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It’s no secret that cats love to nap in a warm spot, no matter the time of year. If your purr monster always seeks out a snuggly place to sleep, they’ll probably love a heated cat bed. Heated beds can be especially great for kittens and older cats, providing much-needed comfort for arthritis, as well as outdoor kitties that curl up outside in cold temperatures. But which heated cat bed is best?
There are two popular kinds of heated cat bed. The first is a self-warming bed, which has a thin layer of a reflective material or Mylar inside. (You may be familiar with Mylar camping blankets or emergency blankets.) That material reflects heat back to the source—in this case, your cat—to provide a comfortably warm haven.
Because they’re cordless, these beds don’t require electricity, are the safest type of heated cat bed, and are ideal for all life stages.
A second and equally popular option is the plug-in heated cat bed. These are available in two types: those with electrical cords rated for outdoor use and those that should only be used indoors. Both types of these beds simply need to be plugged in via an electrical cord to activate heat.
Many plug-in cat beds are designed for 24/7 operation and are safe to leave on while you’re out for the day—but safety precautions should be taken when it comes to placement and washing of the beds, nearby materials or added blankets, and extended time away from home.
We’ve put together a list of some of our favorite heated cat beds that are durable, easy-to-clean, and safe for continual use.
Self-Warming Cat Beds (Cordless)
These beds have a thin layer of “space blanket” material that reflects your cat’s body heat back to the source. They’re surprisingly effective, and the majority are meant to be machine-washed. They’re a safe, inexpensive way to keep your cat warm and can be used both indoors and outdoors under a covering.
Best Self-Warming Cat Bed: Pet Magasin Self Warming Cat Cave
Designed for cats who love to burrow, this convertible bed has four different configuration options to suit your cat’s preference: a cave to hide in, a cup or pod to curl up in, and the flat bed option to rest on.
It’s made with a faux-fur lining and trim, a microfiber outer shell, and a fleece-and-foam padded interior. Though the bed is washable, it’s recommended that it be done by hand—not in the machine—and put on the tumble setting for drying.
Dimensions: 22″ x 17″ x 17″
Key Features:
- Four configuration options
- Flexible material is easy to store
- Hand wash and tumble dry low
Best Bolstered Self-Warming Cat Bed: Aspen Pet Corduroy Self-Warming Bolster Bed
This round self-warming corduroy bed is for kitties who enjoy a bolster. It features a Mylar interior layer that reflects your cat’s body heat to provide comfort and warmth, and the sleeping surface is covered with faux lambswool padding.
The bed comes in multiple sizes and is machine-washable and dryable; just don’t forget to hand-fluff after you pull it out of the dryer to ensure that it retains its shape. The sleeping area dimensions are 16″ x 16″, making it ideal for cats under 10 pounds. If you’re in doubt about the size or have a cat who loves to sprawl, consider getting the larger rectangular lounger.
Dimensions (round bed): 19.69″ x 19.69″ x 6.69″
Key Features:
- Non-skid bottom prevents slipping on tile and hardwood floors
- Retains softness and shape after washing
- Popular with both indoor and outdoor cats
Best Budget Heated Cat Bed: K&H Self-Warming Pad
This heat-reflecting crate pad is the ideal size for a cat (in the extra small or small sizes) and is great for putting on a desk, sofa, or adding to their existing bed. The slits on the corner let you fit it easily into a smaller space, and a non-slip bottom prevents it from sliding around or getting bunched up.
The plush pad is made from soft microfleece and self-warming material that captures and radiates your cat’s warmth. It is machine washable, but make sure to line dry or use with no-heat in the dryer cycle.
Dimensions: 14″ x 22″ (extra small); 20″ x 25″ (small)
Key Features:
- Multiple sizes available
- Lightweight for easy traveling
- Non-slip bottom
Heated Cat Beds for Indoor Use (Corded)
A lot of indoor cats love a plug-in heated bed—especially older cats with arthritis pain. The internal heating pads are removable, so you can keep the beds fresh with machine washing.
There are a few things to consider before you deploy a plug-in heated bed in your house. First, note that some users report that the heat from the bottom of the bed can discolor upholstery fabrics, so put some thought into where you’d like these to go.
It’s also important to read the directions for the bed you choose. Most come with a light plush or fleece cover, and manufacturers will caution you not to pile on additional beds, layers, or straw that could create a fire hazard (or an environment too hot for your kitty).
The bed should always be positioned so that your cat has the option to move to a non-heated area, and it’s important to carefully read the instructions for your particular product.
Best Heated Cat Bed for Indoor Use: K&H Thermo-Mod Dream Pod
This mod-style cat cave bed zips together in the center, and the roomy interior provides privacy to even large cats. A low-wattage heater is removable, allowing the bed to be used year-round and kept cool in warmer seasons.
Keep in mind that K&H heated beds may not feel warm to the touch when the pet is not in the bed; this is a normal feature, as the products are designed to only warm the bed when it’s occupied. The interior pillow is machine washable, and the outer shell can be spot cleaned.
Dimensions: 22″ x 22″ x 11.5″
Key Features:
- Removable low-wattage heater
- Large opening allows for easy access
- Machine-washable interior pillow
Best Luxury Heated Cat Bed: K&H Thermo-Kitty Deluxe Hooded Bed
Does your cat need a little more luxury in their life? This plush bed is lined in soft leopard-print microfleece with a premium Poly-fil pillow base. In colder months, the optional hood and plug-in heated element keep your kitty warm—it’s thermostatically controlled to automatically warm to your cat’s normal body temperature. And in the warmer seasons, just remove the hood and don’t plug it in.
It’s available in two sizes—small and large—and the removable cover is machine washable.
Dimensions: 16″ x 16″ x 14″ (small); 20″ x 20″ x 14″ (large)
Key Features:
- Energy-efficient, low-wattage heating element
- Removable hood for added privacy
- Six-inch high foam walls
Best Orthopedic Heated Cat Bed: K&H Thermo-Kitty Heated Cat Bed
The Thermo-Kitty indoor heated cat bed features six-inch foam walls with an orthopedic foam base that’s ideal for older cats. When your cat is lounging on the bed, the heating element activates and automatically adjusts to your cat’s regular body temperature. In the warmer months, you can remove the heating pad.
The bed is available in two sizes—small and large—and has a removable cover that allows for easy machine washing. The smaller bed is wide enough to comfortably hold the average 12-pound cat, but consider getting the bigger size if your kitty likes more space.
Dimensions: 16″ x 16″ x 6″ (small); 20″ x 20″ x 6″ (large)
Key Features:
- 5.5-foot power cord
- Energy-efficient 4-watt heater
- Exceeds USA/CA electrical safety standards
Best for Senior and Arthritic Cats: K&H Thermo-Kitty Fashion Splash Heated Cat Bed
This plug-in cat bed has over-stuffed bolster sides and a soft orthopedic foam base. The energy-efficient 7-watt heating element is thermostatically controlled to automatically warm to your cat’s normal body temperature when they’re on the bed. It’s available in two vivid colors—mocha and blue—and the internal heating pad is removable so you can machine wash the whole bed (use the gentle cycle with cold water).
Our senior kitties tested this bed, which has three-inch raised sides, and found it be extremely comfortable.
Dimensions: 18″ x 18″ x 3″ (small); 16″ x 22″ x 3″ (large)
Key Features:
- Removable heating pad
- Larger size is big enough to fit two smaller cats
- Orthopedic foam and plush fiberfill
- Exceeds USA/CA electrical safety standards
Heated Cat Beds for Outdoor Cats (Corded)
Whether you have a confirmed feral who won’t come inside during a blizzard or a house cat who likes to get a few hours of fresh air, there are sturdy, safe outdoor cat beds to keep them warm in colder temperatures. These range from simple pads you can put in a sheltered area to weatherproof cat houses that serve as stand-alone shelters. Note that outdoor cat beds should always be placed under cover.
Best Heated Cat Bed for Outdoor Use: K&H Pet Products Waterproof Thermo-Kitty Shelter
This heated outdoor cat bed is weather-resistant and insulated—a good pick for a porch or chilly garage. The included heat pad is fleece-lined for comfort and weight-activated, designed to heat up to match your cat’s normal body temperature. It’s a little tight for multiple cats (try K&H’s extra-wide heated home if your kitties want to share), but a good fit for burrowers and cave-happy cats.
Note that it only has one entrance, which can make some cats—especially feral or community cats—wary. It also needs to be placed under cover, so if you’re looking to house a neighborhood cat, consider a freestanding structure with multiple entrances.
Dimensions: 14″ x 21″ x 13″
Key Features:
- Features a 5.5-foot steel wrapped cord
- Ideal for barns, sheds, garages, or outdoor covered areas
- Energy-efficient: 25-watt MET safety listed
Best Heated Outdoor Bed for Multiple Cats: K&H Outdoor Multi-Kitty A-Frame
This A-frame house is cozy, sturdy, and made with water-resistant 600-denier nylon that can withstand rain, snow, and frigid temperatures. The heated inside floor pad, which is included, ensures that kitties are comfortable even in sub-zero conditions.
This outdoor heated cat bed can comfortably fit two to three cats (depending on their size) and has two entrances so they won’t feel trapped. The house is easily assembled without any tools and can be used both inside and out, with a 110/120 volt electrical current only.
Dimensions: 35″ x 20.5″ x 20″
Key Features:
- Energy efficient: uses only 40 watts of power
- Exceeds USA/CA electrical safety standards
- Includes free washable cover
Best for Temperature Control: K&H Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Pad With Fleece Cover
If you already have an outdoor shelter in place and want a heated mat to go along with it, K&H’s Lectro-Soft is a good pick. Basic and relatively affordable, the orthopedic outdoor heated cat mat with a washable fleece cover is thermostatically controlled to automatically warm the bed’s surface to your cat’s normal body temperature when they’re on it.
The small size has a narrow heating pad inside that should be fine for most cats, but you can go up a size or two if you’ve got multiple kitties or a chonker on your hands. If you’re putting this inside a larger shelter, make sure it doesn’t cover the whole floor; you want your cat to have options if they’re feeling toasty.
Note: Use with 110/120 volt electrical current only.
Dimensions: 14″ x 2″ x 7″ (small); 19″ x 24″ x 1.5″ (medium); 25″ x 36″ x 1.5″ (large)
Key Features:
- Features a 5.5-feet-long steel wrapped cord for safety
- Energy-efficient: uses 60 watts of power
- Includes a washable fleece cover
Best Outdoor Heating Pad for Small Cats: K&H Extreme Weather Kitty Pad and Fleece Cover
This cat heating pad may look small, but what’s inside is mighty and means business. The pad is made of hard ABS plastic and can’t be ripped or bent, ideal for years of outdoor conditions. The internal thermostat keeps the fleece surface warm even in the coldest temperatures and features a 5.5-foot-long steel-wrapped cord for safety.
Ideal for putting in a sheltered area to protect an outdoor cat from serious cold weather, the mat is energy-efficient and only uses 40 watts of power. It might be a bit tiny for your large cat, but it’ll keep small to medium-sized kitties toasty and warm and can serve as a heating pad for kittens.
Dimensions: 12.5″ x 18.5″ x 0.5″
Key Features:
- Internal pre-set thermostat keeps surface warm when in use
- MET listed for safety, meaning you can feel secure in leaving it plugged in 24/7
- Includes a free fleece cover to add coziness to the pad
How We Chose
The heated cat beds featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing and a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms. We prioritized the following qualities and factors when selecting heated cat beds: safety features, dimensions, temperature control, and multi-use across seasons. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated cats, who are never stingy with their feedback.