How to Choose a Heated Cat Bed or Pad

Heated cat beds or pads are ideal for cats with joint issues and arthritis, as well as older and outdoor cats. They also work really well if you have a cooler house or live in a colder climate. To choose the right heated cat bed or pad, you will need to determine an appropriate size and location for the bed. Materials and design are important to consider, including in relation to your cat’s sleeping preferences. When using heated cat beds or pads, supervise your cat and make sure that it can get away from the heat, as the cat can get burned.^{[1]XResearch source}

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Considering Size, Location and Convenience

1
Measure and weigh your cat. Using a tape measure, measure the length of your cat from the base of their neck to the base of their tail. You may find it easier to do the measurements with a partner, so they can keep your cat calm while you get the measurement. Then, place your cat on a home scale to obtain their weight. When you go shopping, see if the heated cat beds will comfortably fit your cat’s size and weight.^{[2]XResearch source}
- If you have a kitten, you can look up the approximations for the full grown size and weight of your cat’s breed.
- If you have two cats who like to sleep together, you should account for their size together and look for a larger bed.
2
Consider whether it will be an indoor or outdoor bed. If you have an indoor cat, you will have lots of options to choose from for heated cat beds and pads. For outdoor cats, there are also a variety of options for heated cat beds that could be placed in garages, barns or porches. Outdoor cat beds typically have a roof, whereas most indoor cat beds are not enclosed.
- If you are using an outdoor cat bed, then it should also be weather-proof, based on the climate where it will be used.
You should consider the location of the cat bed, such as whether it needs to fit on a small table beside a window. If there are space limitations, such as a small area in your apartment where the bed needs to fit, you should write down the dimensions of the surface area where you want to place the bed.^{[3]XResearch source}
4
Determine whether your cat’s favorite sleeping spot is close to an outlet. If your cat likes to sleep in a spot that is not anywhere close to an electrical outlet or if the bed is for a cabin without electricity, it is best to choose a self-heated bed or microwavable style pad. However, if there is an outlet close to your cat’s favorite spot, there are many styles to choose from.
- When using a microwaveable pad, make sure it is pet safe, such as a snuggle safe disk.
You can find machine washable heated cat beds and pads. Typically, you will just have to unzip the cover and throw it in the washing machine. With some models, you remove the heating element and then wash the bed. However, not all brands have this option, so keep an eye out for the machine washable versions.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Considering Materials

If your cat has arthritis, joint issues or is overweight, you may want to get a heated bed that has thick foam or memory foam. This type of foam is more supportive and can improve the comfort level for your cat.^{[4]XResearch source}
Since you will need to wash the bed, you should double check to make sure the fabric is color-fast. If the design fades or bleeds when it gets wet, it could lose its attractiveness.
Beds made of fabrics that are quick-drying or are dryer-safe will help prevent mold growth, which could be damaging to your cat’s health. For instance, you may want to avoid cotton, which takes a long time to dry, and find something with nylon, polyester or other quick-drying fabrics.
Look for quality materials that will both hold up to your cat’s claws and help regulate heat. For instance, a good quality wool bed can help your cat stay warm.^{[5]XResearch source}
5
Check if the bed has removable covers. Removable, machine washable covers will allow you to keep your cat’s bed clean. You want to avoid the scenario of having to clean your cat’s bed without a removable cover.^{[6]XResearch source}
- If the retailer sells extra covers for your cat bed, you might want to purchase one, since it will be handy to own on laundry day.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Finding the Right Design and Comfort

For both heating pads and beds, you want to make sure the bed is designed to be chew-safe. For instance, electrical cords should be thick and chew-safe to prevent your cat from electrocuting itself. Heating pads should be pet safe and resistant to gnawing.
2
Pick a heating pad. Heating pads are more portable than beds, so they are a great choice if you move around a lot or like to take your cat to the cottage or cabin. You can get plug-in electrical heating pads, which are similar to heating pads for human beds but run on a lower wattage. You can leave them plugged in for a reliable heat source for your cat. Alternately, you could get a microwavable heating pad, which typically retains heat for approximately twelve-hours.
- A heating pad will cost you in the neighborhood of $30.
- You can find a heating pad online or at your local pet store.
If your cat loves to sleep in small places or curl up into a tiny ball, look for small, circular designs. You can find small heated cat beds with a circular shape, short walls and an open top. Your cat may enjoy this type of bed if they love to snuggle.^{[7]XResearch source}
4
Consider a fully enclosed bed. For outdoor locations and for cats who like the feeling of complete enclosure, you should consider heated cat beds with a roof. Some of these beds are conical shaped like a mini apartment building, whereas others look like small houses or barns.^{[8]XResearch source}
- Check to see if you can remove the heating element in order to clean these types of beds.
- A fully enclosed bed will cost in the range of $35 to $60 dollars.
- You can find fully enclosed beds online or at your local pet store.
5
Find a bed with a hood. If you are looking for flexibility, some cat beds have a hood that can be opened or closed. Like a convertible, these cat beds are ideal for cats that sometimes prefer enclosure and sometimes want a more open feel.^{[9]XResearch source}
- Heated cat beds with hoods cost in the range of $30 to $40.
If the design of the cat bed includes frills or hanging elements, your cat could gnaw at these loose parts and ingest them. So, you should find a bed without excessive use of strings or loose materials.
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Warnings

Be sure to supervise your cat while it uses the heated bed or pad because the pads can cause burns.
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The cat should also be able to get off of the heated bed or pad if it gets too hot.
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