How to choose a heated cat bed for your cat

Heated cat beds provide a warm, comfortable spot for your cat, no matter how cold it is outside. And with the average cat sleeping for 16 hours a day, you’ll want to make sure they have the perfect cosy spot to snooze.

Heated beds are a great choice for any cat, but can be particularly helpful for elderly cats or pets with joint pain and arthritis. They’re also useful for cats recovering from injuries and operations.

If you’re not sure what to look for when choosing a heated cat bed, we’ve answered some of the most common questions below.

Heated cat beds that use electricity have been specifically designed to be safe for cats. These beds will only heat up to a cat’s body temperature and not any higher. That means you don’t need to worry about your cat overheating.

For safety, most manufacturers recommend unplugging a heated cat bed when you’re out of the house, and making sure any cables are coiled away to avoid entanglement. But always check the instructions for your chosen brand.

Regularly check your cat’s heated bed to make sure the heating element is safely tucked away inside the bed, hasn’t been damaged and there are no chew marks on the electrical cable. Look for claw- and chew-resistant beds and heated mats when you’re shopping around.

When the heated bed is in use, check it is heating and switching off properly. Remember that poorly or older cats might not be aware that they're overheating, so keep an eye on them.

Seek expert advice if you’re unsure whether a heated bed is right for your cat. If you have a Petplan cat insurance policy, you can access our Pet Expert Chat to speak with an expert 24/7. Simply log into your My Petplan account and head to the My Support area.

Cats are creatures of habit and sometimes it can take them a while to get used to new things. They also tend to rotate their sleeping place regularly.

To help entice them into their new bed, try placing something with your cat’s scent on it – a blanket your cat has already slept on or a favourite toy – in the new bed, to make it feel familiar. As the bed starts to smell more like your cat, they will probably decide it’s a safe space, especially once they discover how warm they feel. Location is important too. Cats prefer to sleep somewhere away from their food and water bowls, and litter trays. Experiment with different locations to see which one your cat prefers.

If your cat is very particular about where they sleep and already has a favourite bed, buy a pet bed warmer instead and place it under a blanket in their favourite sleeping spot.

The size and shape of bed you choose will depend on whether your cat prefers to sleep curled up or stretched out, how much room you have to spare, and whether you have multiple cats that like to share a bed.

If you have the space, a large bed gives your cat the option to move from heated to unheated areas to stay comfortable. Cats don’t like to feel they’re sinking into a bed, so opt for a bed with a cushion they can knead with their claws. However, if you have a cat with arthritis, they may enjoy a bed with a thick foam base for extra support.

Shop around at pet shops and reputable online sellers, and you’ll find heated cat beds in a wide variety of designs – from donut cat beds that feel like they’re giving your pet a hug to covered beds and flat mats. The important thing is that it needs to be comfortable.

If you’d prefer a cat bed that doesn’t need to be plugged in, a self-heating cat bed is the best option.

While these don’t get quite as warm, you don’t need to worry about power cords getting chewed, or whether you unplugged it before you left the house.

Electric cat beds may be better if your cat suffers from joint pain and you want to make sure they always have somewhere warm to relax. Just be sure to choose a bed with low sides that’s easier for them to get in and out of.

Finally, it’s also worth thinking about a bed with a removable heater that is suitable for warmer weather, too.

If your cat loves to sleep up high, you’ll probably want a radiator cat bed, or one that can easily be placed in their favourite napping spot. In these cases, a self-heating cat bed is your best option. Place a stool nearby to help provide access for older cats.

For cats that prefer to sleep on ground level, you can choose either an electric or self-heating bed, and simply place it in your cat’s favourite spot. Make sure it’s in a warm location, away from noise and draughts.

If your cat prefers to stay outside, whatever the weather, look for a heated cat bed that can be placed in a garage or porch to keep them warm – ideally an igloo-style bed with a roof.

Always choose electric cat beds that have been safety tested and certified, meeting industry safety standards.

Because self-warming beds for cats don’t contain any electrical elements, they don’t need to be safety tested.

Most heated cat beds are washable if the heating element can be removed – but always check the manufacturer's instructions.

Take care not to wash self-heating cat beds on a hot wash or put them through the tumble dryer, as the heat can damage the reflective foil inside.

Look out for quick-drying cat bed fabrics such as polyester and nylon, rather than cotton. If you choose a cat bed with removable covers, you can also buy a spare cover to use when the other is in the wash.