Cat-proof Air Mattress [September 2024 Update] – Choose New or Protect the One You Own
We have good and bad news in this update to the guide to choosing a cat-proof air mattress.
- The good news is that a new arrival had topped the numbers in most “cat-proofness” catgeories.
- The bad news is that some of the runner-ups that were a viable option are not being made any more.
In other words – we have one clear winner.
But let’s take a step back…
If you are a fellow cat owner, you know that their claws can cause damage to almost any surface, but with air mattresses, they cut through the vinyl like a hot knife through butter.
We’ll be going over the options of cat-proofing the air mattress you already own or choosing a cat-proof one to begin with.
Last updated: September 2024
Choosing a cat-proof air mattress – out tips and top picks
- Look for a bed that’s made of thicker materials and designed to withstand this kind of “abuse.”
- Make sure the top is protected – in a vast majority of cases, the cat punctures the bed the moment they try to jump on it. That’s why getting an airbed with some kind of top (pillow top of memory foam top) is what makes the most difference for cat-owners.
- If you are looking for a camping model that would be resistant to cat claws, chose an inflatable that’s not made of vinyl (PVC) but TPU fabric.
- Finally, resistance to cat claws is no the same thing as general resistance to punctures – we have a separate guide on puncture-proof air mattresses here.
These are the Top 3 cat-proof air mattresses:
| | & capacity | & quick links |
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 Simply Sleeper | | |
What makes the BeyondHome resistant to cats?
BeyondHOME Odorless. Is it really free of any smell. Not really.
But the reasoning behind the name also explains the resistance to cat claws.
The material used to make it is not vinyl but TPU. Looking at the trends of claw-resistance, the TPU will likely be the dominant force. It’s what we’re seeing in this update.
- It’ not regular vinyl – it’s made multi-layered TPU, which not only makes it resistant to claws but other sharp edges around your house, too. It also makes this bed more firm and stable and a good choice for people with back pain problems.
- It pairs well toppers , which makes it easier to clean (this is a biggy) – cat-owners will know what we’re talking about.
- It’s covered by a 1-Year warranty, so even if somehow your cat does get to it (which can happen if you’re using it without the topper) you can always replace it.
- The fabric smells much less than regular vinyl – they advertise it as “odorless” which is never the case with airbeds. In reality, you will see some initial smell, but much less than you would with similar beds.
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Bottom line – the traditional approach to making a bed more resistant is to use thicker vinyl. That’s not the case here and that is a good thing.
Two honorary mentions – runner-ups that are now discontinued – Fox and SimplySleeper
What made the Fox Airbed catproof?
- The material used to make Fox airbeds is almost 50% thicker than the industry standard (0.6 vs. 0.4 mm). The resistance was different to the current top pick (the BeyondHome) and relied and heft.In these terms, it used to be a uniquely tough, cat-claw-resistant vinyl. That’s why we regret not seeing in the market anymore and leaving it in as honorary mention. Honestly, i hope it comes back.
- Combine the thicker PVC with the fact that Fox Premium used to feature a memory foam topper (image below) specifically designed to cover the whole top surface and you got yourself a truly claw-resistant bed. It did cost more, though.
For complete proofing combine any bed with a side skirt. We recommend the Elastic Bed Wrap Ruffle Bed Skirt.
The added cost is about the cost of one McDonald’s meal and adds an extra layer of protection.
You can see what owners are saying about this Fox by following the link below.
3rd top pick among cat-claw-resistant airbeds – the Simply Sleeper SS-58RF
We are listing this bed to offer a more budget-friendly solution. However, the basic model doesn’t include any type of protection for the top.
What would make the SS-58RF completely protected from cat claws is adding some kind of topper is simply using a blanket over it.
- Similarly to the Bamboo, material used to make the Simply Sleeper SS-58RF is not just any ole’ vinyl – its triple-layered, stretch and water-resistant vinyl with a fabric finish
- The finish makes all the difference – the last of the three layers doesn’t feel like vinyl but more like synthetic fabric (think backpacks), so the cat claws can’t rip into it liked they would into a smooth surface of regular vinyl.
Simply Globo made this model more cat-resistant by “accident”
The SS-58Rf prides itself in being water resistant and that’s the feature it is designed around.
We don’t believe they were thinking about cats when making it but luckily for us; to make it water resistant they had to “wrap” it in an extra layer of fabric. That added layer happens be to be much less prone to damage from small sharp objects.
Again – pair the bed with a topper
It doesn’t matter if they wanted to make the air bed cat proof, we’d take whatever we can get, if they still made it.
Food for thought – The SS-58RF did not have any added protection for the top or the sides. You will need a pad to protect the top, we recommend to combine it with a pad and skirt for complete cat-proofing. You can see the our picks among best mattress toppers and pads here.
Cat-proofing an airbed you already own
Below are our recommendations, depending on how high the models are.
Our recommendation here is the Hanna Kay, Clyne collection. It’s by far the top-rated pad in user reviews and, compared to the competition, the price is a steal.
- The warranty is a hard-to-understand 10 years, nothing quite like it in the industry.
- Machine washable – so, if you do combine this pad with pretty much any inflatable bed, chances are you’ll end up pad-mattress combo that’s just as resistant to claws as the airbeds we listed above.
- Remember, this pad is only an option if your inflatable mattress is up to 10 inches thick and Queen size.
If this is your situation, our recommendation
is the Hanna Kay Clyne collection pad.
At the current price, it’s a steal.
In this scenario, you’ll need a fitted pad and an elastic bed skirt.
Our recommended pad/skirt combo here is the Elastic Bed Wrap Ruffle Bed Skirt + the mentioned Hanna Kay pad.
If you don’t already own an airbed, combine the two with an inexpensive model that’s still well-made like the Intex Comfort Durabeam.
In conclusion
We believe that we’ve covered everything you need to know to get an inflatable bed that will stand its ground against a cat, whether you are just getting one or you own an airbed and want to protect it from those cute, yet razor sharp, claws.
If you have any additional questions, just drop us a line in the comments, we’ll respond within a day and do our best to help.
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