The best heating pads for cats is often a topic of discussion as cooler weather rolls around. Heating pads for cats can be divided into two categories.
The first category of cat heating pads, heats the pad using electricity plus the body heat of the cat.
The second category of cat heating pads is a pad that is heated in the microwave and is used to heat the cat’s bed or used to warm up an area where the cat is sleeping, for example the pad could go under a blanket.
This article is about the first category of cat heating pads, cat pads that use electricity to warm the sleeping surface and keep the cat warm.
What Does a Heated Pad For A Cat Look Like?
Before I begin, the terms mat and pad are interchangeable in this article. A heated cat pad is the same as a heated cat mat.
Most heated pads for cats look like mat below where the cat can stretch out and be toasty warm. Usually the heating pad is not the total size of the mat but a smaller unit inside the mat. This is still enough to warm the mat for the cat.
Some heated pads, can be placed inside another unheated cat bed.
5 Heating Pads for Cats
1. K&H Lectro-Soft Heated Pet Pad |
2. K&H Thermo-Kitty Heated Pet Mat |
3. RIOGOO Pet Heating Pad |
4. MARUNDA Heated Cat Mat |
5. Homello Heated Pad For Cats |
1. K&H Lectro – Soft Heated Pet Pad
Point to note: This mat is suitable to use indoors and outdoors. This makes it a versatile and convenient choice if you want or need a mat that does double duty, indoors and outdoors.
K&H indoor cat warming beds, heat to approximately 10 to 15 degrees above the ambient air temperature. This warmth draws the cat to the cat bed.
We already know the cat is very clever at finding warm places. When the cat lies on the pad or mat, the temperature adjusts to the cat’s body temperature.
It is not the weight of the cat that activates the heat, the heat adjusts when the cat lies on the mat.
This mat comes in different sizes, and with each size, there is a change in wattage. The interior is orthopedic foam. The exterior is a super-soft, waterproof, and durable PVC material. Clean it by wiping it with a damp rag. A fleece cover is included.
For safety the mat must be unplugged when cleaning and not used until it is totally dry.
Many people have used this mat outside as a cat shelter for feral cats. Even feral cats will seek out warmth if it is there for the taking.
The pad is fine for indoor use. It is also an excellent solution for colder places, like garages, sheds, patios, porches, basements, or any outdoor sheltered area where the temperature dips.
Pros
This pad can be used indoors and outdoors.
The pad can be flexed to fit through small openings.
Cons
Difficult to remove cat urine smell.
Specifications
There are various sizes available to accommodate the smallest to the largest pet.
The smallest size is 12.5 x 18.5 inches and has a power rating of 40 watts.
The medium size is 16.5 x 22.5 inches and has a power rating of 60 watts.
The large model measures 22.5 x 28.5 inches and consumes 80 watts.
The thermostat for all three sizes is internally pre-set.
Replacement covers are available for all sizes. One cover comes with the initial purchase. The cord is wrapped in steel for safety.
Store flat when not in use.
2. K&H Thermo-Kitty Heated Pet Mat
As it is a K&H product, it warms in the same way as described above for the Thermo-Kitty Heated Mat.
When the cat is not in the bed, the bed does not feel particularly warm. You may think it isn’t working. The mat is working properly.
It is designed to be safe to leave on overnight and to be left on for long periods of time. That is of course up to you. I am aways a bit thingy about leaving things on overnight but that’s just me.
There are three color options for the pad: gray, mocha/tan, and sage/tan.
This product has 6 watts. All are MET-tested for safety.
The heater is removed when the cover needs cleaning. Unplug the unit and remove the heater. The cover can be machine washed with cold water on a gentle cycle. Line dry or use the no heat function on the clothes dryer. The fabric is soft but robust enough to stand up to a kitty that has to have a little knead before every nap.
This is for indoor use only. The pad can be removed for year-round use. The cord is 5 feet long.
One person making a comment said they had had these mats for years. When they brought them out in the winter, the cats went straight to them. Did anyone say, cats have good memories?
Pros
Good for cats or dogs.
Can be placed on furniture, on cat trees and wherever else kitty likes to hang out in winter – perhaps even a cat window perch.
Cons
The cons of this bed relate to the warmth factor. These beds should NOT feel hot to the point that they would suit a human. The manufacturer has specific information regarding the heating.
In terms of robustness and generally working properly, we could find no negatives.
specifications
This mat is reversible. It measures 12.5 X 25 inches. The cover and the heater are both removable. The cover can be machine washed. Note, this pad is for indoor use only.
3. RIOGOO Pet Heating Pad
This is the fifth generation and most recently updated version of this popular heated cat bed. The actual heating wires have been updated to make the bed both warmer and safer.
This unit has a handheld temperature control where you can choose the temperature you want, within a range of 80F to 130F. It has a time setting on the controller.
This means that you can set the timer on this heating pad, to turn off after a specified number of hours, up to 12 hours. If it is not turned off after the time setting has elapsed, it will automatically turn off.
Once it has been turned off, it will need to be turned back on manually.
This heating pad is for indoor use. Do not place a blanket on top of this bed.
A positive is that the pad warms up quickly. The cover is removed for washing or spot cleaning.
A heated pad like this is very good for senior cats. Senior cats may have difficulty navigating the higher sides of a more structured bed.
Pros
One year guarantee.
Auto off feature.
Cons
Because it is not an on/off heater like the K&H products, you will need to determine the safest temperature for your cat based on its weight and age and how long they remain on the heated pad.
Specifications
This mat comes in four sizes. Keeping in mind that the heating pad is also for dogs, some of the sizes are quite large. The small is 17.5 x 14 inches, the medium measures 18 x 18 inches, the large is 22 x 18 inches, and the X-large is 32 x 20 inches.
The color is blue for all sizes. It has a UL-approved heating wire and a temperature sensor inside the unit to avoid overheating.
It has a chew-resistant cord. The cover can be washed by hand or is machine washable. Do not fold the heating pad. Indoor use only.
What are the features of heated cat beds? Safety is essential. Compare the best heated cat beds to ensure your cat, young or old, has the best heated bed for him.
4. Marunda Pet Heating Pad
The plush cover is blue and zippered for easy removal and washing. The layer underneath the plush cover is waterproof PVC material.
It is very simple to use; just plug the unit in and it is ready to use. There is no need to adjust the heat, and there are no heat settings. It warms to 95–108 °F (35–42 °C) once the cat uses the pad by sitting or lying down.
Older cats love the warmth of this heated cat pad, and it will become a firm favorite.
I love the way cats lie half on and half off these cat pads. It’s a bit like sticking your feet out the side of the bed, for temperature control.
The cord is chew-stable and chew-proof, but this relates more to any dogs in the household.
The bed is fine to use for cats and dogs. There are two different sizes, so if you are a multi-pet family, you may need two of the smaller beds or one of the bigger ones. It depends on how nicely your pets play together.
This bed is an indoor bed. It is quite flexible if the need arises.
Pros
Constant temperature – No guessing or trying to work out the best temperature.
This mat could be placed inside a cat bed that is not heated.
Cons
The cord may not be chew proof so if your pet is a chewer, hide the cord under the edge of the mat.
Specifications
There are two different sizes: 12 x 15 inches and 15 x 20 inches. It has an automatic thermostat that ensures a constant temperature. It warms to 95-108F, 35-42C.
The heating element inside is approximately the same size as the cloth cover. It has a chew-resistant cord and a one year warranty.
The Cat Would Like A Heated Cat mat On His Window Perch
5. Homello Heated Pad For Cats
The temperature can be adjusted up to a maximum of 104 °F. It takes about 10 minutes to heat up and be ready for use. This pad is for indoor use only.
The cord is chew-resistant with a metal outer layer. The company says to return it for a replacement or refund if the cord is chewed or bitten. This probably applies more to dogs than cats, but with cats, well, you never know. A total non-chewer could turn into a chewer overnight.
The pad has a waterproof inner layer. The exterior surface is made from Waterproof Oxford Cloth. The outer cover is not removable, it is cleaned using a damp cloth.
What is Waterproof Oxford? It’s a woven 100% polyester oxford fabric. It’s finished with a durable water repellent and then laminated with a thin black polyurethane coating on the back. It means it’s waterproof on both sides and has crazy strong durability.
https://askinglot.com/is-oxford-cloth-waterproof
Pros
Great for older pets with arthritis. A pad is also good for senior cats as there are no sides to step over.
Cons
It has an auto shut off but I could find no specific information about how this worked.
Specifications
There are three different sizes: 18 x 18 inches, 19 x 28 inches, and 21 x 33 inches. The maximum heat setting is 104 °F. Keep the mat flat when not in use. Do not immerse the mat in water. It is washed by hand with a damp cloth.
These microwave heated cat pads are a quick and easy solution. There are no electrical cords to think about with these pads. Just pop this cat pad in the microwave.
One thing I like about a heated cat pad as opposed to a heated cat bed, is that the cat can fully stretch out and hang over the edges of a heated cat pad. Unless the heated cat bed is very large, this is not possible.
The Best Heating Pad For Cats
1.K&H Lectro Heated Pet Pad
K&H products are the gold standard when it comes to heated bedding for cats.
The safety factor for each K&H heated product is the same. The bed heats to just 10 to 15 degrees above the ambient air temperature. This ensures that the pad is not too hot, and in fact, the pad may not feel particularly warm to the touch. It is warm enough to lure kitty to the warmth.
The bed then adjusts to the cat’s own body temperature. There is no chance of overheating.
We have chosen this pad as the best heating pad for cats. The cat can spread out on, which makes it ideal for cats of all ages. For senior cats, there are no sides, which makes it easy for them to step on and off the pad.
- CAN BE USED INDOORS OR OUTDOORS : Outdoor or Indoor heated cat bed with soft orthopedic foam base and includes free soft washable fleece cover
- KEEP PET COMFY: Thermostatically controlled to automatically warm the surface of the bed to your pets normal body temperature only when in use by your pet
- FLEXIBLE FOR ANY SPACE: Ideal waterproof outdoor dog bed for sheds, garages, barns, or any sheltered area your outdoor pets hang out; not recommended for pets that chew
- SAFE EFFICIENCY: This 14” x 18” heated cat pad features a 5-½ feet steel wrapped cord and uses only 20 watts of power
- SAFETY: Outdoor heated cat bed has been tested & certified by MET Labs and exceeds USA/CA electrical safety standards; K&H doesnt just use safety listed parts, we safety certify the entire product - For indoor/outdoor use with 110/120 volt electrical current only
- HOW IT WORKS: This heated bed may NOT feel warm to the touch when your pet is NOT in the bed; it emits a small amount of heat when not in use (pets can sense it), but only warms to max temperature when your pet is using the bed - see “How to Test” image
- BRAND YOU TRUST: Designed & patented by K&H with OVER 20 years of experience in creating safe, innovative, quality products for pets
This heating pad really covers all the bases for us. It can be used indoors and outdoors, and replacement covers are available. That is a big plus, as it is often the covers that start to look a little tatty when the heating unit is still working as intended.
Some self heating cat beds have thermal heating to reflect the heat from the body of the cat back to the cat.
Still Looking For The Beat Heated Cat Pad?
There are more choices here.
Image | Product decription | Today's Price | |
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Top Top Top | K&H Pet Products Thermo-Kitty Heated Pet Mat | Check Price | |
Top Top Top | NICREW Pet Heating Pad for Cats, Steel-Wrapped Cord and Soft Fleece Cover | Check Price | |
Top Top Top | K&H PET PRODUCTS Extreme Weather Outdoor Kitty Pad, Heated, Black, 40W | Check Price | |
Top Top Top | K&H Pet Products Pet Bed Warmer, Tan, Small | Check Price | |
Top Top Top | OMORC 12V Cat Heating Pad with Timer & Temperature Settings & 2 Replaceable Cover, Auto Power-Off | Check Price | |
Top Top Top | K&H Pet Products Extreme Weather Outdoor Kitty Pad, Heated, Black, 40W | Check Price | |
Top Top Top | K&H Pet Products Extreme Weather Kitty Pad Petite Tan 9" x 12" 25W | Check Price |