Cat Owners Agree This Popular Pet Item Is An Absolute Waste Of Money

If 100 cat owners gathered in a room solely to talk about their feline companions, chances are that most — if not all — would share similar stories. My cat loves to knead blankets or jump on the counter or knock things off of desks and tables or chase flies around the house. The list of common cat behaviors goes on and on. If asked what items they bought that their cats didn't use, many answers would likely still match. The question has surfaced on social media, and many cat owners agree that one item, in particular, is a waste of money: a cat bed.

It's hard to resist those cute cave beds shaped like mermaid tails, flowers, and pineapples. Other appealing choices include the ones with a cover that resemble a can of Campbell's soup and the beds designed to look like mini sofas. So, what do loving cat moms and dads do? They buy the beds, of course, with hopes that they'll become their cats' new favorite napping spots.

While some cats appreciate and use their new pet beds, many lose interest after the first day of exploring it, making the beds nothing but decorations. Still, there are ways to encourage your kitty to use its bed to ensure it never becomes a wasted purchase.

So, where do all these cats sleep that snub their new whimsical beds? An online search reveals dozens of hilarious bed fails that prove cats do what they want — and sleep where they want. One of the top preferred cat sleeping spots? You guessed it: cardboard boxes, including the ones that don't seem big enough to sleep in. Some cats also prefer to catch some Zs on a dresser, bookcase, or sunny windowsill. "Whenever I turn on the dryer, I can be assured that within 20 minutes she will be up there happily sleeping," one Reddit user shared in a conversation about wasted cat products. And, of course, couches and human beds also serve as prime locations. "Mine just thinks my bed is his bed. He takes up more room than I do," another Redditor said.

If you've already purchased a cute or fancy bed and have seen it go unused, don't give up. There may still be hope. Yes, some owners choose to return, resell, or donate their ignored cat beds, but you have other options that allow you to get your money's worth. Make the bed more inviting by adding some treats or a little catnip, or try luring your cat in with a toy. Adding a blanket that smells like you may also help.

Relocating the bed is another way to make it more likable. Place it in spots where your cat already likes to relax, assuming the bed will be secure and you don't mind cat hair in that area. You may need to shift the bed around every few days to determine which location your cat prefers. Be patient and have fun with the process, and hopefully in time, your kitty will warm up to the bed.