Indoor Cat Comfort: Caring for Elderly Cats - Safe Use of Heated Beds

Cats — like all of us — may need to take life at a gentler pace as they age. They may be more cautious when they jump, a little slower when they walk, and a bit cuddlier at the end of the day. It's perfectly normal for senior kitties to need a little extra TLC, and a heated cat bed is one way you can provide that extra level of love.

While these warm beds are important to senior cats, it's just as important to know how to use the heated beds safely. This guide will walk you through what to look for when picking a heated bed for your elderly cat and best practices for using it.

Think Warm, Not Hot

The subtle warmth of a heated bed can soothe a senior cat's achy muscles and joints. But because older cats move a little slower, your cat might get up quickly if a heated bed gets too hot. Or she might not even notice when the bed gets too hot in the first place.

This is why you want to choose a pet bed with a built-in feature that prevents it from getting too hot.

K&H products are designed with this safety in mind. Their plug-in heated beds keep the bed's temperature at about 15°F above your home's temperature when unoccupied. Once your pet curls up in the bed, it slowly warms to their natural body temperature, which is about 102°F.

The K&H Thermo-Kitty Heated Cat Bed is a great example. Not only does this cozy bed provide temperature safety features, it also boasts 6" tall soft, foam walls that leave your kitty feeling extra secure.

Don't Use Heating Pads Designed for Humans

Cats don't sweat like humans do. They regulate their body temperature differently. They sweat in their paw pads to cool off, pant, or lick their coats to let the saliva's evaporation cool them.

This also means that heating pads designed for humans are dangerous for your cats. They're not made with your kitty's safety in mind and can get way too hot. Plus, human heating pads can potentially burn your kitty, cause heat stroke or other health emergencies.

Instead of a human heating pad, try the K&H Pet Bed Warmer. This pet heating pad is waterproof and when placed inside your pet's bed, it warms to the perfect temperature to support your pet's joints and keep them comfortable. It can slide into most zippered indoor pet beds, making it easy to use.

For another heating pad option, try the K&H Thermo-Kitty Mat. It's a perfect cat size that fits pretty much anywhere, including on your cat's favorite napping spot. And the soft foam mat has a machine-washable cover.

Look for Beds with a MET Safety Certification

Invest in a cat bed that's UL or MET safety listed. This means the bed passed rigorous safety testing to comply with government and industry safety standards, ensuring it's safe for your pet and home.

All 120V electrical K&H Pet products are MET safety tested and certified. MET Laboratories, Inc. certifies millions of products to UL and CSA standards for both the United States and Canada. MET Laboratories, Inc., is also an OSHA-licensed Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory.

All this testing means you can put your mind at ease when using K&H heated products.

Read the instructions

Even when purchasing MET-certified products, it's still important to read their instructions and follow all safety warnings. For example, you may want to avoid using an extension cord on your pet bed. MET safety warnings note that extension cords should only be a temporary solution for electrical products.

If you want to know just how great your K&H heated bed is going to work, you can test the bed before your pet uses it.

Get a Bed with a Machine Washable Cover

As cats age, they may be more prone to health issues that make them need to pee more. And sometimes impaired mobility might cause them to have accidents.

Finding a heated cat bed that's machine-washable or has a machine-washable cover makes your life a lot easier.

Many K&H products provide just that. The K&H Thermo-Pet Nest Heated Cat Bed has a soft, collapsible roof that can convert it from a private, heated cave to heated, cuddly cat nest. And if you remove the pet bed warmer from inside the soft, fleece cushion, you can throw the entire bed into the washing machine.

Some Senior Cats Want a Plush Heated Bed

Pay attention to your cat's preferences. Some senior cats want to sleep on a pet-safe heated pad. And as they age, cats lose muscle mass and need that extra cushiony goodness between them and the floor.

The Thermo-Pet Lounge Sleeper Heated Cat & Dog Bed provides this cushion. The soft bed has a non-slip bottom and is so plush, it feels as cozy as wearing a soft sweater. And it's machine washable — just remove the heating pad first.

Make the Bed Easy to Access

Where you set up your senior cat's bed is a big decision. Maybe you'll set it up near her favorite window. Or maybe you'll put it on his favorite snuggle spot on the couch.

Just remember that senior cats often have limited movement or flexibility. They can't run as fast or jump as far. So if you put the bed in an elevated spot, like on your bed or couch, make it easy to access. Place pet-sized stairs next to where you keep the bed so your cat doesn't have to jump if she doesn't feel up to it. And if they're not already covered, put some carpet on them so your cat won't slip.

The K&H Thermo-Kitty Fashion Splash is a great choice for cats with limited flexibility. Not only does this cute bed come in multiple fashionable colors and sizes, but it also has low sides, making it super easy for your cat to get in and out of.

Don't Forget Outdoor Senior Cats

While you may be focusing on your indoor kitty's comfort, remember that outdoor cats can get the same mobility issues as they get older. Consider setting up a few heated beds designed for outdoor use.

The K&H Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Pet Bed is waterproof and has an orthopedic foam base and a washable fleece cover. It's designed to be used in any outdoor sheltered area, like a covered patio, and certified for 110/120 volt indoor/outdoor use. And the cord is steel-wrapped for extra safety.

If your outdoor pet is a little more rough-and-tumble, consider the K&H Extreme Weather Heated Kitty Pad. It's made of rugged ABS plastic with a steel-wrapped cord, is energy efficient, and is designed for outdoor use in a sheltered area like a barn or patio.

Your Senior Cat Will Love a Heated Cat Bed

Your senior cats will be purrrfectly happy if you surprise them with a heated cat bed or two! Just follow the tips in this guide to make sure you pick one that's right for your elderly cat's needs. You'll love watching your precious feline all cuddled up in a tight ball, soaking up the warmth.

This is a series on indoor heated beds for your kitties! Follow us on Instagram for the next article, "Are Heated Beds Good for Cats?"