The seasons must change and it is part of the cycle of life. As we approach winter, you think of the cold floor and your beloved feline. You have nothing to worry, all you need is to get the best-heated cat bed for your dear kitty and both of you can enjoy the season.
Heat can become a basic necessity for your feline and as such pick a heated cat bed for her to snooze the cold away. Cats like most animals love to keep warm, this is necessary for their health and well-being.
There are many options and designs that contemplating picking one can bring on a headache. We have a comprehensive buyer’s guide that will educate you on the ABC’s of getting your cat a heated bed. Furthermore, we picked ten cat heated bed that we reviewed. We hope you will find one or two that you will be determined to buy for your cat.
Buyer’s Guide
Reasons to Buy a Heated Cat Bed
If you are wondering why a heated cat bed is necessary for your cat since he has a bed already, then below are some reasons you need to buy one:
If you have an elderly cat
Older cats have a slower metabolism and do not move around as much as they did as a young cat. This means they may not be generating enough body heat to keep them warm. Also, elderly cats are prone to arthritis and other age-related diseases, a heated bed can ease their discomfort.
A sick cat
Heat and warmth are necessary for convalesce or health recovery. So, if you have a sick cat, a heated bed is a great investment.
You live in a cold region
Either your house gets cold sometimes or you live in a cold region, then you should get a heated cat bed for your cat.
Cat breed prone to cold
There are some cat breeds that are hairless and have fuzz instead of a thick coat of hair. For example, the Sphinx, the Ukrainian Levkoy, the Scottish fold and others like them. This breed of cat gets cold even during summer and will require extra warmth other than what an average cat needs.
Sleeping apart from your cat
Not everyone likes to have their cat sleep in the bed with them, so if you are in that group, get a heated cat bed. Your cat can still enjoy a cozy night in its own bed.
Classification of Heated Cat Beds
A cat bed can be classified into two based on the heating type and they are:
Electrically heated cat bed
Cat beds that are electrically heated means that electricity via a heater, heats the cat bed. It usually works using a low voltage. A low wattage thermostat allows you to control the temperature. The thermostat heater is hidden from sight, most times it can be located at the base of the cat bed. An electrical cord needs to be connected to an electrical outlet to generate heating. You should look for cords that are chew resistant of you choose this heating method for your cat bed.
Pros
- You get more heat
- You have a range of temperature level to choose from
Cons
- You are restricted in using the cat bed only in places where there is an electric socket
- There is the risk of fire incident
- The thermostat may become faulty
- Increase in the electricity bill. Although, most electrical heated cat bed are designed to consume low wattage.
Self-heated cat bed
Self-heated beds work based on the material used in making them. Most have thermal material that is used to line inside the cat bed to create a self-warming system. This is a process where the cat’s body heat is absorbed and reflected back, thereby keeping the cat bed warm.
Pros
- You can be sure of the safety of your cat while in this type of cat bed
- No extra readings on the electricity bills, do it saves you money in the long run
- You can use it anywhere without worrying about an electrical outlet. So, perfect for going camping.
Cons
- This provides less heat when compared to the other type of heated cat bed
Indoor heated cat bed
90% of the heated cat beds are designed to be used indoors. This is because the fabric or material used to make them cannot stand the harsh elements of the outdoors. If you use an indoor heated cat bed outdoors, it will be ineffective.
Outdoor heated Cat bed
Heated cat bed in this category are usually waterproof and made of strong materials that can outlast the weather. Stray cats or abused cats that do not trust been enclosed in between four walls can enjoy heating even while outside.
Some heated cat beds can also be used both indoor and outside. Whichever you need, ensure that you confirm the environment of use before purchase.
Factors to consider when purchasing Heated Cat bed
Apart from the types and classifications of heated cat bed, the following factors are relevant in determining your ultimate choice
Design
Heated cat beds come in various shapes and designs, but the self-warming type is usually curved or rounded with shapes ranging from round, curved, donut half-moon and so on. The shape is critical in the self-warming heated cat bed to ensure conservation of heat as much as possible. While electrically heated can take on other shapes like triangle, rectangle, and square. However, it usually has raised edges to provide enough depth to hide the heating element.
Round or curved bed are perfect for cats that love to curl up when they sleep. So if you have one of those kitties, pick a winner. Cats who love to stretch while sleeping would enjoy heated beds with angular shapes that allow them to lounge.
Size
Consider the number of cats and the size of your cats. If you have the large breeds, then go for large-sized heated cat beds. The heated cat beds come in varying sizes so there are different options to pick from. Ensure that if you are getting a large cat bed for multiple cats to share, that your cats are friendly with each other and would not mind sharing a sleeping bed.
Material
Don’t forget to take note of the fabric and material used for the cat bed. Go for comfortable, plush coverings with enough paddings so that will be thrilled to sleep every time. If the cat bed is uncomfortable, no matter how heated the bed is, you won’t find your feline preferring it.
Things to Note
Always read through the manual and take of the instruction for usage and operation of the heated cat bed. What works for a previous model may not be the same process for a newer model of the same brand.
Test the cat bed and check the temperature first before putting your cat on the bed. Test temperature by placing a pillow on the cat bed, feel the temperature with your hand after 20 minutes.
Checklist for choosing the best heated cat bed
In summary, here is a checklist of what you need to consider and do before and after you get a heated cat bed
- Identify the kind of cat you have, is it a lounger or one who loves to cuddle
- Consider the pros and cons of the types of heated cat bed based on the heating system.
- Choose if you prefer a dual environment heated cat bed, one that can be used indoor and outdoor or one of it.
- Pick the cat heated cat bed based on your preferred design, size, and material
- Read carefully the instructions in the manual on assembling and disassembling
- Test the heated cat bed before introducing your cat to it
- Observe the heated cat bed for a week or two while in use to ensure its proper functioning.
- Wash and clean strictly according to instructions.
- When not in use, fold or store the heated cat bed away till next use.
With the knowledge you have on heated cat beds, it is time to go shopping. Below are ten fantastic choices that you can pick from.
FAQ
Is the heated Cat bed safe for overnight use?
Heated cat beds are generally safe because of the low wattage and the lengths the manufacturer go to hide the heater from prying paws. However, using the heated cat bed overnight can be safe and at the same time risky. It is safe if the manual says you can and if the heated cat bed has an overheating protection in-built.
Electrically heated cat bed should be used cautiously overnight because there could be a power surge or some other accident. If you have the heated cat bed with in-built protection, you may use overnight but put on the lowest temperature
How do I wash the heated cat bed?
Like most great products, the instructions for cleaning will have been stated in the manual. However, if it is not, you should not wash a heated cat bed without first disassembling the heater or removing the thermostat. It is only logical that if water gets into the heating element it will be damaged.
Most covers of heated cat beds are designed to be removable and washed separately. In the case that it is not, you can simply wipe the bed with a damp cloth or spot clean. This is particular for an electrically heated cat bed. Even for a self-warming cat bed, follow the cleaning instruction to prevent damaging the heating layer.