feels warm and womb-like
- Very small breeds: Singapura, Devon Rex, Cornish Rex
- Shy, anxious, or recently rescued cats who prefer enclosed, den-like spaces
- Anyone who specifically wants the cave-style design
Pro tip: Even medium-sized cats often love the cave design because the enclosed feeling provides security. If your adult cat tends to hide, consider the cave regardless of their size.
2. Medium (24 Inches) — The Most Popular Choice for Adult Cats
The 24-inch size is the sweet spot of the Squishmallow cat bed range — it’s the most reviewed, most purchased, and most universally loved size. It’s available in the most character options: Cam the Calico Cat, Maui the Pineapple, Tatiana the Dragon, and Gordon the Shark.
- Comfortably fits most adult cats up to approximately 15 lbs
- Ideal for: Domestic Shorthair, Persian, Siamese, Ragdoll, British Shorthair
- Provides enough room to curl up tightly or stretch out moderately
- The raised bolster rim stays proportional — not too high for cats to step over
If you’re buying your first Squishmallow cat bed and aren’t sure which size to choose, start here. The 24-inch is the definitive option for the majority of cat owners.
3. Large (30 Inches) — Best for Big Breeds & Multi-Cat Homes
The 30-inch Cici the Red Panda bed is the largest option in the Squishmallow pet lineup. It’s a genuinely substantial sleeping space — two and a half feet of marshmallow-soft plush. Choose it if:
- You have a Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest Cat, Ragamuffin, or Savannah cat
- You want a bed where two cats can comfortably share space
- Your cat is a sprawler who likes to fully extend during sleep
- You want a bed that reads as a bold statement piece in your living room
Size Comparison Table
| Size | Diameter | Best For | Character Options | Weight Limit |
| Small | 16″ | Kittens, shy cats, cave lovers | Fifi the Fox Cave | ~7 lbs |
| Medium | 24″ | Most adult cats (up to ~15 lbs) | Cam, Maui, Tatiana, Gordon | ~15 lbs |
| Large | 30″ | Big breeds, multi-cat homes | Cici the Red Panda | 20+ lbs |
5. When in Doubt, Size Up — Here’s Why
The most common sizing mistake first-time buyers make is going too small. Here’s why sizing up is almost always the right call:
- Cats tend to grow into larger beds comfortably but never feel secure in beds that are too small
- A larger bed allows your cat to sleep in multiple positions — curled, stretched, or sideways
- If you plan to add a second cat to the household, a larger bed future-proofs your purchase
- The bolster rim on larger beds still provides the security feeling cats love
Related Posts: What Is a Squishmallow Cat Bed?