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” cat bed 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. Best Friends by Sheri Calming Shag Donut Cuddler – Cute Design Very Popular |
| 2. Amazon Basics Warming Pet Bed – Lots Of Size Options |
| 3. 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. 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!
Pros
Cats and dogs just love this bed.
Cons
If the center flattens after use, put it in the dryer and poof it back up.
Specifications Of Best friends Cat Bed
This bed comes in four sizes: small, medium, large, and X-large. The small size is 23L x 23W x 7H inches. Medium measures 30L x 30W x 9H inches. Large measures 36L x 36W x 10H inches. X-Large measures 45L x 45W x 11H inches.
Machine wash on a gentle cycle and tumble dry on low. Medium, Large, and X-Large have a zippered, removable cover. Machine wash the cover in the same manner as the bed.
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.
2. Amazon Basics Warming Pet Bed
- Plush self-warming pet bed for dogs and cats
- Made with the same technology as self-warming mylar “space blankets”
- Effectively retains and reflects your pets’s body heat
- Covered in faux sherpa fleece and supple corduroy
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.
Pros
This bed uses Mylar as heat insulator.
Cons
The cleaning of the bed has been a topic of debate. Despite this, the overall satisfaction with the bed is good.
Specifications Of Amazon Basics Warming Pet Bed
The bed measures 35 x 27 x 11 inches. Washing instructions and comments are above.
3. 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.
Pros
If only cats could talk. They are particularly happy with this product.


