Thanks to their natural insulation (fur), getting a heated cat bed may seem futile. But, there’s an exception. If you live in chilly areas, then that fur is not going to do the trick on its own. Once those numbers drop, a radiator or central heating unit won’t be able to keep your furbaby warm through the night. That’s where a heated cat bed comes in; it’ll go the extra mile to make those nights more bearable.
The thing is, you can’t rely on the normal cat beds to keep your feline friend warm through the night. To ensure that you get a well-suited option, here’s a selection of some of the best heated cat beds.
Best Heated Cat Beds 2021
K&H Pet Products Heated Cat Bed
Why buy a cat bed your furbaby can only use when the weather is freezing cold? With the K&H Pet Products Thermo-Kitty Heated Cat Bed, you can have the best of all worlds. This is a comfy all-season option that will serve your cat well whether the sun is blazing hot or you’re wrestling with sub-zero degree weather. It’s effortless to take out the heating element when temperatures rise, which is a major selling point here.
The overall design of the cat bed includes a one-piece pillow as well as a fleece covering that adds to the aesthetic value. There’s also an accompanying pillow filled with poly-based material to add that extra touch of comfort. Within the actual bed, there’s a dual thermostat 4-watt heater that can provide heat that reaches up 10-15 degrees above average air temperature. But for the most part, it regulates to complement your pet’s average body temperature.
Besides the fact that this is high quality and intuitive heated bed, it’s also easy to maintain. Once you remove the heating element and the foam inside, you can throw the covers in the wash.
Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Self-Warming Cat Bed
What’s good for the goose is good for the gander, or in this case, what’s good for a dog can equally serve a cat. The high wall design is the main selling point here, and it provides all the support your furbaby needs as the rest or sleep.
The Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Self-Warming Cat and Dog Bed is designed to offer maximum comfort and support. It owes more of this to its versatile construction, which features a 12 inch back wall. This is a great option for pets who are already experiencing joint pains or arthritis. Nevertheless, you can get ahead of some of these issues by offering them this extremely comfy option.
Besides the high walls, there’s also the addition of a Sherpa fabric, which can either be spread across the bed or folded depending on what floats your pet’s boat. Even better, if you’ve got yourself a nuzzle, there are some deep crevices located between the bottom cushion and the walls so that they can get right in there.
Snuggle Safe Pet Bed Microwave Heating Pad
You may have experienced other microwave heating pads, but best believe the Snuggle Safe Pet Bed Microwave Heating Pad is one with a difference. This baby can remain warm for up to 10 hours after the initial heating, and the fact that there are no wires and tricky heating elements involved makes it a pretty solid choice for newborn, elderly, and convalescent pets especially.
In place of a typical electric heating element, there’s a non-toxic thermapol compound inserted that retains heat enough to keep your pet warm throughout the night.
You may be thinking about the one inconvenience of popping it in the microwave and out, but the thing is, you only need a few minutes to get it nice and warm. There’s an accompanying chart that specifies wattage and times that should be applied when microwaving the pad for optimum results.
Ensure that you do not heat it beyond the recommended times because that could end in damage. It’s also advisable to consult the accompanying manual, so you get the best out of this heating pad.
K&H Pet Products Mod Dream Pod Cat Bed
Perfect for cats and dogs, the K&H Pet Products Mod Dream Pod Cat Bed comes in two sizes to fit all small cats and dogs. From the look to the bed, it’s already evident that it’s the perfect cocoon for your furbaby. It comprises a long-lasting shell, which is complemented by a soft pillow for comfort and support.
Remember when we mentioned that it’s available in two sizes? Well, that’s not all; it’s also suited for cats of all shapes and body types. Furthermore, you can opt for a heated or unheated option based on predominant weather conditions.
So, what really makes up this peculiar creation? The exterior material is mainly EVA based and is characterized by a600 denier polyester fabric surface. The pillow itself is poly-filled, and as such, you can wash the entire thing once it’s due. If you’re looking to purchase the heated option, then you’ll be pleased to know that it only utilizes about 4 Watts of electricity. The heating element is equally detachable, so you can clean freely when the need arises.
K&H Pet Products Heated Reversible Cat Bed
Whether you’ve got a kitty or a pup, here is one option that can serve them both. Without breaking the bank, you can get one of the best-heated cat beds on the market in the form of the K&H Pet Products Heated Reversible Cat Bed.
What makes this option even better is the fact that it only uses about 6 Watts of power, yet it will satisfy all your cat warming needs. Furthermore, it is fitted with a dual thermostat heater, located deep within the soft foam. That makes it such a comfortable option for cats who need a warm place to snuggle while they nap or sleep.
The mat itself is conveniently sized and can fit just about anywhere within the home. Note that you’ll get the most out of it when it’s used for an indoor cat. Further, this particular option is available in a 12.5inch x 25-inch model, the standard size. But if you want something more prominent, then there’s a 14-inch x 28-inch option called the K&H Thermo-Pet Mat.
Mora Pets Self Heating Cat Pad
If the aim is to keep your feline friend nice and warm, then Mora Pets Self Heating Cat Pad is a viable option. It’s built on the premise of a simple concept that gets the job done. The bed itself is filled with up to three layers of self-warming material that is sure to keep your furry little friend nice and warm when the temperature drops. That’s what makes it such an excellent option for kittens, senior cats, and even arthritic cats.
With the size of 27.5″ x 18.5″, this is one of the best options for small animals. It’s nice and snug enough for them to comfortably nap in and can even be placed on another pet bed, the sofa, or a pet carrier. You’ll like the fact that there is no annoying crinkly sound in the mix here, thanks to the addition of a heat-reflecting mylar film. Even your fur baby will thank you for a hitch-free sleeping experience.
The cherry on the top is that this is a hazard-free option, seeing as there’s no electricity involved; say goodbye to any wires or funny chemical smells that could cause a disruption.
Pet Magasin Thermal Self-Heated Bed for Cat
With this option, you’ll get not just one but two comfortable bedding mats. The Pet Magasin Thermal Self-Heated Bed for Cats offers unparalleled comfort and support for your little one. It’s also quite a convenient choice thanks to the inclusion of two mats in a package. You can afford to put one in their pet bed and the other on the floor. You can even monitor your pet’s habits and place one in the corner they like to lounge in.
In terms of sizing, this is quite the versatile option seeing as small to medium-sized cats and dogs can fit on the mat comfortably. The mat itself is self-heating and uses a blend of insulating fabrics and a layer of heat-reflecting mylar film to trap your cat’s body heat and generate more heat.
Similarly, these same materials work together to protect your cat from any cold emanating from the floors. Besides keeping the cold out, the bottom of the mat is well coated with a rubber material that holds it in place once it’s placed on the ground.
Furhaven Pet – Plush Ergonomic Orthopedic Foam
This bed and blanket all in one is a great choice for your precious furbaby. Just by the looks of it, it’s evident that the Furhaven Pet – Plush Ergonomic Orthopedic Foam is synonymous with comfort. It’s the perfect choice if you know you’ve got a borrower on your hands.
There’s an array of snuggeries embedded in the design that allows your pet to burrow deep into the bed. With that and the top part that functions as a blanket, you are sure to get the perfect cocoon-like structure for your furbaby.
The bed itself happens to be lined using a faux sheepskin material that’s as comfy as they come. Then there’s the addition of an orthopaedic mattress that is thick enough to provide ample support. This feature is great if your pet experiences joint pains or full-blown arthritis. The one thing to keep in mind is that it’s not the best option for pets prone to excessive chewing.
K&H Pet Products Heated Cat Shelter
It’s already more than evident that this brand name is synonymous with good quality, and the K&H PET PRODUCTS Outdoor Heated Kitty House Cat Shelter is no exception. This should be in the outdoor pet starter pack because it keeps them warm and comfortable altogether. You can choose between the heated and unheated model to use in your barn, garage, patio, and any other location in your home.
It has a 20 Watt capacity and, as such, is suitable for even sub-zero temperatures. This is all thanks to the patented K&H Lectro-Soft, which can be thermostatically controlled. This can be done using an internal preset thermostat, so you can regulate the temperature and keep your cat safe at the same time.
You’ll also like that the walls and the roof are well insulated, so your cat will be well protected when the temperature drops. For the most part, it’s a solid structure that will keep your cat nice and tasty when they need it most.
RIOGOO Electric Heating Pad for Cats and Dogs
The RIOGOO Pet Heating Pad, Electric Heating Pad for Dogs and Cats is a fourth-generation product that has only gotten better with time. Everything from its structure to the comfort offered has been on an upward trajectory since its inception.
It comprises a seven-layer protection structure with a UL approved heating wire that ensures it doesn’t get burnt. There’s also a temperature sensor that is as functional as it is safe. You can rest assured that it won’t overheat thanks to specific measures to prevent such an occurrence.
There’s also some chew-resistant cords to ensure that your pet does not penetrate the wires, even if they are avid chewers. All this and more is encased in a removable cover that is hand washable and easy to maintain.
Heated Cat Beds Buying Guide and FAQ
At this point, it’s evident that there’s a handful of great options on the market. But how do you really drive it home to pick the one that’s perfect for your feline friend? It’s not the easiest decision in the world, but with the information below, you’ll be one step closer to honing in on the right option. So, before you buy the first or second heating beds that catch your eye, please take a look at these pointers to drive it home.
Features to Look For When Buying a Heated Cat Bed
- Type
As you already know, there are three major types of heated cat beds; electrical, self-warming, and pressure-sensitive heat padded beds. As it is evident in their names, one is powered by electricity while the other warms up using body heat.
If your cat does not use their bed for anything besides sleeping, then the electrical option is a viable one. Furthermore, if they have trouble generating enough body heat to get warm, then you can’t possibly stick them with a self-warming one.
On the other hand, if your cat often stays home alone, the safest option is a self-warming one. You don’t want them to hurt themselves while you’re away. Then there’s the pressure-sensitive heat pad, which is a good choice for pet parents who tend to leave the blanket switched on. This option is pretty low energy and uses about 6 Watts steadily. But once your cat climbs onto the pad, the temperature rises. This makes it another good option if your fur baby is home alone for the most part.
- Padding
This is a major one seeing as it’s a bed, and as such, it should be comfortable while offering ample support. You’ll find that many heated beds out there provide one single layer of foam; in normal circumstances, this should be enough to keep your pet comfortable.
Nevertheless, if your furry friend has a condition such as obesity or arthritis, they are going to need some extra support and comfort. In that case, go for something made using memory foam, seeing as it offers personalized comfort.
- Material
The material used also contributes a lot when it comes to comfort. It would help if you went for something breathable and easy on the skin, but ensure that it also dries fast. If it takes too much time to get dry, you’re at the risk of exposing your pet to mold. Let’s not get into the health hazards caused by mold; all you need to know now is that they are not pleasant.
With all this in mind, it’s advisable to go for options like nylon and polyester. It’s tempting to choose cotton for its breathable nature, but it does not dry fast enough.
- Safety
Whether you’re going for an electrical or self-warming option, you don’t want your cat to hurt themselves, or die, in some sort of heating bed-related accident. To that effect, it’s good to look out for features like chew-proof material, especially if it’s an electric model. Your cat could end up chewing till they reach a wire and the rest is history. So, be sure to look out for little features like this that could save your cat’s life.
- Size
Nothing is the same size in nature; whether it’s apples or cats, you’re bound to have some that are bigger or smaller than others. When buying a heated cat bed, you need to consider this. Does the brand you’re looking at have something that will comfortably suit your furbaby? Remember, this isn’t just some article of furniture you’re hoping will blend in with your feng shui; it needs to be functional. So, measure and weigh your little one, then ensure that you get one that suits their size.
Types of Heated Cat Beds
- Electrical
As mentioned earlier, this option generates heat using electricity. It is actually made using a material that has a heating element embedded within. The good thing is that it often comes with an external regulator so you can set the desired temperature. Once regulated, an even amount of heat is spread across the sleeping space.
- Self-warming
This option does not rely on electricity; instead, it stores body heat emanating from its movements. It’s a safer option since there’s no electricity involved, and it’s also handy in the case of a blackout.
Heated Cat Beds FAQs
Are heated beds safe for cats?
Yes, heated beds are safe for cats, but some precautions need to be taken to ensure that they don’t get hurt. If you read the manual that comes with the bed and adheres to all the instructions, your cat is in safe hands.
How does a heated cat bed work?
It depends on the kind of heated cat bed; electrical beds have a heating element embedded and an external regulator that you’d have to handle. On the other hand, a self-warming bed traps your cat’s body heat and uses that to keep them warm.
Will a heated cat bed increase my electricity bills?
It may even decrease your electricity bills since you won’t have to run your central heating all day. Even more, some low wattage options on the market won’t drink up power even if you leave them switched on all day.