There isn't much a cat would rather do than just lay in the sun and enjoy the warmth. During the summer months, you'll regularly see cats soaking up the rays on car bonnets or perched on a window sill enjoying the weather.
But during colder days, cats will do some strange things to enjoy a bit of extra warmth. Our cat sits in front of the oven - stories of cats sneaking into warm airing cupboards or laying near radiators are not uncommon, either.
There are ways, however, of giving them extra warmth when there are temperature drops - a heated cat bed. We've had a look at some options and chosen our favourite heated cat beds to help you make your decision easier.
The best heated cat beds at a glance:
Best heated cat bed: K&H Pet Products Heated Cat Bed - View at Amazon
Best heated cat bed: MORA Cat Bed Small Dog Bed Self Warming Cat Bed - View at Amazon
Best non-electric heated cat bed mat: NICREW Pet Heating Pad for Dogs and Cats - View at Amazon
Best heated cat bed
This heated cat bowl looks great and will keep your cat super cosy. The fleece-lined insides are gently heated from below and are designed to make your cat as comfortable as possible.
Pros
- Amazing thermostatic control
- Comfortable and durable
- Designed with safety in mind
Cons
- Very expensive for a cat bed
| Dimensions: | 35.56 x 12.7 x 15.24 cm |
| Heating: | Thermostatic heating control |
| Material: | Polyfil pillow |
- Customer review: "My cats like this bed so much that I actually bought a second one for them."
Best electric heated cat bed
This budget option will still make your cat more comfortable but does lack the ability to adjust the temperature. However, we doubt your cat will mind the lack of adjustability so long as they're warm. An adjustable temperature option can be a feature for a bit more money if you want, however.
Pros
- Quickly to heat up
- Controllable temperature
- Warmer than standard self-heated cat bed
Cons
- Looks visually dull
| Dimensions: | 45 x 40 x 1 cm |
| Heating: | Wired heating cat bed |
| Material: | Fleece |
- Customer review: "Good product, easy to clean cover, good strong electric cable. Suitable for a cat with kittens."
Best auto-shut-off heated cat bed
This cosy blanket comes with a timer so you can ensure that your pet doesn't spend too long on the pad. It's waterproof and the temperature is fully adjustable. Additionally, the steel cord is chew-resistant so you don't need to worry about your cat ruining it.
Pros
- Quick to heat up
- Comfortable and durable
- Easy to control the temperature
Cons
- Slightly ugly design
| Dimensions: | 45 x 40 x 1 cm |
| Heating: | Heating wire |
| Material: | Polyester covering, PVC film |
- Customer review: "This is a really good, high quality product that was an instant hit with my 13-year-old cat. No hesitation at all in recommending it."
Best low-budget heated cat bed
The perfect comfy cat bed to keep your critters cosy, the MUAEEOK cat bed is a self-heating mat/bed that's perfect for wintry evenings and chilling nights where peaceful sleep is vital.
This simple little cat bed is wonderful for keeping pets snug, and it doesn't break the bank, so it's perfect for shoppers on a budget. This might not be the warmest cat bed, but it's still great for pets.
Pros
- A warm, cosy design that's great for cats
- Turns into a cat bed from a mat
- Ideal for small pets
Cons
- Not as warm as other competing heated cat beds
| Dimensions: | 61L x 51W x 5D cm |
| Heating: | self heated |
| Material: | Linen cloth, breathable cotton |
- Customer review: "This is the most successful cat bed I have ever purchased."
What to remember with heated cat beds?
Always check
Even though all of these electrically heated beds have been built with cats explicitly in mind, it's always a good idea to check that it isn't too hot before letting your cat get snuggled in and enjoy the heat.
You should also inspect the heating element to check it isn't exposed, as it could potentially injure your cat. Finally, when your cat is relaxing on the heated bed, make sure that it isn't getting too hot every once in a while (although some of the more upmarket examples have an automatic switch-off system in place after a certain time).
Remember to turn it off
Electrically-heated cat beds are effectively electric blankets, which makes them potentially dangerous. We've all heard (usually from an elderly relative) about a faulty electric blanket that burnt down a house after being left on. Whilst all of these products are safe, common sense should be applied when in use. Basically, always remember to turn it off when it's not in use and don't let it stay on for hours at a time.
Ryan Gilmore is an Automotive Content Writer and can be found testing out car accessories, products and merchandise to find out which ones are the best.
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