Next to radiators, on sunny window sills, and even on your laptop keyboard, many cats tend to curl up and fall asleep wherever it’s warmest. If your kitty is a fiend for all things warm and cozy, she’ll probably love a heated cat bed. From plug-in electric beds to slim heating pads to plush self-warming beds, you can find a wide range of heated cat beds on the market, so you should find one to suit even the fussiest feline.
We reviewed dozens of products to find the very best heated cat beds, examining various important features, such as size, warmth, material, and design.
On our quest to find the best heated cat beds out there, the K&H Pt Products Leopard Deluxe Heated Hooded Cat Bed stood out as the clear winner. With over 1,000 (predominantly positive) reviews on Amazon, this is clearly a bed that both cats and their humans are fans of. We love that it’s cozy, easy to use, and looks adorable, too.
The 5 Top-Rated Heated Cat Beds
| Editor’s Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | K&H Pet Products Leopard Deluxe Heated Hooded Cat Bed | 4.5 |
| Runner Up | ALEKO PHBED17S Electric Thermo-Pad Heated Pet Bed | 4.0 |
| Best Budget Buy | Downtown Pet Supply Thermal Cat Warming Bed | 4.4 |
| Best Heating Pad | K&H Pet Products Thermo-Kitty Mat | 4.4 |
| Best Self-Warming Bed | Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler | 4.4 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Our Top Pick: K&H Pet Products Leopard Deluxe Heated Hooded Cat Bed
Compact and comfortable, the K&H Pet Products Leopard Deluxe Heated Hooded Cat Bed is the perfect heated cat bed for a single feline, especially one who likes to curl up in smaller spots. That’s not to say that this bed is too small, just that it wouldn’t be suitable for multiple kitties to share or for large cats who like to stretch out, rather than curl up.
With four watts of power, this heated cat bed provides a nice, warm spot for indoor kitties, but isn’t suited to outdoor use. If you’re concerned about using a cat bed that plugs into a power outlet, know that this model bears the MET Mark, meaning it has been independently evaluated for safety. The hood provides extra insulation, plus it can make nervous cats feel more secure. However, it easily zips off, just in case your feline friend doesn’t like it. The covers are removable, too, so you can easily wash and dry them when they get dirty.
While it features a stylish leopard print inner, the outside of this bed comes in a choice two different colors: mocha and tan. At roughly $45, this isn’t the cheapest cat bed out there, but is reasonably priced, considering the heating capabilities and the quality.
K&H Pet Products Leopard Deluxe Heated Hooded Cat Bed Key Features:
- Zip-off hood
- Washable covers
- Removable heating element
- Comfortable padded interior
Our Runner Up Pick: ALEKO PHBED17S Electric Thermo-Pad Heated Pet Bed
Measuring 19 inches by 19 inches, the ALEKO PHBED17S Electric Thermo-Pad Heated Pet Bed is big enough for cats who like a bit of room to stretch. You might even find it large enough for two cats, if they’re the sort of kitties who love snuggling up close. With a price tag under $35, you won’t have to break the bank to buy this heated cat bed.
The generous six foot cord means you don’t have to position this bed right next to the outlet, if it’s not convenient. What’s more, the cord is durable and chew-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about your cats doing themselves a mischief. The heating element has a built-in thermostat, which monitors and regulates the temperature, so the bed won’t get uncomfortably hot.
You can remove the heating pad for this bed, and the rest of it is machine-washable, which means you won’t have to put up with a ripe cat bed in the corner. One common complaint from buyers is that, while the sides are well-padded, there’s not enough cushioning on the base. This could, however, be remedied by added extra cushions or blankets inside.
ALEKO PHBED17S Electric Thermo-Pad Heated Pet Bed Key Features:
- Non-slip, water-resistant base
- Tall, plush sides
- Internal thermostat
- Chew-proof power cord
Best Budget Pick: Downtown Pet Supply Thermal Cat Warming Bed
Looking for a heated cat bed on a budget? The Downtown Pet Supply Thermal Cat Warming Bed is an option worth looking at. While not a traditional heated cat bed, this warming bed has a specially designed core that reflects your feline friend’s own body heat back at him, providing extra warmth. And, at just $12, even if it’s not cozy enough for your kitty, you won’t have spent a lot of money.
Measuring 22 inches by 19 inches, this is a sizable cat bed. It’s also available in a larger size: 31 inches by 18 inches, which is plenty of room for several cats. You can also choose between four different shade of leopard print, depending on your preferences.
Since the Downtown Pet Supply Thermal Cat Warming Bed is machine washable on a cold cycle, it’s easy to keep clean.
Downtown Pet Supply Thermal Cat Warming Bed Key Features:
- Comes in a range of colors and sizes
- Machine washable
- Self-warming core
Best Heating Mat Pick: K&H Pet Products Thermo-Kitty Mat
Some cats aren’t keep on beds with tall sides, preferring mat-style beds. If you want an electric heating mat for your cat, the K&H Pet Products Thermo-Kitty Mat is our top choice. The six watt internal heating element with built-in thermostat will keep your kitty warm, without causing her to overheat. It’s also MET approved, so there’s no need for any safety concerns.
The K&H Pet Products Thermo-Kitty Mat is designed to warm to around 12 to 15 degrees above the ambient air temperature. When your cat lies down on it, it warms to her approximate body temperature, so it will feel cozy, but not too warm. Measuring around 12 inches by 25 inches, this bed is definitely large enough for felines who like to stretch out for their cat naps. Retailing at less than $20, this heating mat offers exceptional value for money.
If you can’t live without washing your cat’s bed, that’s no problem. It comes with a removable cover, which is machine washable. With over 1,000 reviews on Amazon, we’ve heard from a lot of satisfied customers and are convinced this is the best heating mat around.
K&H Pet Products Thermo-Kitty Mat Key Features:
- Heats to your cat’s body temperature
- Available in two colors
- Comes with one year warranty
- Five foot electrical cord
Best Self-Heating Pick: Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler
Available in both standard and jumbo sizes, and 14 different colors, the Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler offers a wide range of choices for the discerning cat owner. While the 20 inch by 20 inch standard size is ideal for single cats, you might prefer the 24 inch by 24 inch jumbo size for felines who like to bed share.
The self-warming faux fur material helps to keep your cats at a comfortable temperature, plus it mimics the feeling of a mother’s fur, which provides comfort and can promote better sleep—not that most cats need any help snoozing. The high sides are cozy and comfortable, as well as providing extra support for cats who like to curl up. Not only is the whole bed machine washable, the sturdy bar stitching helps to keep the stuffing in place, preventing lumps and unevenness.
At roughly $35 for the standard and $50 for the jumbo, the Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler doesn’t exactly come cheap, but this is an extremely well-made bed that will last a long time and is worth the extra cash.
Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler Key Features:
- Extremely well-padded and comfortable
- Waterproof bottom
- AirLOFT fibers stay plush for longer
- Cozy self-warming faux fur interior
Who Should Buy a Heated Cat Bed?
You might be wondering who, exactly, should buy a heated cat bed. Well, first off, cat owners! If you don’t have a feline friend in your life, then you probably have no need for a heated cat bed (unless you plan to use it for a small dog or other pet).
But, not all cat parents need a heated cat bed. Some cats are obsessed with warm places. If you can’t get your kitty off your laptop keyboard or she’s always lying in even the tiniest slivers of sun, then she’d probably love a heated cat bed. Likewise, senior or unwell felines often benefit from having a warmer place to rest.
Important Features to Consider
A heated cat bed should have a few important features. Here’s what to consider when selecting a heated cat bed:
- Electric vs. self-heated. Do you want an electric cat bed that plugs into a power outlet or a self-heating model made from special materials that reflect your feline friend’s own body heat back at them. While electric models are warmer, we wouldn’t recommend using them without someone in the house. Self-warming models are safer and can be placed anywhere—no proximity to a power outlet necessary.
- Indoor vs. outdoor. Most of the beds in this post are designed for indoor use, but you can find warmer models which are meant to be used outside, or in unheated outbuildings. These can be useful for any stray or semi-feral cats you look after, who don’t like to come indoors. They can also provide a warm spot for indoor/outdoor cats to hang out when they’re enjoying the great outdoors.
- Power cord. The power cord should be long enough that you can position the cat bed in an appropriate place without using an extension lead. We’d also recommend models with chew-resistant power cords, as it could be very dangerous if your cat decided to attack the cable.
- Thermostat. Electric heated cat beds should have some kind of internal thermostat to regulate temperature and make sure it remains at a safe level. You can even find some models that let you adjust the temperature, within a safe range.
- Size. You can find heated cat beds in sizes big and small. The size you choose will depend on how your cat likes to sleep (curled up or stretched out), whether you have multiple cats who like to share, and how much room you have for a cat bed.
- Shape. Most cat beds are either round or rectangular, with or without high sides. Small round beds with high sides are great for cats who sleep curled up, whereas rectangular options are better for loungers.
- Padding. Make sure your chosen heated cat bed is well-padded to provide your feline friend with a comfortable places to catch some zees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a heated cat bed and how does it work?
You’ll find two different types of heated cat beds: electric and self-warming. Electric heated cat beds contain a heated element inside them, attached to a power cord. Simply plug it into a power outlet and it will start working. Self-warming cat beds are constructed from certain types of materials that reflect a cat’s body heat back at them and/or retain heat effectively.
Are heated cat beds safe?
Some people may worry about the safety of electric heated cat beds, but on the whole, they’re very safe. The heating elements inside have a very low wattage and usually contain an internal thermostat so that they remain warm but nowhere near hot enough to hurt your cat or cause him to overheat. Of course, there’s a small fire risk inherent with any electrical product, so we wouldn’t recommend leaving it plugged in while you’re out of the house (though, this is a judgement call).
How long can I leave a heated cat bed plugged in?
This depends on the make and model of the bed. Some heated cat beds are suitable for 24/7 use and manufacturers state they only need to be unplugged when you’re going away for more than a day or two. Others are only designed to be plugged in for 6 to 10 hours at a time. Always check the instruction manual before the first use.
Can I wash a heated cat bed?
Yes, you can wash a heated cat bed, but not when fully assembled. Some models have removable, washable covers, whereas others allow you to remove the heating element from inside the bed and wash the whole thing. Never attempt to wash an electric heated cat bed with the heating element in place.
