Cats love to be warm. Their normal body temperature is slightly higher than ours. It's typically between 100.5°F and 102.5°F (38.1°C to 39.2°C). When cats sleep with their humans this is a sure sign of love. But, they may just be stealing your warmth. That means that a cat heating pad will come in handy when you aren't home, if your home doesn'tt get a lot of natural sunlight, and especially if you have a litter of kittens.
Who Should Buy a Cat Heating Pad
A cat heating pad is designed to offer extra warmth, unlike a heated cat bed. Most heating pads are electric, but some are microwaveable. Some heating pads rely on the cat's body temperature to keep the pad warm.
The cat heating pad you choose depends on your lifestyle and your cat's needs. Always read through the descriptions and safety warnings before you decide which product is best for you and your cat.
Cat heating pads are thin and portable
Portability is great if your cat has several favorite resting spots. This also comes in handy if you travel a lot with your cat. A self-heating pad might help your cat feel comfortable during a move or a trip to the vet.
Easy to use
You can use cat heating pads on top of or inside your cat's current beds. The cat heating pad can go to your cat’s favorite floor spot for a bit of extra cushion and heat. This can be more comfortable than lying on a bare floor.
Some cat heated pads are even safe to use outdoors
Catios are becoming more and more popular. Outdoor cat heating pads can provide warmth to your cat on chilly, cloudy days. Just make sure the product description says for outdoor use. Also, keep in mind that anything with electricity should not come in contact with rain or snow.
For example, most product descriptions recommend for use in garages, barns, porches, etc. Technically, enclosed outdoor areas. This provides more of a barrier between water coming into contact with electricity.
Kittens love them
Cat heating pads can be especially helpful for litters of kittens. Kittens need more warmth than adult cats. They cannot regulate their body temperature so they need a little help from mum. However, Mum may not always be able to provide it for all her kittens. A cat heating pad can give kittens a cozy place to lie while Mum gets some rest.
Cat heating pads may benefit senior cats
Elderly cats with joint pain may also experience relief when they curl up on a cat heating pad. The extra warmth may also help encourage blood circulation. Arthritis is common in older cats from years of jumping around. A cat heating pad might offer your senior some relaxation.
Cats love warm, sunny areas
A cat heating pad can be a good alternative on cloudy days or in rooms with limited sunlight. The heating pad will work to keep your cat warm when he can't nap in the sun.
Features to Consider about Cat Heating Pads
FAQs
Why do cats like heat so much?
Cats love soaking up warmth to help them regulate their body temperatures. External heat helps them preserve energy from warming themselves. Their normal body temperature is higher than ours so they require more warmth. Cats also like warmth for the same reason we love blankets - warmth is comforting!
It's important for cats to feel comfortable in their environment. Extra warmth offers safety to cats.
What is a cat heating pad and how does it work?
A cat heating pad provides a warm place for cats to lay on. Place the heating pad around your home based on your cat's favorite spots.
Electric, thermal (also called self-heating or self-warming), and microwavable are the primary types of heating cat beds.
Electric cat heating pads are the most common. They have a cord that you plug into a wall. Some electric heating pads have timers but always use safety precautions.
Microwavable cat heating pads are microwave-safe. This allows you to place them in your microwave oven to warm them up for temporary heat. Most packaging will explain how long the extra heating will last.
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Self-warming cat heating pads use the cat's body heat to warm the pad up. This may be the safest option if you are relying on pads to provide comfort while you aren't home.
Are cat heating pads safe for cats?
Cat heating pads are generally safe to use. However, always practice safety precautions. Read the packaging for instructions and safety warnings thoroughly before use. Test the cat heating pad throughout the day before leaving it alone with your cat. You know your cat best so choose the appropriate heating pad based on his activity and personality.
Cat heating pads often come with chew-proof cords. If your cat chews when he's bored, chew-proof cords might be a better option. Most cat parents want a heating pad to keep their cat company while they work. If this is the case, chew-proof cords or self-warming pads (sans cord) would probably be best. This will keep your cat safe while he's alone.
Cats are curious by nature. Sometimes cats get into trouble when they're bored.
Heaters won’t go above a specific temperature. This safety measure ensures that your cat maintains a safe body temperature without the risk of overheating. But, always test products for durability before leaving it alone with your cat. Check your cat heating pad thoroughly daily. This is great preventative care.
Waterproof may be the option for you. If your cat often has accidents or you’re using the pad with kittens, it might be a good idea to get a waterproof, cordless cat heating pad. This might help prevent the risk of fire. Also, kittens like to chew on things when they are teething. Keep this in mind when choosing a cat heating pad.
Do cats actually like cat heating pads?
Some cats are finicky about there they lounge, so a heating pad may not be their ideal spot. However, most cats will welcome the extra warmth! Cats are always wary of new things. You could put her favorite toys or a bit of organic catnip on the new bed to get her well-acquainted. Don't force the interaction. Let your cat go to the heating pad when she's ready.
Best Cat Heating Pads - Our Picks
1. K&H Products Thermo-Kitty Mat Heated Pet Bed - Best Pressure Sensitive Cat Heating Pad Option
K&H Thermo-Kitty Mat pressure sensitive heated cat pad is thermostatically controlled to automatically respond to your cat's normal temperature when he's on the bed. It comes in one size, but it's large to fit most cats. The cover is removable and washable.
This is a pressure sensitive heated cat pad. It turns off when your cat isn't using the bed. Then, it turns on when your cat lies down, as long as it's plugged in. The cushioned pad is thin enough for travel and storage. This pressure sensitive heated cat pad is for indoor use only.
2. K&H PET PRODUCTS Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Pet Bed Tan - Best Outdoor Cat Heating Pad Option
This K&H cat heating pad bed is meant for the outdoors. You can use it indoors too, but the entire bed is weatherproof. The steel-wrapped cord protects from chewing. However, it is not recommended for destructive pets that chew. The PVC fleece cover is removable and washable. This cat heating pad comes in multiple sizes to fit your needs, and it's an orthopedic bed.
3. RIOGOO Pet Heating Pad, Electric Heating Pad for Cats - Best Automatic Timer Cat Heating Pad Option
RIOGOO's cat heating pad has an auto power-off function with a timer setting of 1-12 hours. However, the product description recommends switching off the pad when you leave home. The temperature settings are adjustable between 80-130 ℉.
The stainless steel-wrapped cord is chew-resistant. But again, the company recommends keeping your pet from chewing it. The insert pad is waterproof, but the cat heating pad should not be used if it gets wet. The product description says non-toxic and no smell, however, two of the pad layers are PVC. It comes with a washable polyester cover.
4. Pecute cat Heating Pad - Best Amazon Reviewed Cat Heating Pad Option
Pecute heating pads come with multiple layers. This includes the flannel cover, waterproof PVC, fireproof sponge, fireproof cotton, and the heating wire. It also comes with an adopted two built-in overheating protectors. This can help prevent high-temperature combustion and slow thermal balance.
The power-on indicator helps you know the situation of the cat heating pad. The cord is wrapped with bendable stainless steel and it says it can withstand 30kgs of pull force. This might help prevent electric shock. This cat heating pad is recommended for indoor use only.
5. MARUNDA Pet Heating Pad - Best Waterproof Cat Heating Pad Option
MARUNDA cat heating pads feature an auto constant temperature and a chew-resistant steel cord. The built-in dual thermostat heats a few degrees higher than the cat's normal body temperature. It's designed to stay safe with low power and intelligent temperature control. It comes with a washable cover, waterproof PVC insert, and a cladding hose cable.
6. NICREW Pet Heating Pad for Dogs and Cats - Best Budget Cat Heating Pad Option
Nicrew cat heating pad comes with a steel-wrapped cord and washable fleece cover. The heating pad insert is waterproof, but the washable cover is not. This pad is recommended for indoor use only. The cat heating pad is flat, it comes in two sizes, and you can choose between preset temperature and adjustable temperature.
The preset temperature pad provides heat between 96-108℉. So, it does go a bit above your cat's normal body temperature.
This cat heating pad does not have a timer and it will stay on for as long as it's plugged in. The adjustable temperature pad comes with an auto shut off function, and you can set a timer for this. This pad comes with a longer seven-foot cord, and the preset temperature pad comes with a five-foot cord. The company recommends not to use this pad with a blanket or pillow when it's turned on.
7. K&H Pet Products Extreme Weather Kitty Pad - Best Extreme Weather Cat Heating Pad Option
Here's another K&H cat heating pad. This one is designed with extreme weather in mind. It says you may use it year-round indoors or outdoors. However, it's recommended to use in enclosed outdoor areas like garages, porches, barns, etc.
The internal thermostat heats to your cat's normal body temperature. It comes with pre-drilled holes for easy anchoring, and the cord is steel-encased. This cat heating pad does not come with a cover, however, a fleece cover is available for purchase separately.
8. K&H PET PRODUCTS Original Lectro-Kennel Outdoor Heated Pad - Best Outdoor Cat Heating Pad Option
This outdoor cat heating pad comes with a washable fleece cover. It's thermostatically controlled to automatically respond to your cat's temperature changes. This will warm to your cat's normal body temperature. It's recommended to use this pad in sheds, garages, barns, and any sheltered outdoor area.
9. Petbf Upgraded Pet Heating Pad
Petnf heated bed mat is a waterproof heating pad with six different heat levels and five-timer levels. You have control of the temperature and choose from always-on, four, eight, 12, and 24-hour time levels.
It's made with a fleece cover, waterproof PVC, fireproof sponge, and a heating wire. The all-steel cord is dual chew-resistant and has a rubber reinforcement. This cat heating pad is for indoor use only.
Final Thoughts on Cat Heating Pads
Cats love warmth because their natural body temperature is higher than ours. Warmth makes cats feel safe and cozy. Cat heating pads can be a great addition to your home because they are designed to keep your cat warm which comes in handy when you're not home or if your home does not get proper sunlight.
Our top choice for cat heating pads would be K&H Thermo-Kitty Mat. This cat heating pad uses a low wattage, and it's designed not to overheat. The cover is washable and removable, and it's pressure-sensitive. It will only heat up when your cat lies on it.
You know your cat best. Choose a cat heating pad based on his activity and personality. Always use safety precautions and test the pad before you leave it alone with your cat. Check the pads daily to make sure they are functioning properly.
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