Staying warm may not be an issue for most cats for most of the year, but it does become a problem as winter approaches. Cats love heat, and when winter arrives, it is not as easy for them to get the warmth they crave and, in some cases, really need.
As cats get older they need that warmth as it helps lessen the pains of old age, particularly for those cats whose immune systems are compromised. In this guide we’ve explored the different options available to you and reviewed the best heated cat beds available in the UK.
What to consider when buying a heated cat bed
When looking for a heated cat bed, you should consider the following:
- What type of bed are you looking for? Are you looking for a heated bed or a heated pad? Does your cat prefer a cave to sleep in? Pads can be placed under existing beds, whilst a traditional bed or cave is great for retaining heat.
- How would you like it heated? There are a number of different heating options including self heated, electric heated or microwave heated beds. Self heated are the cheapest option, but often lack the additional heat that an electric bed can provide.
- Where will you place it? If you’re going for an electric heated bed; is the length of the power cord sufficient? Is it chew resistant? You should try to avoid extension leads wherever possible.
- Does the bed have a thermostat? For electric beds, heat must be regulated and stay at a safe level. Self heating beds will always warm to your cats body temperature.
- Is the bed the right size and suitably padded? How many cats will use it? You need a pad that is big enough and comfortable enough.
Best Heated Cat Bed Reviews
We’ve reviewed the best heated cat beds available in the UK today. We have included all major brands, and have used a range of beds, caves and heated pads.
1. Petmate Self Warming Cat Bed
The Petmate Self Warming Cat Bed comes in 5 different sizes, but we find the best for our cats is the round 19 inch bed. If you have a larger cat, the bed comes in a rectangular shape, but this isn’t the most efficient for a curled up cat. This cat bed has a soft fleece material for your cat to snuggle into and has a lot of padding that will withstand your cats marching!
The bed itself uses space blanket technology to reflect and retain your pets body heat which quickly heats the bed up within a couple of minutes. Our cats love this bed and are never out of it (which makes it our top pick!) – so much so that we own two!
Key Features:
- Self warming bed
- Cheap to run – it doesn’t use electricity to heat
- Reflects and retains your pet’s radiated body heat
- Uses space blanket technology
- Extremely soft and comfortable for your cat
2. K&H Thermo-Kitty Deluxe Hooded Bed
The K&H Thermo-Kitty Deluxe Hooded bed is an electric heated cat bed that provides a hooded like cave for your cat to snuggle in. The hood on this bed is removable (easy to zip off) along with all of the covers that are removable and washable.
This electric heated bed contains a 4 watt heating unit that is positioned in the base of the bed, and has a dual thermostat. When turned on, the heater warms the surface of the bed to 10-15 degrees above the ambient air temperature, but when your cat gets into the bed it adjusts to your pets body temperature to keep them cosy and warm.
We love this bed, and it is our top electric heated cat bed pick. The low wattage makes it affordable to run, and the added hood helps to retain heat inside. With all covers removable and washable we think it is an excellent addition to any pampered cats home.
Key Features:
- Electric heated bed
- Electric cord is 1.52 metres long
- The bed measures 50.8cm L x 50.8cm W x 35.6cm H
- It has removable washable covers
- Extremely soft and comfortable for your cat
3. Lesotc Heating Pad
The Lesotc Heating Pad comes in two sizes (40cm x 45cm and 45cm x 70cm) which makes it suitable for both smaller and large cats. It has a soft outer cover that is washable, and the inner soft PVC envelope is both waterproof and urine proof. The pad generates a toasty 36 – 43℃ and is safety regulated by two built-in thermostats.
We actually own one of these mats for our cats. We only use it in the winter, but we place it under a blanket within one of our older cats favourite basket. If you are planning to place it in an existing crate or bed, make sure that the pad will fit without bending it as it is difficult to mould to a smaller space.
Key Features:
- Smart temperature control thermostat protection.
- Chew resistant power lead measuring 59 inches
- Flame retardant
- Machine-washable cover
- Inexpensive to operate
4. SONNIG Pet Heating Pad
The Sonnig Pet Heating Pad is available in three different sizes. It has six different levels of heating (30℃ to 55℃), which means you can find the temperature that best suits your cat. Some cats are fussy about their beds, so this would be an excellent choice for them. It also comes with a timer (4/8/12/24H) that allows you to set the length of time the bed is on. The soft outer fleece is washable, and the inner PVC pad is waterproof.
Key Features:
- Six levels of heat.
- Adjustable timer.
- Auto shutoff.
- Overheating protection.
- Chew resistant steel cord.
- Removable and washable outer cover.
5. TOPETOFNOTCH Cat Bed
The TOPETOFNOTCH Cat Bed is a more traditional cat bed with a heater base and raised walls. This cat bed is powered by a short USB cable, that is likely to be too short for your needs. You can pick up a cheap USB cable with a longer lead to combat this.
We really like this bed, and the flexible sides make this a great option for multiple cats. The main cushion has plenty of padding and is extremely soft. The bed is well built and will withstand your cat marching on it as it settles down for its afternoon nap. For the money, we think this one is excellent value.
Key Features:
- USB powered enables long lead run if required.
- Three different heat settings.
- Raised walls provide additional support.
- Non-slip bottom.
- 50 x 60cm size is suitable for more than one cat.
6. Mora Pets Cat Bed
The Mora Pets Cat Bed is also a self-heating pad. Although it is not as cheap as some other non-electric pet pads, it does come with a one-year warranty, a thirty-day no-hassle refund policy and manufacturer support. It is a generously sized bed and has three pressure-activated layers of self-healing material.
Unlike some pads, it is completely noiseless, which can be a blessing for owners who have a cat that easily spooks. Owners frequently cite pads that make a noise as a turn-off for their cat.
Key Features:
- Indoor and outdoor use.
- Noiseless.
- Safe for use over extended intervals of time.
- Completely machine washable.
- It can be used in pet carriers or baskets.
- 1-year warranty.
7. Pecute Pet Heat Pad
The Pecute Pet Heat Pad is available in two different sizes, 32 x 40cm and 40 x 50cm, which should be adequate for most cat owners’ requirements. The pad protects against overheating by using two built-in thermostats. The running temperature is not user-selectable, but the heated cat bed provides a constant heat of 38-40°C/100-104℉, which should be suitable for most cats.
The pad is waterproof, scratchproof, and fireproof, which help to promote peace of mind.
Key Features:
- Two thermostats controlled overheating protection.
- Chew-resistant stainless-steel power cord.
- Two washable flannel covers.
- 1-year warranty and 90-day money-back guarantee.
- IPX4 graded waterproofing.
- Safe for 24/7 usage.
8. Nicrew Heating Pad
The Nicrew Heating Pad comes in just one size, 40 x 45cm, but should be big enough for most cats. It is electrically heated and provides a comfortable temperature of 36-42℃. The power cord is a useful 152cm in length and is steel wrapped to ensure safety. This heat pad also has two built-in thermostats to ensure that overheating does not occur.
Key Features:
- Steel wrapped power cord.
- Overheating protection.
- Machine washable soft fleece cover.
- Waterproof liner.
- Preset comfortable temperature.
9. Sleepy Paws Self Heating Pet Pad
Unlike other pads reviewed, the Sleepy Paws pad made by Ancol is not electrically heated. This means that this pad is suitable for cats that get left on their own for a significant length of time, or for placing in a cat carrier. It measures 48 x 38cm and is made of fleece, and it works by reflecting your cat’s body heat. Because it is not powered, it can easily be fitted into a basket without any electrical risk. As no electrics are involved, it is also cheaper than many pads.
Key Features:
- No power is needed.
- Safe for extended periods of absence.
- Ideal for baskets or pet carriers.
- Comfortable sheepskin style fleece.
- Indoor or outdoor.
10. Pssopp Electric Heating Bed
This design is a bed rather than a pad. It’s not very big, being only 45 x 35 x 10cm in size, but it will be adequate for most small to medium-sized cats. The pad goes inside, and it is easily removable for cleaning purposes. If the heating aspect of the design is not needed because it is summer, then the pad can simply be removed, and the bed will still be comfortably functional.
Key Features:
- Ideal for smaller cats.
- Chew resistant cord.
- Soft and plush sides.
- Still usable as a bed once the pad is removed.
- 1-year warranty and 30 days money-back guarantee.
Benefits of a Heated Cat Bed
Cats love heat, and there are also many benefits for your cat when using a heated cat bed. These benefits include:
- keeping your cat warm when it gets cold
- helping your cat get a good night’s sleep
- it is ideal for cats with joint or mobility problems
- an outdoor bed provides much-needed warmth
Buying Guide for Heated Cat Beds
There are many different types of heated cat beds on the market, but deciding which one is best for your cat may not be easy. As cat owners ourselves, we have put together a short guide to help you make the right choice for your cat.
Powered or Non-Powered?
There are benefits to powered and non-powered heat beds, and both will do the job for your cat. Our cats use self heated cat beds, but we also have an electric heated cat pad that we place under their favourite sleeping spots in the winter.
Another factor to consider is how long your cat will be left alone. Some beds are designed for 24/7 use, but many will feature an auto-turn off, and your cat may not get the heating benefit they need. Non-heated pads may be a better choice if you cannot find a 24/7 design you like.
A powered bed provides quick and ready heat for your pet, and they are not expensive. A non-powered bed may take a little longer to heat up, but it will provide reflected heat and keep your cat warm. If you wish to use a pad in a basket, you will need to find one that fits well. Scrunching up electrical wiring could be dangerous. If you want to use it in a pet carrier, then a non-heated pad is the way to go.
If Powered, Then What Type?
Most designs feature a pre-set temperature that most cats will find suitable. It is possible, however, to choose a design that has a user-controlled setting. Although these types allow you to change settings, all will stay within a safe range. If you know your cat is finicky, then being able to choose a setting may be a benefit.
What Size?
The size of your heated bed will depend on two factors. If you only have one cat, then it comes down to does your cat sleep curled up? Or does your cat like to sleep stretched out? If stretched out is the answer, then choose one of the larger designs.
If you have more than one cat, then a larger heated bed is the best choice. If you have many cats, then you may need to buy more than just one heated bed, even if it is a large one.
Operating Costs
Although most beds will be relatively cheap to run, there is a cost involved. If this is likely to be an issue for you, then check the rating before you purchase.
Indoor or Outdoor?
If your cat spends all its time outside, then a self-heating bed is the best choice. Running power cables to an electrically heated bed that is open to the elements is not an option. If your cat sleeps in a barn, then powered could be an option if an electric socket is available.
Conclusion
There are many different cat beds available to choose from, and one is sure to be right for your cat but selecting the right one means giving some thought to your cat and its requirements. As cats get older selecting the right bed to help them with any aging problems they face becomes even more critical.
Before buying your heated cat bed you may want to consider whether buying a cat shelf, window perch or marshmallow cat bed and locating near to a radiator may do a similar job.
