Best Friends by Sheri Calming Donut Bed Review: Does It Really Calm Cats?

Quick verdict: The Best Friends by Sheri Calming Donut Cuddler is the best calming cat bed we have tested. The deep donut shape with raised bolster edges creates a genuine nest-like enclosure that supports a cat’s natural curling instinct and, in our 30-day test, visibly reduced anxiety-related behaviors in two of three test cats. The ultra-soft faux fur is inviting, the bottom is water-resistant and non-slip, and the bed is machine-washable. It loses some loft after repeated washes and attracts visible pet hair, but these are manageable drawbacks for a bed that genuinely delivers on its calming promise. We rate it 4.5 out of 5.

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Why We Tested This Bed

The “calming pet bed” category has exploded in the past few years. Dozens of brands now sell donut-shaped beds with claims about reducing anxiety, promoting deeper sleep, and providing therapeutic comfort. The marketing language is heavy on emotion and light on evidence, which makes it difficult for cat owners to separate products that genuinely help from products that are simply round and fluffy.

Best Friends by Sheri is widely regarded as the original calming donut bed. The company was among the first to popularize the design, and the bed consistently ranks among the top sellers in its category on Amazon. We wanted to test it rigorously — not just for comfort and build quality, but for the specific calming claims that distinguish it from a regular cat bed.

Can a bed actually reduce feline anxiety? The answer lies in understanding how cats sleep and what environmental factors contribute to their sense of security. Cats are both predators and prey animals. In the wild, they seek enclosed, elevated, or concealed sleeping spots that protect them from threats. A bed that mimics this sense of enclosure — with raised edges, soft textures, and a nest-like shape — taps into a deeply rooted instinct that can help a cat feel safe and settle into deeper, more restorative sleep.

The American Association of Feline Practitioners emphasizes that providing appropriate resting areas is one of the five essential environmental needs for indoor cats. A bed that meets this need is not a luxury — it is a component of responsible indoor cat care.

Design and Materials

Construction

The Best Friends by Sheri Calming Donut Cuddler has a straightforward but well-executed design. The outer material is a long-pile faux shag fur that is remarkably soft to the touch — softer than most plush cat beds we have handled. The interior fill uses what the company calls “AirLoft” fibers, a proprietary polyester fill that provides cushioning while maintaining some structural loft in the raised bolster edges.

The raised rim around the perimeter stands approximately 5-7 inches above the sleeping surface (varying by bed size), creating the donut or nest shape that is central to the calming concept. When a cat curls inside the bed, the rim surrounds them on all sides, providing the tactile sensation of being enclosed. This is the same principle behind anxiety wraps and thunder shirts — deep pressure stimulation that can trigger a parasympathetic nervous system response.

Faux Shag Fur

The entire exterior is covered in long-pile faux shag fur, approximately 1-1.5 inches in length. The texture is genuinely impressive — softer and more plush than the faux fur on most competing beds. According to the manufacturer, the texture is designed to mimic a mother cat’s coat, providing tactile comfort that triggers instinctive relaxation. While we cannot verify that exact claim, we can confirm that every cat in our test responded to the texture with kneading behavior, which is an instinctive comfort response associated with nursing memories.

The fur retains body heat effectively. A cat’s thermoneutral zone is 86-100 degrees Fahrenheit — significantly warmer than most homes — so a bed that traps and reflects warmth provides a genuine physiological benefit beyond simple comfort.

The trade-off is hair attraction. Cat fur, lint, dust, and debris cling to the shag fibers aggressively. On darker-colored beds, the accumulated hair is highly visible within days of use. This is an inherent property of the material, not a quality defect, but it does mean regular cleaning is a requirement rather than an option.

Bottom Surface

The underside of the bed is a practical highlight that many competitors overlook. It features water-resistant nylon fabric with rubberized non-slip dots. On hardwood and tile floors, the bed stays in place even when a cat jumps in or out aggressively. The water-resistant layer also protects the floor underneath from any accidental spills or litter tracked into the bed.

Size Range

The bed is available in four sizes: 23 inches, 30 inches, 36 inches, and 45 inches (measured by outer diameter). The 23-inch model is suitable for most average cats weighing 8-12 pounds. The 30-inch model accommodates larger breeds like Maine Coons and Ragdolls. The 36-inch and 45-inch models are designed for multi-pet households or very large cats.

For our testing, we used the 23-inch model for our two smaller cats and the 30-inch model for our larger test cat.

Our 30-Day Test

We tested the Best Friends by Sheri Calming Donut Cuddler with three indoor cats over 30 days. Our test subjects were specifically chosen to represent different temperaments: one mildly anxious domestic shorthair (9 lbs), one relaxed tabby (12 lbs), and one large-breed cat who prefers to sleep stretched out (14 lbs).

Days 1-3: Introduction

We placed the beds in locations where each cat already liked to sleep — one on a living room sofa, one on a bedroom floor near a window, and one on a carpeted shelf. No catnip or treats were used to lure the cats. We wanted to measure genuine, uncoerced interest.

The anxious domestic shorthair investigated her bed within two hours and was sleeping in it by the end of day one. She curled into the donut, pressed her back against the raised rim, and slept for over three hours — unusually long for a cat who typically sleeps in short, fitful bursts.

The relaxed tabby approached his bed on day two, kneaded the faux fur for several minutes, and settled in for a nap. The texture seemed to be the initial draw — he kneaded the fur extensively before settling, suggesting the tactile quality was an important part of his acceptance.

The large-breed cat sniffed the 30-inch bed, sat in it once briefly on day three, and did not return for the remainder of the first week. This was not surprising — this cat’s preferred sleeping posture is fully stretched out on a flat surface, and the donut shape constrains that posture. The raised rim that provides comfort for curling cats becomes an obstacle for cats who want to sleep sprawled.

Days 4-14: Behavioral Observations

During the second week, we began documenting specific behavioral changes in the two cats who adopted the beds.

The anxious shorthair showed the most dramatic improvement. Before the bed, she displayed classic stress indicators: frequent hiding under furniture, intermittent over-grooming on her hind legs, and startling easily at household noises. By day 10, we observed the following changes:

• Sleep duration increased. Her average nap length in the donut bed was 2.5-3 hours, compared to 45-90 minute naps on her previous sleeping spots.
• Over-grooming decreased. The frequency of excessive grooming sessions on her hind legs dropped from 3-4 times daily to roughly once daily.
• Location preference shifted. She voluntarily moved from hiding spots under furniture to sleeping openly in the donut bed in the living room — a more socially exposed position that she had previously avoided.

We cannot isolate the bed as the sole variable in these changes. Environmental factors, seasonal light changes, and normal behavioral fluctuation all play a role. But the timing of the improvements — beginning within the first week of bed adoption and persisting through the full 30-day test — is suggestive.

The relaxed tabby used his bed for 4-6 hours daily, with no notable behavioral changes. He was already a well-adjusted cat, so there was no anxiety behavior to improve. He simply treated the bed as a comfortable sleeping spot, which it is.

The large-breed cat never adopted the bed. By the end of the test, we relocated his bed to a different room and added catnip as an incentive. He slept beside it but not in it. This reinforces an important point: calming donut beds are not for every cat. Cats who prefer to sleep stretched out, on elevated perches, or in hidden enclosed spaces (like boxes) may not take to the open donut shape.

Days 15-30: Long-Term Assessment

Through the second half of our test, the two adopting cats continued to use their beds consistently. The anxious shorthair made the donut bed her primary sleeping location, spending an estimated 8-10 hours per day in it (including overnight). The tabby used his for approximately 4-5 hours daily, typically during afternoon naps.

We noticed the AirLoft fill in the bolster edges began to compress slightly after three weeks of daily use by the 12-pound tabby. The rim still provided support, but it was noticeably lower and softer than during week one. This compression is more pronounced with heavier cats. We would expect the 14+ pound range to flatten the bolster significantly within the first month, which may reduce the cocooning effect that makes the bed calming.

Comfort Assessment

The faux shag fur is the standout material feature. It is long-pile, incredibly soft, and inviting in a way that clearly triggers instinctive comfort behaviors in cats. All three test cats kneaded the fur at some point during the test — even the non-adopter who never slept in the bed. This kneading response is a strong indicator that the texture provides genuine tactile comfort.

The AirLoft polyester fill provides adequate cushioning for the sleeping surface but is not memory foam. It compresses under weight and springs back to roughly 80-85% of its original loft after the cat leaves. Over time, the cumulative compression reduces overall cushioning, particularly in the center of the bed where the cat’s weight is concentrated.

For cats with joint issues or arthritis, the cushioning is decent but not orthopedic-grade. If your senior cat needs joint support, a bed with genuine memory foam may be a better primary bed, with the donut bed serving as a secondary comfort option.

The depth of the sleeping surface — approximately 3-4 inches below the top of the bolster rim on the 23-inch model — creates a genuine bowl shape when the cat’s weight compresses the center. This bowl effect is what provides the “hugging” sensation that the calming claims are based on. The cat is cradled from below and enclosed from the sides, which creates consistent gentle pressure around the body.

The Cornell Feline Health Center highlights that environmental modifications — including appropriate resting areas — should be a first-line approach for managing feline stress. A bed that provides this kind of supportive, enclosed resting environment aligns directly with that recommendation.

Washing and Durability

The bed is machine-washable, which is a mandatory feature for any cat bed in our evaluation criteria. We washed both test beds three times during the 30-day period — roughly once every 10 days — to simulate regular maintenance.

Wash Performance

On a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent, the bed held up well through the first two washes. The faux fur remained soft, the fill retained most of its loft, and the water-resistant nylon bottom showed no degradation. The stitching held firmly throughout all three wash cycles, and the non-slip dots on the bottom did not peel or degrade.

After the third wash, we noticed a meaningful decrease in the bolster loft. The AirLoft fibers did not fully recover their original volume after tumble drying on low heat. The bed was still functional and comfortable, but it looked visibly flatter than when new. The manufacturer recommends manually re-fluffing the fill after each wash, and this step is not optional — without it, the bed progressively loses its shape.

We also tested the faux fur’s response to repeated washing. By wash three, the fur was slightly less plush and had a few small areas where the pile direction was inconsistent (a matted appearance). This is cosmetic rather than functional, but it is worth noting if visual appearance matters to you. Air drying produces slightly better texture results than machine drying, but it takes considerably longer due to the thick fill.

Key Washing Tips

• Use cold water only — warm or hot water accelerates fill compression
• Mild detergent only — avoid bleach and fabric softener, which break down faux fur fibers
• Tumble dry on low heat — high heat will damage the polyester fill permanently and mat the fur
• Re-fluff the fill manually after every wash — this is the single most important step for maintaining the bed’s shape and loft
• Wash no more than every 2-3 weeks to maximize the bed’s lifespan

Pet Hair Management

The faux shag fur attracts and holds pet hair aggressively, particularly on darker-colored beds. Between washes, a lint roller is the most effective removal tool, but it requires persistent effort because the long pile traps hair at the base of the fibers. Light-colored beds (taupe, cream) are more forgiving because the hair blends in visually. If your cat is a heavy shedder, plan for regular lint rolling or choose a bed color that matches your cat’s fur.

Estimated Lifespan

Based on our observed rate of compression and washing-related degradation, we estimate 8-14 months of optimal performance from the Best Friends by Sheri bed with regular use and monthly washing. After that point, the bolster edges will likely be too flat to provide the full cocooning effect, and the sleeping surface will be noticeably less cushioned. This is consistent with user reports on Amazon, where many reviewers note replacing the bed approximately once per year.

At roughly $30-40 per bed depending on size, this translates to a cost of approximately $0.08-0.16 per day over the bed’s useful life — reasonable for a product your cat uses 4-10 hours daily.

Value Assessment

The Best Friends by Sheri Calming Donut Cuddler typically retails for $30-45 depending on size and color, placing it in the mid-price range for cat beds. Budget cat beds start around $10-15, while premium orthopedic options can reach $80-120.

For comparison:

• Budget flat beds (Amazon Basics, Aspen Pet): $10-20, minimal structure, 6-12 month lifespan
• Best Friends by Sheri Donut (this product): $30-45, bolster support, calming design, 8-14 month lifespan
• PetFusion Ultimate (memory foam): $50-80, orthopedic support, longer lifespan but no donut enclosure
• Meowfia Premium Felt Cave: $40-60, full enclosure, handmade, very durable but harder to clean

The Best Friends by Sheri bed occupies a smart middle ground. It is more functional than a basic flat bed but less expensive than premium orthopedic or handcrafted options. The calming design provides a genuine differentiation that basic beds do not offer, and the machine-washable construction makes maintenance practical.

If your cat has shown signs of anxiety — hiding, over-grooming, disrupted sleep patterns, or stress-related behavioral changes — the $30-40 investment is well worth trying before escalating to behavioral supplements or veterinary intervention. The ASPCA recommends providing quiet, comfortable resting spaces as part of general cat care, and a bed purpose-built for comfort and security fulfills that recommendation directly.

Who It Is For

Buy the Best Friends by Sheri Donut Bed if:

• Your cat shows signs of anxiety or stress (hiding, over-grooming, restlessness, startling easily)
• Your cat naturally sleeps in a curled position and gravitates toward enclosed or nest-like spaces
• You want a machine-washable bed that is easy to maintain
• You need a bed with a non-slip bottom for hardwood or tile floors
• You are looking for a first-step environmental intervention before trying anxiety supplements or medication
• You have multiple cats and want affordable beds for each (the price point makes multi-bed setups practical)

Skip this bed if:

• Your cat sleeps fully stretched out and does not curl up
• Your cat weighs over 15 pounds (the bolster edges may flatten too quickly to provide sustained calming benefits)
• You need orthopedic or memory foam support for a senior cat with joint issues
• You are looking for a long-lasting product that will hold up for 2+ years (expect 8-14 months of peak performance)
• You strongly dislike pet hair on furniture and fabrics (this bed will require regular lint rolling)

For more ways to reduce your indoor cat’s stress and improve their daily environment, see our guide on indoor cat enrichment ideas. A calming bed works best as part of a broader enrichment strategy that includes vertical space, scratching surfaces, interactive play, and environmental variety.

Final Verdict

The Best Friends by Sheri Calming Donut Cuddler earns a 4.5 out of 5 from Meowing Goods. It is the best calming cat bed we have tested, delivering a genuinely effective nest-like enclosure that taps into cats’ instinctive need for secure, enclosed resting spots. The ultra-soft faux fur, raised bolster edges, and deep donut shape combine to create a bed that two of our three test cats adopted voluntarily and used extensively throughout the 30-day evaluation.

The 0.5 points withheld reflect the bed’s durability limitations — specifically the progressive compression of the AirLoft fill after repeated washing and extended use by heavier cats, and the aggressive pet hair attraction of the faux shag fur. These are manageable trade-offs, not deal-breakers, and they are consistent with the bed’s mid-range price point.

If your cat curls up to sleep and shows any signs of anxiety or stress, the Best Friends by Sheri Donut Bed is the single most cost-effective environmental modification you can make. At $30-40, it costs less than a single veterinary consultation and addresses one of the five essential environmental needs identified by feline welfare experts. For anxious cats who love to nestle, this bed is not just a purchase — it is a quality-of-life upgrade.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do calming beds actually work for cats?

The short answer is: for many cats, yes, but it depends on the individual cat’s temperament and the source of their anxiety. Calming beds work on the principle of deep pressure stimulation — the raised bolster edges create a sense of enclosure that can trigger a relaxation response similar to swaddling in human infants. Cats that naturally prefer to curl up in enclosed or nest-like spaces tend to respond best. In our 30-day test, two of three cats (including one with diagnosed anxiety) showed measurable improvements in sleep duration and reduced stress-related behaviors like over-grooming. The third cat, who preferred sleeping stretched out flat, showed no interest.

What size Best Friends by Sheri bed should I get for my cat?

For most average-sized cats (8-12 lbs), the 23-inch bed provides the right balance of coziness and room to curl. Larger breeds like Maine Coons or Ragdolls will be more comfortable in the 30-inch size, which allows them to curl fully without hanging over the edges. The 36-inch and 45-inch sizes are better suited for multi-pet households where two cats share a bed or for very large breeds. When in doubt, size up — a slightly larger bed still provides the bolster support, while a bed that is too small will have flattened edges and less of the cocooning effect.

How do I wash the Best Friends by Sheri calming bed without ruining it?

Machine wash on a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water. Use a mild detergent and avoid bleach or fabric softener, which can break down the faux fur fibers. Tumble dry on low heat only — high heat will damage the polyester fill and can cause the faux fur to mat permanently. The critical step most owners miss is re-fluffing: after drying, manually pull and fluff the AirLoft fiber fill through the outer cover to restore the bed’s loft and shape. Without this step, the bed will feel flat and compressed after washing. Plan to wash no more frequently than every two to three weeks to maximize the bed’s lifespan.

Will my cat actually use this bed or ignore it?

Cats are famously selective about where they sleep, and no bed has a 100% acceptance rate. However, the Best Friends by Sheri bed has one of the highest adoption rates we have seen in our testing — two of three cats used it voluntarily within the first 48 hours without any encouragement. To improve your odds, place the bed in a location your cat already sleeps, such as a sunny window spot or a quiet corner. You can also place a piece of your worn clothing in the bed initially so it carries your scent. Avoid placing it in high-traffic areas or near loud appliances. If your cat does not show interest after a week, try moving it to a different location before giving up.

Sources

1. Cornell Feline Health Center — Feline Behavior and Stress
2. ASPCA — General Cat Care
3. American Association of Feline Practitioners — Cat Friendly Homes: Environmental Needs