Updated Aug. 19, 2024
Heat-seeking felines of all kinds appreciate a cozy heated cat bed. Learn how to choose the right one for your cat, and see our top-rated picks.
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If the heat is on — running through your radiator or rising from your laptop — cats will make it their mission to find it and sit on it. That’s why it’s a fantastic idea to offer your feline friend a soft heated bed as the temperatures dip, especially if they tend to spend a lot of time outdoors or have certain health issues.
“Many cats have a natural affinity to seek out cozy and warm havens so it should come as no surprise that heated cat beds have pretty broad appeal,” says Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, veterinary medical advisor for Rover.
“Cats recovering from surgeries or illness, older or arthritic cats, sparsely haired or thin cats may also find the warmth particularly soothing. Feral or outdoor cats in cooler climates will particularly seek out warmth to shelter them during harsher weather.” While you’re at it, get to know about heated dog beds.
A few things you should look for when shopping for a heated cat bed, according to Greenstein:
Here are our picks for the best heated cat beds.
via amazon.com
Some of the best cat beds are heated. As its name implies, this is the thermostatically controlled modern bed of your cat’s dreams. The pod heated cat bed features a bowl design that zips together to create a private dome, comfortably fitting any size cat or a small dog.
Not only does it look cool, but the inner warming pad — which can be removed in warmer weather — senses weight and only heats up when a pet is sitting on it. Genius!
via amazon.com
A cat overwhelmed by the bells and whistles of other beds will feel right at home here.
Simple yet powerful, this waterproof and easy-to-clean cat bed kicks out low- or high-level heat, up to 104 F, in about ten minutes. Its temperature control feature powers off automatically to prevent overheating, and the chew-resistant cord defends against potential taste tests from curious kitties.
via amazon.com
This machine-washable heated cat bed, with four-watt energy-efficient removable heater, comes in multiple sizes and colors. Perfect for the older feline, it features an orthopedic foam base and a low overstuffed polyfill bolster around the perimeter for body support and comfort.
“A great product for an elderly cat,” writes one satisfied Amazon customer. “I just wish that I had known about it sooner!” Well, now YOU do!
via petsmart.com
Let your cat show its wild side with this dual thermostat cat bed that offers added privacy. The four-watt heating unit is tucked within the cat bed’s cozy premium polyfill pillow base, which surrounds your cat in comfort while gives them plenty of room to stretch. And it’s washable to boot.
“Within minutes [she] climbed in,” writes one happy PetSmart reviewer. “I don’t think she’ll come out until spring.”
via wayfair.com
Many cat owners use heated beds for extra warmth in the winter months only, so a bed that stows away when it gets warmer outside is a serious bonus!
This collapsible A-frame kitty house has a cushioned, weatherproof and thermostatically-controlled patented heated floor. It’s easy to fold up and store as soon as summer arrives. Or, if kitty prefers access to a cave all year, simply remove the heating pad.
via wayfair.com
Just call this the “smart” version of cat beds! The Costner heated cat bed works in conjunction with an interactive app that lets you set the temperature to warm or cool settings, and detects whether your pet is dozing inside.
You’ll certainly be more in tune with your feline’s sleeping patterns with tech help from this space-age bubble bed. And at more than $150, it’s definitely the splurge of the list.
via amazon.com
This heated kitty house is made specifically for feral or outdoor cats. It comes with an insulated and heated sleeping mat that sits within the water-resistant abode. The mat has a timer that can be set to your occupant’s daily schedule. Plastic doors hang at both entry ways to keep out the elements, too.
“This is a great product. Keeps the whole house very warm,” writes one Wayfair reviewer. “The strays love it!”
via amazon.com
If you’re wary of beds that plug in, look no further than this cushy self-warming cat bed that requires zero electricity. Made with the same technology found in mylar space blankets, it keeps your cat toasty warm by retaining and reflecting his or her body heat. They’ll love the super soft faux sherpa lining, which should only be spot cleaned as needed.
via amazon.com
Feeling hot, hot, hot — just how hot is entirely up to your pet! This heated cat bed has five levels of temperature settings and a variety of removable cover patterns, so it’s versatile and totally customizable. Five timing modes range from four to 24 hours. Toss the 100 percent cotton cloth cover in the washing machine for easy (eazzzy?) cleaning, too.
Originally Published: October 22, 2021
