How long should I give my cat to explore a new bed?

There is no fixed settling period that guarantees a cat will use a new bed. Give them repeated ordinary opportunities to investigate while keeping the location calm and accessible. Some cats approach quickly; others ignore a new item until it becomes familiar within the room. Look at the setup rather than watching a countdown. If the entrance is awkward, the bed shifts or the location is clearly unsuitable, correct that problem immediately. Otherwise avoid moving it several times a day or repeatedly placing the cat inside. A small practical change, followed by observation, gives more useful information. Keep safe familiar resting places available throughout. If the bed is still unused, reconsider fit, texture and style rather than assuming more time alone will solve the mismatch. Your cat's preferences may simply favour a different type of resting surface.

Track investigation separately from sleep. Sniffing, walking past calmly or briefly sitting nearby can show the item is becoming familiar, but only voluntary resting tells you that the cat is choosing it as a bed.