When shopping Squishmallow cat beds, you’ll quickly notice there are two completely different styles: the open bolster bed and the enclosed cave bed. These aren’t just aesthetic choices — they represent fundamentally different sleeping experiences for your cat. Choosing the wrong one could mean your cat ignores it entirely. Here’s how to get it right.
What Is a Bolster Bed?
A bolster bed is an open-top, circular sleeping area with a raised, cushioned rim running around the entire perimeter. In the Squishmallow lineup, bolster beds include: Cam the Calico Cat (24″), Maui the Pineapple (24″), Cici the Red Panda (30″), Tatiana the Dragon (24″), and Gordon the Shark (multiple sizes).
Key characteristics of bolster beds:
- Open top — cat can see their surroundings at all times
- Raised rim provides a headrest and body-support wall
- Social cats love the visibility and the ‘throne’ feeling
- Easier for cats with mobility issues to step in and out
- Better for warm climates where enclosure would cause overheating
What Is a Cat Cave Bed?
The Squishmallow cave bed — currently represented by the Fifi the Fox 16″ Enclosed Pet Cave — is a dome-shaped, fully enclosed sleeping space with a single entrance opening. Your cat crawls inside and is completely surrounded by marshmallow-soft walls.
Key characteristics of cave beds:
- Fully enclosed dome — 360 degrees of soft wall contact
- Retains body heat exceptionally well — warmer than open beds
- Creates a ‘den’ feeling that triggers natural hiding instincts
- Includes a removable center pad usable as a standalone lounger
- 16″ wide × 18″ tall — snug but generous enough for most adult cats
Which Cats Prefer Cave Beds?
Cave beds are particularly suited to:
- Anxious or stressed cats who feel safer in enclosed, hidden spaces
- Recently rescued or rehomed cats adjusting to a new environment
- Shy cats who currently hide under beds or in closets
- Short-haired cats who run cold and need the extra warmth
- Cats in cooler homes or climates
Real owner result: One verified buyer reported her rescue cat moved from hiding under the bed to sleeping in the Fifi cave within one week — calling it one of the best pet purchases she’d ever made.
Which Cats Prefer Bolster Beds?
Bolster beds are best for:
- Social, curious cats who want to watch what’s happening around them
- Cats who already like to drape their chin over the edge of furniture
- Warm climates where an enclosed bed would be too hot
- Cats who are already confident and comfortable in their environment
- Senior cats with reduced mobility who need easier entry and exit
Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | Bolster Bed | Cave Bed (Fifi the Fox) |
| Design | Open-top with raised rim | Fully enclosed dome |
| Best for | Social, curious cats | Shy, anxious, cold cats |
| Warmth | Moderate | High (traps body heat) |
| Visibility | Full surroundings visible | Private, hidden |
| Sizes | 16″, 24″, 30″ | 16″ only |
| Dual use | No | Yes (removable pad) |
| Characters | Cam, Maui, Cici, Tatiana, Gordon | Fifi the Fox |
Our Top Pick for Each Style
Best bolster bed: Cam the Calico Cat 24″ — the most beloved character, the most popular size, and nearly 900 five-star reviews make this the definitive bolster choice.
Best cave bed: Fifi the Fox 16″ Cave — the only cave design in the lineup, and genuinely transformative for shy and anxious cats. The dual-use removable pad adds excellent value.
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