Best Heated Cat Beds (2024 Reviews)

Cat Lying on a Heated Cat Bed

Cats are known for their many hours of sleep. And they like nothing better than a warm spot to curl up in. If there is a spot bathed in sun, your cat will find it proving that they love the warmth of the sun.

But just because the sun is not always an option, does not mean your cat cannot be warm all the time. A heated cat bed is a great option for giving your cat the warmth that he desires whenever he wants it.

Whether your cat is an indoor cat or an outdoor cat, there are several ways he can have a heated dwelling as part of his living quarters. Here are some of our favorite heated spaces that will keep your cat warm and comfortable all day long.

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7 Best Heated Cat Beds for Your Cat

Since there are many types of cat beds, the best-heated cat bed may be a heated cat house, a self-warming cat bed, a heated cat cave, or one of several other choices. Check out these recommendations for giving your cat the best heated cat bed for his needs.

Thermo Kitty Heated Cat Bed

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Thermo Kitty offers some of the best thermal cat products for your best feline friend. This heated cat bed is thermostatically controlled. It automatically responds to temperature changes and warms your pet’s normal body temperature only when your pet is in bed.

The heater is removable and the cover is washable. Unfortunately, this bed will only work for your indoor cats. The bed does have both size and color options to suit your cat’s size and your décor tastes. 

If you are not sure this particular style is for you, Thermo Kitty has a whole line of cat bed products that range from heated cat pads to heated cat caves. All cat beds operate at 4 watts.

Manufacturer Specs

  • 6 inch high foam walls
  • 16 inches in diameter
  • Low wattage (4 watts)
  • Removable cover

What We Like

  • Available in 2 sizes
  • Available in 2 colors
  • Thermostatically controlled
  • It is washable
  • Limited warranty
  • Tested and certified for safety

What We Don’t Like

  • May not be warm enough for some cats
  • There may be some design issues with the hood

Summary

K & H Pet Products has been crafting Thermo-Kitty heated cat beds for over 20 years and they know what they are doing. The best part is they make a variety of heated cat beds that include heated pads and a heated cat cave. Keep your fur baby children warm with a thermo-kitty heated cat bed.

Heated Cat Cave

Cat caves have really become the rage and I think a lot of it has to do with their cute designs. Felt cat caves are very popular due to the colors and shapes that can be created with felt.

Cat caves usually do not come “heated”, but you can add a cat heating pad to it to heat the cave. Being crafted out of felt, these caves do a good job of being a self-warming solution for your cat. If you are looking for something ready-made for your cat, check out this heated cat cave.

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Cat caves are a great way to keep your cat warm even if they are not heated and when it comes to heated beds, thermo-kitty seems to be at the top of the list. They also have several “cat caves” or structures that are enclosed on all sides with just a front opening. 

Cat caves not only provide warmth, but they provide a feeling of comfort and security. The Thermo-Mod Dream Pod Heated Pet Bed brings a lot of unique features to the table. It has a zip-together design that allows for easy access to the inside. Or maybe your pet prefers to lounge in just the bowl with no cover.

The heating portion of the unit can be completely removed for use during warmer months without heat. If lime green is not your color, this cat cave is also available in neutral colors. Do you have dogs as well? This heated pet cave also works well for small dog breeds. 

Manufacturer Specs

  • Available in 16″ or 20″
  • Thermostatically controlled
  • Low wattage (4 watts)
  • Easy unzip design
  • Washable cushion
  • Removable heating pad

What We Like

  • Available in 3 colors
  • Thermostatically controlled
  • It is washable
  • Limited warranty
  • Tested and certified to exceed USA/CA electrical safety standards

What We Don’t Like

  • May not be warm enough for some cats
  • Several complaints of a chemical smell

Summary

If you are looking for a heated cat bed, this heated cat cave by Thermo-Kitty is a great choice. There are many cute pictures with cats looking happy and content in this cat pod as well as hundreds of 5-star reviews. Check out the Thermo-Mod Dream Pod Heated Cat Bed.

Self-Warming Amazon Heated Cat Bed

Self-warming is a really neat concept that allows a body to retain its own heat. Using the mylar “space blanket” technology, these beds do a great job of keeping your cat warm and they do not require any electricity for heating. 

There is a lot of versatility when it comes to a self-warming solution. Cat owners are known to be just finicky as their pets at times. A self-warming pet bed gives you more options when it comes to color and style for your cat’s new nesting space.

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Amazon Basics offers a perfect bed for a person who is looking for a non-electric warming solution. This bed is soft and utilizes the warmth from your cat’s body to keep him toasty and comfortable all day.

The great thing about this cat bed is it is ideal for a small dog or for 2 cats that like to snuggle together. The faux sherpa fleece and the self-warm technology give your pet the perfect spot for lounging.

Manufacturer Specs

  • Constructed of faux sherpa and corduroy
  • Self-warming mylar “space blanket” technology 
  • No electricity required
  • Spot cleaning only

What We Like

  • Available in 5 sizes and 2 shapes
  • No electricity required
  • Soft interior 
  • Non-skid bottom

What We Don’t Like

  • The bottom may slide
  • Not fully washable

Summary

If you are looking for a bed that is soft and cozy, this self warming cat bed by Amazon will surely fill the bill. With this cat bed, there are no concerns with it being too warm or an electrical malfunction. It is an easy “hands-off” solution for your pet.

Outdoor Heated Cat House

Not all cats live indoors, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t deserve heat and shelter. If you are a cat owner who has an indoor/outdoor cat, you may want to consider a heated cat house that is specially designed for outdoor conditions.

If you are looking for a heated dwelling for outdoor cats, community cats, and feral cats, you cannot go wrong with this outdoor heated cat house.

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If your cat lives outdoors (or you are providing shelter for an outdoor cat), safety and protection from severe weather is key. A heated cat house is a great way to protect your cat from the elements. Thermo-kitty has the answer again with a selection of heated cat houses designed to give an outdoor cat the needed protection and sleeping quarters.

The nice thing about K & H’s outdoor pet products is they are super easy to put together. They have a hook-and-loop assembly system and zippers. They also have removable clear flaps to keep the cat warm even when the weather is cold. And the testing and certification done by MET Labs will give the confidence that you will be safe. 

Manufacturer Specs

  • 2 exit doors
  • 600 denier polyester 
  • Thermostatically controlled heat
  • 5 1/2 foot cord
  • hook and loop assembly

What We Like

  • Available in 3 styles
  • 2 exits with removable door flap
  • Limited warranty
  • Tested and certified to exceed USA/CA electrical safety standards
  • Removable, washable heated pad cover

What We Don’t Like

  • Not suitable for inclement weather
  • May not be warm enough for all climates

Summary

This outdoor heated cat house gets great reviews from people who have feral and stray cats. It gives their cats the protection they need and gives their owners peace of mind. If you have a stray in your neighborhood, consider an outdoor heated cat home.

Pressure Sensitive Cat Heating Pad

Thermo-Kitty is at the top of the list when it comes to pressure-sensitive warming devices for your cat. So, what is pressure sensitive? Thermo-Kitty refers to it as thermostatically controlled warming. In other words, something (your cat) has to put pressure on for it to warm. The device will not heat without some sort of pressure.

Pressure-sensitive warming devices are energy efficient and some of them are designed with surfaces that are meant to collect your cat’s loose fur. The heater in this one is removable for easy laundering of the cover. 

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Manufacturer Specs

  • Thermostatically controlled
  • 2 colors available
  • Measures 12.5″ x 25″
  • Can be used anywhere in your house
  • Cord length = 5 1/2 feet
  • Removable heater for easy washing of the cover
  • Runs on 6 watts

What We Like

  • It is moveable indoors
  • Heats only when your cat is on it
  • Machine washable cover
  • Tested & certified to exceed USA/CA electrical safety standards

What We Don’t Like

  • The heating pad size is considerably smaller than the cover

Summary

If you are looking for something that is easy to move and can provide warmth to our best friend, this pressure sensitive cat heating pad may be just what you need. This heating pad has hundreds of positive reviews and many pictures of content cats staying warm on their heating pads.

Outdoor Heating Pads for Cats

Outdoor heating pads for cats are another great choice when it comes to keeping your outdoor cat warm. If you have your own shelter, it may just need to be heated up for those cold nights. 

If the cat has his own weather-proof “house”, just add this outdoor heating pad and your cat is sure to relax in comfort no matter the temperature.

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This indoor/outdoor pet heating pad is the perfect device to add to any outdoor cover space for keeping your pet warm. Many realize that some cats will never be “tame” enough to handle, but that does not mean that we should not give them all the necessary comforts.

The PETNF outdoor heating pad is an excellent choice for sheds, garages, barns, or any sheltered area your cat may call “home”. This heating pad is water-proof and fire-proof. It is also designed with an anti-bite power cord design. The heating pad is inflatable to give your cat a “cushion” to relax on.

There is no danger of short circuit if the mat is bitten by your pet. And if the mat happens to short circuit for any reason, it shuts off. The best feature…the cover is machine washable because we know how cats can be.

Manufacturer Specs

  • 2 sizes available
  • 2 colors available
  • Maintains a temperature between 100.4℉~107.6℉
  • 5 3/4 cord (steel encased)
  • Self-inflating
  • 35 watts

What We Like

  • Available in more than 1 size and color
  • Approved for indoor/outdoor use
  • Machine washable cover
  • Soft, comfortable and self-inflating
  • One year after-sales service

What We Don’t Like

  • May not be warm enough for all climates

Summary

This indoor/outdoor heating pad is the perfect device for multiple pets or one large pet. It stores easily and is washable. Whether you have indoor pets or are trying to provide warmth and comfort to the neighborhood strays, this outdoor heating pad is an ideal choice.

Microwavable Pet Bed Heating Pad

If you are looking for an item to heat your cat that is simple and compact, a microwavable pet bed heating pad can be just what you are searching for. This is reusable and stays warm for up to 10 hours.

There is a lot of versatility with an item that is small and has no electrical cord. Below is more information about this microwavable heating pad for your cat’s bed.

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Here again is an alternative that can be used indoors and outdoors. There is a lot of convenience because of the size, no cords, and reusability. With the product staying warm for up to 10 hours it is an excellent item for keeping a pet warm during the night.

The manufacturer cautions about using it where there is a possibility that your pet will chew it. The item is filled with non-toxic thermapol compound that holds heat when microwaved. This a perfect device for newborn, convalescent, and elderly pets or those in cold environments.

Manufacturer Specs

  • Less than 9″ in diameter
  • Filled with non-toxic thermapol compound
  • Covered with fabric
  • Nonelectrical

What We Like

  • Ne electrical cord
  • It is small and compact
  • It is reusable
  • It stays warm for a long time

What We Don’t Like

  • Potential to be very hot

Summary

Although this heating pad has many five-star reviews and people who love it, there are a handful of reviews that are concerning. Following the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter is important. It seems to be one of the few products that does well in colder temperatures.

Why You Should Consider a Heated Bed for Your Cat

Many cats live their whole lives without a heated cat bed, but it does not take a cat owner long to see how much their cats enjoy warmth. Most cats will lay in the sun or on known warm places any chance they get.

Most cat owners know how picky cats can be. So, there is no guarantee they will like or use anything you get for them. But if it has to do with heat, there is a good chance they will be into it.

If you have a cat that is used to living where it is warm and now may be living in air conditioning or a colder climate, a heating device would be a great idea for giving your cat the extra warmth that he needs. 

If you have an older cat or a cat that suffers from arthritis, a heated cat bed can provide them with the relief that they need. Some cats just aren’t going to like it, but it is a small price to pay to see if you can give your cat a better life. Even if he does not need it, he may enjoy it.

Types of Pet Warming Beds

There are three basic types of heated beds for cats. They all have their benefits and some will work better for different situations than others. Here is some information on the types of pet beds available.

Self-Warming Pet Beds

Self-warming cat beds, often referred to as thermal pet beds, keep your cat warm by using his own body heat. These beds have a reflective insert that uses your cat’s own body heat to create warmth. The self-warming bed can keep your cat warm and comfortable and their best benefit is safety.

Since there are no electrical cords, there is no danger of a cord being chewed through. There is also no worries when it comes to the temperature of the bed. Because the bed is warmed with your cat’s body, the bed will not get any warmer than your cat’s body temperature. These are a very safe option. It is easy to add a self-warming blanket to your cat’s current bed for a little bit of additional warmth.

Electric Cat Beds and Heating Pads

These heated beds and pads are going to work similarly to the heating pads that many of us have in our homes. You plug them in and they get warm. These will all have cords on them. They are generally wrapped in metal wire to prevent chewing, but they are not indestructible. If you have a persistent pet, he could find a way to get to the cord and this could pose a danger. 

Temperature is a possible danger as well. These beds usually have a temperature control or they have an internal preset thermostat that comes on when your cat lies in the bed. These do have the potential to get warmer than your cat’s body temperature. With all this said, electric cat beds and heating pads are still a safe option for your cat. 

Microwavable Cat Beds

Microwavable cat beds are devices that contain a gel (or other material) that holds heat for hours when microwaved. It is important to follow all the manufacturer’s instructions as written. Make sure there are no leaking chemicals and test the item to make sure it is not too hot for your pet.

You may want to cover the bed with a pillowcase or a blanket to provide a layer of protection between your cat and the microwaved heating pad. Inspect the pad for leaks or tears before heating. These heating pads do pose a safety risk if not used correctly. These can be a good option for keeping an outdoor cat warm.

Tips for Choosing a Heated Cat Bed

You know a heated cat bed would be a great thing for your cat to have, but what bed should you choose? Here are a few suggestions for picking the perfect bed for your fur baby.

Size, Location and Convenience

Size – The bed you choose has to fit your cat or maybe it has to fit more than one cat. Some beds have sides and others may be just a heated blanket. Think about the places that your cat enjoys lying and consider a size and shape that is similar.

Location – Again, consider where your cat enjoys napping. That could be the ideal spot for his bed. Certain types of beds may not fit there or it may not be the ideal location for an electrical cord. Beds come in several types, shapes and sizes. 

Convenience – If you travel or need to move your cat’s bed to different locations, this will require a different type of bed than one that will remain stationary. 

Your Cat’s Needs – If your cat is a senior or has special needs, one type of bed may be better suited for your cat than another. If you have an outdoor cat, his needs will be different than an indoor feline. Think about your cat’s behavior as well. Chewers and scratchers will require something different than older, less active cats. Sides could be an issue for some cats as well.

Type of Bed  

Not all cat beds are going to meet to be suitable for your needs. If your cat has a favorite bed, it may just need a self-warming or thermostatic heating pad to give the current bed a little extra warmth. If you have an outdoor cat, he may need shelter as well as heat. Your cat may enjoy hiding away in a cave. There really is no one best type of cat bed. It is more about what your cat likes or needs.

Are Heated Beds Safe for Your Cat?

In a word…Yes, heated cat beds are safe for your cat. Any new item that you buy for your cat should be introduced to him under your supervision. Watch to see how your cat interacts with the item. Is he chewing or biting? If it has an electrical cord, these behaviors could be a problem. Monitoring the product you purchased will help you identify any malfunctions. 

Make sure your cat is not getting too hot while he is lying in his bed. Watch for signs of panting that could indicate your cat is becoming overheated. Make sure you read all the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings before allowing your cat to use his new bed for the first time.  

Final Thoughts

A heated cat bed can be one of the most cherished pieces of equipment you can provide to your cat. Cats love to be warm and a heated cat bed can be the easiest way to provide them with consistent access to the warmth they so much desire. 

These toasty beds can be especially beneficial to a senior cat or a cat that is recovering from injury or illness. The warmth will calm them and keep them comfortable. Treat your cat to a life of happiness and contentment by purchasing him a heated cat bed.