A heated cat bed is a comfortable place for cats to sleep and relax. Cats are territorial animals, so they like to have their own space. They can curl up in the heated bed and feel warm, safe, and secure.
The heated cat bed will provide your cat with a soft, warm place to sleep all year round and especially on chilly winter nights.
With hundreds of heated cat beds on the market, it’s difficult to choose the best product. To help you narrow down the choice, we have reviewed the selection of the best heated and self-warming cat beds and pads.
To understand what to look for in the heated cat beds, read our detailed buyer’s guide at the end of the article.
Without further ado, let’s dive in.
Best Heated Cat Beds – Top 5 Picks
Before we start reviewing the best heated cat beds, let’s have a look at the table below. It shows the most important features at a glance:
Best Heated Cat Beds – Comparison Table
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Best Heated Cat Beds – Reviews
1. K&H Pet Products Thermo-Kitty Heated Cat Bed – Best Heated Cat Bed Overall
The bed is designed for 24/7 operation and you can leave it plugged in all day (confirm with the manufacturer if you are in doubt – as with any electrical device, for safety reasons, you should always unplug the bed when leaving for several days). There seem to have never been any safety-related accidents reported.
K&H Thermo-Kitty Heated Cat Bed can be used all year round. You can easily remove the heater unit when the weather is warmer. People who bought this product reported that the low wattage of the heater adds only a minimal, almost unnoticeable, the cost to electric bills.
This cat bed features high walls that create a privacy barrier that makes a cat feel cozy and safe. On the other hand, some customers reported that the walls were too high for their cats to rest their heads on them and that they confined their cats’ moves so that the pets could not stretch freely.
Some customers reported that the sleeping surface diameter is reported to be less than advertised, therefore if you have a large cat, such as Maine Coon, this cat bed would probably not be suitable for her.
This heated cat bed is machine washable. After removing the heater unit and foam walls wash the cover and cushion on the gentle cycle with cold water.
Type: Electrically heated, indoor-use
Heater: Dual thermostat 4-watt heating unit, MET listed
Sizes:
– Small: 16″ L x 16″ W x 6″ H, Sleeping Surface: 15″ diameter
– Large: 20″ L x 20″ W x 6″ H, Sleeping Surface: 19″ diameter
Colors: Mocha, Sage
Machine Washable
Warranty: 1 year
Additional Features: Foam base and walls
2. K&H Pet Products Thermo-Kitty Mat – Best Heated Cat Mat
K&H Pet Products Thermo-Kitty Mat is an electrically heated cat pad that features a dual thermostat heater buried beneath soft foam to make a comfortable napping place for cats.
After plugging in, the surface of the mat will rise about 10-15 degrees above ambient air temperature until the cat lies on the mat. Then it will warm to about 102°F (38°C), which is the natural body temperature of cats and dogs.
The heat only kicks in when a cat sits on a mat, which means the mat is only on when it’s actually in use, which saves on electricity bills. There seem to have never been any safety-related accidents reported.
Many of the customers who bought this heated cat mat reported that their cats really love the mat, describing it as a ‘cat magnet’.
Some cat owners who purchased this product reported that the heating pad is too narrow compared to the size of the rest of the mat and it tends to shift from side to side of the cover.
The cover of the mat is removable and machine washable.
Key Features:
Type: Electrically heated, indoor-use
Heater: 6 watts, MET listed
Sizes:
– Small: 12.5″ x 25″
– Large: 14” x 28”
Colors: Mocha, Sage
Machine Washable
Warranty: 1 year
Additional Features: A dual thermostat heater buried beneath soft foam
3. K&H Pet Products Leopard Deluxe Heated Hooded Cat Bed – Best Heated Cat Bed for Privacy
K&H Pet Products Leopard Deluxe Heated Hooded Cat Bed is an upgraded version of the Thermo-Kitty Heated Cat Bed (the first heated cat bed on our list). It has higher walls and a zip-off hood for added privacy and more coziness.
This product is an electrically heated cat bed. After plugging in, the surface of the bed will rise about 10-15 degrees above ambient air temperature until the cat lies on the bed. Then it will warm to about 102°F (38°C), which is the natural body temperature of cats and dogs.
Customers who bought this product said that the low wattage of the heater cast only a minimal, almost unnoticeable cost to their energy bills.
This bed can be used for a whole year round. Thanks to the removable heater unit, you can easily remove it when the weather gets warmer.
The bed is designed for 24/7 operation and you can leave it plugged in all day (as with any electrical device, you should always unplug the bed when you are absent for several days). There seems to have never been reported any safety-related accidents for this product.
Although the majority of people who bought this heated cat bed were satisfied with this item, some cat owners complained that the hood was not sufficiently supported and it had a ‘collapsed appearance’. Some people said that the high walls, although providing extra privacy, would also confine their cats’ moves, i.e. their cats could not stretch out freely.
This cat bed is machine washable. After removing the heater unit, foam ring, and hood, wash the cover and cushion on a gentle cycle with cold water.
Key Features:
Type: Electrically heated, indoor-use
Heater: Dual thermostat 4-watt heating unit, MET listed
Sizes:
– Small: 16″ L x 16″ W x 14″ H, Sleeping Surface: 15″ diameter
– Large: 20″ L x 20″ W x 14″ H, Sleeping Surface: 19″ diameter
Colors: Mocha-Leopard, Tan-Leopard
Machine Washable
Warranty: 1 year
Additional Features: Removable zip-off hood; foam ring inside the cover
4. Aspen Pet Self-Warming Bed – Best Value for Money Self-Warming Cat Bed
Aspen Pet Self-Warming Bed is a self-heated cat bed that doesn’t require electricity to heat up. Because this item doesn’t need electric power in order to work, it doesn’t pose a fire hazard and is safe to use with no worry. You also don’t need to be afraid of extra electricity bills.
This self-warming cat bed utilizes the same heat-reflecting technology found in Mylar “space blankets”. The bed is lined with a layer of material that generates warmth by reflecting the cat’s own body heat. On the surface, the bed is covered with a faux lamb wool plush and wide wale corduroy fabric for added comfort and warmth.
This bed has low and soft walls which allow the cat for a full stretch and full extension of the body. It has a non-skid bottom so that it stays in place when cats get in and out of the bed.
While most people who bought this bed were satisfied with this product, some customers reported that the bed would make a crunchy/crinkly sound when the cat stepped on it. The crinkly noise is the effect that most of the self-warming fabrics create.
This product is machine washable with cool water and mild detergent.
Key Features:
Type: Self-heated, indoor-use
Heater: No electricity required, self-warming material
Sizes:
– 19’’ x 19’’ – round
– 24’’ x 20’’ – rectangular lounger
– 27’’ x 36’’ – billow bed
– 30’’ x 24’’ – rectangular lounger
– 35’’ x 27’’ – rectangular lounger
Colors: Cherry-red with beige
Machine Washable
Additional Features: No-skid bottom
5. MEOWFIA Premium Cat Bed Cave – Best Cat Cave
MEOWFIA Premium Cat Bed Cave is a self-warming cat bed. It doesn’t need electricity to give the warmth out. It doesn’t pose a fire hazard and won’t add to the cost of your energy bills.
This cat bed is a handmade product, made from 100% merino wool. Merino wool is said to be antibacterial and to naturally repel odor, dirt, and stains.
The cave is spacious and deep, which provides a cat with privacy, comfort, and warmth. A cat can feel safe and unobstructed inside it, which promotes better sleep and less stress. The cave can fit a 20 lbs cat.
This cat bed is designed to keep the cat warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It has an elegant, almost designer look and will make for an elegant decoration to any apartment.
Customers who bought this product said that it holds its shape well and doesn’t collapse on the cat.
Most customers who bought this self-warming cat bed were satisfied with it. One valid complaint, that a few people raised, was the fact that the bottom of the cave was not cushioned or padded. The uncushioned bed would not be comfortable for an older cat.
This product is hand washed only. The manufacturer says that for the best results to clean it with cold water and soap and allow it to air dry stuffed with crumbled paper.
Key Features:
Type: Self-warming, indoor-use, 2-in-1 cat mat & bed
Heater: No electricity required, self-heating thermo-reflective material
Size: Approx. 19 inches diameter, 12 inches height, 8 inches entrance
Color: Asphalt/Aquamarine, Dark Grey, Light Grey, Slate Grey
Hand Washed
Warranty: Provided on request
6. K&H Thermo-Kitty Fashion Splash Heated Cat Bed – Best Cat Bed for Older Cats
K&H Thermo-Kitty Fashion Splash Heated Cat Bed is an electrically heated cat bed. After plugging in, the surface of the bed will rise around 10-15 degrees above ambient air temperature until the cat lies on the bed. Then it will warm to about 102°F (38°C), which is the natural body temperature of cats and dogs.
This bed, similarly to other beds from the K&H family, can be used the whole year round. All you need to do is simply remove the heater unit when the weather gets warmer.
The bed is designed for 24/7 operation and you can leave it plugged in all day (as with any electrical device, you should always unplug the bed when leaving for several days). There seem to have never been any safety-related accidents reported for this product.
People who bought this heated cat bad reported that the low wattage of the heater adds only a minimal, almost unnoticeable cost to electric bills.
This heated cat bed has low and mild walls that allow a cat a full stretch and full extension of the body. It also features an orthopedic foam base which provides added comfort to old and ill cats.
A few cat owners who purchased this item complained that they could feel a chemical smell coming from the bed.
This cat bed is machine washable. After removing a heater unit wash the cover and cushion on the gentle cycle with cold water.
Key Features:
Type: Electrically heated, indoor-use
Heater: 4 watts – small, 7 watts – large, MET listed
Sizes:
– Small: 18″ L x 18″ W
– Large: 16″ L x 22″ W
Colors: Mocha, Blue
Machine Washable
Warranty: 1 year
Additional Features: Orthopedic foam base
7. Pet Magasin Thermal Self-Heated Cat Bed – Best Cat Bed for Large Cats
Pet Magasin Thermal Self-Heated Cat Bed is a self-heated cat pad that doesn’t require energy to work. It includes a layer of mylar film, the same super-insulating material used in spacesuits. The special properties of this mat absorb, hold, and reflect the cat’s natural body heat, while also insulating her from cold floors.
This heated cat mat, unlike some beds, doesn’t have walls, therefore, it doesn’t constrain the cat’s moves and allows for a full stretch and full extension of the cat’s body. It’s perfect for large cats that need more space.
This product features a rubberized, anti-slippery underside. Thanks to that the bed stays in the same place where you put it and it won’t pose a slipping danger if someone steps on it.
A great thing about this cat product is that it comes in two sizes in the package. You can put one mat in a pet bed and one on the floor, or on your cat’s favorite hanging-out spots in two rooms, and so on.
Customers who bought this self-warming cat mat mentioned that thanks to the velvety fabric, the cat’s hair can be easily removed from the cover.
As with other self-warming cat beds, people who bought this product reported that it can make a crinkly sound when a cat steps on it.
This product is hand washed only. A few customers reported that after washing, the rubbery underside fell apart.
Key Features:
Type: Self-heated, indoor-use
Heater: No electricity required, self-warming material
Sizes:
– Medium Set: 22’’ x 18.5’’ & 17’’ x 11’’
– Large Set: 28.8’’ x 34.5’’ & 17’’ x 11’’
Colors: Gray with a black rubbery underside
Hand Washing
Warranty: 2 years
Additional Features: Rubberized underside; package includes 2 mats (smaller and larger)
8. Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler – Best Heated Cat Bed for Sleep
Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler is a self-warming cat bed, meaning it reflexes your cat’s heat naturally, without a need for any electrical devices. It’s made of plush, fluffy material, which provides a cat with a snuggly and cozy experience.
The high walls of this cat bed make a cat feel more secure, which promotes deeper and better sleep. On the other hand, the walls are soft and flexible, allowing a cat a full stretch and full extension of her body.
The manufacturer of this heated cat bed claims that the rear wall, which is higher, offers back support which eases the joint tension. The front wall, which is shorter, on the other hand, provides the cat with head and neck support.
Some customers who bought this cat product complained that this cat bed is not stable and tends to tip over. Some people also mentioned that the walls of this cat bed might be a little too high for older cats, who can’t climb anymore.
Last but not least, what we like about this cat bed is that in case your cat has an accident, it has a waterproof bottom. It’s also machine washable and dryer safe.
Key Features:
Type: Self-warming, indoor-use
Heater: No electricity required, self-warming material
Sizes:
– Standard: 20” long, 20” wide, and high 9” tall; front: 9”, rear: 12”; for cats up to 20lbs
– Jumbo: 24” long, 24” wide, and high 15” tall; front: 9”, rear: 15”; for cats up to 35lbs
Colors: 14 colors
Machine Washable and Dryer Safe
Warranty: Provided on request
Additional Features: Waterproof bottom
9. Milliard Thermal Cat Mat – Best Value for Money Heated Cat Mat
Milliard Thermal Cat Mat is a self-warming cat mat. It reflects the cat’s own body heat thanks to a mylar foil core. This means the product doesn’t require electricity so you don’t need to worry about electricity bills or safety.
On the surface, the mat is made with a soft material, which comes in blue color with a delicate black leopard print on one side and black fleece on the reverse side. You can lay your cat on any of the sides, depending on which style suits you better.
Because the mat is not constrained by walls, your cat will be able to stretch and extend her body fully.
Customers who bought this heated cat pad praised it for looking attractive and for the soft and cuddly fabric. They mentioned that the product is well made and of good quality.
Typical for self-warming cat beds, this mat has also been reported to make a crinkly noise when the cat steps on it. Some people who bought this pad could also feel a chemical smell when the mat arrived.
This heated cat pad is machine washable and comes with an attached hangtag so that you can hang it up when not in use.
Key Features:
Type: Self-warming, indoor-use
Heater: No electricity required, self-warming material
Sizes:
– Small: 21″ x 17″
– Large: 23″ x 30″
Colors: Blue with black leopard print
Machine Washable
Warranty: Provided on request
Additional Features: Comes with an attached hangtag, so that you can hang it up when not in use
10. Kitty Shack – 2 in 1 Tube Cat Mat and Bed – Most Versatile Heated Cat Bed
Kitty Shack – 2 in 1 Tube Cat Mat and Bed is a self-warming cat bed which means that it doesn’t require electricity to work and you don’t need to worry about safety.
The product is made of an electrostatic plush material that traps unwanted hair. The self-warming material features a thermo-reflective core that reflects the cat’s own heat.
What is great about this product is that it’s designed to be a bed and mat in one. You can choose between a snuggly and safe tube bed or a large mat for flexible stretching by simply zipping or unzipping the material. By zipping a mat you can convert it into a tube bed, or you can unzip the tube bed to convert it into a mat.
Customers who bought this self-warming cat bed praised it for being extra soft and fluffy. Your cat can snuggle inside it and feel safe and comfortable.
Although a vast majority of people were satisfied with this item, some people complained that they received a product that was thin and flimsy and couldn’t hold up its shape.
This cat bed is machine washable.
Key Features:
Type: Self-warming, indoor-use, 2-in-1 cat mat & bed
Heater: No electricity required, self-heating thermo-reflective material
Sizes:
– Zipped: 2 x 7.9 x 11.8 inches
– Unzipped: 35 x 22 inches
Color: Brown
Machine Washable
Warranty: Provided on request
Additional Features: Electrostatic plush material attracts shedding hair to keep furniture and carpets fur-free
Best Heated Cat Beds – Buyer’s Guide
When you should buy a heated cat bed?
You should buy a heated cat bed for your cat when:
– Your cat is old
– Your cat is ill (for example suffers from arthritis)
– It tends to get quite cold in your house or flat, especially during winter (because of the low wattage of the heaters you can leave most of the heated cat beds plugged in all the time – always check the manufacturer instructions to be sure it’s safe)
– You don’t want your cat to sit constantly on your lap or laptop 😉
– You don’t want your cat to sleep with you, on you, or on your head when you are trying to get a good night’s sleep
Important factors to consider when buying a heated cat bed
Heated cat beds are designed with the special goal of not overheating your cat. The built-in heather usually has a very low wattage so that it won’t get too hot and hurt your cat or cause damage to your house.
If your cat has a tendency to chew on wires and cords then the electrical cat bed is definitely not a suitable item for your cat to be around. Instead of an electrical cat bed, you can choose a self-warming cat bed. Self-warming cat beds are made with special materials that reflect the cat’s own body heat.
Although electrically heating beds have low wattage, before giving them to your cat, you should check yourself if it works properly and doesn’t get too warm. To test if the bed does not get too warm, simply place a heavier pillow on top of the bed and after about 20 minutes take it off and check the level of the heath with your hand.
Also, as with any electrical device, you should always be alert to any noises the heater produces. If you can hear the buzz you should contact the manufacturer to check if the bed is still safe to use.
Checklist before purchasing a heated cat bed
1. Electrically heated cat beds vs. self-heated cat beds
Within heated cat beds you can choose between electrically heated or self-heated cat beds.
Electrically heated cat beds incorporate a low-wattage thermostat heater which is based on the bottom of the bed, within a fabric cover.
Self-heated cat beds use a special self-warming material that reflects the cat’s own body heat.
Electrically heated cat beds – pros & cons:
– provides more heat
– as with any electric device may be a fire hazard
– may add to the electricity bills
– it is confined to places where you can plug it in
Some of the best electrically heated cat beds are as follows:
K&H Pet Products Thermo-Kitty Heated Cat Bed
K&H Thermo-Kitty Bed Deluxe Hooded Cat Bed
K&H Thermo-Kitty Fashion Splash Heated Cat Bed
K&H Pet Products Thermo-Kitty Mat
Self-heated cat beds – pros & cons:
– provides less heat
– safe (does not pose a danger of being a fire hazard)
– does not add up to the electricity bills
– since you do not need to plug it in, you can place it anywhere in your house
Some of the best self-heated cat beds are as follows:
Pet Magasin Thermal Self-Heated Bed for Cat
Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler
2. Outdoor heated cat beds vs. indoor heated cat beds
The majority of heated beds described in this article are for indoor use only. If you are looking for an outdoor heated cat bed read our article on the best outdoor cat houses.
An outdoor cat house will give proper protection to the cat outdoors. If the outdoor cat house comes unheated, you can always put inside of the outdoor cat house a heated cat bed or mat to provide additional warmth to your cat.
3. Power cord
If you want to buy a heated cat bed with a power cord, make sure the power cord is chew-resistant, in case your cat would like to chew on it.
Also make sure that the power cord is long enough to easily position it in the preferred place, without a need for a power extension.
4. Size
Make sure that the heated cat bed you want to buy will comfortably accommodate your cat’s needs. If you have a large cat, like Maine Coon or Ragdoll, multiple cats, or in case your cat likes to stretch go for a big-size heated cat bed.
If you have a smaller, single cat, that likes to curl up while sleeping goes for a smaller size cat bed, which will also save you a footprint.
5. Open-heated cat beds vs. closed-heated cat beds
Heated cat beds come closed or open and with high or short sides. If your cat likes peace and does not like being disturbed she will appreciate a closed heated cat bed with high sides more. Such a bed will create a peaceful space for your feline, where she will feel safe and unthreatened. On the other hand, if your cat is fearless and likes to stretch a lot go for an open heated cat bed with shorter sides.
Examples of closed heated cat beds/with high sides:
K&H Thermo-Kitty Bed Deluxe Hooded Cat Bed
Kitty Shack – 2 in 1 Tube Cat Mat and Bed
Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler
6. Padding
Make sure that the heated cat bed you want to buy is well-padded. The uncushioned heated cat bed may be uncomfortable for a cat.
7. Material
The self-heated cat beds usually use a special material that reflects the cat’s own warmth. This material may give a crackly/crunchy sound when stepped on, which some cats may not like the sound of. Before you buy a self-heated cat bed, make sure your cat would not mind that crinkly noise.
8. Washing
Cats, especially older and senile felines may sometimes pee into their bed. Make sure that the heated cat bed you want to buy is easy to wash.
Best Heated Cat Beds – Frequently Asked Questions
Are heated cat beds safe?
In general, heated cat beds are safe. The built-in heather has usually a very low wattage. The heater will not get too hot and hurt your cat or cause damage to your house. The heated cat beds are also designed with special thought to not overheat your cat.
If your cat has a tendency to chew on wires and cords, then the electrical cat bed is not a safe item to be around your cat. Instead of a heated cat bed, you can choose a self-heated cat bed, which reflects the cat’s own body heat.
How does a heated cat bed work?
There are two types of heated cat beds: electrically-heated cat beds and self-heated cat beds. The electrically-heated cat beds incorporate a low-wattage thermostat heater which is placed in the padding of the bed. They also have a power cord to be plugged into the power outlet. When choosing this kind of bed make sure that the power cord is long enough to situate the bed in the place you want.
The self-heated cat beds use a special self-warming material that reflects the cat’s own body heat. The material which these beds are made from sometimes makes a crackly sound, so make sure your cat will not be put off by it.
Can I wash a heated cat bed?
Yes, most of the heated cat beds are washable. Before washing it, you will need to remove a heating element first. Never wash the whole bed, without disabling it first from the heater. Once you remove the heated element, wash per the manufacturer’s washing instructions.
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