Best heated cat beds to keep your feline friend warm this cold, cold winter

Give your heat-seeking cat its own snug spot.

heated cat beds

by Ellen Kinsey |
Updated on

Cats are creatures of comfort, and there is nothing more comfortable than warm heated cat beds. If you're a cat lover, then you will know that felines love warmth. You will often find cats curling up on a windowsill or a warm patch soaking up the sun. So - we've rounded up the best heated cat beds for your fussy feline - to help you find a cat bed suitable for your fussy, furry friend.

British weather can be very unpredictable! So, give your pet their allocated warm space all year round and spare them from snoozing in front of an oven or climbing into the airing cupboard. Why not get them a comfy place to rest? For winter, consider a radiator cat bed. Simply turn the heating on and watch your cat curl up in their cosy, new spot.

Best heated cat beds at a glance

Best budget heated cat bed: Ancol Self-Heating Pet Pad, Medium - view on Amazon UK
• Editor's pick: Pets at Home Heated Square Puppy Bed Grey - view at Pets at Home
Best heated cat bed for style: Petnap Small Heated Pet Bed - view on Amazon UK

Unlike cooling mats for the summer, heated cat beds are a great way to keep your cat snug and warm. So, whether your indoor cat is looking for a bed of luxury or your outdoor cat is looking for a mat to lounge on, here are our chosen favourite heated beds for every cat to help you make your decision easier.

Our pick of the best heated cat beds

Best budget heated cat bed

Ancol Self-Heating Pet PadAncol
Price: $13.12 (was £16.79)
Alternative retailers
Walmart$32.94View offer

The Ancol Self-Heating Pet Pad for Cats is perfect if you are looking for a heated cat mat that can be used inside or outside. It is activated by your cat lying down, reflecting and retaining its body heat, so there is no need to plug it in. The lamb-style fleece cover is soft and comfortable and can be removed and machine-washed. Toasty…

At less than £15, it's a cost-effective way to keep your cat cosy during the colder months, or perhaps to keep an elderly cat comfortable.

Customer reviews praise this self-heating mat for being a hit with their pets - a snuggly pad to snooze on and keep them warm. One or two reviews comment that there's a foil inner that can make a noise when a pet moves around. It's also worth noting the dimensions, as there are two sizes and the smallest size is better suited to a rabbit. Cats can stretch out on the larger 36 x 28 x 54cm pad.

Pros

  • No need for electricity; the cat's body heat activates it
  • Comfortable and soft, lamb-style fleece cover
  • The cover is removable and machine-washable to maintain hygiene
  • Priced under £15, it is an effective solution for keeping pets warm
  • Suitable for indoor or outdoor use

Cons

  • Some pets may find the foil inner layer's crinkling sound unsettling
Dimensions:36 x 28 x 54 cm

Best microwave-heated cat bed

Petlife Microwavable Hottie Warm Heat Pad 8" x 9" For Pet Dog Cat Rabbit etcPetlife
Price: $44.52
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If you want a budget-friendly option, this Petlife Hottie Heated Pad for Pets is basic but does the job perfectly. Machine washable, it lets your sleepy cat (or dog) lie in total warmth and comfort. With gentle, moderate heat from a trip in the microwave, these pads create a cosy spot for winter naps. The inner thermal pack stays warm for hours, and the pad can be used on its own, under a bed, or in a crate or cage.

This heated pad can help relieve aches and pains in older pets. It's soft and comfy to lay on, and importantly, it's also claw and chew-resistant.

Customer reviews say this heat pad keeps warm for hours and has helped relieve pet arthritis. However, it's important to follow the instructions and not microwave it for too long, which can burst it.

Pros

  • An affordable option for a heated pet pad
  • Easy to use – heat it in the microwave
  • Long-lasting warmth as the inner thermal pack stays warm for hours
  • Versatile as it can be used alone, under a bed or in a crate/cage
  • Soft surface that is claw, and chew-resistant
  • It helps relieve aches and arthritis in older pets

Cons

  • According to reviews, overheating in the microwave can cause the thermal pack to burst
Dimensions:H2 x W20 x D22cm

Editor's pick

Pets at Home Heated Square Puppy Bed GreyPets at Home

Essential for pups and cats alike, this Pets at Home Heated Square Puppy Bed Grey offers a snug sleep spot. With a grey fluffy cover, a removable microwavable heat sack, and raised sides, it promotes better sleep and reduces anxiety. It looks comfy, no? This plush bed is packed with recycled filling that supports your pet's joints and is eco-friendly. The bed is machine washable.

This lovely heated pet bed is available in small and medium sizes. The small size is ample for a cat, and it measures H20 x W50 x D42cm.

Pros

  • Fluffy cover, raised sides and supportive filling promote better sleep and reduce anxiety
  • Includes a removable microwavable heat sack for warmth
  • Eco-friendly recycled filling
  • Machine washable for easy cleaning

Cons

  • May not be puppy-proof - but great for cool cats
Dimensions:Small is 20x40x50 cm; Medium is 21x55x65cm

Best secure cat bed

We love this Petnap Electric Heated Pet Cat Dome. It's cosy, machine washable and comes with a heated blanket. It's perfect for cats who like to spend time outdoors or have a private space to relax. One thing to note is that it is electrically powered. Lightweight and portable, this cat bed can be taken on holidays or simply moved from room to room.

The enclosed dome helps to give cats a feeling of security. Customer reviews praise it for being the favourite spot for kittens and elderly cats alike. Comments include that it is good value for money and effective in providing warmth to sick and older cats.

Pros

  • Cosy and snug for your cat – it comes with an electric heated blanket, ideal for colder weather
  • Machine washable for easy cleaning
  • A quiet, enclosed spot for nervous pets, provides a sense of security
  • Suitable for outdoor cats, kittens, and elderly or unwell cats
  • Lightweight and easy to move or take on trips

Cons

  • The bottom is thin – pop a blanket in
Dimensions:45 x 30 x 25cm

Best heated cat bed for style

Well worth the money, consider this Petnap Small Heated Pet Bed in a vibrant animal print. It is your cat's next favourite spot besides your windowsill. Unzip the fleece and chuck it in the washing machine for an easy, stress-free clean. Simply plug it into your power supply, and your pet will take a nap inside.

The raised soft sides help support a cat's neck and head, so they can snooze comfortably. The bed is a good choice for anxious cats, as the heat and enclosed sides help to promote a sense of security.

Customer reviews comment that their cats adore their heated bed, particularly older cats, which find it comfortable and relaxing. There are mixed opinions about how long the bed takes to dry after washing. A review comments that it takes a while because the sides are thick. But, overall, this is a super little cat bed with its very own central heating.

Pros

  • Enclosed sides and heat promote a sense of security, making it a great choice for anxious cats
  • Vibrant animal print adds a fun and stylish touch
  • Raised soft sides support a cat's neck and head for added comfort
  • Particularly beneficial for older cats, offering soothing and relaxing warmth

Cons

  • Mixed opinions on how long it takes to dry after washing
Dimensions50cm x 40cm x 20cm

Best radiator cat bed

Trixie Cuddly Radiator Bag - WhiteTrixie
Price: $77.00

Next, we have this comfy radiator cat bed. It offers a deep bed for your kitty to snuggle and a high edge to lean on. With its soft, high-quality polyester plush cover, your cat can recline in ultimate comfort. This Trixie Cuddly Radiator Bag has a reversible cushion, short-haired plush cover and fleece filling for extra comfort on your cat's lazy afternoon snooze. The sturdy frame has an adjustable holding device, which fits most radiators. This is a cosy place for a catnap.

Designed for standard radiators, the adjustable holder (9–12 cm) makes it easy to attach. Perfect for cold days, this snug retreat lets your cat enjoy the radiator's soothing warmth.

Pros

  • The stable metal frame fits all standard radiators
  • Easy to keep clean with a 30°C washable cover
  • Deep bed with a high edge for added comfort and support
  • Reversible cushion with short-haired plush and fleece filling for versatility and extra comfort
  • Provides a warm and snug retreat, especially ideal for cold days

Cons

  • The material is not very thick
Dimensions:45 x 33 x 30 cm

Best heated cat bed pad

pecute Pet Heat Padpecute
Price: $26.99 (was £29.99)

This pecute Pet Heat Pad is a No. 1 Best Seller in pet bed mats on Amazon UK. This super little electric heated mat has six heat settings and a timer. It also has overheat protection, so it automatically switches off when it reaches a maximum 55°C. The cord is chew-resistant, and the pad itself is scratch-resistant, waterproof and flame-retardant.

The heating pad can be used by pets of all ages and needs, keeping new-born kittens warm, helping pets recover from illness, or soothing sore joints in elderly cats.

Customers say the pad is cheap to run, heats up quickly and keeps its temperature. Importantly, cats love it, though a customer comments that it's best to buy the medium-size pad for a full-grown cat, as the small-size was a bit too small.

Pros

  • Heats up fast, providing immediate warmth
  • Cheap to run and maintains its temperature well
  • Overheat protection ensures it automatically switches off
  • Scratch-resistant, waterproof, flame-retardant, and equipped with a chew-resistant cord
  • Suitable for pets of all ages

Cons

  • It must not be immersed in water or folded when in use
Dimensions:Small 30 x 40cm (M, L and XXL also available)

Best comfortable heated cat bed

This self-warming thermal pet cushion is a safe bet for cosy snoozes. Your cat can cuddle up in the plush self-warming material that's super thick and snug. The soft, raised sides give your cat a place to lay their head and promote feelings of safety and security.

We love the adjustability of this bed. It can be flattened into a wrap, so your cat becomes a cute burrito. The squashy walls of this Petace Self-Warming Cat Bed can be adjusted from donut to oval, and the sides can be folded down. This helps to regulate the temperature and gives sensitive pets a hug when needed. It's also a great feature for kittens or cats with mobility issues, as it makes it easier for them to climb inside.

The bed is machine washable at low temperatures. Be sure to remove the internal self-warming layer.

Reviews praise this cat bed for being warm and cosy, although it's not a structured bed, so it doesn't provide much support.

Pros

  • Self-warming material keeps your cat warm without external heating
  • Can be shaped into a wrap, donut or oval to suit your cat's preferences
  • Thick, snug material with raised sides for added security and head support
  • Foldable sides to help regulate temperature or provide a hugging effect

Cons

  • Not a structured bed, so it may not suit cats needing firmer support
Dimensions:45 x 35cm

Buyer's Guide

Electricity-powered vs self-heated

When browsing for a heated cat bed, it is good to think about where this bed will primarily stay and what its purpose is. If you have indoor cats, then electric-powered heated beds have been built with cats explicitly in mind. Although, do make sure that the temperature is just right for your cat before they get snuggled in. If you have outdoor cats, then you're neighbours want to stop them from messing in their garden. For kitties free to roam, a portable self-heating mat would be ideal.

This is because you can move it around to their favourite hangout spots.

Check the electric wire and heating pad

It is also essential to ensure that the heating element isn’t exposed, as it could potentially injure your cat. Finally, when your cat is relaxing on the heated bed, keep an eye that it isn't getting too hot every so often. Some upmarket cosy cat cave models have an automatic switch-off system in place after a set time of being on, which makes it safer for you and your kitty. Additionally, make sure the cable is correctly encased as you do not want your cat to play with wires and potentially hurt themselves.

Remember to switch it off

Just like any electrically heated item, they need to be switched off. Think of them as electric blankets; if they are left on for too long, they could be potentially dangerous. All products mentioned are safe to use. However, common sense should be applied when using any electrically heated item. Just remember to turn it off when it's not in use and switch it off every few hours.

Ellen Kinsey is a Senior Health & Wellness Product Writer for Take A Break, specialising in natural health. She lives and breathes all things food, travel and wellness.

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