How To Know – Are Heated Cat Beds Safe?

As the weather starts to cool, the cat takes up residence in his favorite warm places – in front of the fire or the heater, on the radiator, or in any patches of sun that might peek into the house.

He has an uncanny knack for finding the warmest spots in the house. Has he got nothing better to do with his day? No probably not!

Now he has a new favorite warm place, his heated cat bed.

I can’t live without an electric blanket in the winter. I also have a heated throw, which has changed my life. I feel the cold. When I first saw heated cat beds and heated cat mats, I thought it was a great idea. This was based on my own experience, of course, but how does that translate to cats?

We did have some questions about how heated cat beds work or if they could be left on overnight safely, and so on. After doing our own research and purchasing a heated cat bed in the process, we have answered those commonly asked questions about heated cat beds.

FAQ Heated Cat Beds

Do Cats Like Heated Cat Beds?	What Length Cord Do Heated Cat Beds Have?
Can Cats And Kittens Use A Heated Cat Bed?	Is It Safe To Leave A Heated Cat Bed On At Night?
Do Cats Get Cold At Night?	Do Heated Cat Beds Become Dangerous With Age?
Do Self Warming Cat Beds Work?	Help! I’ve Gone To Work And Left The Heated Cat Bed On
Are Heated Cat Beds Used Indoors And Outdoors?	Are Heated Cat Beds Pressure Activated?
Are Heated Cat Beds Safe?	Are All Heated Cat Beds Safe?
Can Heated Cat Beds Be Washed?	Compare The Prices Of Heated Cat Beds

Do Cats Like Heated Cat Beds?

Cats definitely like heated cat beds or heated cat mats or heated anything.

We already know that cats seek out places of warmth whether they are indoor or outdoor cats.

A heated cat bed or heated cat mat is going to be heaven for your fur baby, providing he is in good health.

Can Cats And Kittens Use A Heated Cat Bed?

There are some precautions that should be taken.

Don’t use a heated cat bed with young kittens, cats that are ill or have just had surgery, or a cat that is not mobile.

The reason for this is that the cat needs to be able to independently move away from the bed.

Do Cats Get Cold At Night?

Cats do get cold at night, hence the reason they are always looking for the warmest place to settle down, such as on your bed in the middle of the night.

Providing an outdoor cat with an outdoor heated cat house or a heated pad inside his current cat house will give you peace of mind knowing that he is warm outside, even when the temperature drops.

There is information here from a vet about cats keeping warm outside when the weather is cold.

Do Self Warming Cat Beds Work?

Self-warming cat beds or self-warming cat pads mean that no electricity is involved.

Instead, a thermal material is used as a layer in the making of the bed. The thermal layer adjusts to the cat’s body temperature and reflects heat back to the cat. The thermal material often used is called Mylar.

Mylar is the brand name for a flexible polyester film that reflects up to 98% of radiated heat back towards the source (the body). It should be noted that not all “self-warming” beds contain thermal material. Self-warming beds can be used indoors and outdoors.

They get top points for convenience because they can easily be moved and placed on furniture, for example, on the couch or on the bed. They do double duty to contain at least some of the cat hair.

Self warming cat beds are particularly convenient when transporting your cat by car.

There’s more information here about self warming cat beds.

Are Heated Cat Beds Used Indoors And Outdoors?

There are heated cat beds specifically for use indoors and outdoors. Do not use an indoor heated bed outside unless the manufacturer states that it is safe to do so.

Outdoor heated beds also offer shelter from the weather so are more robust than indoor heated cat beds.

Are Heated Cat Beds Safe?

The wattage used in a heated cat bed is generally less than that of an average night light. Heated cat beds are considered safe.

The heated cat beds from K&H heat the bed to approximately 10–15 degrees above ambient room temperature. When the cat enters the bed and settles in, the warmth adjusts to the cat’s normal body temperature, which is about 102F. I have seen many people comment that the bed does not feel warm. The bed is warm but doesn’t heat up in the manner that we are accustomed to with heated blankets and throw rugs. The cat doesn’t activate the heat but the warmth does adjust when the cat snuggles in.

Read indoor heated cat beds reviews with in depth information about different indoor heated cat beds for cats.

Can Heated Cat Beds Be Washed?

The K&H heated indoor cat beds have an insert that can be washed. Specific instructions are given for washing their different heated cat beds, to maintain the integrity of the product.

Other brands will vary so it is necessary to check the manufacturer’s instructions. Generally, there is an outside cover that can be removed for washing.

With a self warming cat bed, usually the whole thing can be machine washed because there is no actual heating element apart from the thermal material.

Is your cat is elderly or unwell and the bed is frequently soiled? It is particularly useful to be able to launder a whole bed in the washing machine.

What Length Cord Do Heated Cat Beds Have?

K&H indoor heated cat beds have a cord that is 5.5 feet long. Other brands vary however the length is around 5 ft.

Is It Safe To Leave A Heated Cat Bed On At Night?

Cat beds are intended to be left on overnight and have a low wattage which is considered safe.

The instructions that accompany your cat bed may suggest not using an extension cord so read this advice before purchase. Extension cords are not dangerous per se, however regulating authorities have no way of measuring the safety of the extension cord that you are using, hence the precautions given.

Extension cords are not recommended as a permanent solution when using any electrical product.

A heated cat pad that is heated in the microwave is a quick solution for a cold night.

Do Heated Cat Beds Become Dangerous With Age?

The wattage used is low; however, there are too many external factors to consider to comment on the beds becoming dangerous with age.

This may be a purchase that you would be prepared to replace every few years depending on the use it has had and the condition it is in.

Help! I’ve Gone To Work And Left The Heated Cat Bed On

If you are like me, you may have been conditioned to turn off anything remotely connected to heating if you are leaving the house. K&H Products, who are the market leaders in this field, have this suggestion regarding heated cat beds.

Our heated dog and cat beds are designed for 24/7 operation. It’s actually easier on the thermostat if a bed is left plugged in and allowed to operate without interruption. Constant unplugging is harder on the thermostat because it’s forced to reset itself each time it’s plugged in. This item has been certified by MET labs to adhere to strict electrical safety standards. For more information, please visit www.metlabs.com. MET Safety Laboratories suggests unplugging the bed if you leave your home on an extended vacation, as with any electrical appliance.

Some heated cat beds have a timer that can be set for up to 12 hours. The Riogoo heated cat bed has a timer that can be set for up to 12 hours.

A heated cat pad may be just what you need. This is not a bed as such and looks more like a padded mat. The cat can stretch out.

Are Heated Cat Beds Pressure Activated?

The K&H beds are not pressure sensitive. By warming 10F to 15F above the ambient room temperature when plugged in, the cat is likely to be drawn towards the bed for warmth.

Cats are particularly good at finding the best and warmest places to reside. Once the cat enters the bed, the warmth is adjusted to the cat’s own body temperature.

Other brands have different options regarding temperature controls. The aim is to warm the bed to a comfortable and safe temperature for the cat. This doesn’t necessarily mean hot to the touch, as we may expect when warming something for ourselves.

Are All Heated Cat Beds Safe?

Heated cat beds are safe with one caveat – always follow the instructions from the manufacturer.

Some heated mats, pads and beds are fine if covered with a light blanket, others are not.

It is critical to read all specifications so that you get the right product for your cat.

Compare The Prices Of Heated Cat Beds

You can be pretty sure that your cat is going to love whichever heated option you choose.