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Many of us rely on air mattresses for convenience. They’re the perfect solution for when you have guests staying over and don’t have a spare bed for them to sleep in. They’re also great for ensuring a good night’s sleep when camping or on the move.
However, if two things don’t naturally go well together, it is air mattresses and cats. Cats love digging their nails into all kinds of surfaces, your blow-up bed doesn’t go a miss. But the last thing you want when attempting to inflate your air mattress is that it has a hole in thanks to your kitty’s sharp claws. This is where a cat-proof air mattress comes in handy.
There are several cat-proof air mattresses on the market. These are essentially puncture-resistant air mattresses that are made from thicker and more durable material. In this article, I review the best six products to help you find the perfect air mattress for you.
Unfortunately, a truly unpoppable air mattress doesn’t exist – with enough force or when using a sharp object, even the strongest blow-up beds can be punctured. Therefore, I also share some top tips on how you can best protect your air mattress from cats.
My Top Pick
Active Era Air Mattress with Built-in Pump
Having rated and reviewed several products, the best cat-proof air mattress has the be the Active Era Air Mattress with Built-in Pump. It is made from 15-gauge PVC material which is extremely durable and puncture-resistant.
It also has a built-in pump for convenience and uses coil support for the ultimate good night’s sleep.
Best Cat-Proof Air Mattresses
Before I run through the comprehensive reviews to help you on your hunt for the best puncture-proof air mattress, here is an overview of the criteria I was looking for. For a puncture-proof air mattress to make its way onto this list, it has to have the following features:
- Durable Design: For an air mattress to be cat-proof, it needs to be made from a durable material that can withstand a few sharp kitty claw attacks. For example, a double flocked top and extra-thick PVC materials.
- Comfort: You or your guests will be sleeping on this bed, and so the best air mattress has to be comfortable. Coil construction is a must for correct spinal alignment, and integrated pillows won’t go a miss.
- Built-in Pump: Having a mattress with a built-in pump is super convenient. It allows you to easily inflate and deflate the mattress with ease whenever you need to. Plus, it makes it easier to adjust the firmness to your liking.
- Thickness: I prefer air mattresses that are double-height, similar to that of a normal bed. This makes the bed more comfortable even on uneven surfaces and helps to provide additional insulation.
So, now you know exactly what the perfect unpoppable air mattress looks like, let’s delve into our comprehensive reviews. With products suiting all purposes and budgets, there’s bound to be the perfect inflatable bed for you!
1. Active Era Air Mattress with Built-in Pump (Best All-Rounder)
The best cat-proof air bed has to be the Active Era Air Mattress with Built-in Pump. This has all the features we want to see in a cat-proof air mattress and gives this to us for a very affordable price. It is the perfect compromise between functionality and affordability.
For starters, this is a puncture-proof air mattress made from an extremely durable 15-gauge PVC material. This means it can withstand a few scratches and scrapes if your cat does get too close. Moreover, the bed has a dual flocked top. This added thickness again helps to protect your mattress from cats while making the bed more comfortable for the user.
This inflatable bed further helps to ensure ultimate comfort by relying on coil support. Overall, the double-height air bed has 34 air-coil columns to provide optimal support when sleeping. There is also an integrated 3” pillow to provide neck support and improve your sleeping posture. Besides, this is extremely useful when traveling as it removes the need to carry around additional pillows.
Lastly, this puncture-resistant air mattress has a built-in pump. Simply turn the inflation pump on and the mattress will reach its full firmness within 3 minutes. To deflate, you merely switch the pump to deflate mode and it will automatically deflate itself. For when you’re not near a power supply, the bed also has a valve so you can inflate the mattress manually.
Pros
- Made from durable 15-gauge PVC material
- Double flocked top for protection and comfort
- Total of 34 air-coil support columns
- Integrated 3” support pillow
- Built-in inflation and deflation pump
- Valve for manual inflation when traveling
- Double height mattress for improved comfort
- Affordable price for all the above features
Cons
- Needs extra inflation around every 2 nights
2. SereneLife Raised Self Mattress with Built-in Pump (Best for Everyday Use)
Next up is the SereneLife Raised Self Mattress with Built-in Pump. Like my first recommendation, this air mattress is also made from a sturdy and durable 0.02” thick PVC material. It also features a flocked top for enhanced durability while helping to keep the sheets in place. Moreover, this product comes with a repair patch kit if your cat does manage to do some damage.
This is an incredible option for anyone who will be using their air mattress for everyday use. This is because of its intelligent dual pump. The first pump is a regular built-in pump that you can use to inflate and deflate the mattress within seconds. It only takes 3 minutes and the air mattress will be inflated to its firmest.
The second pump then continually monitors the air pressure and automatically inflates the airbed when the pressure drops too low. This means you’ll never wake up on a deflated bed again, even if sleeping on it for nights on end! The automatic inflation is also ultra-quiet as to never disturb you as you sleep.
You’ll always have a comfortable night’s sleep on this inflatable bed, too. It uses enhanced coil technology to ensure you are properly supported throughout the night and prevent the mattress from sinking. Being double height, it also provides more comfort and makes it easier to get in and out of bed without it becoming a struggle.
Pros
- Made from enhanced durable 0.02” thick PVC material
- Comes with a puncture repair kit
- Has a double flocked top for comfort and durability
- Fully inflates within 3 minutes
- Monitors air pressure and automatically inflates accordingly
- Ultra-quiet automatic inflation
- Relies on coil technology for support
- Double height and easy to get in and out of
Cons
- One of the more expensive products
3. King Koil Air Mattress with Built-in Pump (Best for Optimal Support & Alignment)
For anyone worried that sleeping on an air bed will be uncomfortable and bad for their back, think again. The King Koil Air Mattress with Built-in Pump is endorsed by the International Chiropractors Association (ICA) and promotes proper spinal alignment as you sleep for ultimate comfort.
The way this mattress does this is through its enhanced coil technology. These give the right amount of cushioning so that the air mattress feels just like a real bed, but with enough support to ensure your spine is aligned correctly. These coils also help the mattress to retain its shape over time so it lasts longer. Plus, there’s a comfortable integrated pillow for even better support.
In terms of puncture resistance, this product also scores well. It is made from durable PVC material combined with a soft flocked top and sides that make it resistant to scratches and abrasion. As such, it is a great air mattress that can withstand a few cat attacks!
Moreover, I love the built-in pump which rapidly inflates the mattress within 2 minutes. Being built-in, it is also easier to adjust the firmness and top up the mattress with ease when needed. However, you likely won’t ever need to as the mattress is leak-proof and air escaping won’t be a problem.
Pros
- Made from durable PVC material
- Fully flocked on the top and sides
- Comes with a puncture repair kit
- One year guarantee offered
- Endorsed by the ICA
- Built-in pump that inflates within 2 minutes
- Enhanced coil technology for ultimate comfort
- Integrated support pillow
Cons
- More expensive than other products
4. Intex Dura-Beam Inflatable Air Mattress (Best Budget Buy)
For anyone on a budget, the Intex Dura-Beam Inflatable Air Mattress is worth a look at. With all of the must-have features at a very affordable price, this is a great option for anyone not relying on their air mattress regularly but that is still seeking a quality product.
It is again made from a durable material designed to last. The top of the mattress is covered in a soft velvety layer. This helps to protect the bed from your cat’s claws while providing an even softer sleeping surface to enhance comfort. Plus, it means your sheets won’t slide around in the night.
Unlike the other air mattress on this list, this product is made using Intex’s patented Fiber-Tech Interior Construction. Rather than relying on coil support, the mattress has physical fibers stretching between the two sides. This use of innovative technology promises an even more comfortable night’s sleep for the user. Its 20” height also means it is easy to climb in and out of.
This is another product with a built-in pump for added convenience and you’ll never need to spend ages searching for the pump again! The bed easily inflates and deflates within 3 and a half minutes. You’ll additionally find an optional manual pump valve for when you aren’t near an electricity supply.
Pros
- Made from durable material designed to last
- Soft velvety top layer for comfort and protection
- Uses Intex’s innovative Fiber-Tech technology
- 20” high so easy to climb in and out of bed
- Built-in pump for added convenience
- Can be inflated in 3 and a half minutes
- Optional manual pump valve
Cons
- Bigger focus on comfort than durability
5. Englander Luxury Double High Inflatable Bed (Best Luxury Air Mattress)
Finally, I have the Englander Luxury Double High Inflatable Bed. As the name suggests, this is a great option for anyone looking to spend a little more to get their hands on a high-end product.
For starters, this is one of the fastest inflating beds on the market. Despite being double height and measuring 20” tall, the mattress can be inflated in as quickly as 90 seconds. This is all done with the push of a button thanks to the powerful built-in pump, with 10% higher airflow than other brands. Deflation is just as quick, making it easy to pack the air mattress away within a few minutes.
This product also relies on premium construction materials and has a full microfiber exterior. This means that the bed is 20% more puncture resistant and 20% more abrasion resistant than standard air beds. If this isn’t enough to withstand your kitty’s claws, then nothing will be!
The microfiber coating is additionally thermo-regulating. This drastically improves the quality of your sleep as you’ll never wake up too hot or too cold again. It is also waterproof so ideal for camping and makes for easy cleaning. Plus, this coating is super soft for added comfort and significantly lighter than suede flocked beds, further enhancing portability.
I also love the comfort aspect of this bed. It hits the balance between quilting comfort and spinal support perfectly with its coil construction for a solid night’s sleep. The mattress holds its air throughout the night as well, so you won’t end up sinking towards the floor. As a double-height air mattress, comfort is further improved while making it easier to get in and out of bed.
Pros
- 20% more puncture resistant than other air beds
- Made from premium materials with a microfiber coating
- Thermo-regulatory material for a good night’s sleep
- Inflates in as little as 90 seconds
- Built-in pump for convenient inflation and deflation
- Coil construction for optimal support
- Double height for comfort and ease
Cons
- More expensive than other products
Cat-Proof Air Mattress Buying Guide
Now you know the best pet-proof air mattresses on the market, it’s time to choose one to purchase. However, the perfect air mattress for me might not be the perfect air mattress for you! Therefore, I have listed all the considerations that you need to think about below. This should help you answer the questions needed to source a product suited to your exact needs.
Durable Material
As a cat owner, the air bed you choose needs to be made from durable material – no exceptions! The thicker and more puncture-resistant the material, the less chance your cat will manage to accidentally poke a hole in the air bed. No air bed is 100% unpoppable, but high-quality products such as the ones on this list do exist and are your best options.
It is also worth considering the material that lines the top of the blow-up mattress. This is where most cats will end up making a hole as they jump onto the surface. Therefore, opt for one with a thick flocked surface for better protection. Some mattresses are flocked over their entire surface which helps to make the mattress even more cat-proof.
Type of Pump
In almost all cases, you will want to find an air mattress with a built-in pump. This is so much more convenient and means you can inflate and deflate the mattress with ease. However, there are a few alternatives worth mentioning.
The first is a dual pump. This continually monitors the air pressure inside the mattress and automatically inflates it with more air if it drops too low. If you are using the mattress often or will be sleeping on it for extended periods, this is worth paying for. On the other hand, a rechargeable external pump is better for anyone intending to use to air mattress for traveling and camping.
Height of the Bed
The height of the air mattress is also crucial. In almost all cases, a double-height mattress of around 20” is preferable. It means the bed is easier to climb in and out of and is a necessity for elderly people who struggle to bend down to the floor. Taller air mattresses also have more cushioning and feel more like a normal bad does to sleep on.
On the other hand, anyone who will be using the mattress for traveling and camping may prefer a single-height mattress. It will fit more easily inside tents and motor homes when inflated and folds down to a smaller size when deflated which makes it more easily portable. With less material, they’re also lighter to carry.
Comfort Level
Any air mattress you purchase needs to be comfortable. For the highest level of comfort, make sure the blow-up bed has an internal support structure. The majority will use enhanced coil technology, but Intex’s Fiber-Tech technology is another suitable option. This helps the mattress to correctly move under your weight to help align your spine.
Other factors can also contribute to a more comfortable night’s sleep. A flocked top is softer to lie on and ensure the sheet doesn’t slip around or bunch up which can be uncomfortable. Integrated pillows can further help with comfort and remove the need to source cushions. Finally, the microfiber coating my last recommendation has helps with thermoregulation. Which of these features you value is down to personal preference.
Price
Finally, the price has to be considered when buying a puncture-proof air mattress. Unfortunately, durable and comfortable high-quality air mattresses don’t come cheap. However, these products are designed to last longer which makes up for the additional costs.
There are cheaper options available, such as my 5th recommendation which still performs well. This is a great option for people on a budget or who won’t be using the air mattress often. Conversely, luxury products are on the market if you can afford to pay more. I’d highly recommend buying the most expensive product you can for the best night’s sleep and most long-lasting mattress.
How to Protect Air Mattresses From Cats?
In truth, even the most durable and high-quality air mattress you purchase can indeed be pierced if something sharp hits its surface with a lot of pressure. Therefore, it is worth implementing a few other methods to help keep your mattress fully functional.
After all, you don’t want to splash out on a high-quality inflatable bed for it to get broken by your cat!
There are a few different ideas you can implement, but here are my top tips:
- Trim your cat’s nails: If you keep your cat’s nails short and trimmed, they shouldn’t be sharp enough to pop a high-quality air mattress. A scratching post can also help to keep their nails filed down.
- Purchase a mattress topper: You can purchase thick and high-quality mattress toppers which wrap around the air bed. This provides an extra layer of protection while making the mattress more comfortable for you to sleep on.
- Store the air mattress correctly: Whenever the air mattress is not in use, ensure you deflate it and store it out of reach. Most mattresses can be inflated and deflated in a few minutes, so it is worth taking this time to put them away when necessary.
FAQs
Q: How do cats damage air beds?
A: Cats damage air beds accidentally by puncturing them with their sharp claws. They may do this simply by walking on the mattress, making biscuits on the bed, or scratching at the sides.
Q: Does a cat-proof air mattress actually work?
A: Yes – Some air mattresses really are cat-proof thanks to the high quality and durable materials they are made from, making this nearly impossible to puncture. However, an unpoppable mattress doesn’t exist so be aware they may not last forever.
Q: Should I buy an air mattress protective cover?
A: An air mattress protective cover can provide an extra layer of protection from your cat. For the best protection, ensure it is the right size for your air bed and that it covers all of the sides.
Q: What is the best cat-proof air mattress?
A: In my opinion, the best air mattress is the Active Era Air Mattress with Built-in Pump, which has a load of incredible features for a great price. However, all the recommendations on this page are great options too.
Q: Can I cat-proof an air mattress I already own?
A: Yes – You can cat-proof an air mattress you already own by investing in a quality air mattress topper. This acts as an extra layer between your cat’s claws and the surface of the bed. However, the best solution is to buy a puncture-proof air mattress and place a protective topper on it as well.
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
As you can see, there are so many great options when looking for a puncture-proof air mattress. This makes it difficult to choose the best! I suggest you consult my buying guide to help you determine which features are non-negotiable for you and which are at the bottom of your priority list.
Getting a good puncture-resistant air mattress is a worthwhile investment. They’re super convenient if you have guests staying over or are traveling. By opting for a durable design, you’ll never find your mattress deflating through the night again! Besides, these products are all super comfortable to guarantee you have a great night’s sleep.
Susan W says
I’m impressed! I didn’t know there were such things as cat-proof air mattresses. I’m on my 3rd air mattress and have to keep fixing them. And I’m currently having to sleep on my love seat! Again! But MrBossCat’s article has given me hope that I might actually sleep with my two cats on an a comfy and reliable air mattress again. Thanks!
Kay Hinson says
What is your recommendation for cat proofing an air mattress with a Cover protector.