Indoor Cat Comfort: Are Heated Beds Good for Cats?

Cats crave warmth. You may often find your cat cuddled in your lap or snuggled next to you in bed, soaking up your body heat. And while having a kitty next to you is wonderful, you can't just stay in the same place all day to keep your cat warm, no matter how tempted you may be! Heated beds can be a cozy solution to keep your fuzzy feline warm all day, but it's essential to know what to look for to ensure your choice is safe and comfortable.

Why do cats love the heat so much?

Cats have a long history of being in love with the sun. Their ancestors lived in hot, arid climates, so they come by their preference naturally. In fact, cats' normal body temperatures are higher than humans', ranging from 100°F to 102.5°F. So when you're a little overheated, your cat might be feeling just right!

Exactly how toasty they want to be depends on their weight and fur. A short-haired cat will likely get chilled faster than a long-haired cat, but that doesn't mean you won't see your Himalayan soaking up the sun's heat. Meanwhile, a hairless cat like a Sphynx gets cold very easily and needs that extra warmth fast.

It's not just about physical comfort though. Your cat may also feel a sense of security from the warmth, just like you feel when your kitty snuggles close to you.

A bed like the K&H Thermo-Lookout Pod is especially good at giving that sense of security since it provides an almost wholly enclosed cave for your kitty to sleep in. (But it also has a lookout window at the top, so you can check on your cat whenever you want.)

Different Types of Heated Beds

Choosing a heated bed isn't easy when you have so many different varieties and styles. The two basic categories are electrical and non-electrical.

1. Electric Heated Cat Beds

Many heated beds require an outlet to plug into so the warmer can work. They come in different varieties, such as:

• Beds with a removable pet warmer: All K&H indoor heated cat beds have a removable pet warmer designed specifically to warm the core of your cat. For example, the K&H Thermo-Snuggle Cup Heated Cat Bed has a removable heater, allowing you to use it year-round.

• Standalone pet bed warmer: If you already have a cat bed your pet loves, you can give it a glow-up by putting a warmer inside. The K&H Pet Bed Warmer comes in multiple sizes to fit almost any bed you use.

  

• Beds designed for entertainment: Plug-in beds have a wide range of designs, including some with features to entertain your kitty. The K&H Cat Tunnel Bed (Heated), for example, has a donut tunnel with an accordion-style hideaway for playing and a removable fleece pillow with a plug-in heated warmer on top. Or try the K&H Thermo-Pet Cave, which can either be a soothing cave or — if you unzip the back door — a fun tunnel to play in. It even has a cute plush toy attached for "inside entertainment."

  

• Heated mats: Cozy, warm mats are another comfy choice that can match your cat's unique preferences. The K&H Thermo-Kitty Mat can fit in any of your cat's favorite spots, whether it's a sunny area on the floor, next to you on a couch, or in the corner of your home office.

2. Heated Beds That Don't Need to be Plugged In

If you don't want an electrically heated bed, no problem! You've got numerous options to choose from that don't need to be plugged in.

• Self-warming beds: Some heated beds are self-warming and don't need to be plugged in. The K&H Self-Warming Hut has insulation inside that radiates heat back to your cat.

• Microwaveable warmers: You can purchase a microwavable warmer for the cat bed you already have, like the K&H Microwavable Pet Bed Warmer. This stays warm for up to 12 hours and can turn any pet bed into a toasty snuggle haven. Just make sure it's covered by something so your cat doesn't lay directly on it.

Indoor Safety Considerations

When choosing a heated bed for your kitty, safety comes first. Always read the instructions carefully before using your bed and follow the safety warnings. If you're using an electrical bed, make sure it's UL or MET safety listed. This ensures the bed was rigorously tested to pass government and industry standards.

If you have a 120V electrical K&H product, you can rest easy knowing it's MET safety tested and certified. MET is an OSHA-licensed, Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory, and it certifies millions of products to UL and CSA standards for both the United States and Canada.

Another safety feature that comes with a K&H plug-in indoor heated bed is that it stays at 15°F above your home's temperature when not in use. When your cat lies on it, the bed slowly warms to your cat's natural body temperature of about 102°F, keeping your kitty cozy and happy.

You can even test your cat's heated bed before letting your kitty use it.

Health Benefits

Heated pet beds are more than just a cozy place for your cat to sleep, even though you'll never get tired of seeing your cat snoozing in it. They can bring health benefits to your kitty too.

• Comfort your cat: Your kitty may have overall aches if he's older. A heated cat bed can be extra soothing for your kitty.

• Low-design for mobility issues (some models): Some heated beds, like the K&H Thermo-Kitty Fashion Splash, have low sides, making it easy for your cat to step in and out of.

• A good night's sleep: When your cat has a soothing, warm bed with high walls to cuddle in, she'll certainly feel secure and "hugged." The K&H Thermo-Kitty Heated Cat Bed has six-inch tall foam walls that "hug" your kitty while he dozes.

A Heated Cat Bed Is Worth the Investment

A heated, safety-listed cat bed is well worth the investment, providing cozy comfort to lull your kitty right into sleepy time. You may even want to try out a few different styles to better determine your kitty's preference. But whichever you choose, your cat will cherish the bed's peaceful warmth.

This article is the second article of our Indoor Cat Comfort series. Be sure you're following us on Instagram for the final article. If you missed the first one in the series, be sure to check out, Indoor Cat Comfort: Caring for Elderly Cats - Safe Use of Heated Beds.