Most heated pads for cats look like mats. The cat can stretch out and be toasty warm. One of these pads is shown in the image below. It is heated electrically. You can see the cord.
Some heated pads can be heated in the microwave. They can be placed inside another cat bed, such as an unheated bed. No need for cords, no electricity is used apart from the microwave. Instant warmth and portability are key features.
Heated Cat Pads For The microwave
Heated cat pads that are heated in the microwave are an excellent portable option. They can be taken to the cat’s location, whether that be somewhere in the house, outdoors, in a cat carrier, while traveling, and so on.
| 1. Snuggle Safe Pet Bed Microwave Heating Pad Popular product |
| 2. K&H Microwavable Pet Bed Warmer 9″ X 9″ More expensive |
| 3. Pet Fit For Life Cooling And Microwave Heating Gel Pad Used by ASPCA |
| 4. Arf Pets Microwavable Pet Heating Pad Good Price |
A self heating cat bed, like the ones reviewed in this article are perfect when you are looking for a bed with no actual heating element.
Best Microwave Heated Pads For Cats – Reviews
1. Snuggle Safe Pet Bed Microwave Heating Pad
This is a plate sized disc. It is warmed in the microwave following the manufacturer’s instructions and placed under your cat’s bed. The pad retains heat for 10 hours, gradually cooling over that time period.
Placed at the foot of your bed under some bedding, the cat will be drawn to the warmth. This is useful when training (persuading) the cat to sleep at the foot of the bed instead of on you.
It’s a great on the go item, quick to use, convenient to use and provides instant warmth.
It is also convenient to use when transporting the cat in a cat carrier in cold weather. The cat may already be stressed by having to go in the carrier.
The heated pad will provide some warmth and comfort for the cat. As it stays warm for hours, this is something you could do ahead of time.
Pros
No electricity to worry about.
Perfect for new-born, elderly and convalescing cats.
Includes a cover.
Cons
Gradually cools and then will need reheating.
The disc is hard, it is a heating disc not a soft cushion. Place inside the soft cover provided.
Specifications
The size is 8 1/2″ in diameter. Clean SnuggleSafe by wiping with a damp cloth or spraying lightly with disinfectant and wiping it dry. Do not use abrasive substances.
Allow SnuggleSafe to completely cool down before reheating. Don’t allow your pet to chew the disc. The product contains Thermapol, which is non-toxic.
In the microwave, heating times are as follows: 600-650 watts (8 minutes), 700-750 watts (7 minutes), 800-860 watts (6 minutes), 900-1000 watts (5 minutes), 1100-1,200 watts (4 minutes), and 1300-1,500 watts (2.5 minutes). Read the instructions for heating and safety instructions if the product overheats.
2. K&H Microwavable Pet Bed Warmer 9″ x 9″
You may notice that this product is more expensive than other brands. K&H is a trusted pet brand for beds, both self warming and electric, indoors and outdoors, so they do have expertise in the area. They are also a trusted brand, which gives peace of mind to those who are loyal to K&H.
The filling in this microwavable pet bed warmer is gel like. It hardens on cooling, but when heated, it softens and is labelled as being “soft and squishy.” The cover is made from neoprene (think wetsuits). The warmed bed is then inserted into the pet bed.
If your cat strolls away from the pad, it will cool faster than if it stays longer on the pad. The cat’s own body heat will help the pad remain warmer for longer.
Mind you, we have no control over that. The cat doesn’t always listen to sensible suggestions. The pad can be used indoors and outdoors.
Pros
Remains soft
Neoprene cover has an easy carry handle
Suitable for use indoors and outdoors.
Cons
More expensive than similar products
Specifications
The manufacturer gives instructions for how to heat the pad. As microwaves have different wattages, the times will vary. Once you have the desired heating time, write it in the space on the front of the product.
The item’s dimensions are 9 x 9 x 2 inches. Handwash with soap and water. There is a limited one year warranty.
3. Pet Fit For Life Cooling and Microwave Heating Gel Pad
This is a heating AND cooling pad. It heats in the microwave and cools in the fridge. The gel disc has a fleece cover for use in both summer and winter. The cover can be machine washed. The disc is wiped over with a cloth to keep it clean.
This products is also used by ASPCA in shelters. Your cat can lie directly on the pad or it can be inserted into a bed cover.
Heating instructions:
1. Use microwave on medium to medium-high setting depending on the model
2. Place the hot & cold gel pad flat on the turntable (with the fleece cover on)
3. Heat for 30 seconds
4. Remove gel pad and distribute the heat by moving the gel around inside
5. Return to microwave with opposite side up and reheat for another 30 seconds
6. Repeat steps 2 thru 5 until desired temperature
7. Remove from microwave and place next to your pet to keep them warm for hours
Pros
This is a heating and a cooling product.
Cons
Warmth may not last as long as the hard gel product.
Need to distribute the product evenly when heating.
Heating at 30 second intervals can be a nuisance.
Specifications
It is filled with a nontoxic gel. The pad is heated in the microwave at 30-second intervals until the desired warmth is reached.
Alternatively, the pad is placed in the refrigerator to cool. The dimensions are 12 x 12 x 1 inches, and it weighs 12 ounces.
4. Arf pets Microwavable Pet Heating Pad
How to Use: It is important to note that the fleece cover must be removed before heating. Remove the fleece cover before warming up the pad.
Pop the pad onto a plate and into the microwave, following instructions.
Remove from microwave and use your hand to test the temperature.
Replace the fleece lining before placing it in the desired location.
Pros
The disc has a soft texture.
Good for kittens or even convalescing wildlife.
Cons
The heat does not last long so it needs to be reheated.
Cheaper option.
Need to experiment with length of time needed for heating.
Specifications
The product measure 8″ X 8″, The cover fabric is fleece. The heating pad material is a gel.
We Recommend
Snuggle Safe Pet Bed Microwave Heating Pad
It’s hard to go past this original product. Just a note regarding the Thermapol compound. It is supposed to remain in a semi-solid state when heated. It does not go soft like some gel-filled products.
- Safe and soothing warmth
- Non-electrical; simply heat up in your microwave
- Plate-size pad easily fits under your pets bed
- Provides up to 10 hours of safe and soothing warmth
- Non-toxic thermapol compound
A microwavable heating pad for cats is convenient. It can be moved form one bed or sleeping place to another. If your cat snoozes in a window perch during the day, the heating pad can be popped in there for extra warmth.
These pads are also perfect for an outdoors cat or a cat that spends some time outdoors. They are also used outdoors in cat houses for stray cats to give the cats some comfort in winter.
Like anything heated in the microwave test for warmth and follow the instructions supplied.
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