Squishmallow Pet Bed

Cam Cat Cave Squishmallow Pet Bed Review: The 16-Inch Hooded Bed for Cats and Toy Breeds

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Cam cat cave Squishmallow pet bed: The Cam cat cave Squishmallow pet bed is a 16-inch hooded cave bed by Jazwares, featuring a gray cat character design with embroidered facial features. The partial dome enclosure creates a dark, enclosed sleeping space suited to cats and toy dog breeds under 10 pounds that instinctively seek den-like environments. Filled with EF polyester and finished with a non-slip base. Available at Amazon, Target, and Walmart.

The Cam cat cave is one of two 16-inch cave-style designs in the Squishmallow pet bed lineup — the other being the Fifi fox cave. Both share the same enclosed dome construction, but Cam’s gray cat character makes it the natural choice for households with cats or for owners drawn to the Cam character from the Squishmallow collector plush range. If your pet is larger than a toy breed or a standard domestic cat, refer to the larger open-round designs in the all Squishmallow pet bed cave and open-round designs compared. Use the size guide to confirm the 16-inch cave is the right fit before buying.

What Makes the Cam Cat Cave Different From Open-Round Squishmallow Bed Designs

The Cam cat cave is structurally distinct from all other Squishmallow pet bed designs. While the 20-inch, 24-inch, and 30-inch designs are open-round flat platforms — a circular sleeping surface with a raised perimeter edge — the Cam (and Fifi) feature a partial dome hood that extends over approximately half to two-thirds of the sleeping surface, creating an enclosed canopy above the pet’s resting area.

This hooded enclosure does several things that open-round designs cannot. First, it creates a microclimate: the enclosed space retains a small amount of the pet’s body heat, making the interior noticeably warmer than the ambient room temperature. For cats and small dogs that gravitate toward radiators, laundry piles, cardboard boxes, or tight enclosed spots, this warmth is a behavioural trigger for rest. Second, the hood blocks overhead light, creating a darker environment that promotes longer, calmer sleep. Third, the enclosed shape provides a sense of surrounding on multiple sides simultaneously — a condition that many prey-instinct-driven animals find instinctively safe.

The interior floor of the Cam cave is the same EF polyester fill that runs through the entire Squishmallow product range, so cushioning is consistent with the open-round designs. The non-slip base material is applied to the underside in the same way as all other designs in the lineup.

The key limitation of the cave format is that it suits pets with a specific sleeping preference. Pets that prefer to sleep fully stretched out, sprawled on their backs, or with limbs extended will not fit within the cave hood and will exit the enclosure to sleep on the rim or outside the bed entirely. The Cam cave is specifically the right choice for pets that curl tightly, burrow, and seek covered spaces.

Which Cats and Toy Dog Breeds Fit the Cam 16-Inch Cave Bed

The 16-inch cave design fits cats and toy dog breeds that weigh under approximately 10 pounds and have a compact body frame. The practical diameter of the enclosed sleeping surface is 16 inches, which means a pet’s curled body footprint — nose tucked toward tail — should not exceed 12 to 14 inches to allow comfortable clearance against the interior walls of the hood.

Cats that fit the Cam cave bed include virtually all standard domestic shorthair and longhair breeds. The average adult domestic cat weighs 8 to 10 pounds and has a curled sleeping diameter of 10 to 12 inches — well within the 16-inch cave. Large domestic breeds including the Maine Coon (12–18 lbs) and Ragdoll (8–20 lbs) may fit when young but will feel cramped as adults and are better served by a 20-inch or 24-inch open-round design. Kittens of any breed have ample room.

Toy dog breeds that fit the Cam cave include:

  • Chihuahua (2–6 lbs) — ideal fit; compact frame and burrowing tendency make this the highest-recommended breed for cave-style beds
  • Yorkshire Terrier (4–7 lbs) — excellent fit
  • Pomeranian (3–7 lbs) — excellent fit; note that Pomeranians’ thick double coat makes them heat-sensitive, so monitor comfort in warm rooms
  • Toy Poodle (4–6 lbs) — excellent fit
  • Papillon (5–10 lbs) — good fit
  • Maltese (4–7 lbs) — excellent fit
  • Miniature Dachshund (8–11 lbs) — good fit; standard Dachshunds at 16–32 lbs will not fit
  • Russian Toy (3–6 lbs) — excellent fit

Breeds at the upper edge of the weight range — particularly those with longer body frames — should be evaluated by body length measurement rather than weight alone. A compact 10-pound Toy Fox Terrier will fit the cave; a lean, long-bodied 10-pound Miniature Pinscher may not curl comfortably within the 16-inch enclosure.

Cam Cave vs. Fifi Fox Cave: Choosing Between the Two 16-Inch Hooded Designs

The Cam cat cave and the Fifi fox cave are the only two cave-style designs in the Squishmallow pet bed lineup. Both are 16-inch diameter hooded beds with the same EF polyester fill, the same non-slip base, and the same enclosed dome construction. Functionally, they are identical in fit, warmth, and comfort.

The difference is character and colour:

  • Cam (cat, gray) — soft gray body with embroidered cat facial features. Neutral colour palette that suits most room aesthetics. Particularly on-theme for cat owners, since the character itself is a cat — a detail many owners find charming.
  • Fifi (fox, brown/orange) — warm brown and orange colouring with fox character embroidery. Works well in rooms with warm, earthy, or autumn-toned colour schemes.

If you already collect the Squishmallow plush toy range and own a Cam or Fifi plush, matching the pet bed to the existing character creates a cohesive set. If character matching is not a factor, choose based on which colour scheme fits your home better — both beds will serve any cave-preferring pet in the same way.

Where to Buy the Cam Cat Cave Squishmallow Pet Bed

The Cam cat cave Squishmallow pet bed is available from Amazon, Target, and Walmart. Amazon typically offers the fastest delivery for most buyers and allows straightforward price comparisons between sellers. Target carries the full Squishmallow pet bed lineup both in-store (availability varies by region and season) and online. Walmart offers both in-store pickup and home delivery through its website.

Pricing for the 16-inch cave designs tends to be slightly lower than the larger open-round designs in the lineup, reflecting the smaller diameter. Price fluctuates with seasonal demand — holiday restocking periods and spring inventory cycles typically see the most variation.

How to Clean the Cam Cat Cave Interior and Hood

The Cam cat cave requires more careful cleaning than the open-round designs because of the enclosed hood structure. The interior of the hood is a contained space where moisture can become trapped if cleaning is not done carefully. Follow the same spot-clean-only rule that applies to all Squishmallow pet beds: a damp (not wet) cloth with a small amount of mild soap applied in blotting motions only — no scrubbing, no saturation.

For the cave interior specifically, reach inside the hood with a damp cloth and blot the interior surface. After cleaning, prop the cave open slightly (the hood is flexible enough to be held open) to allow air circulation through the interior. Do not allow the cave to sit closed while damp — the enclosed space will trap moisture and create conditions for mould in the EF fill. Air the cave flat in a well-ventilated location for at least several hours after any cleaning. For full step-by-step instructions covering all 9 designs, see the Squishmallow pet bed cleaning guide.

What Cat and Dog Owners Report About the Cam Cat Cave Squishmallow Bed After Extended Use

The Cam cat cave Squishmallow pet bed has a specific user base: pets that actively seek enclosed sleeping spaces. Owner feedback splits clearly between two groups. Pets that burrow under blankets, squeeze into tight corners, or gravitate toward laundry baskets and cardboard boxes immediately adopt the Cam cave and use it consistently. Pets that prefer open sleeping surfaces — those that sprawl, sleep on their back, or extend their limbs — typically enter the cave briefly and then exit to sleep outside it on the rim or floor.

This behavioural pattern is important for prospective buyers to understand before purchasing. The Cam cave is not a universal upgrade from an open bed — it is the right choice specifically for pets with documented enclosed-space sleeping preferences. Buyers who know their cat or small dog burrows or nests should expect strong uptake. Buyers who are unsure of their pet’s preference are advised to observe the pet’s current sleeping habits before committing to a cave format.

Cat owners — the dominant buyer group for the Cam cave — report the hooded structure provides noticeably warmer sleeping conditions during cold months, which their cats seek out actively. Toy dog breed owners (Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Toy Poodle) report similar behaviour — small dogs with minimal body fat benefit from the enclosed microclimate in cooler environments.

Editorial verdict: The Cam cat cave Squishmallow pet bed is recommended for cats and toy dog breeds under 10 pounds with a confirmed preference for enclosed, sheltered sleeping. It is not recommended as a first-time bed for pets whose sleeping habits are unknown — the open-round 20-inch designs are the lower-risk choice for uncertain buyers.

Cam Cat Cave vs. Fifi Fox Cave: Which 16-Inch Squishmallow Bed to Choose

Both 16-inch cave designs are structurally identical in every functional respect — same fill, same base, same hood construction. The only meaningful differences are character design, colour scheme, and aesthetic fit with the room. Use the table below to choose based on visual preference.

FeatureCam Cat CaveFifi Fox Cave
CharacterGray catBrown and orange fox
Hood detailRounded cat-ear hoodPointed fox-ear hood
Primary colourGray and whiteBrown, orange, cream
Best room paletteNeutral, cool, or modern interiorsWarm, earthy, or autumn-toned interiors
Collector appealCam the cat Squishmallow collectorsFifi the fox Squishmallow collectors
Diameter16 inches16 inches
Fill materialEF polyesterEF polyester
Non-slip baseYesYes
Care methodSpot clean onlySpot clean only

Which Cats and Dog Breeds Fit the 16-Inch Cave Squishmallow Bed

The 16-inch cave format is designed for cats and toy dog breeds under 12 pounds. Size fit alone is not sufficient — the more important factor is whether the pet actively seeks enclosed sleeping spaces. Pets that burrow, nest, or press against enclosed surfaces adopt cave beds consistently. Pets that prefer open surfaces typically do not.

Pet Type or BreedTypical WeightCave SuitabilityNotes
Domestic shorthair cat7–10 lbsIdealMost common cave bed user; fits with room to turn inside
Domestic longhair cat8–12 lbsIdealBurrowing individuals adopt quickly; open-sleeping cats may not use the hood
Maine Coon12–18 lbsFits with some restrictionStandard-weight individuals fit; heavier Maine Coons may prefer 20-inch open-round
Chihuahua2–6 lbsIdeal for burrowersOnly suitable if the dog actively seeks enclosed or sheltered sleeping spaces
Yorkshire Terrier4–7 lbsSuitable for burrowersTerrier instinct to burrow supports cave adoption
Toy Poodle4–6 lbsSuitableCurls tightly; fits cave interior without restriction
Pomeranian3–7 lbsSuitableDense coat tolerates enclosed warmth; suited for cold-weather burrowers
Miniature Dachshund8–11 lbsSuitable — body length is the key factorDachshund instinct strongly favors cave adoption; measure body length (not weight)
Ragdoll8–20 lbsWeight-dependentStandard-weight individuals fit; heavier Ragdolls prefer 20-inch open-round designs

Frequently Asked Questions About the Cam Cat Cave Squishmallow Bed

Q1: Is the Cam Squishmallow pet bed only for cats?
No. Despite the cat character design, the Cam cave bed is suitable for any pet that fits within the 16-inch diameter and prefers enclosed sleeping spaces. Toy dog breeds under 10 pounds — including Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, and Toy Poodles — use the Cam cave just as comfortably as cats. The character design does not affect function.

Q2: Can a large cat use the Cam 16-inch cave bed?
Standard domestic cats fit the Cam 16-inch cave comfortably. Very large breeds like the Maine Coon (12–18 lbs) or Ragdoll (up to 20 lbs) will feel cramped in the 16-inch cave as adults. These breeds are better suited to the 20-inch open-round designs (Wendy, Beula, Cici) or the 24-inch designs (Gordon, Maui, Tatiana).

Q3: Is the Cam cave bed machine washable?
No. The Cam cave bed is spot-clean only. The EF polyester fill cannot survive machine washing — water saturates and clumps the fill structure irreversibly. The cave hood also traps moisture during machine agitation, making the problem worse than with open designs. Use a damp cloth and mild soap only. Full care instructions at the cleaning guide.

Q4: What is the difference between the Cam cave and a standard cat cave bed?
Standard cave-style cat beds are typically made from felt, fleece, or woven fabric, and many are machine washable. The Cam cave uses Squishmallow’s EF polyester fill and plush exterior — a softer, loftier construction than most felt cave beds, but with the trade-off of spot-clean-only maintenance. The Cam is also a character-branded bed, not a plain utility bed.

Q5: Does the hood on the Cam cave stay up on its own?
The Cam cave hood is flexible and self-supporting under normal conditions. When a pet enters and occupies the cave, the hood rests lightly on their back. The hood can be folded back if a pet prefers an open sleeping surface, though in that position it functions essentially as a standard round bed. The hood does not have a rigid frame — it holds its shape through the stiffness of the fill material and outer plush.

Q6: Where is the Cam Squishmallow cave bed made?
Cam is produced by Jazwares, the brand owner of the Squishmallow line. Jazwares acquired the Squishmallow brand from Kellytoy, the original creators, and now manages all production across the plush toy and pet bed product ranges. Manufacturing is contracted in line with Jazwares’ standard production practices for the Squishmallow range.

Q7: Is the Cam cave bed the same as the Cam plush toy?
No. The Cam cat cave pet bed is a separate product from the Cam Squishmallow plush toy. They share the same character design and gray cat appearance, but the pet bed is a purpose-built sleeping surface with EF fill and non-slip base, sized at 16 inches in diameter. The plush toy is a handheld collectible with no functional sleeping surface.

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