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
If you are looking for a heated cat mat that can be used inside or outside, the Ancol Self-Heating Pet Pad for Cats is perfect. It is activated by your cat lying down, and it reflects and retains its body heat so no need to plug it in. The fleece cover is soft and comfortable and can be removed and machine-washed. Toasty...
Customer review: "My 17-year-old cat absolutely loves her new self-heating pet pads (got one for downstairs and one for upstairs) particularly as she has quite bad arthritis - easy to clean and good value."
Pros
- Quiet and good value
- Thick and comfy
- Machine washable
Cons
- None we can think of!
| Dimensions: | 36 x 28 x 54 cm |
Best microwave-heated cat bed
If you are looking for a budget-friendly option, this Petlife Hottie Heated Pad for Pets is basic but does the job perfectly. Machine washable, let your sleepy dog (or cat) 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...
Customer review: "My almost 17-year-old cat has been diagnosed with poor circulation in her back legs and at times was finding it difficult to walk. She loves it during the day she has a box that she loves to go into, first thing I heat the pad up and she goes and lies on it straight away. On a night I reheat it and pop it in her ed again she then snuggles down on it. This has seemed to help her mobility. I would certainly recommend this product."
Pros
- Provides extra warmth where needed
- Soft, plush design
- Chew and claw-resistant
Cons
- May not be suitable for larger pets
| Dimensions: | H2 x W20 x D22cm |
Best comfortable heated cat bed
If your cat likes to curl up in tight, snug places, then it will love this K&H Heated Cat Bed It is lined with fleece and gently heats from below when plugged in. With washable covers and a removable heater, this bed is made with convenience and comfort in mind. The mocha/tan colour is divine.
Customer review: "We placed this on the cat post and our 15-year-old was cuddled in it every day. There are multiple other beds to choose from but he wanted the warmth of this one. We sadly had to say goodbye last week as he had bladder cancer but this bed was worth every penny knowing he was warm and comfortable in it. It did seem to run very low heat when empty then warm up with body weight and warmed quickly. Always comfortable warmth to touch, doesn't get too hot. Every older cat should get one of these beds!"
Pros
- Energy-efficient
- Well-constructed
Cons
- Comes with a US plug
| Dimensions: | 40.5 x 40.5 x 15.2 cm |
Editor's pick
www.petsathome.com
Essential for pups and cats alike, this Pets at Home Heated Square Puppy Bed Grey offers a snug sleep spot. With a grey fluffy bed, a removable microwavable heat sack, and eco-friendly filling, it promotes better sleep and reduces anxiety. It looks comfy, no?
Customer review: "Very good for my new puppy, he's taken to it very well and loves sleeping in there are night. The heated square works well and seems to help him sleep."
Pros
- Warm and cosy heated bed in two sizes
- Removable microwavable heat sack
- Eco-friendly recycled filling
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 and perfect for the cat to spend time outdoors or like to have a private space to relax. One thing to note is that it is electrically powered.
Customer review: "My cat has outlived all her companions and is now quite elderly with arthritis. She loves this dome and is rarely seen out of it. The warmth gives her comfort and the enclosed bed is a great retreat from a noisy household. When we go on holiday we take her with us and the dome comes too because it's light and portable. She gets to see the world from a safe warm bed. Wish they did them human size."
Pros
- Cosy and snug for your cat
- Machine washable for easy clean
- A quiet, private spot for nervous pets
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 as your cat's next favourite spot - besides on your windowsill. Unzip the fleece and chuck 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...
Customer review: "I have to start by saying that my 12-year-old cat Alfie has never and I mean never, gone in any bed I've ever bought him. I've tried igloo types, hard plastic ones, soft donut ones and radiator ones but he just sniffs them and returns to my lap, my bed or my clean washing. I read the reviews of this one and thought I'd give it one last try. It arrived just 3 days after I ordered it.
Well, I literally opened it, plugged it in and placed him in it and he actually stayed put! He got out, had some dinner and returned to it all on his own. He hasn't moved since! It's great quality and he looks so cosy, I'm going to keep it on all night in the hope that he won't come scratching at my door in the cold early hours. This is a fantastic buy and well worth the money."
Pros
- Machine washable for an easy clean
- Stylish design and comfy spot
- Great quality and good value
Cons
- Requires home power supply
| Dimensions | 50cm x 40cm x 20cm |
Best radiator cat bed
www.zooplus.co.uk
Next, we have this comfy radiator bag. It offers a deep bed for your kitty to snuggle and a high edge to lean on. This Trixie, Cuddly Radiator Bag - White has a reversible cushion with a short-haired plush cover and fleece filling for extra comfort on your cat's lazy afternoon snooze. Plus, the sturdy frame is equipped with an adjustable holding device, meaning it fits most types of radiators. This is a cosy place for a catnap.
Customer Review: "My cat has barely left this bed since it arrived, absolutely loves it. He is quite a large bengal and the bed is big enough for him. As others say there is a removable pad but the rest is wipe clean only. The metal arms are adjusted by twisting to make them longer or shorter to fit over different widths of radiators."
Pros
- The stable metal frame fits all standard radiators
- Easy to keep clean with a 30°C washable cover
- A uniquely deep bed to snuggle in
Cons
- Some customers say are confused about whether it's washable or not
| Dimensions: | 45 x 33 x 30 cm |
Buyers 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.