It’s no secret that cats are naturally attracted to heat, and heating pads are an amazing way to keep your furry friend warm. The best heating pads for cats are designed with safety in mind and can be heated using electricity, a microwave, or self-heating materials like mylar.
Are heating pads safe for cats?
in general, heated pet mats are considered safe for cats when used at a temperature suitable for felines; They may even offer additional benefits beyond comfort, like boosting your pet’s immune system and relieving joint stiffness. but there are some security concerns to be aware of. According to Denise Lott, Veterinary Assistant and Customer Liaison at Hello Ralphie, “A cat heating pad should not be allowed to get hotter than your cat’s body temperature,” which ranges from 100 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, use should be limited to 15-20 minute intervals to prevent overheating (if your kitty had her way, she’d probably stay on the pad all day), and in most cases you’ll want to supervise your cat. cat. especially if they have mobility issues that prevent them from getting off the mat. you’ll also want to take specific precautions based on the type of pad you choose (more on that later). As a final note, Lott says it’s important to make sure you buy a heating pad designed specifically for cats, as a human heating pad may have certain configurations that aren’t safe for feline use.
types of heating pads
There are three types of heating pads for cats. Here’s what you should know about each one:
- electric heating pads: similar to heating pads designed for humans, but with feline-specific temperature and safety settings, plug into the wall and have manual temperature controls or technology intelligent thermostat, the latter of which will match your cat’s natural body temperature. While these pads are very effective, you’ll want to make sure the cord is steel-reinforced so your cat can’t chew through it, and you’ll also want to prevent your kitty from playing with the cords to prevent accidental strangulation—so supervision is important.
- Heating Pads: If you prefer a non-electric alternative, heating pads are heated by your cat’s own body heat with the help of special materials, such as mylar, that reflect heat back to the body. While they may not provide the same powerful results as an electric heating pad, supervision is less important as the pad cannot get any hotter than your cat’s body temperature.
- microwaveable heating pads: filled with heat-retaining materials that stay hot for hours on end, and you don’t need access to an electrical outlet. however, you’ll want to make sure the pad doesn’t exceed your cat’s body temperature when it first comes out of the microwave; allow to cool or place under a thick blanket to act as a cushion between the pad and your cat’s body.
- Available sizes: 12 x 15 inches, 12 x 16 inches, 15 x 20 inches, 15 x 27 inches
- available options: automatic control, manual control
- sizes available: small — 3x-large
- colors and styles available: 24
- sizes available: small — large
With the right precautions, a heating pad can give your kitty a greater sense of security all year long. These are the best heating pads for cats that will keep your furry friend toasty and toasty.
1. best electric heating pad with smart temperature control
Powered by an electrical cord, this heated pet mat automatically heats to a temperature designed to be safe for cats, ranging from 95 to 108 degrees Fahrenheit. The soft flannel cover is removable and machine washable, and is lined with IP67 waterproof PVC and a fire retardant sponge. The pad comes with a chew-resistant steel cord for added safety, but be sure to supervise your cat so they don’t become entangled in the cord. If you like this layout but prefer more control over the heat, a manual option is also available.
According to one reviewer: “My cats love this. living here in wisconsin, with very cold winters, my cats will make use of this every day. […] would definitely recommend this to any pet owner, especially someone with an elderly cat or a cat with sensitive joints. I have a 3-legged cat who really appreciates soft warmth.”
2. best heating pad
This Furhaven Self-Heating Cat Bed requires no electricity to operate. The mat is constructed with a layer of insulating fiber batting and Mylar, which reflects your cat’s body heat through the cozy quilted faux fur cover. It only heats itself when your cat is lying on it, and the cordless design means there’s no risk of it getting tangled. Lightweight and portable, this is a great low-cost option that you can easily take on the go. This pad comes in multiple size, color, and pattern options, so you can choose the one that best suits your home, and it’s machine washable for easy maintenance. It’s not listed as waterproof, and it should be noted that the pad won’t get as hot as an electric one, but it may give you some peace of mind as you won’t have to monitor usage as closely.
According to one reviewer: “Love this for my cats! both are indoor/outdoor cats, but one used to spend most of his time outdoors. Now she’s always inside napping in this! I saw how much she hoarded it so I bought another one for our other cat. […] needless to say, now they are both incredibly warm and snuggled up and happy napping.”
3. best outdoor heating pad
Made of durable, water-resistant vinyl, this electric heating pad is ideal for use in outdoor or unheated spaces such as barns, garages, and patios. Equipped with a 5.5-foot long steel-wrapped cord, this pad accommodates your needs. electrical safety standards, so you can feel safe using it in the elements. Designed with a thick layer of orthopedic foam, the mat comes with a removable and washable fleece cover for added comfort. When your cat lies on it, the mat automatically warms to 102 degrees Fahrenheit (a feline’s natural body temperature), then automatically shuts off when your kitty gets up. Although this mat is designed for the outdoors, supervision of your cat is recommended as it is electric and corded.
According to one reviewer: “Our pampered indoor and outdoor cats prefer to spend their days (even in winter) sitting outside on their “comfy mat” watching over the backyard. to stay in the nice warm house. the build quality is very robust and they seem very suitable for outdoor use as long as they are kept dry.”
4. best microwave heating pad
Another non-electric option, this microwaveable heating pad from snuggle safe stays warm for up to 10 hours straight. The removable, machine-washable cover is made of soft flannel and features an adorable paw print pattern, while the pad itself is filled with a non-toxic Thermapol compound (a type of plastic) that retains heat after being heated in microwave. This pad is a bit smaller, making it ideal for kittens and small cats, but if you place it under a bed or blanket, larger cats can use it too. While there’s no mention of water resistance, this pad is a great alternative to electric heating pads for those who don’t have convenient access to an electrical outlet or don’t want to deal with the risks associated with heat or electrical cords. You’ll just want to be very careful to follow the heating guidelines and allow the pad to cool down a bit if it feels too hot coming out of the microwave.
According to one reviewer: “These are the best heating pads out there. you can heat them up for 3-4 minutes in the microwave and they stay warm for about 10 hours. perfect for newborn kittens! we use them daily! they are super easy to clean […]”
5. best heating pad insert for a bed
If your cat is tied to a bed, you can still add comfort to their naps with this electric cat bed heater. The pad has a smooth vinyl surface with no fabric cover, as it’s designed to be inserted into your pet’s favorite bed or cushion (and note that this option should never be used alone for that reason). once your kitty is lying on the pad, it automatically heats up to 102 degrees fahrenheit, and when she gets up, it automatically shuts off, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally leaving it on for too long ( but make sure your cat does not use it for more than 15-20 minutes at a time, even with this automatic function). There’s no mention of water resistance, but it does come with a steel-wrapped cord that’s resistant to chewing. As with other electric heating pads, you’ll want to keep an eye on your kitty to make sure she doesn’t get entangled in the cord.
According to one reviewer: “The k&h pet heater is absolutely perfect and just what I was looking for. I put it under my cat’s bed cushion and he loves it. it stays warm enough to be comforting, but not too hot that you get up and out of bed. I keep it connected 24/7. Cleanable with a damp paper towel or wipe. perfect! I bought 2 and I highly recommend it.”
expert:
denise lott, veterinary assistant and client liaison at hello ralphie (supervised by megan conrad, dvm). https://helloralphie.com/
