Rescue cat refusing all comforts

[Cleanmean]

We've had our rescue 4 months now, he's less jumpy but still quiet and taking his time with us. He comes for head bumps now and let's us stroke him. He sleeps in the floor, I've bought him a radiator bed as he loves heart, I've bought him a cave bed for night-time, I've bought him a donut bed. I'd love to see him lying in comfort and enjoying the softness but he's not interested. He loves lying in my bed when I'm there so he likes soft things. Is there any way I can encourage him to use the expensive and lovely beds I've got him? I've tried putting treats in the bed but he grabs the treat then jumps out. Dh has banned me from buying anything else for him. I'd love to see him curled up in any one of the beautiful comfy beds I've bought him. Hate seeing him on the cold hard floor every day. Any tips?

Forgot to mention the cat is also very fond of a nap in DH’s sock and pant drawer.
They are contrary little creatures.

I gave up on cat beds years ago. I've also given up on scratching posts. The carpet is superior and apparently there's nothing I can do about it.

One of mine likes to sleep on or under my bed, she's a sun seeker so will find the warmest spot. The other likes damp bath mats, cold bedding and looking uncomfortable.

Oh yes, wardrobe cubbies and pants/socks boxes are always a winner with uncomfortable cat.

Put a pair of expensive black trousers on the bed OP, guaranteed cat will be on there in no time.

Typical cat behaviour

Cats are utter bastards who will never use designated cat beds....

Mine has taken to stealing the dog beds (cue whining from one dog), but also has a "wool cool" sheep's wool bed which she adores - it's cool packaging I got with a Gousto box when they still used them - I gave one to every cat in the street I think. Absolutely brilliant. Maybe get one of them to line an existing bed?

After several purchases very much snubbed by The Commander, i impulse bought a £6 bed from Aldi & he loves it!

My cat prefers open wardrobe drawers or folded laundry. My mum’s cat sleeps in a window box complete with earth and plants!

It probably doesn't smell right yet. Too new.
Have you tried sticking one of your best dresses in the bed? Cat will immediately move in and probably claw it to bits.

Maybe sleep with a blanket or sheet in your bed for a bit, then put it in his bed?

Or just accept that cats are perverse

I think he sounds happy and you sound lovely as an owner.

I’ve also tried chucking treats in our many cat beds to no avail. DH has suggested that the cat might now just see them as treat dispensers

I am 🤣🤣🤣 at all these contrary cats
I too have box cats

Typical cat behaviour

Never have I seen an arse looking quite so expressive.

Put a pair of expensive black trousers on the bed OP, guaranteed cat will be on there in no time. yes, this > snorts with recognition <

Cat is as cat does, OP. It'll go its own way, and would we have it any other way?

@YetAnotherSpartacus It really speaks volumes

One of ours prefers to sleep in the dirty washing basket.

Put a freshly ironed shirt in a colour opposite the colour his fur on the cat bed. Alternatively an expensive sweater.

It’ll become super enticing.

Those pics you see don’t show the history, i.e the frustrated owner was moments away from giving away the damn bed but before the freecycler collected it, the cat decided it was it was now cool.

@Mybalconyiscracking

Put a pair of expensive black trousers on the bed OP, guaranteed cat will be on there in no time.

Hahahahaha almost exactly my advice. Yep, this!

Put the radiator bed cover and the donut on your bed. The cave might make a good hiding spot to watch the birds from in the garden in the summer.

As a pp mentions, put the beds on ebay/marketplace, the minute someone wants to buy them they will become irresistible.
We have a cat tower that The Commander ignores 99% of the time, but the minute i so much as think about getting rid of it, it becomes his favourite spot.

After 4 cats I now have a dog and lovely as it is - very friendly, well behaved, etc - it loves everybody instantly and she is loved back instantly in return. Now one of the best cats I ever had (they were all "the best" in some way or another - all totally different) took me 2 years to be able to pick him up and hold him for a bit and another 2-3 before he really started to mellow - that patience and effort was worth it because I had built a special bond with that cat that no one else had - not even the neighbour who was his previous owner - she didn't like him in the house so he was used to being outside.

As others have said - you can't beat a cardboard box or a big paper carrier bag. The only time the cat wanted to use the bed was when we had the dog who wanted to use it... the cat would intimidate the dog into vacating the bed.

Cats are arseholes, I'm a mad cat lady and have spent £100s over the years on cat beds, radiator beds and they never sleep in them, the only time I've seen a cat asleep in one is in an advert 🙄
As you're a new cat owner you need to realise that whilst the cat is asleep on your bed it's actually plotting your downfall 😂 I'm telling you, they're arseholes (but I love them ❤️)

Aww they are weird little things.

Mine has never used his giant cat tree once in the 4 years we got it for him.

We just moved house and DP said we are throwing it.

I said no! He knows its his tree even if he doesnt use it.

Well he did, he uses it all the time now and loves it.

Totally insane

We've also spent a small fortune on cat posts, one is almost 5ft! None of them have been used, but my furniture and carpets are wrecked. I beam with joy and expectation everytime I carry something home for him, and all always sad when he rejects everything. He's as miserable as hell but I love him to bits. We had a shaky start but he's my shadow now. I wfh a lot and it's only me and him during the day. He sits wherever I am and accompanies me to the loo, waiting patiently outside. When the kids come home in the evening he will still come looking for me and just sit near me.

I get a dirty look every time I pass him lying on the floor, and I also spend half my working hours opening and closing various doors for him as he decides whether he wants to be inside or out. He's Been scared to play out since next doors cat attacked him, and only goes out after dark. He'll sit hiding under some bushes near the front door which breaks my heart. He also loves going out in the pouring rain and comes back fuming and expecting to be towelled off.

He's my little bud and I am hoping one day he'll feel confident enough to sit in my lap. For now, I am just beyond delighted he's with us as the thought of him living on the streets like he used to brings me to tears.

Bloody cat trees. An absolute monstrosity that took over my living room, and never had so much as one touch of paw.