Best Outdoor Heating Pad for Cats

 

Top Rated Outdoor Heating Pad for Your Cat – Reviews & Guide

 

If you’re looking for an excellent heating pad for outdoor cat house, then give this guide a chance. We’ve made sure it includes the best options on the market and plenty of buying advice that will please even beginner pet owners. All the pieces were chosen based on their premium construction, low price, and the number of features they offer for your cat’s comfort. One product that stood out among reviews of outdoor heating pads for cats is the K&H Pet Products Outdoor because it is made from durable materials. It also heats up quickly, without consuming a lot of electricity and it is easy to keep clean. If it is not available in your area, the K&H Pet Products Lectro-Soft can be an equally ideal choice.

 

 

Comparison table

 

 

 

5 Best Outdoor Heating Pads for Cats (Reviews) in 2023

 

 

Below you have those heating pads that left a mark on buyers. Each piece is made from premium materials that are both comfortable and long-lasting. Moreover, we’ve picked only safe units that can be used without the fear they will hurt your pet.

 

 

1. K&H Pet Products Extreme Weather Pad Cover

 

If you want a piece that keeps your pet warm even during the cold months of winter or the rainy days of autumn, you cannot go wrong with this one. It is an excellent way to ensure the year-round comfort of both your indoor or outdoor cats. Moreover, the product can easily be placed onto any chair, bench, porch, and even in your garage, table or whatever other surfaces your cats love.

The K&H pad contains a premium internal thermostat reader which automatically heats to your pet’s standard body temperature. This means that whether it is a storming winter day or a cold summer morning, the item will ensure your cat is never left wanting for more heat.

Included with this heated pad is a super-soft and removable cover that slips right off the product any time it needs cleaning or if you want to change the pad’s color so it can match your porch even better. It doesn’t lack in any area, and your cat will fall in love with it instantly.

 

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

2. K&H Pet Products Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Pet Bed

 

The pad is an essential source of warmness for your kitty or feral cats that spend time outdoors during cold months. The piece is made of durable ABS plastics, and it is perfect for many years of outdoor wear and tear. Moreover, it comes with an internal pre-set thermostat which keeps the surface nice and warm while in use, even in the coldest of temperatures.

You can basically place it anywhere – in a shed, garage, barn, or kitty house since it features a 5½-foot steel wrapped cord that can survive any weather and which will deter chewing. By using only 40 watts, the brand made sure the pad is very economical. It is also MET-listed for safety, so you can feel secure leaving it plugged in 24/7.

The product also comes with a free fleece cover to add a pleasant coziness to the pad. It is available in two sizes and can be cleaned with ease, which is important if you have shedding cats.

 

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

3. K&H Manufacturing Extreme Weather Kitty Pad

 

Keep your cat happy and purring this winter with the help of this model. When it comes down to the basics, the piece is made of durable ABS plastic, a choice that is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. With a pre-drilled hole in each of the four corners of the pad, the item can be easily secured to the floor or mounted on any wall.

The internal pre-set thermostat is a nifty addition which keeps the surface of the pad nice and warm while in use. Moreover, it features a 5½-foot cord that comes with the first 18 inches encased in steel to survive naughty kittens.

It uses only 25 watts, which is very economical, and it is MET-listed for safety so that you won’t have to worry it will catch fire. The product’s surface is soft, it heats up evenly, and it can be cleaned with ease without fearing it will malfunction if it gets wet.

 

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

4. K&H Pet Products Thermo Kitty Heated Pet Mat

 

Some cats hate beds with tall sides, preferring mat-style beds like this beautiful model. The premium item is a top mat because it has a six-watt internal heating element, and it comes with a built-in thermostat which will keep your kitty warm, without causing it to overheat. It’s also MET approved, meaning there’s no need for any safety concerns.

Moreover, it is designed to warm to around 12 to 15 degrees above the air temperature in the pet’s environment. When your furry friend lies down on it, it warms it enough that it will feel cozy, but not too warm. And since it measures around 12 inches by 25 inches, it is large enough for most felines.

It also comes with a removable fleece cover, which is machine washable, and the piece is available in more than one color – a thing that will appeal to those looking for variety. Its durability is impressive, and so is the fact that it is suited for intensive use.

 

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

5. Milliard Thermal Self Heating Cat Mat

 

The Milliard-made mat is very similar to other premium options, although it is slightly smaller so it can fit an even bigger range of available spaces. It has a trendy design since it features a soft leopard print on one of the sides and a solid black fleece pattern on the reverse one.

The inside of the product is a Mylar foil, so this unit will also have the crinkly sound that cats adore. You can machine wash this heat pat, but since it was made from durable materials, you can usually just wipe it clean with a wet cloth. It also has an attached hangtag that can be used to hang dry the mat after washing it or to store it when not in use.

The size of the product is 21 inches x 17 inches, meaning storing it won’t ever be a problem. This pad was designed to reflect the body temperature of the pets back to them so they’ll be comfortable straight away.

 

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

Our Comprehensive Buying Guide

 

Cats love to be warm, and buying the best outdoor heating pad for cats is a great way to give your pet the comfort it craves. If you’re shopping around, check out this guide that teaches you to spot those models for sale that stand out as the greatest options for outdoor use.

Electric vs. self-heated

The question number one that you need to ask yourself is if you want an outdoor-use electric heating pad made for outdoor cats or a self-heating model made from special heat-trapping materials that reflect your feline friend’s body heat back at them. The self-heating premium cat beds are recommended for spring and not for winter temperatures.

While the premium electric models are warmer than the other options, we wouldn’t recommend using them for extended periods without someone in the house, because there’s always the risk of a fire starting when you least expect it to.

Self-warming models, however, are safer and can be placed anywhere, not only in proximity to a power outlet, which gives you more freedom. But they are not as efficient for use in really cold weather, which is a major downside that you need to consider.

 

Indoor vs. outdoor

Most of the heat beds on the market are designed for outdoor use, but you can find items which are meant to be used inside, but if you need one for an unheated outbuilding, a good heating pad for outdoor cats should be more than enough.

Outdoor pieces are not great just for house pets that like to spend time outside, but they can be useful for any stray or semi-feral cats you might look after, that might not like to come indoors. And the fact that there are pads that come with fun and colorful cat toys attached makes them even cooler.

When looking for an outdoor piece, make sure the power cord is long enough so that you can position the bed in any place you want without using an extension lead. We’d also recommend items with chew-resistant power cords, as it could be dangerous if your cat decided to chew on the cable.

 

Last things to bear in mind

Most heated cat beds should have some sort of internal thermostat to regulate their temperature and make sure they always remain at a safe level, reviews of outdoor heating pads for cats tell us. You can also find some models that let you adjust the temperature yourself within a safe range.

Alternatively, you can find products in sizes big and small. The one you choose will depend on how your pet likes to sleep, whether you have multiple cats, and how much room you have for a cat bed on your porch.

Padding is a must too, especially if your cat is a bit heavier – the thicker the padding, the better the pet will sleep. And it is known that a generous layer of foam insulates better, thus it will make the device consume less electricity than without it, which will make the basics of caring for your Persian cat be even cheaper.

Additionally,  you can learn how to make your own cat bed with minimal DIY skills but finding heating elements can be hard, and those products won’t be as safe as those bought from the market. Also, when looking for natural ways of getting rid of your cat’s fleas, don’t forget to disinfect the bed as well, as it can turn into a source of reinfestation.

 

The importance of getting the right pad

When you choose a heating pad for cats it is important to know what to look for. Some people think that it is ok to choose one that is made for humans as well, but think about it: does your cat play with wires and sometimes chews on them? Or does it sometimes spill liquid or pee where it shouldn’t? Well, what if it does that on the heating pad?

It will definitely be electrocuted. You want your cat to be healthy, not to be in danger. So cat heating pad manufacturers have thought about these problems and came up with solutions.

 

Moisture and liquid

People usually buy cat heating pads to use during the winter, in cold weather, for their own cats or for feral cats. If you leave it outside for feral cats, think about the fact that they do not dry up before using them.

They also might pee on the heating pad because feral cats are not trained to have a special place to pee, like pet cats have their litter box. So they might pee wherever they feel like it. As a result, instead of doing them some good and keeping them warm, you could end up harming them.

That is why when you want to buy an electric cat heating pad you should make sure that you choose one that is waterproof and which is resistant to moisture.

 

Chew-resistant cord

Maybe your pet cat is used to not chewing cords because somehow you managed to train it, but some cats like to play with anything they get their paws on. The same goes for feral cats. Feral cats are not used to seeing wires and are not aware of the danger they put themselves into when they chew on an electric cord.

That’s why an important difference between cat heating pads and human heating pads is that the ones made especially for cats have chew-resistant cords. But it is a good idea to read the specifications before you buy one because poor-quality heating pads might not have this feature.

 

Why is the thermostat important and how does it work?

When you leave a cat heating pad outside for a long period of time, it might overheat. People don’t usually have the time to remove the charger after 20 minutes and then put it back on. This means that it is a good idea to try and keep the constant temperature during the day or night or whenever you think cats could use it.

But sometimes, cats need different temperatures depending on the period they use it in, for example, if they use it during the night, it is colder outside, but during the day it might be hotter. So a good feature to look for when buying a cat heating pad is for it to have a thermostat or thermoregulator.

A thermostat is a device inside the heating pad that knows when the pad gets too hot and prevents it from getting hotter. It also reacts to the pad getting too cold and it sends a message that the pad needs reheating. It’s like a thermometer inside the heating pad.

Most thermostats take notice of the cat’s own body temperature and try to keep the heating pad at the same value. It’s like two cats sleeping together and keeping themselves warm with their own body heat.

Most heating pads that have a thermostat are self-regulating ones and it’s important to look for cat heating pads that have this feature incorporated. The price can vary depending on the quality, but it’s an investment in the cats’ safety, after all.

 

Durability

When choosing the best heating pad for your cat, you also need to take into account the product’s durability. Keep in mind that felines love scratching and playing around with everything they can lay their paws on, so you need to purchase a product that will resist tear, wear, and your pet’s chewing or scratching habits. 

In this case, the materials used to manufacture the heating pad are essential. Plastic can represent a durable and reliable choice, especially for pets who love staying outside. 

It is affordable and will resist heat and temperature differences, as well as various weather conditions, including rain. However, if it’s not BPA-free, there is always the risk for your cat to ingest small pieces of the heating pad that are dangerous to its health. 

If you still have doubts about which one is the right heating pad for your feline, we suggest asking for the professional help of a veterinarian or pet shop worker. 

 

Size 

Another thing you should pay attention to when searching for cat beds is their size. You don’t want your pet’s limbs to be left hanging on the cold floor, especially if you place the heating pad outside. If you’re thinking about purchasing this type of item for your kitten, you should consider its size when it reaches adulthood. 

The size of your pet depends on various factors, including age, breed, gender, lifestyle, and diet. House cats tend to be fluffier and chubbier as they spend most of their time inside, with limited physical activity. 

On the other hand, if your cat is used to wandering around the garden or the neighborhood and even brings you back “gifts”, it most probably is slender and more athletic. Keep in mind that cats also love to stretch, so you should opt for at least a Large size whenever choosing a new heating pad. 

However, make sure you have enough room to store it in a comfortable place or corner of the room if your pet spends most of the time indoors. 

 

Ease of cleaning

You may think that fluffy cat beds make the best alternatives on the market, but this is not entirely the case if you plan on keeping these products clean. We suggest picking fabrics that are resistant to wear, tear, urine, and water, and that can be easily placed in the washing machine without worrying about them falling apart. 

Cat beds that are kept outdoors should be made of rough fabrics that can resist dirt, dust, debris, and water. They should also come with a rubber back to ensure great adherence on all types of floors and prevent your pet from dragging it all around the patio or backyard. 

We don’t recommend opting for absorbing fibers either as your pet may spill some urine on the heating pad, unintentionally. 

And, when it comes to cleaning rules, don’t forget that a product that is designed for outdoor use should be cleaned and sanitized more often as it will attract more dust, dirt, debris, moisture, mold, and even fleas or other pests. 

 

Shape and design 

If you care about your pet’s comfort, you’re going to look for a heating pad that not only preserves the feline’s body heat but also comes with a cool design. Although the color may not be of great importance, you might want to consider an accessory that looks good and has a colorful, playful pattern.

Making your cat feel like a queen is easy when you choose a tall heating pad for felines. These products feature thick padding and a tall frame that makes your pet feel secure and provide the necessary cushioning for extra comfort. 

Some of these items boast a half egg-shell design that also keeps your pet’s eyes covered from the sun so they can rest properly, no matter where you place the bed. These “hooded” cat beds often feature a detachable zipper that allows your cat to hide whenever it doesn’t want to deal with the outside world. 

Age-appropriate design 

Lastly, when choosing the perfect cat beds you also have to pay attention to the age of your feline pet. While kittens are adorable, they will soon grow, so they may not fit in the same bed as they did a couple of months ago. 

However, the size of the bed is not your biggest concern when you house an old pet. Old animals, just like humans, can suffer from a wide array of diseases, affections, and conditions, including arthritis and reduced mobility. 

That being said, tall beds may not be the most comfortable option if your cat is partially blind or suffers from reduced mobility. The same goes for animals that are recovering after surgery and shouldn’t make sudden moves or too much effort. 

For these animals, the most suitable cat beds don’t have to feature padded frames or tall walls but should rather stick as close to the ground as possible. 

If your pet shows signs of urinary incontinence, you need to opt for a product that is waterproof or anti-leak that won’t absorb the moisture and further keep your cat cold. Bear in mind that felines can easily lose body heat and need a good place to stay warm. 

 

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect cat beds can be challenging, especially with so many good options available on the market. No matter what your budget is, make sure you pick a product that is suitable for the needs of your pet. 

That being said, cat beds should be chosen according to your feline’s lifestyle. If the kitty enjoys spending time outdoors, its bed should be cozy enough to keep it warm no matter the temperatures and weather outside. 

You should also try to find an accessory that meets your pet’s requirements in terms of size, materials, and type of heating. Cat beds should be long and wide enough to allow your pet to comfortably stretch, without keeping its paws on the cold concrete floor. Opt for the right type of heating to maintain your feline’s optimum body heat and keep it happy no matter the weather outside. 

 

 

Frequently asked questions

 

Q:Are heating pads safe for cats?

With all the heating pads that are being sold on the market, you might think it’s not a problem for a cat to use one, but you have to pay attention when you allow your cat to enjoy that warm embrace a pad gives it. Heating pads are safe for cats as long as they are specially made for cats.

The difference between cats and humans is that they like to play with wires and sometimes chew on them. The pads commercialized for cats have safety features that the other ones don’t, like cords resistant to chewing. You can also regulate their temperature and it is not a problem if they get wet, because they are water-resistant.

You can also buy the non-electrical version, which you can heat inside the microwave. They can keep your cat warm for at least 12 hours during the night inside, but outside they will cool faster.

 

Q:Can you leave a heating pad on overnight?

You might probably know that when we talk about human heating pads it is not recommended to sleep with one on for a whole night. That’s because these pads do not have a thermostat and they can cause burns and internal problems if they overheat. That’s why most people avoid this practice.

Most of the heating pads made for cats have a thermo-regulator that identifies your cat’s body temperature and adjusts the warmth of the heating pad accordingly. This means that the heating pad won’t overheat during the night and your kitty will be safe and will sleep like a baby.

However, if you are not sure that the product you bought has this feature, you should make sure of it before you leave it unsupervised because your cat’s life may be in danger. If you haven’t purchased one yet, choose one that has this feature and make your cat happy.

 

Q:What temperature is too cold for cats?

When cats spend a lot of time in cold temperatures they can enter a state that is called hypothermia, in which their body can not regulate their temperature and their central nervous system is affected. Cats usually enter this state when their body temperature is between 90-82 degrees Fahrenheit and everything below that is considered severe hypothermia.

The outside temperature limit can vary, depending on the thickness of the cat’s fur and size. If you have a pet cat, you should know that it is not capable of regulating its temperature as feral cats can, so vets recommend not to leave it outside if the temperatures are below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you do, your cat might have serious health problems like heart and blood flow problems, respiratory problems and can even enter a coma or eventually die. This is why it is important to get an outdoor heating pad for your cat.

 

Q:Do feral cats sleep together?

Feral cats usually like to sleep where they feel like they are not in danger. They sometimes sleep alone and they sometimes sleep with other cat friends, especially during the winter, because they keep each other warm.

However, this can sometimes be a problem because feral cats are predators, just like any other felines, and they can sometimes fight for their territory. But if they get along fine, they have no problem sleeping together and fight possible enemies together if danger appears during the night.

If the feral cats’ community in your neighborhood is small, there is a high possibility that some of them sleep alone. It might be a good idea to build a shelter where they can get together and hide from nasty weather. They don’t need much space and you can leave some food and water for them there when experiencing extreme weather and they cannot hunt.

 

Q:Are feral cats happier outside?

The answer is definitely yes, feral cats are happier when they are outside and free. People often think that feral cats are cats without a home and they couldn’t be further from the truth.

Domestic cats were born inside and they got used to that kind of environment. That is why as we have said before, they are not that good at regulating their body to very cold temperatures. But feral cats have always lived outside. If you want to adopt them and let them live inside your house, it would be like putting a free bird inside a cage.

Contrary to popular belief, feral cats do not suffer because they live on the streets, just like a free bird does not suffer if it lives outside among the trees. That is their healthy environment. However, if you want to help them during freezing weather, you can leave a heating pad outside for them.

 

 

Bibliography:

1) The Benefits of a Cat Heating Pad

2) Tips for Keeping Your Cat Warm in Winter

3) How to Help Outdoor Cats

4) How to use a warmer