Cats may be covered head to tail in fur, but that does very little to keep them warm, especially during the coldest months of the year. Cats rely on external heat sources to stay cozy, which is why you’ll find them burrowing under the covers of your bed or snuggling close to your heater.
A heated cat bed will keep your indoor cats warm and safe during the winter — but is it only useful during the colder months? In this article, we’ll explain why a heated cat bed for winter is essential, and share the other ways it can keep your cat healthy and happy.
Why Do Cats Seek Warmth When It’s Cold Outside?
House cats are the descendants of wildcats that roamed the deserts thousands of years ago, which means that the desire for warmth is hardwired into their biology. Seeking warmth is also a survival mechanism, as cats associate it with security.
Cats have an average body temperature of 101°F to 102.5°F (38.3°C to 39.2°C). Most cats are comfortable with an ambient temperature between 60°F and 80°F (15.5°C and 27°C). However, temperatures between 86°F and 100°F (30°C to 38°C) are within cats’ ideal thermoneutral zone (TNZ), allowing them to conserve energy since they’re not fighting to stay warm.
Prolonged exposure to temperatures under 45°F (7°C) increases the risk of hypothermia, with that danger rising sharply when temperatures drop to below freezing. Signs of hypothermia in cats include cold skin, lethargy, shivering, labored breathing, and loss of consciousness.
Keep in mind that tolerance will vary among cats. Kittens, senior cats, sickly cats, and hairless or short-haired breeds are most vulnerable when temperatures fall below 60°F (15.5°C).
What Are the Benefits of a Heated Cat Bed?
Providing your cat with an external heat source will keep them comfortable during winter. Although a simple heating pad may seem like the best solution, there are three reasons why a heated cat bed is a better choice to keep your feline friend cozy in the cold weather.
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It Provides Gentle, Consistent Heat
Electric heating pads are designed for human comfort, and microwavable heating pads are an inconsistent heat source. On the other hand, a heated cat bed emits a steady, uniform, low-level warmth that’s tailored to a cat’s biological needs.
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It’s Made Safe for Cats
The best heated cat beds boast essential safety features such as a chew-resistant cord,
a built-in timer, and a low-voltage heating element. Conversely, heating pads made for humans pose a burn risk and other potential hazards for cats.
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It Supports a Cat’s Overall Comfort
A heated cat bed with an ergonomic foam core will support your cat’s unique sleeping
positions. Plus, the combo of steady heat and pressure relief can help ease joint discomfort, particularly in cats with arthritis.
Read more: Why Does My Cat Need a Heated Cat Bed?
Do Heated Cat Beds Only Work in Winter?
Heated cat beds are essential during the colder months, but they are also useful all year round. If you regularly run the air conditioner in the summer, a heated cat bed can help maintain your cat’s comfort, especially if they’re vulnerable to cooler temperatures.
Meanwhile, a heated cat bed can also help alleviate joint pain in senior cats, ease stress in cats that have been rehomed, and promote a cat’s recovery after surgery.
Can You Use a Heated Cat Bed for Outdoor Cats in Cold Climates?
If you’re looking after the neighborhood strays, a heated cat bed will serve as their oasis from the cold. You’ll need to make sure the bed is rated for outdoor use and features waterproof materials, a chew-resistant cord, and overheat protection. If the heated cat bed is not covered, place it in a garage, under a covered porch, or an insulated cat house.
How to Introduce Your Cat to a Heated Cat Bed
Cats are creatures of habit and generally dislike change, but there are a few things you can do to warm them up to the idea of sleeping on a heated cat bed for the winter:
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Add a familiar, inviting scent: Place an old T-shirt or blanket belonging to your cat’s favorite human on the bed. This will encourage your cat to explore (and eventually settle into) their new heated bed.
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Entice your cat with goodies: You can scatter treats, sprinkle catnip, or place your cat’s favorite toy in the middle of the bed. Doing this will trigger their curiosity after they’ve indulged.
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Place the bed somewhere safe and accessible: A good rule of thumb is to consider your cat’s favorite resting places throughout the house. Putting a heated cat bed in (or very close to) those areas will make them more inclined to seek it out.
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Give your cat time to adjust: The more you force your cat into their new bed, the less likely they’ll want to sleep in it. Remember that cats don’t like disruptions in their routine, so you’ll have to be patient.
Read more: What Makes a Good Cat Bed?
A Heated Cat Bed Keeps Your Cat Content All Year Long
Cats are naturally drawn to warm spots — whether that’s on your laptop, in a pile of fresh laundry, or below a sunlit window. While a heated cat bed is certainly a winter essential, it’s a versatile item you can use during any season. Beyond providing cats with the warmth they so crave, it can also help soothe arthritis symptoms in cats and offer them a general sense of comfort and safety.
The Knead Therapeutic Cat Bed Delivers Gentle Warmth and Ultimate Comfort
Named Best Cat Bed 2024 by Pet Business
and
Best Heated Cat Bed by Business Insider
Released in 2024, Knead is the world’s first therapeutic bed for cats. It’s clinically proven to improve arthritis symptoms in senior cats, but cats and kittens of any age can reap the benefits of Knead’s innovative design.
Knead combines an orthopedic memory foam core with a steady heat source, calming aromatherapy delivered through heat-activated patches, and a soft, machine-washable cover. The latest version enhances Knead’s award-winning features to provide cats with even more comfort and relief.
Give your feline friend a warm and cozy place to rest all year round — bring home the Knead Therapeutic Cat Bed today.
