How To Decide The Best Self Heating Cat Bed For Your Cat

A self heating or self warming cat bed, is a bed that heats up as the cat sits on it or lies on top of it.

A self-heating cat bed uses the cat’s own body heat to warm the surroundings and create a cozy nest. That is what “self heating” means.

Some self heating cat beds include a layer of thermal insulation such as found in a space blanket, which is referred to as “metalized.”

The thermal insulation heats up with the cat’s body heat and then reflects the heat back to the cat.

A self warming cat bed that does not contain these materials can still be just as effective because of the design of the bed, or the fabric the bed is made from.

A self warming cat cave bed is made from 100% wool and wool is a highly effective insulating material.

Some Of The Best Self heated cat Beds Are:

1. K&H Self-Warming Lounge Sleeper Bed​ – Machine Washable Tough

2. FurHaven Luxury Faux Fur Self-Warming Hi-Lo Donut – Uses Mylar Fabric

3. Best Friends by Sheri Calming Shag Donut Cuddler​ – Cute Design Very Popular

4. Amazon Basics Warming Pet Bed – Lots Of Size Options

5. K&H Self-Warming Kitty Hooded Bed – Removable Hood

What is The Difference Between A Self Heated/Warming Cat Bed Or An Electrically Heated Bed?

The difference is quite simply that when the cat leaves the bed, the electrically heated bed will remain slightly warm—10 to 15 degrees above ambient air temperature.

The self heating bed will quickly cool when the cat leaves the bed, to the point where there is no heat at all. There is no electrical heating involved in a self heating cat bed.

1. K&H Self-Warming Lounge Sleeper Pet Bed

This self warming cat bed is made from polycotton. The inside is made from micro fleece for warmth and comfort.

​The underside of the bed is non slip. The polyfill is made from recycled plastic bottles, so double ticks for that.

​The warmth factor comes from the layer of metalized insulation in the pillow that warms with the cat’s body heat and then radiates that warmth back to the cat.

​The bed is machine washable. Many consumers have mentioned that this bed has had repeated washings over several years and stood up very well.

​Give it a quick vacuum to keep it clean on a day to day basis and wash as needed. Line dry or use the non heat setting in the dryer.

2.FurHaven Luxury Faux Fur Self-Warming Hi-Lo Donut Cat Bed

The self heating warmth factor comes from the space blanket material in the cushion base.

The cushion is stuffed with insulating fibrefill and has a layer of Mylar thermal fabric. The sleep surface is insulating terry fleece.

The sides of the bed are extra deep and stuffed with an insulating high loft fiber. The tall walls also help with the warmth factor and the snuggle factor.

Like any cat bed, give it a good shake to get rid of surface debris and hair.

3. Best Friends by Sheri Calming Shag Fur Donut Cuddler

This divine little bed is available in a variety of sizes to accommodate cats (and dogs) of all sizes—large, small, and in between.

​Because of the cleverness of the design and the incredibly soft materials used, the cat’s body is cushioned and enveloped, giving support to the entire body.

The raised edge provides security, and the whole bed is soft and comfortable.

​The warmth factor comes from the design of the bed and the way in which the whole body is enveloped and supported. The material is faux fur, which is soft and inviting.

​This self warming bed is super popular for a good reason. If this was bigger, I’d be tempted to get in. Move over kitty!

A heated cat mat is another option in the heated beds for cats options. A mat allows the cat to fully stretch out as it has no sides. Our cat usually had body parts hanging out over the edge of the mat.

4. Amazon Basics Warming Pet Bed

Note: You may find that this bed is out of stock. it will be restocked and if you wish you can add an email address to be notified when it is restocked.

This bed does use technology to assist the self warming process in the form of Mylar.

Mylar is the brand name however the name is now often associated with Mylar blankets that have thermal insulating properties.

The image shown is rectangular however it also comes in a circular shape and has different sizes options.

​This bed utilizes the properties of Mylar and reflects and retains the cat’s own body heat in a similar way to the K&H self heating cat beds.

​This is a well made bed with a sturdy construction.

​There are ongoing comments regarding washing this bed. The instructions say do not wash, but countless people have washed the bed; after all, a pet bed will need washing at some point.

Some people prefer to purchase a new one when required, the reasoning being that pet beds usually do not survive too many washings. It’s a personal choice.

One suggestion was to use a front-loading washing machine in preference to an agitator machine and dry on the low setting. This means the bed is being treated gently throughout the washing and drying process, and this has been successful.

The bed can safely be spot cleaned.

​It is adorably cute with its faux sherpa fleece and supple corduroy cover.

5. K&H Self-Warming Kitty Hooded Bed – Hood is Removable

Having a removable hood is a good option.  Most cats are fine with a hood, but if yours isn’t, off it can come, as it attaches with a zip.

The self heating factor comes from the metalized material, which reflects the warmth generated by the cat’s own body heat back to the cat.

​This bed is made for comfort in addition to warmth.  It has a soft and comfortable cushion and soft side walls for added comfort.

​Two sizes are available: 16 inches in diameter and 20 inches in diameter. Note that the inside measurement will be slightly less than this.

Maybe you have decided that you would rather have a heated cat bed. This article describes in depth, the features of different products to help you make a choice.

Another way to keep cats warm is to use a microwavable heat pad specially designed for cats. Quick, easy and safe and perfect to up the heat factor in a self warming cat bed.

Compare Prices-Best Self Heating Cat Bed

Heated Mat/Pad For The Cat – An Option?

Are heated cat mats/beds safe? 

Can heated cat beds be left tuned on?  

Is there a timer? You need to have peace of mind about safety when buying a heated cat bed.

This article does address everything you could possibly ask about heated cat beds.

The Best Self Heated Cat Bed