Cats love to find a warm place to settle down and rest, especially if you live in a cold climate and that’s where a heated cat bed comes in handy. At times they can actually be a necessity. 

Hairless breeds like the Peterbald are susceptible to the cold and it’s recommended you get them a heated cat bed for the colder months. 

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Why You Might Need A Heated Cat Bed

As I said before, cats will naturally seek out a warm place to rest their head, regardless if they have a thick coat of fur or no fur at all. 

Some breeds like the Peterbald or Sphynx will greatly benefit from a heated cat bed as they’re susceptible to the colder climates. 

The climate in which you live could also determine if you need a heated cat bed or not. They’re a great alternative to heating your whole house or an individual room to keep your pets warm. 

If you live in a warmer climate like Australia for example, you may not require a heated cat bed, rather a comfortable cat bed or cat hammock would be suitable. 

Senior cats can also benefit from a heated cat bed, as they get older they tend to develop arthritis and stiff joints. They can even find it difficult to keep warm, so they’ll definitely appreciate a warm bed to sleep in at night. 

On the flip side, kittens who are young and growing will need a helping hand to keep warm. Really a heated cat bed is suitable for all ages of cats.

There are beds that will be large enough for both cats and dogs to share. Plus it gives them a place to cuddle and bond. 

Already have a pet bed, no worries you can just purchase a heated mat that will sit within your existing bed. 

K&H Pet Products Electric Heated Pads

The K&H pet bed is controlled automatically by a thermostat designed to respond to temp changes only when your pet is in the bed.

With the ability to remove the heater and cover this pet bed is to maintain and washable.

Tested to meet and exceed USA/CA electrical safety standards and it even comes with a 1-year limited warranty. It’s the second best seller in cat bed mats for a reason.

Aspen Pet Self Warming Beds

Featuring heat-reflecting Mylar tech, the Aspen Pet Self Warming heated cat bed is a large pet bed suitable for both cats and dogs. Made with plush faux lambswool, it’s lightweight and measures in at 30″ x 24″.

The bed features a textured, non-slip bottom to prevent movement when pets get in and out. With the ability to be hand-washed you’ll be able to keep it fresh all year round.

Aspen beds come in many shapes and sizes in their bed range. Below is their small round bed which would make for a great budget option.

Aspen Pet Self Warming Beds

With all the same great features as its bigger brother, the round Aspen bed is a little more budget friendly.

K&H Pet Products Thermo-Kitty Heated Pet Bed Sage, Multiple Sizes

The Thermo Kitty heated cat bed features a removable heater pad giving you the option to remove it in the warmer months.

It features a one-piece pillow and the inside fleece can come over the top for an extra appealing look. The bed is super soft and filled with ortho-foam to provide what they call a cloud-like sleep for your cat.

It’s machine washable but, make sure you zip out the inner ortho-foam wall before doing so.

The bed has a 4-watt heater warming the surface to 10 – 15 degrees above the ambient air temp. Once your cat hops into the bed the dual thermostat will begin to heat the bed to the body temp of your cat.

The Deluxe Model comes with a removable hood, the hood is designed to provide a den-like feel for your cat.

To clean the bed first remove the heater by unzipping the sleeping surface and sliding it out. Next, remove the foam walls and throw the cover in the washing machine on a gentle cold cycle.

Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler

As the name suggests, the Deep Dish features high sidewalls that are designed to wrap around your cat and make them feel as comfortable as possible. Made with soft Sherpa fabric this heated cat bed is incredibly soft.

The front and sides are 9 inches high, while the back wall is 12 inches in height. The bed can be spread open or be folded depending on your preference.

The beds bottom fabric is made from water and dirt resistant nylon fabric. It’s meant to help eliminate dust and dirt and reduce mildew buildup.

You have the ability to vacuum this bed and it’s safe for washing and drying. The bed is 20 x 20 x 12 inches and weighs 1.8 pounds.

This is designed to be a self-warming bed rather than an electric heated bed.

Thermal Warming Cat Bed Mat

The thermal warming cat bed supplied by Downtown Pet supplies relies on reflective heating Mylar technology to keep your cat warm. With no electricity required, you can use this bed on top of cat trees or in cat hammocks.

Their machine-washable pad features a leopard-print design for the cat with the most swag. With a plush Sherpa backing and durable stitching, it’s comfortable enough for most cats.

This bed is more of a day bed and won’t offer the best warmth in those winter months when it’s needed the most. It comes in 2 sizes: Large (31″ L x 18″ W) and Regular (22″ L x 19″ W).

K&H Pet Products Outdoor Kitty House, Insulated Cat Shelter (Heated or Unheated)

K&H makes many heated cat bed products and this would have to be one of my favorites. The outdoor kitty house comes in a heated or unheated package.

It’s super easy to assemble and not surprisingly very comfortable, when constructing the sidewalls, put each one up one by one and secure them with velcro. It also features a 20 watt MET safety listed bed inside.

The house includes 2 exits covered with a removable clear door flap to add some extra protection from the outdoor elements and any possible predators trapping them inside.

Their patented K&H lector-soft thermostatically controlled with an internal preset is designed to keep your cat pet both safe and warm.

The heated outdoor house is made from 600 denier polyester making it water and weather resistant. Both the walls and the roof are insulated for extra protection from harsh weather.

Hook and loop fastener walls and a zippered on roof means no tools are required to assemble the house.

Finally, a one-year limited manufacturer warranty is offered by K&H.

They also have a log cabin design which I think is totally cool. Here it is below.

Furhaven Pet Bed Mat Available in Multiple Styles & Sizes

The electricity-free heating pad by Furhaven is a popular choice among pet owners looking for a self-heating pad. Designed with a reflective thermal sheet tucked between layers of polyester fiber batting core for extra insulation.

Soft faux fur lines the sleep surface and is also quilted for additional cozy padding. It offers a soft resting place for your cat keeping them insulated and actually quite comfortable.

If you have an adventure cat the Furhaven pad is light enough to take with you but durable enough to not have to worry about it falling to pieces.

Available in a range of colors and styles with my personal favorite being espresso, the Furhaven pet bed comes in one size: 17″ x 22″ x 0.25″.

The bed is completely machine washable and comes with a manufacturer’s warranty.

K&H Pet Products Thermo-Kitty Heated Pet Bed Deluxe Cat Bed

Another one from K&H and this it’s the deluxe version. Similar to all K&H beds they are practical, comfortable and have great reviews.

Key Features Overview:

• The heater uses only 4 watts
• Zip-off hood for that secure feeling
• Soft foam filled walls
• The cover is removable for machine washing
• Soft, poly-filled pillow bottom
• 5.5′ electrical cord
• MET safety listed

A main feature of the beds is they stay 12 to 15 degrees above room temperature when your pet is not in bed. When your pet hops in, it begins to warm to the pet’s body temperature.

They are recommended for indoor use only, which is a little bit of a shame but not a deal-breaker.

The Deluxe Model:

The Deluxe offers all of the same comfort features of the original Thermo-Kitty Bed but incorporates a zip-off hood. The removable hood is supposed to encourage your pet to curl in and feel safe and secure.

What’s Important When Buying A Heated Cat Bed?

When purchasing a heated cat bed one of the first things you should look at is build quality. You’ll want to look at the materials used within the cat bed itself. After all the quality of the build is going to determine the comfort level of the bed and how long it will last. 

Before buying look at the following:

• Materials used
• Filling and Fabric
• Heating element
• Firmness of bed
• Design – Can your cat get in and out easily
• Warranty

Heated Cat Bed Design

The design of the cat bed that best suits you and your cat is going to come down to individual preference. It will also depend on the age, size and breed of your cat. 

If you have an existing bed but it needs heating, perhaps a heating pad is more to your liking. If you have a multi pet household, you’ll want to consider a bed big enough for both pets. 

Spend a couple of minutes to decide which design of bed will suit your household and your beloved furry friend. 

Heating Element And Thermostat

If you purchase an electric heated cat bed, rather than a self heating bed you’ll want to make sure that it comes with at least one thermostat. A thermostat will regulate the temperature of the bed keeping your pet safe. 

K&H heated pet beds are a good example of a bed that comes with two thermostats that will keep the surface of the bed to a maximum of 102 degrees Fahrenheit, which is your pet’s natural body temperature. 

If your pet isn’t using the bed then the thermostat will decrease the temp down to about 10 degrees Fahrenheit above room temperature. 

Self heating beds are designed so that they reflect your pet’s body temp back onto them. They aren’t as good as electric beds obviously but if you don’t live in a super cold climate you might be able to get by with this type of bed. 

Maintenance

You’ll want to do some research, or just look at my guide on what maintenance is required for each heated cat bed. Double check to see if the bed is machine washable or if this will void its warranty. 

Maintaining them should be easy, as let’s face it we already have enough chores to do around the house.  

Usually they will just require a general clean and vacuum and you’re done. Check out the reviews above to find out more about the maintenance required. 

Different Types Of Heated Cat Beds Available

There are actually two types of heated cat beds available on the market, one being heated electronically and the other is a self heating bed. 

Electrical Heated Bed

These are similar to how an electric blanket would work for our own beds. They do a better job of heating the bed and keeping temps regulated however, they do draw some electricity. 

It won’t break the bank but, if you’re trying to minimize your bills any way you can this might not be the best option. 

They typically don’t feature an on/off switch, so once they are plugged into the way they will be on. Again, the thermostat is there to regulate the temps so this shouldn’t be a problem. 

Self Heating Beds

These beds include a heat reflective material called Mylar, which is a fancy way of saying plastic film or polyester film. 

They work by reflecting the natural body heat of your pet back onto them, which actually works pretty well. 

K&H Manufacturing Thermo-Kitty Cafe Heated Food & Water Bowl

Will go great with the heated beds or house and will stop the food and water from freezing if left outside in colder climates like Ohio winter. 

The Thermo Kitty Cafe is a great addition to any home that experiences very cold winters. It will keep your pets food from freezing over and allow them to drink from their usual bowl with no worries. 

Heated Cat Bed FAQ’s

Are Heated Beds Safe For Cat’s? 

In general cat beds are very safe. Make sure they have an inbuilt thermostat and low wattage heating elements. 

Do Cats Need A Heated Bed?

If you live in a relatively warm climate then not really no. However, cats do love to find a warm place to lay their head at night and they would still enjoy a heated cat bed. 

If you live in a colder climate and experience snow then I’d suggest investing in a heated cat bed. It’s still not needed but your cat pets will absolutely love you for it. 

If you have an older cat, there can actually be some health benefits in providing them a heated cat bed. 

How Cold Is Too Cold For Cats?

Cats that have acclimatized to the cold should not be exposed to temps below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s also recommended that even if your cat is used to the cold they should always have access to a warm bed or shelter. 

Different breeds are more susceptible to the cold. A Peterbald or hairless cat is going to feel the cold much more than a Norwegian Forest Cat breed.

Last update on 2023-10-04 at 15:04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API