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.