Check our best picks for the top 10 heated cat beds to find a comfy snuggling place for your beloved furball. Only the top brands included!
Cats have the superpower to sleep anywhere. Have you ever been worried about your kitty falling asleep on a cold floor, on a narrow windowsill, or somewhere she does not really belong? While they make for cute photos, these are not the best sleeping places, and there’s only one way to get your tabby to find her way to the same spot. You need to set up a soft, warm, and comfy bed, perfect for snuggling. And you should start with a heated bed, made specifically to make felines feel toasty and safe. These are your best bet to keep your cat happy and healthy year-round.
Let’s take a closer look at the best heated cat beds and consider their pros and cons to find the perfect fit for your furball.
Read the Signs. Does Your Cat Need a Heated Bed?
Healthy adult cats don’t need heated pads to stay strong and energetic. However, there are exceptions to every rule. For instance, hairless breeds, like Sphinxes, will benefit from an outside heat source. Most short-haired breeds will also enjoy spending time on a warm surface, while long-haired cats don’t need help staying warm thanks to a thick coat that’s unbeatable at trapping heat.
Besides, heated beds work wonders for kittens, senior felines, and kitties with health issues. All three groups may have trouble regulating internal temperature, and heated beds will save them the energy better spent on growing, recovering strength, or getting better. Consider buying a heated cat bed an investment, as it will likely find plenty of use throughout your kitty’s lifetime.
Best Outdoor Cat Bed Choices – Different Types for Different Needs
We all know how picky our beloved cats can be. It might be a real challenge finding the right food or toy, as they have long mastered the art of ignoring things they don’t like. Even if you’re 100% sure you’ve found the ideal heating pad, it might turn into a huge waste of money. Refunds are usually an option. Still, try to observe the cat and get into her head before choosing the bed, and you’ll save yourself the trouble of wasted time and money.
Besides, you need to decide whether a heated pad will stay indoors or go outside. If your kitty doesn't venture out, she may be happy with a simple self-heating pad. However, if you plan on using an electric bed outside, check its IP rating to ensure it can safely withstand low temperatures and high moisture levels.
Hooded Beds
Some cats only feel safe when they’re out of sight. If your kitty loves hiding and chooses the tightest spots to nod off, an enclosed or hooded bed might be a good choice. It’s basically a tiny house where your kitty can hide and have some private time away from prying eyes and grabby hands.
Heating Pad for Cats
True to their name, heating pads can heat up and provide your cat with the much-needed warmth, especially if she loves sleeping outside or sprawling on the cold floor. Pay attention to your kitty’s habits in the colder months. If the usually independent tabby looks for cuddles and spends hours in your lap, a heating pad might be the perfect compromise.
Pet Fit For Life Snuggle will fit both cats and dogs. Filled with heating gel, it can also keep your pet cool during hot summer days. Once heated, the gel will stay warm for a couple of hours, though it is likely to cool down quicker than similar models. On the upside, the pad is rather squishy, so you might not even need pillows to make it comfy for your tabby.
Warmstore Pet Heating Pad stays warm for a long time after it gets to the right temperature. It is rather rigid, which some cats might enjoy. But do not leave this pad without supervision, as it may overheat and hurt your tabby.
K&H Pet Products Thermo-Kitty Heated Deluxe Hooded Cat Bed
K&H Pet Products Thermo-Kitty Heated Deluxe Hooded Cat Bed is ideal for cats who might enjoy some privacy. Its high edges and large hood are perfect for kitties who love napping in tight spots. It is safe, not prone to overheating, soft, and snuggly, perfect for most cats.
ALEKO PHBED17S Electric Thermo-Pad Heated Pet Bed for Cats
ALEKO PHBED17S Electric Thermo-Pad Heated Pet Bed for Cats is a really fancy option. It’s soft, big, and comfy – a perfect combination. According to the best heated cat bed reviews, elderly and less active cats enjoy it more than kittens and adult tabbies. The temperature is just right, so your pet won’t get cold.
Thermal Cat Pet Dog Warming Bed Mat is as simple as it gets. Throw it on the floor, plug it in, and let your cat enjoy the comfort. Sturdy and reliable, this mat is perfect for indoor and outdoor use. It’s a great example of beauty in simplicity.
Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler
Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler is a big and snuggly bed for your large tabby or a couple of cuddly furballs. Its squishy design is great for kitties who want to sprawl and make most of every inch of the warmth without giving up the comfort.
Snuggle Safe Pet Bed Microwave Heating Pad is on a small side, so it won’t fit larger breeds, but it can be a lifesaver for outdoor cats. It’s easy-to-use and customizable with any pillow or blanket.
K&H Pet Products Thermo-Kitty Cat Bed comes in two sizes, warms up to a comfortable temperature, and retains the heat for quite a long time. Its clean design with high edges is perfect for cuddling if you have a couple of cats. Plug it in, if you want it warm, or just leave it as it is in the summertime, and your cats will love it.
Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Sherpa Bolster Cat & Dog Bed
Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Sherpa Bolster Cat & Dog Bed boasts improved design for extra comfort and support, even if the latter might often be lacking. Machine washable and available in a variety of color options, it’s definitely a practical choice.
Aspen Pet Self-Warming Bolster Cat & Dog Bed offers simple and effective design and a heat-reflecting fabric that makes electricity unnecessary for heating. Both cats and dogs love this design, and you can find the perfect size to fit your pet.
Warmstore Pet Heating Pad might be on the smallish side, but it’s sure practical and functional. You can easily take off the cover and wash it, while the heated insert is waterproof for safe cleaning. There are seven temperature settings to choose from to find the perfect one for your pet. Besides, this model is surprisingly safety-conscious with a chew-resistant power cord and 12V voltage. The two-year assurance is also a nice touch. While this model is not overly popular, it’s still a solid option.
ALEKO PHBED17S Electric Thermo-Pad Heated Pet Bed for Cats
ALEKO PHBED17S Electric Thermo-Pad Heated Pet Bed for Cats is a fancy option for a bigger cat spoilt for room or a couple of cats who love to cuddle. The material is sturdy enough to withstand some scratches, and the 6-foot-long cord is protected by a chew-resistant cover. However, many buyers note the heating element is too weak to make much of a difference. Others complain about insufficient padding despite the bed’s luxurious appearance. This model looks nice, but it might not be the best choice for picky kitties.
Snuggle Safe Pet Bed Microwave Heating Pad is a cheaper alternative to electric heaters. This plate-sized pad fits inside your microwave and under the cat’s bed. Once heated, the polymer retains the warmth for nearly ten hours, though the temperature decreases over time. The only troubling review we’ve found claimed the scalding liquid poured out of the heated pad and burned the buyer’s hands. While we saw no similar claims elsewhere, you should definitely stick to the manufacturer’s instructions when heating the pad in a microwave.
Thermal Cat Pet Dog Warming Bed Mat is one of the most affordable options on this list, as it’s self-heating with no external heat source needed. The simple construction includes a layer of aluminum foil and polyfiber thermal core that captures body heat and reflects it. The warming cat bed is large enough to fit the largest of breeds, and it’s virtually maintenance-free, easily washable in a machine. Considering the number of glowing reviews and the reasonable price tag, this is a must-have for every feline-friendly household.
Pet Fit For Life Snuggle is a combination of a pleasantly soft fleece cover with a flexible thermal gel that can be heated in a microwave or cooled down in the fridge. While it’s reasonably priced for a non-electric heated pad, the product comes with some downsides. For one, the plastic disk is rather flimsy, so there’s a chance of your kitty chewing or scratching through it. Moreover, you have to follow the instructions or risk the integrity of the pad. And the gel can be dangerous for the pet. Opt for this product only if you’re ready to always keep an eye out for your tabby.
K&H Pet Products Thermo-Kitty Heated Deluxe Hooded Cat Bed
K&H Pet Products Thermo-Kitty Heated Deluxe Hooded Cat Bed is not exactly a mat, but you can transform it into a kitty cup by taking off the hood. The 4W electric heater takes up to 20 minutes to make the bed toasty and ready for use, and it’s removable for easy cleaning. With two colors and two sizes to choose from, you should be able to find the right bed for your kitty. This model is super popular with cat parents, but the price might be a turnoff.
Aspen Pet Self-Warming Bolster Cat & Dog Bed comes in different colors and sizes, so you can find the perfect one for your tabby, whether she likes tight spaces or the freedom of movement in her sleep. Made of a combination of soft and comfy fabrics, this bed feels perfect. Besides, it’s self-heating, meaning you don’t need to find a free outlet and worry about cords. Most buyers are happy about this product, and even senior cats fall in love with it.
Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Sherpa Bolster Cat & Dog Bed
Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Sherpa Bolster Cat & Dog Bed relies on passively accumulating and retaining your pet’s body heat. Available in several colors and two sizes, this product is designed for comfortable rest for cats and small dogs alike. However, some buyers claim the walls do not stay upright and flop while others have no problems. There’s no saying whether it’s a design flaw or a handling issue. Be sure to check the bed before using it and return if you find it doesn’t keep the shape.
K&H Pet Products Thermo-Kitty Cat Bed relies on subtle warmth to keep your kitty toasty without overheating. Besides, the pressure sensitive cat heating pad only turns on when the bed is occupied, reducing power consumption. The design may look simplistic at first, but the walls remain upright without flopping, and the large-sized bed comfortably fits two cats. This bed is more expensive than other options on our list, but if we’re to trust consumer reports on best heated cat beds, it’s well worth the expense.
Why You Shouldn’t Use a Regular Heated Blanket for Cats
Your tabby might overheat. Pets do not need as high a temperature as humans, so many blankets designed for humans are just too hot for cats and may lead to potential health issues.
The power cords might get chewed through. Pet-specific items come with chew-resistant covers that prevent your cat from damaging the cord, electrocuting herself, or starting an electrical fire.
Maintenance may become a pain. Blankets for humans are rarely easy to wash and dry, while those designed for cats usually have removable heating elements for easy cleaning.
The Verdict. So What Is the Best Heating Pad for Cats
Let’s be honest. You can splurge on the best heated cat bed out there, and there’s still no guarantee your kitty will like it. Felines are notoriously unpredictable and picky. There’s always a chance your hard-earned money will go to waste. Still, with our help, you can increase your chances of pleasing your tabby. We believe these three winners are the most worthy of them all:
Thermal Cat Pet Dog Warming Bed Mat is simple, reliable, durable, and soft – it has all the qualities of a good mat your cat will love.
Warmstore Pet Heating Pad is another simple and effective product that does its thing best. Just put it in your cat’s bed, plug it in, and let your pet enjoy the warmth and comfort.
Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Sherpa Bolster Cat & Dog Bed is so large that it’ll fit even two cuddle-loving kitties.
How to Make Most of Your Outdoor Cat Heating Pad
Heating pads are perfect for making any place comfy, toasty, and super pet-friendly. Here’s how you can make most of it:
Plug the pad in
Cover it with your kitty’s favorite blanket or wrap it around the pad
If your tabby has a dedicated pad, you can put the cat bed warmer inside
Encourage your cat to try out the new setup
Get your camera ready and wait for your cat’s curiosity to take over
Take pics and videos and enjoy!
With a heated cat bed, outdoor sleeping can also become much safer for your tabby. It can warm up literally any surface your kitty loves to take a nap on! It’s a one-size-fits-all solution, a definite must-have for every feline lover.
FAQ
How does a heated cat bed work?
Electric heated beds use heating elements that warm up when the electric current runs through them. Self-heating pads trap your kitty’s body heat and prevent it from dispersing. Some heated beds come with inserts you can heat in a microwave or boiling water.
How long is it safe to leave a heated cat bed plugged in?
You can leave high-quality pads plugged in 24/7, especially if they come with built-in thermostats. However, you should unplug the cat heating bed if you’re leaving the house for a long time, as you would any other electric appliance.
Why is my cat losing his fur in a heated bed?
If your kitty spends too much time on a heating pad that’s too hot, he may lose fur or even develop a bald spot. The issue is easily resolved by adding extra padding to the bed or replacing it with one that has a lower temperature setting.
How much electricity does a heated cat bed use?
That depends entirely on the wattage you see on the packaging and how long you plan to run it every day. For a heated pad that runs on 15 W (0.015 kW), your monthly electricity consumption will be 0.015*24(hours in a day)*30(days in a month)=10.8 kW, and that’s if you keep it running around the clock.
Where can I buy a heated cat bed?
Pet store is a safe bet, though online retailers will offer a much broader selection. Check out Petco, PetSmart, and Chewy. Amazon and Walmart stock heated cat pads too.
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