The Best Heating Pads For Cats
As the temperature drops, our cat's desire for snuggles rises. While we never say no to a good cuddle, we can't be with our feline friends all day. Thankfully, there are heating pads for cats that are made to bring your kitty comfort when you can't. The market is flooded with quite a variety, but we found a few that we think are worthy of your attention. Take a look.
What to Look For
In our research, we found that the best heating pads are durable, comfortable, and safely regulate heat. For example, K&H’s Thermo Kitty Mat offers a heating pad that emits a safe amount of warmth without any worry of overheating. If you’d prefer a cordless option, consider Furhaven’s ThermaNAP. It uses your cat’s natural body heat and does a surprisingly good job of keeping your kitty warm. Read on to learn more about our favorite picks.
K&H Products Thermo-Kitty Mat
Keep it cozy
K&H Products have been creating exceptional cat products for years, so it’s no surprise that this heating pad has made it to the top of our list. It features soft reversible padding that helps distribute the heat from the pad, and it’s easy to wash as well. Just throw the cover in the washing machine and set it to a gentle cycle. And during hotter weather, you can use the mat on its own as a comfy spot for sleeping and lounging. But the star of the show is the heating mechanism. We love how simple it is to operate. You can leave it on without worry because the heat will never be higher than 15 degrees above the surrounding temperature. However, once your cat sits on it, the temperature will naturally rise with your cat’s body heat. How brilliant is that?
Pros:
- This kitty mat is fairly thick, so your cat can use it as a standalone bed, or you can place it elsewhere, like on the sofa or in their favorite sleeping nook.
- Elderly cats with joint pain will find some relief when relaxing on this kitty mat.
Cons:
- Some cats will want their heating pad warmer than this kitty mat can give.
NAMOTEK Electric Heating Pad For Cats
The perfect temp
NAMOTEK’s thermostatically controlled heating pad maintains a consistent temperature for up to 24 hours at a time. All you have to do is plug it in. Speaking of plugs, we were pleased to learn that this heading pad features a thick cord that can withstand hearty bites from curious cats. The pad itself is also scratch-resistant and waterproof as well. But is it comfortable, you ask? It sure is. The flannel cover is soft and provides the cushioning your feline friend craves. What’s more, this heating pad comes in a range of sizes, so no worries if you’re a multicat home.
Pros:
- It’s a decent size, even if you purchase the smallest option.
- The durability of this heating pad makes it an ideal spot for kittens and their mother.
Cons:
- Some cats may find this mat to be too warm for them.
Furhaven ThermaNAP
No cords needed
If you’ve ever snuggled with your cat, then we’re sure you’re aware of how much body heat they retain. So, we had to ask ourselves — do we always need a traditional heating pad? According to Furhaven’s ThermaNAP, the answer is a resounding no. This plush pad is made with polyester and mylar, which in turn uses your cat’s natural temperature to conduct heat. Plus, it’s covered in luxuriously soft faux fur that’s safe for sensitive paws and noses. Even better, this bed is completely machine washable for an all-around hassle-free experience.
Pros:
- Since you don’t have to worry about cords and outlets, you can place the ThermaNAP practically anywhere. We think they work especially well in cat condos and window perches.
- It’s available in several different sizes and colors.
Cons:
- If you also own rambunctious dogs, don’t let them sleep on the ThermaNAP. It can’t withstand rough play.
K&H Pet Products Thermo-Kitty Fashion Splash Cat Bed
Heating pads are great, but depending on their size, they can be a hassle to place on your cat’s bed. That’s why we fell in love with K&H’s Fashion Splash Cat Bed. This two-for-one features a plush and comfy bed with polyester fiber and orthopedic foam to ease aches and pains. On top of that, this bed also boasts an impressive energy-saving heater. And since it activates with your cat’s own temperature, you don’t have to worry about it ever overheating.
Pros:
- The material is soft but durable enough for burrowers.
- We love how malleable this bed is; you could easily put this on a cat tree or cat cave.
- It’s especially comfortable for elderly cats.
Cons:
- It has an odor at first, so we’d recommend airing it out or even washing it.
Arf Pets Microwavable Pet Heating Pad
No cords needed
Arf Pets has created a simple and efficient heating pad that you can use with your existing cat bed. The pad’s interior consists of a gel that warms up after a quick couple of minutes in the microwave. Once it’s warm enough to your liking, slip the pad into the provided fleece cover and place it on your cat’s favorite napping spot. We think they’re going to love it.
Pros:
- We found that this heating pad works well for feral cats. The heating should last roughly 8 hours.
- The pad stays warmer longer if you place it beneath a blanket.
Cons:
- Even with the fleece cover, some cats may feel that this pad is too hard. However, if you wrap it in a blanket, they should be okay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are heating pads machine washable?
Most heating pads come with a cover that can be thrown in the wash. However, we’d recommend reading the manufacturer’s instructions beforehand.
Are heating pads really safe for cats?
Overall, we’d say yes. Often heating pads for cats come with thicker cords and other safety precautions like temperature regulation to reduce the chances of fires and overheating.
About the Author
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Since 2008, CatTime has provided millions of cat owners with all the information they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. Our experts know exactly what it takes to raise our furry friends and our goal is to help all owners, new or experienced, care for their cats with all the right food, toys, equipment, and accessories.