Loose bedding in a crate never stays flat. Three circles before lying down and it is bunched in the far corner with bare plastic showing underneath, which is cold, noisy, and the reason some dogs stop settling in a crate at all. Tying the bedding to the bars is the fix, and holding the mat still is the entire idea this one is built around.

Fleece-trimmed loops at each corner tie onto the crate bars and hold a quilted, padded surface flat across the base. The fleece on those loops matters more than it appears to, because a bare tie will dig into a dog leaning against the side of the crate and a soft one will not. The mat lifts straight out for washing when muddy paws or an accident have had their say, and it lies thin enough not to eat into head height.

• Corner ties anchor the mat to crate or cage bars
• Fleece-trimmed loops that will not dig in
• Soft quilted padded top surface
• Eight sizes, from 40x25cm through to 85x60cm and 90x30cm
• Slim 2cm profile, around 100g
• Lifts out for washing

Measure the crate floor, not the dog. These are cut to fit crate bases, so take the internal length and width of yours and choose the nearest size down. A mat forced to curl up the sides will not lie flat and the ties will pull. The slim profile also makes this a comfort layer rather than orthopaedic support for an older dog.

What the options mean. Sold in sizes from 50x35cm to 85x60cm — £8.99 to £14.99.

Who it's for: Crate-trained dogs at home, cats travelling in carriers, and anyone whose bedding ends up in a heap by morning.