Heated blankets and beds sound like a spectacular addition to your cat’s living area, don’t they?
But do cats like heated blankets? And is it safe for them? Join me as I answer these questions and give you some tips to create a warm and relaxing environment for them.
Are Heated Cat Beds Safe For Your Kitty?
Let’s start this article off by giving you some assurance. Yes, it’s absolutely safe for them! However, like most things, your cat should use it in moderation despite their desire to stay tucked in.
Most cats have an internal body temperature of around 102 degrees Fahrenheit. This, coupled with their wild ancestors’ desert habitat, explains a regular feline’s inherent need to look for warm spots around your house.
Designating a warm and cozy space for them inside your home is the ideal thing to do. Your cat will enjoy and appreciate the new norm and the fact that they no longer have to look around for an ideal space to settle into.
Things To Keep in Mind When Using Heated Cat Beds
Since your dealing with heat, you might experience a bit of trepidation, and rightfully so. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
Here’s everything you need to know about keeping your cat safe and secure when exposed to artificially produced heat.
Buy the Right Product
The most vital step before you even start introducing your pet to their new warm area is investing in the right heating equipment.
There’s a myriad of heating beds, blankets, and pads available in the market that are waterproof and have automatic shut-off features and other adjustment settings. These are typically safe for your cat. So you won’t even have to fret about your cat urinating or shedding in bed.
Set the Right Temperature
Common sense dictates that if something’s too hot for you, it probably isn’t optimal for your pet, either. Electric heating solutions have levels that help you adjust the heat your pet is exposed to. Remember, the surface on which your cat lies should neither be too hot nor too cold.
Touch the bed and see if you can handle it. If you think they won’t be able to constantly use it for at least 30 minutes, reduce the level. Keep doing this until you find the ideal settings for your cat.
Keep Track of Your Cat’s Reaction
A cat’s behavior might need careful monitoring by it’s pet owners during the introductory stages of the process.
If your cat attempts to escape or feels uncomfortable, perturbed, or uneasy, ensure that they have enough space to move away from the heat source. This practical precaution will save you the guilt of getting your cat burnt.
Don’t Let Electric Beds Run For Too Long
Electric cat beds may overheat if they’re left running for long periods of time. Therefore, it’s our duty to let our felines use it for no more than half an hour.
If it isn’t switched off, it’s likely that one of the components will overheat and eventually start malfunctioning. This could jeopardize your cat’s well-being.
Consider Whether Your Cat’s Breed, Age, & Medical Issues
Last but not least, you’ll have to consider your cat’s age, breed and past conditions too. Kittens, elderly cats, and those with medical problems and biological defects might be quite sensitive to the heating bed’s high temperatures.
Whether your cat can handle such conditions or not depends on their situation. For personalized advice, contact your vet and ask them which heating bed would be suitable for your pet.
Consider the breed and type of cat you own too. If you have a hairless cat breed, like the Sphinx, just know that they have a lower threshold of withstanding extreme temperatures.
By following these guidelines, you should be well on your way to ensuring a pleasant and welcoming haven for your cat.
Types of Heated Cat Beds
If you’ve added heated cat beds to the month’s grocery list, you ought to give this section a read!
Buying the right heated bed isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. Here are the three main types:
Thermal Pet Beds
If you own an older cat that’s arthritic or one that’s sensitive to certain temperatures, you might need a thermal bed.
Also known as a self-warming bed, these cleverly designed beds have a metallic layer that reflect your cat’s body heat, keeping it warm and cozy. In essence, it helps retain heat from your cat’s natural body temperature sans any electrical components.
Because this cat bed doesn’t contain any heating element that could be detrimental to your feline, you can rest assured that it’s completely safe for cats of all ages, types, and breeds.
Electrical Pet Beds
This type of bed is perhaps the most effective of them all, mainly because it’s powered by electricity. Most of these have in-built thermostats that you can set based on your cat’s tolerance levels.
Although they can work impeccably for extended periods of time, electrical beds have a drawback; they might pose a threat to weaker cats. If not controlled, these beds can get too hot which doesn’t guarantee the safety of your pet.
However, some models run on low wattage. Thus, it’s vital to buy one of these rather than one that is more cumbersome, inflexible, and, therefore, harmful to your pet.
Microwaveable Heating Pads
A fantastic way to heat your pet’s bed is by placing a heating pad on it. As I already mentioned, these are absolutely safe, easy to use, and versatile. All you’re required to do is pop these rice filled pads into the microwave and wait for it to heat up.
The only issue with using these pads is that you won’t be able to adjust or regulate the temperature your pet is exposed to. So, if it’s too hot, you’ll have to place a thin blanket or any fabric similar in nature on top of it before your cat actually uses it.
Two Things to Remember!
Since humans have a higher propensity to tolerate heat than most animals, human heating pads SHOULDN’T be used for your cat. These could reach high temperatures that could prove to be fatal for your beloved feline.
Contrary to popular belief, DON’T shave your cat impulsively. It could cause further complications.
Helping Outdoor Cats Stay Warm
Being humane goes a long way and transcends the notion of ensuring a peaceful home for your pet. If you intend to create a habitable home for outdoor cats during the unforgiving winters, this section is just for you.
Since it’s not advisable to accommodate stray and possibly even feral cats, the least you can do is prepare a home for them on your front porch or yard.
Construct a Shelter
Firstly, set up a makeshift shelter using a sturdy cardboard box or any other durable material that can hold up the fort.
Insulate It
Next, insulate the shelter with straw by filling in any gaps to keep it safe from rain. This is a crucial step to maintain the structural integrity of the home.
Heat Up the Area
Get a soft pet bed along with a few blankets that are waterproof and weather-resistant. You could also find some cordless pet-safe heated pads specifically designed for outdoor use to provide a steady source of warmth.
And that’s about it! Remember, whenever you expose any electrical device or gadget to the outdoor environment, you must ensure that it’s protected at all times. Follow these steps making sure everything is in place as it should be.
If you think the steps you’ve taken won’t suffice to keep them safe, it’s fine. Simply drop off any cat you find at your local pet rescue group or shelter. These people are competent enough to take care of any and every stray animal they come across.
Keeping Your Cat Cozy and Safe
So, that’s all I have to offer as far as keeping your cat warm goes. Keep in mind that your pet’s safety and comfort take precedence over everything else. Whether it’s an electrical pet bed that comes with perpetually entangled cords, a self-heating bed, or just a simple microwaveable pad, you, as a responsible cat parent, must test out the bed you’ve selected and surmise whether it’s ideal for them.
So start shopping for a pet bed, get ready for the chilly winter, and let your cat enjoy the benefits of living in a tranquil, soothing, and welcoming environment. Whether it’s an adult cat or a kitten, you’ll have to take certain steps to make sure they’re content with their living conditions to enable them to lead a happy and healthy life.
