Lapcatz Nest Bed Reviews: Is It Worth It?

If you have been scrolling through Instagram or TikTok lately, you have almost certainly seen that bed. You know the one—a plush, marshmallow-like cloud that promises to turn your chaotic, 3 AM-zoomie-prone cat into a sleeping angel.

The ads for the Lapcatz Nest Bed (and its many lookalikes) claim it’s the ultimate anxiety reliever, a “mother’s fur” mimic that creates a safe haven for nervous pets. But is it actually a miracle product, or just another piece of cheap dropshipped fluff that will end up ignored in the corner while your cat sleeps in the shipping box?

After seeing the ads for the hundredth time, I finally caved. My rescue cat, Barnaby, is a nervous wreck during thunderstorms and generally prefers hiding under the sofa to socializing. I was desperate for something that would give him a designated “safe zone” that wasn’t covered in dust bunnies.

So, is the Lapcatz Nest Bed worth it? Yes, but with a major caveat regarding expectations. You should buy this product if you have a small-to-medium anxious cat (or small dog) who loves to burrow and needs a budget-friendly “cave” style bed. However, if you are looking for orthopedic support or high-end durability that will last for years, this isn’t it. It is a fantastic “comfort” item, but it isn’t a piece of furniture.

My Experience With The Lapcatz Nest Bed

I ordered the Lapcatz Nest Bed in the “Grey” colorway, size Medium, hoping it would fit my 12-pound tabby.

The first thing you need to know is that the shipping experience screams “dropshipping.”

It took about two weeks to arrive, and when it did, it was shrink-wrapped into a package so tight and small I thought they had sent me a pair of socks by mistake.

Cutting open the vacuum seal is admittedly satisfying.

The bed exploded outwards, hissing as it sucked in air.

But immediately, I noticed it looked… deflated.

The sides were floppy, and the “hood” part of the nest (the cave roof) didn’t stand up on its own like it did in the glossy photos.

It looked more like a plush pancake than a cozy den. I had to spend about ten minutes aggressively fluffing it, kneading the filling like dough to get it to take shape. Even then, the roof sagged a bit.

Barnaby was suspicious. He sniffed it, gave me a look of betrayal, and walked away. This is standard operating procedure for him, so I didn’t panic. I sprinkled a little silvervine powder inside and placed it in his favorite sunny corner.

The breakthrough happened on day three. A delivery truck backfired outside, a noise that usually sends Barnaby scrambling under the bed. Instead, I watched him dive headfirst into the Lapcatz Nest. The semi-enclosed design meant he was covered on all sides but could still peek out. He stayed there for four hours.

Over the last few months, this bed has become his primary “safe space.” The material is undeniably soft—it feels like a high-quality faux rabbit fur. It warms up quickly with his body heat, making it a toasty retreat. However, the “non-slip” bottom is a bit of a joke; when he runs into it at full speed, the bed slides across my hardwood floor like a hockey puck.

The biggest downside I’ve found is the structure. After a few weeks of use, the “cave” aspect collapses easily. Barnaby doesn’t seem to mind—he just sleeps on top of the flattened roof like it’s a blanket—but if you are buying it specifically for the “standing cave” aesthetic, be prepared for it to lose its shape.

Also Read: My Thoughts On Nutro Natural Choice Dog Food

Pros Of The Lapcatz Nest Bed

Excellent Anxiety Reduction:The “shag” material and the semi-enclosed design genuinely seem to work for nervous pets. The high walls and the hooded top create a sensation of being hugged or burrowed, which taps into a cat’s instinctual need for protection. Unlike a flat mat, this bed surrounds them. I’ve noticed Barnaby is calmer when he wakes up from a nap in this bed compared to when he sleeps on the open sofa. It acts as a sensory deprivation tank of sorts, muffling noise and blocking out visual stimuli.
Retains Heat Remarkably Well:If you live in a drafty house or have a senior pet who gets cold easily, this is a massive pro. The synthetic filling and the faux-fur cover trap body heat instantly. Stick your hand in there after your cat has been sleeping for ten minutes, and it feels like a little oven. This self-warming effect is great for joint comfort without needing electricity or heating pads.
Versatile 2-in-1 Design:While I complained about the roof collapsing, this is actually a feature for some. You can use it as a “cave” (with the hood up) or you can intentionally squish the hood down to turn it into a standard “donut” cuddler bed. This is great for picky pets. My cat likes the cave mode in winter but prefers lying on top of the flattened hood in the summer when it’s warmer. It’s like getting two types of beds for the price of one.
Machine Washable (Sort Of):Pet beds get gross. Hair, dander, and the occasional hairball are inevitable. The entire bed can be tossed in the washing machine. You don’t have to wrestle with zippers or remove foam inserts. This convenience factor is huge. I’ve washed mine twice on the gentle cycle, and it came out smelling fresh and looking decent, though you have to be very careful with drying (more on that in the maintenance section).

Cons Of The Lapcatz Nest Bed

Inconsistent Sizing and Flimsy Structure:The “Medium” I bought barely fits my 12-pound cat. If he stretches out, he’s falling out of it. The sizing charts are often generous, so you almost always need to size up. Furthermore, the structural integrity is lacking. The foam used in the walls is soft, not rigid. This means the “cave” entrance often droops shut. If your cat isn’t smart enough to use their nose to lift it up, they might just sit on top of it and never use the interior.
Not True Orthopedic Support:Do not confuse “soft” with “supportive.” This bed is filled with poly-fill (basically cotton batting), not memory foam. If you press your hand down in the center, you can feel the floor pretty easily. For a young, healthy cat, this is fine. But if you have a senior dog with arthritis or hip dysplasia, this bed will not provide the joint support they need. It cushions them, but it doesn’t support their skeleton.
The “Shedding” Phase:When I first opened the package, bits of the grey faux fur floated everywhere. It sheds slightly for the first week or so. It’s not balding, but you will find little tufts of grey fluff on your carpet or your pet’s tongue. A quick vacuum usually solves this, but it speaks to the lower-cost manufacturing quality compared to premium brands.

Maintenance Tips For The Lapcatz Nest Bed

The Tennis Ball Trick for Drying:Washing the bed is easy; drying it is where people ruin it. If you just throw it in the dryer on high heat, the synthetic faux fur will “melt” and become matted and rough, losing that silky softness your cat loves. You must tumble dry on air fluff or low heat. To keep the filling from clumping into a lumpy mess, throw three clean tennis balls (or dryer balls) into the drum with the bed. They will beat the bed as it spins, re-fluffing the poly-fill and ensuring it dries evenly.
Vacuum Before You Wash:Do not put this bed straight into your washer if it’s covered in hair. The long fibers of the shag fabric trap fur deep inside. Use a vacuum with a hand attachment (or a “ChomChom” roller) to vigorously remove loose hair first. If you don’t, you will end up with a washing machine filter clogged with wet cat hair, and the bed won’t get truly clean.
Reshaping is a Daily Ritual:Because the foam walls are soft, they will deform. To keep the “cave” open, I’ve found that I need to “reset” the bed every morning. I grab the loop at the top of the hood and give it a good shake, then use my hands to push the side walls out. If the roof is persistently sagging, you can insert a piece of stiff cardboard or a bent wire coat hanger (safely padded) into the lining to create a makeshift frame, though this requires some DIY sewing skills.

Comparison with Other Brands

Lapcatz vs. Best Friends by Sheri (The Original Donut)

Filling Quality: Best Friends by Sheri is the gold standard for this style of bed. Their “AirLoft” fibers hold their loft much longer than the generic filling in the Lapcatz. A Sheri bed stays poofy for a year; the Lapcatz tends to flatten out after a few months.
Design: The standard Sheri bed is an open donut, not a cave. If your cat specifically wants to hide under something, Lapcatz wins on design. If your cat just wants to curl up in something, Sheri wins on quality.
Price: Lapcatz is significantly cheaper, often half the price of the branded Best Friends by Sheri beds.

Lapcatz vs. Meowfia (The Wool Cave)

Material: Meowfia beds are made from 100% Merino wool, felted by hand. They are natural, breathable, and eco-friendly. Lapcatz is 100% synthetic polyester.
Durability: The Meowfia cave is rigid. It holds its shape perfectly and will last for years. It doesn’t collapse. However, it is not “squishy” or plush like the Lapcatz.
Maintenance: You cannot machine wash a Meowfia bed (it will shrink to doll size). You have to hand wash it. Lapcatz wins purely on the convenience of being machine washable.

Lapcatz vs. Generic “Donut Tunnel” Beds

The Viral Factor: You might be confusing the “Nest” with the viral “Donut Tunnel” (often sold by brands like Pawluza or generic sellers). The Tunnel bed is a large ring that cats can run inside.
Function: The Lapcatz Nest is for sleeping and hiding. The Tunnel bed is for play and zoomies. If your cat is active and bored, get the Tunnel. If your cat is anxious and sleepy, get the Lapcatz Nest. They serve completely different purposes, even if they use similar plush fabrics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are cat tunnel beds safe?

Generally, yes, cat tunnel beds are safe for adult cats. However, you should always inspect them for loose threads or dangling strings (often used to tie the tunnel closed), which can be a choking hazard if chewed and swallowed. For kittens or senior cats with mobility issues, ensure the tunnel doesn’t collapse in a way that traps them; most are made of soft, breathable felt or fabric that iseasy to escape.

What dog beds do vets recommend?

Veterinarians typically recommend orthopedic memory foam beds, especially for dogs over age seven or large breeds prone to hip dysplasia. Brands like Big Barker, BuddyRest, or Kuranda (elevated beds) are top picks because they prevent the dog’s joints from sinking to the hard floor. Soft, poly-fill beds (like the Lapcatz) are generally not recommended for dogs with joint pain as they offer insufficient support.

What is the highest rated dog bed?

For 2024/2025, the Casper Dog Bed and Big Barker Orthopedic Bed consistently hold the highest ratings for durability and orthopedic support. In the “calming/donut” category, Best Friends by Sheri remains the highest-rated option due to its superior filler quality and zipper-removable covers, which many cheaper alternatives lack.

Conclusion

So, is the Lapcatz Nest Bed worth the buy?

If you are looking for a cute, budget-friendly cozy spot for a nervous cat or a small dog who loves to burrow, yes, it is worth it. It provides immediate comfort and that “safety cave” feeling that so many pets crave. My cat Barnaby genuinely uses it every day. However, manage your expectations: it is a soft, unstructured item that will likely flatten over time and lacks the support of premium orthopedic beds. Treat it as a comforting “blanket fort” for your pet rather than a permanent piece of furniture, and you won’t be disappointed.