Ever noticed why your cat wants to curl up and fall asleep on your laptop keyboard when you are on it? Or, if they enjoy looking outside that they stay on sunny window sills even when it is too hot?
Yes, they want to cuddle when they see you on your computer. But, even more than cuddling, they want to feel the warmth coming from the running laptop. Cats are fans of things warm and cozy. Even the radiator appeals to them. That’s how much they love being in warm places.
Why Do Cats Like To Be In Warm Places?
No, they are not just fond of warm spots during winter. They love it just as much during the summer. It is in their genetics that they prefer to be sitting or slouching somewhere warm.
Before humans domesticated cats, they lived in the desert Most of them had short hair and long bodies and they have a high tolerance to heat.
As with all living creatures, they use energy to keep themselves going. They use that to keep themselves warm, so they can hunt, outrun and outwit predators along the way. The reason that they seek warm spots to nap is so they can conserve that energy.
With the warm spot keeping them heated, they can use less of their energy to regulate body temperature. Enough energy for them to regulate their body temperature when they have to be outside at 45°F. Although, it is not advisable to keep them out there at that temperature for too long.
Are Heated Beds Safe For Cats?
Heated beds are just as safe for cats like electric blankets are for humans. Then again, you have to be sure you are operating them properly for your feline. Adhere to the owner’s manual for the instructions and dos and dont’s.
The most common mistake of most cat owners who let cats be in heated beds is when they use additional extension cords. Try not to go beyond the standard length of its cord since it may not support the level of electricity that the bed needs to function.
This slipup may lead to the cords burning out. Worst is it may spark up a fire. To be safe, comply with what the manual says as they are written according to safety regulations.
The Best Bed Warmers For Cats
1. OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler by Best Friends by Sheri
FEATURES
- Indoor / Outdoor: Indoor
- Heater Type: Self-warming
- Dimensions: 20 x 15 x 12 inches (other sizes available)
Pros
- Warm and cozy
- Great support and comfort while cuddled up within
- Materials used are ideal for aging cats with aching joints
- Sherpa fabric is extra cozy and exceptionally soft
- Materials are washable
- Come is different colors
- Water-resistant bottom
- non-electric
- Can hold up to 25 pounds cat weight
Cons
- Poor foundation, falls on the side, might be too big for small cat
- Poor packaging, may arrive deformed
If you are conscious about safety and electricity bills, you will love this no-power function cat bed by Best Friends by Sheri. Their OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler keeps your feline in good company with its high walls and comfortable pads.
OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler uses faux fur and oxford fabrics that are non-toxic. These non-hazardous materials are said to be therapeutic for cats with aching joints. Its featured high walls offer the needed back support that takes the pressure off from the cat’s joints.
2. Aspen Heated Cat Bed
FEATURES
- Indoor / Outdoor: Indoor
- Heater Type: Self-warming
- Dimensions: 19 x 19 x 7.5 inches (other sizes available)
Pros
- Manufactured with faux lamb’s wool making it super soft
- Needs no electricity
- Safe from overheating and burning
- Easy to clean
- Ideal for aging cats with developing joint pains
Cons
- Makes crunchy noise in every cat’s move
- Bottom filler is not fixed properly and moves side to side
- Too small for most cats
Even without incorporating a heating pad, Petmate Aspen Heated Cat Bed guarantees that your cat will be kept warm whenever she’s on it. This bed employs the same principles as that of Mylar space blankets used by people in space.
Mylar space blankets use materials within the sleeping bed that reflect the cat’s own heat back. This is the perfect heated cat bed for fur parents who are worried about the safety of electric heat pads. The best option for indoor cats!
3. ThermoKitty Bed Sage by K&H Manufacturing
FEATURES
- Indoor / Outdoor: Indoor
- Heater Type: 4 watt / MET Listed
- Dimensions: 22 x 22 x 19 inches
Pros
- Uses orthopedic foam for a relaxed and comfortable fitting
- Activated by pressure
- Undergone extensive quality check
- Foam is thick and cats can knead without problems
- Low voltage for minimal electrical costs
Cons
- Poor packaging, may arrive deformed
- Tiny heating pad not enough for the whole bed
- color not very cute
Tested and approved safe by MET Labs, ThermoKitty Bed Sage by K&H Manufacturing keeps you worry-free from electrical fires. This cuddly heated bed only needs to be unplugged if you need to be away from home for a period.
Offering a low watt heating pad with dual thermostat, this bed has been designed to be safely left on round the clock, seven days a week. Alternatively, in summer months, the heater can be removed and it will still keep your kitten warm and cozy.
4. Furhaven Pet – Plush Ergonomic Orthopedic Foam Mattress
FEATURES
- Indoor / Outdoor: Indoor
- Heater Type: Self-warming
- comes in different sizes
Pros
- Reversible cat mat
- Lightweight, easy to put away
- Machine washable
- soft and warm
- easily can put on furniture
- non-electric
Cons
- Foil inside crinkles up after washing
- Looks and feels thin
- Lining crinkles up at every cat’s movement
FurHaven Pet Supply offers a heated cat bed that is perfect for your budget. Thermal Warming Bed Mat is designed with a special core that reflects your furball’s own body heat back to them, providing extra warmth.
If that is not cozy enough, this mat does not just serve as a bed you can lay on the floor. It also works like a hammock and a connectable comfortable nap when your tabby wants to hang from their cat castle.
5. Pet Bed Microwave Heating Pad by Snuggle Safe
FEATURES
- Indoor / Outdoor: Indoor
- Heater Type: Microwavable
- Dimensions: 16 x 16 6 inches (other sizes available)
Pros
- Attractive design
- Thick but soft and comfortable
- Easy to clean
- No wires
- Easy and safe to use
Cons
- May wear quickly
- Overheating may cause pad to liquefy
- Cools up easily
Cats spend 70% of their lifetime sleeping, that’s too much time they need to consume energy to regulate body heat. And, without energy left for them to play with you, life with them will be boring. Not with Pet Bed Microwave Heating Pad by Snuggle Safe. This mat ensures warmth for your furball when they need it, where they need it. Even without you around.
It works perfectly for both indoors and outdoors because it doesn’t require to be plugged in. Just heat up in the microwave and the heat gets retained for as long as 10 hours. That’s all the effort you need to take to keep your furball warm.
Conclusion
Aside from carefully following instructions listed on the manual, make sure you monitor just how warm the bed can get. With the cat’s too much fur, they tend to react too late when something might be getting too hot. They can’t feel pain until the temperature gets as high as 126°F.
That window pane where the sun shines through is still the perfect spot for your cat to hang out to keep warm. No electricity, no fear of burning.
