The Best Heated Cat Beds To Keep Your Feline Cozy On A Cold Day
Cats love comfort—in fact, they’re renowned for it. And of course, a species that can sleep up to 16 hours in a single day needs a warm, cozy spot to slumber. Enter: heated cat beds.
The feline equivalent of a heated blanket, the best heated cat beds will give your kitty-cat a toasty place to perch when the weather takes a turn. Naturally, it lends itself to the winter months, but you can use your heated cat bed any time of year to ensure your cat has somewhere warm to nap.
These days, the cat beds tend to be energy-efficient, so you shouldn’t have to worry about your bills going through the roof. Plus, there’s usually an adjustable thermostat, so you can tailor the temperature just as your cat likes it. Alternatively, you can opt for a self-warming cat bed to skip the electricity element altogether.
Depending on the brand, you may be able to remove the heater entirely and repurpose it as a regular cat bed, which is great for the warmer months. Converted? We thought so. We’ve put together the ultimate guide to our favorite heated cat beds to help you shop. Read on and check them out now.
Top Pick Thermo-Kitty Heated Cat Bed
Thermo-Kitty Nest Dog Bed
$42.99
Best Heated Cat Bed to Consider
If you’re new to the world of heated cat beds, it can be hard to know what to look for. So, we’ve put together some quick tips to help you find the best one for your (and your cat’s) needs:
Size/Surface Area
Your cat won’t want to feel stifled, but they’ll like to feel cocooned and cozy in their cat bed.
We advise, just as with cat crates, to find a size that allows your cat to stand up, lie down, and turn around; this usually equates to roughly 1.5 times its size.
Cleanliness
You’ll struggle if your chosen heated cat bed doesn’t have a removable cover; after all, there’s only so far fabric cleaning spray will get you.
So, make sure your heated cat bed has a removable and ideally machine-washable cover that you can throw in the laundry for a quick refresher when necessary.
Adjustable Thermostat
It’s best to have an adjustable thermostat so you can tailor the heat just how your cat likes it. Adjustable thermostats often offer an eco option, too, which is great if you’re looking to keep your utility bills down but still offer your kitty a warm, cozy spot.
Electric/Self-Heating
While most heated cat beds are electric, you can also find self-heating options that can serve you just as well. If you’re concerned about the safety of a plug-in bed, you can pick up a lovely self-heating option to eliminate those worries.
Thermo-Kitty Heated Cat Bed
Measuring a sizable 16 inches, this heated cat bed comes in a spacious design that’ll give your kitty plenty of room to stretch out and snooze. We’ve picked this one as our favorite thanks to its modern shape, which works as a great piece of home decor alongside being a cozy spot for your feline.
The raised sides will help them feel safe and secure, while the dual thermostat 4-watt heating unit gently warms them from under the orthopedic foam bottom, making this a fantastic winter cat bed. It runs at a safe temperature for your pets, so you can be sure it won’t overheat or become dangerous for your cat, too. Stylish, affordable, and excellent quality, we can’t fault this heated cat bed.
Thermo-Kitty Nest Dog Bed
$42.99
Pros:
- Creates a warm, gentle heat that’s safe for your pet
- Orthopedic foam
- Modern style
- Removable and washable cover
Cons:
- No adjustable thermostat
Heated Cat Bed
This 25 x 12.5-inch heated cat bed pad is just the thing to keep your kitty cushty on a cold day. The comfy pad can be laid anywhere your cat likes to snooze, be it by the fireplace, on the couch, or on the floor near your feet. It’s super thick, so you won’t need to add any extra cushioning with this one, either. It’ll automatically warm to a cat-friendly temperature when your kitty beds down on top of it, and it’s tested to meet USA/CA electrical safety standards.
You can remove the cover whenever it gets a bit too furry (or stinky!), and throw it in the laundry with no extra hassle, too. Coming in at a cheap price, this heated cat bed doesn’t break the bank, either.
Pet Heated Rectangle Mat
$58.99
Pros:
- Automatically warms when your cat jumps on
- Spacious (25 x 12.5-inch)
- Comfy and plush
- Machine-washable cover for easy cleaning
Cons:
- Not the largest
JNGY Dumpling Heated Cat Bed
Every nap on this heated cat pillow will feel like a 5-star hotel stay for your kitty-cat. Coming in a beanbag-shaped style, this cozy and cocooning cat bed is just the place for your feline to warm up on a chilly day. Measuring 9 x 21 x 21 inches, , this one makes a lovely snuggly spot for your cat to feel safe and secure; plus, the open style means they won’t feel stifled. We like that this one’s warm layer is only on the top half, so you can switch to the cool side if your kitty gets a bit hot under the collar (literally). And to wash? Simply pop the removable cover in the laundry—it’s that simple.
Heated Cat Bed
$67.99
Pros:
- Switch between cool and warm side
- Super cozy and comfy
- Machine-washable
- Super plush outer cover/beanbag-style
- Eco-friendly filling
Cons:
- Not ideal if your cat prefers enclosed spaces
Kitty Fashion Splash Heated Bolster Cat Bed
Coming in at a reasonable price tag, you can treat your cat to a warm bed without burning (too much of) a hole in your pocket. It’s covered in stroke-worthy fabric, comes in two color options, and runs on a super low wattage so it won’t inflate your energy bills. Of course, this one’s machine-washable, too, saving you effort when laundry day swings around. We like that the bed’s heating system only activated when your cat lays on it, so it won’t be running 24/7 for no reason. It’ll warm just to your pet’s natural body temperature, ensuring it doesn’t get uncomfortable hot for your cute kitty.
Kitty Fashion Splash Heated Bolster
$49.99
Pros:
- Low wattage (4)
- Affordable price tag
- Comfy and cozy
- Machine-washable
Cons:
- On the smaller side (18 x 18 inches)
K&H Pet Products Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Cat Bed
OK, K&H are well-represented in our guide—but why not, when they make such great-quality goods? The Heated Rectangle Cat Bed is ideal if you’re looking for an outdoor cat bed, as this one is designed with alfresco use in mind. Great for those Spring and Fall evenings when the weather’s pretty but still a tad chilly, this house-style cat bed gives your cat space to relax in toasty warmth while still enjoying nature and the great outdoors. In fact, it’ll even be effective in sub-zero temperatures thanks to the combination of solid insulation, thick fabric, and reliable thermostat. That said, if it’s snowing outside, we implore you to bring your kitty in!
Heated Rectangle Cat Bed
$151.99
Pros:
- Great for outdoor use (even sub-zero temperatures)
- Water/weather resistant
- Thermostatically-controlled
- Cute house style
Cons:
- Bit of a splurge
Electric vs Self-Warming Cat Beds
When it comes to keeping your feline friend warm and cozy, you have two main options: electric heated cat beds and self-warming beds. Let’s dive into the differences between these two types to help you decide which one is the best fit for your cat.
Electric
Electric heated cat beds are designed with a low-wattage heating element that warms the bed to a safe, comfortable temperature. And, because naturally, cat owners are worried about safety when it comes to their beloved felines, they usually come with built-in safety features like thermostats to regulate temperature and prevent overheating.
These beds are perfect for cats who love a consistently warm spot to curl up in, especially during colder months, or for those who need extra warmth, like elderly cats or tiny kittens. However, they do require access to a power outlet, and it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use and maintenance.
Self-Warming
On the other hand, self-warming beds use materials that reflect and trap your cat’s body heat, creating a toasty sleeping spot without the need for electricity.
These beds are typically made with layers of insulating fabric, such as Mylar, which is actually the same material used in space blankets.
Self-warming beds are energy-efficient, portable, and require no maintenance, making them a hassle-free option. However, they may not provide the same level of warmth as electric beds, especially in colder weather.
In a Nutshell
To wrap it up, electric heated cat beds offer consistent warmth and are great for cats who need extra heat, but they require a power source and careful use. Self-warming beds are low-maintenance and energy-efficient, but they may not be as warm as electric beds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you leave a heated cat bed on all the time?
Most heated cat beds are designed to be left plugged in 24/7. Usually, they’ll run on a low wattage, meaning they won’t use an excessive amount of energy when left running, either.
Is a heated bed good for a cat?
Heated cat beds are safe for most cats, but you’ll want to be careful if you’ve got kittens, elderly, or sick cats at home; always read your chosen cat bed’s guidelines to ensure you keep your cats safe.
On the other hand, the warmth from a heated cat bed can be a godsend for stiff joints and tight muscles, so this can be a great benefit for some felines. Of course, offering your cat a warm place to shelter from the chill during a cold winter will be very much appreciated by your furry friend, too.
What is the best temperature for a heated cat bed?
The rule of thumb is to keep your heated cat bed at the body temperature of your cat. You can also go roughly 12 to 15 degrees higher than the room temperature and still be in the realms of safety if the weather outside is particularly chilly. It depends on which electric heated cat bed you’ve chosen as to its temperature adjustability and features.
How do you wash a heated cat bed?
If you opt for a heated cat bed with a removable cover, you can usually just whip it off and throw it in the laundry; check the instructions to see which cycle to use, and off you go.
Are heated cat beds OK for cats?
Yep, heated cat beds are generally considered safe, and even beneficial for cats, especially during colder months, or for senior cats, kittens, and those recovering from an illness. These beds come in two main types: self-heating and electric.
Self-heating cat beds are designed with materials that reflect and trap your cat’s body heat, while electric beds have a low-wattage heating element that warms the bed to a safe and feline-friendly temperature.
Not to mention, many heated beds are designed with built-in safety features, such as thermostats that regulate the temperature and prevent overheating.
That said, it’s also crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use, and always ensure that your cat can easily move away from the bed if they start to feel too warm.
Are heated cat beds expensive to run?
A heated cat bed is a great way to keep your furry friend warm and cozy during the colder months. Generally, they are not expensive to run and can cost as little as a few cents per day.
Some beds even have energy-saving features that help keep costs down. So, if you’re looking for a way to keep your cat warm without breaking the bank, a heated cat bed might be just what you need. Otherwise, a thermal self-warming bed may be the cost-effective answer you’re looking for, since these don’t use any electricity at all.
What is a safe temperature for a heating pad for a cat?
When providing your cat with a comfortable heating pad, it’s important to find the right balance between warmth and safety.
The rule of thumb when it comes to the safe temperature range of a heating pad is typically around 102°F (39°C), which is similar to a cat’s normal body temperature.
This temperature keeps your cat cozy and warm, without making them feel overheated. Remember what we said about always adhering to the manufacturer’s instructions and ensuring your cat can easily move away from the heat if they desire. We also recommend having a cat water fountain or water bowl nearby so they can quench their thirst quickly if they do get too warm.
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