PumpkinSundae, I have made hundreds of cat beds for our shelter. Mine are 16" square and I use fleece on front and back and cut up mattress pads for the batting. (A local thrift store gives them to me.) I stitch a swirl through the center to hold it together. I top stitch the edge closed and then just keep going and turn the pad in a circle and usually have two swirls through the center. They are washed frequently and hold up very well. Pads are used in the cages and some Foster Homes take them too. I'd try it both ways and see what works for you and what they like too.