Ever since Thomas and I moved into our new house, we’ve been slowly and steadily trying out a variety of cat things for Avery that we never had the room to test out (lest we be overrun by cat stuff) in our humble little studio apartment.
It’s been interesting learning which cat “things” Avery takes to right away, which take a while to stick, which eventually drop out of his favour, and which he never really bothers with at all.
A lot of the things I thought he’d really love he hasn’t been a massive fan of. Like a few of the the small cat trees I grabbed that don’t have perches or spots for him to sleep on – he’s way more into anything that’s got a nap space integrated, though I really should’ve guessed that before!
I’ve been packing the house with cat things as well in the hopes that when we finally get Avery a new brother or sister, he has plenty to scratch, sleep, and run/hide away to in case the new cat (likely a new kitten) gets to be just a bit too much for him and he needs a breather.
It’s good to have a number of different “purrfect spots” ideal for cats to hang out in even if you only have one cat (this helps prevent feline boredom), but if you’ve got multiple furballs, I feel the extra choice become a necessity to a degree, since more spots to hang out in lessens the likelihood cats are going to end up squabbling over the one and only cat bed or cat tree.
With more than one choice, even if cats sometimes bicker, there are plenty of places to take refuge and they can hang out together or spread apart if they need a hot minute away from each other.
Anyway, so that takes us to cat beds. My brother (who blogs over at PetsOverload) has been telling me to buy a cat bed for Avery for ages, and while it was never a priority for me, I did always know Avery would love it if we bought him a cat bed.
I wanted to buy Avery his first cat tree first, because to me cat tree = place to sleep, scratch, play, a nice high vantage point, etc, while a cat bed = sleep & snuggle, and I always figured my furs, blankets, and all that jazz strewn about were good enough for that.
When I spotted the Trixie Minou on a pretty darn good Black Friday Sale, however, I took the opportunity to add it to cart to give these cat bed things a try.
I’ve temporarily lost my snuggle buddy to a cat bed at this point (though he does still sleep with us at night!), but I really can’t blame him for loving the self-warming cat bed we picked up for him so much.
It’s got a super soft, warm removable pillow lining the bottom that makes it look so comfortable, and because of it’s shape it reminds me of an Eskimo bassinet or an igloo of sorts.
It’s extra warm inside, and seeing as how it’s a little chilly indoors compared to the summer right now, he’s been digging it like mad.
Avery’s gained a little weight because of how little he leaves his self-warming bed nowadays, and I’ll take that to mean I should probably buy a few more of them to scatter around the house so he moves around from one to another like he does with the cat trees.
Either way, no these are not equivalent to a blanket – they are way more loved, at least by my cat. I do imagine the self-warming beds that are are deeper, are like cat houses or even tents, are more fuzzy and snuggle types of warm, and not just flat and low like a blanket would be better loved by any cat, but I could be totally wrong, especially since right now I only have one cat bed to base my theories on.
If you’ve tested out self warming cat beds with your kitty, do let me know in the comments what his or her preferences are and if some, in your experience, are warmer or just plain better loved by your cat than others.
Self-Warming Cat Bed Varieties: Circles, Pads, Caves & More!
1. Petmate Aspen Pet Round Self Warming Bed
Petmate’s Aspen Round Pet Bed is the first thing that comes to mind when I think of self-warming cat beds.
There are quite a lot of pet beds that look quite a lot like this one out there – round, made of ever-so-cozy fabrics, and cushioned along the bottom to comfy perfection – and while I imagine some are a little warmer than others, I do think every one will for the most part be way more well-loved than a standard blanket or sweater.
This particular one by Petmate includes a reflective interior layer to bounce the heat your pet is creating back onto itself.
I’d imagine it to be incredibly warm, and the perfect thing for moving around from one room to another, or sticking by the TV-set so your cat has somewhere to snuggle up when you’re watching.
Alternatives in case you love these rounded, surround-but-not-covered type warm cat beds, but would like to look through a few more good options:
- American Kennel Club AKC Casablanca Round Solid Pet Bed
- Best Friends by Sheri Luxury Shag Fuax Fur Donut Cuddler
- Armarkat Round or Oval Shape Pet Cat Bed
- Petmate Precision Pet SnooZZy Mod Chic
2. K&H Pet Products Thermo-Kitty Heated Cat Bed
If you thought “produces its own heat” when you thought of self-warming, this K&H heated cat bed will be a lot more up your alley.
You plug it into the wall, and it automatically heats to be around 12 or 15 degrees Fahrenheit above room temperature.
Then when your furry gets a little chilly, he or she curls up into it and it’s advertised that the dual thermostat heats to around 102 degrees F/38.8 degrees C.
Self-heating cat beds seem to be the perfect way to give a little reminder of summer to your cat during more chilly winter months. Just be sure to only use them indoors if (like this one!) they’re intended for indoor use only.
3. Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler
Now this is a cat bed I don’t think any furball could resist.
The vast majority of self-warming cat beds out there don’t have very high surrounding walls, so to speak, but this one absolutely does.
It almost looks like cats melt into it and become one with the bed. Such ridiculous levels of comfort due to how deep it is, I’m sure.
Needless to say, if I was going to grab a second one for Avery, this would be next up on my list.
4. PETMAKER Cozy Kitty Tent Igloo Plush Cat Bed
If you’re going for as warm as possible without adding an electric heater to the mix, I do feel that self warming cat tent style beds are the way to go.
They’re fully enclosed, and thus I’d imagine keep heat in way better than typical cat beds that aren’t fully covered.
They’re also easy to line with extra bedding on the bottom and the sides, and essentially work as insulated cat houses in a sense that way.
But they can also be placed inside of cat houses, and are way easier to move around the house to test out which spaces your kitty would prefer it in.
One of these in the sun and I’d imagine you’ll find it hard getting your cat to come out. A couple alternatives to this particular cozy kitty tent include: Best Friends by Sheri Pet Igloo Hut & Best Pet Supplies, Inc. Pet Cave.
5. Ethical Pets Sleep Zone Cuddle Cave Pet Bed
If you love the idea of a cat cave style self-warming pet bed, there are quite a few really snug versions of these, so you’re sure to find at least one that’s up your alley.
I think my the Trixie Minou I’ve got qualifies as a cat cave, though it’s a little more like a baby bassinet than most, but all the caves I’ve seen are for the most part super snug and warm and made of soft, machine washable fabrics.
I couldn’t be happier with the one I’ve got, though this one by Ethical Pets looks a little less pretty and yet a little more snug than the Trixie Minou.
Another really cozy looking cat cave bed you may be interested in checking out? Aingycy’s Self Warming Fleece Cat Bed.
6. AmazonBasics Padded Pet Bolster Bed
If you want a self-warming pet bed to line the inside of a carrier, to place in a cat house, to move around from room to room, or lie on the floor next to your own bed, self-warming pet pads/mats like this one by AmazonBasics are perfect.
There are ever-so-many alternatives you’re sure to find at least a few that would do the trick nicely. A few popular options include:
- K&H Pet Products Self-Warming Crate Pad for Pets
- K&H Pet Products Thermo-Kitty Mat
- Pet Magasin Thermal Self-Heated Bed for Cat, Pack of 2
- Petmate Precision Pet Snoozzy Quilted Crate Mat
- Purrfect Thermal Cat Mat Leapord Prints
- Milliard Thermal Cat Mat
- Mora Pets Ultra Soft Pet (Dog/Cat) Bed with Cute Prints
7. Smiling Paws Pets Unique 2-in-1 Cat Bed/Cat Condo & Cat House
Self-warming cat cubes are another way to go if you’re into fully-hidden cat warming nap spots.
This particular one transforms into a cat bed in case your cat prefers one option over another, or prefers when you switch things up to keep him or her interested.
One excellent alternative 2-in-1 style cat bed that’s both a bed and a cat tent cave: the Best Pet Supplies Pet Cave Tent Bed for Dogs and Cats.
8. MEOWFIA Premium Felt Handmade 100% Merino Wool Cat Bed Cave
I’ve really always wanted to give these premium cat cave beds a shot.
This 100% Merino wool one by Meowfia is incredibly popular, and I think a huge part of the appeal is how gorgeous, sleek, and modern the design looks.
I can’t imagine this aesthetic being an eyesore in any household – no matter how upscale or luxurious looking the human furniture happens to be.
9. Trixie Pet Product Baza Cat Trees
I absolutely love hybrid cat products like this small cat tree/cat scratch post that’s simultaneously a self-warming nap spot because of the fuzzy hammock on top.
It’s so super cute, and sometimes I regret not trying to get a hold of it while we were living in the studio apartment with Avery because man is it a good idea to have multi-purpose compact cat stuff when you’re living in an apartment with a cat.
Couldn’t get any better for the size than this one, I don’t think, and it’s pretty darn sleek and gorgeous as well.
10. PAWZ Road Cat Sleeping Bag Self-Warming Kitty Sack
It’s really hard for me to imagine a more cute and snuggly self-warming bed than one of these kitty sacks.
I mean, look at the level of happy even kitties who are fussy about what to use to keep them warm seem to be getting out of this one.
Of course there are a few cats who need to be explained to that they’re supposed to be getting into this pet sleeping bag and not sleeping on top of it, but in it or on top, I’m sure it’s ridiculously snug either way.
Another sleeping bag style cat bed include you may like better? The Pet Magasin Self Warming Cat Thermal Bed Four-Way Hideaway.
11. Grey Shark Bed for Small Cat Dog Cave Bed With Removable Cushion
I didn’t need to list this product but I did anyways almost as a reminder to myself to grab one of these (think of the photo opportunities, Elise!!).
I love shark beds. The fact that they’re self warming is a perk, but I’ll be honest, if I got this one, it’d be just as much if not more for me than it would be for Avery. Too, too cute!
12. Best Pet Supplies, Inc. Portable Indoor Pet House/Bed
Yup, there are actually indoor cat houses that double as self-warming pet beds as well.
I cannot imagine a situation a cat would dislike what you bought for him or her if you brought this one home, but I guess that’s true of pretty well near everything on this list.
13. K&H Manufacturing K&H Pet Products Self-Warming Lounge Sleeper
Just want a rectangular pet bed you can move around the house that’s pretty compact, easy to clean, super soft and padded, and can fit multiple cats on it who like to snuggle?
You may want to go for one of these lounger type cat beds. Definitely warm, and definitely roomy – the more the merrier!
Prefer a cave version that’s the same sort of idea? Have a peek at the Armarkat Cave Shape Pet Cat Bed for Cats.
Your Thoughts on Self-Warming Cat Beds?
Have you ever bought a self-warming cat bed, or any cat bed at all for that matter? Would you?
I’ve you have bought your kitties cat beds before – which types have you tried out? Did your cat like them? Do you think they’re worth it over blankets, throws, and/or sweaters?
Are there cat beds you don’t feel are worth it? Which do you think are overpriced or easy-to-replace with just a regular ol’ donated fleece jumper?
Are there any you feel are so cute, they’d be just as much for you as they would be for your cat?
Love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below!
that cuddly cave is darling!! Cody has so many beds it’s crazy, even crazier, he uses ALL of them depending on his mood. Love the shark bed too, would love to have both of those if he didn’t have so many beds (hmmm…I could donate a few and get them lol)………we are in a 2 bedroom condo so as you can guess, we have limited space. I prefer the “self-warming” beds as opposed to ANYTHING that is plugged in. I had a heating blanket malfunction in college and the cord ignited….ever since then, i would NEVER use any warming product for myself or my pets. Too dangerous.
I am always impressed by the fact that cats do seem to use all their cat beds/rotate through all their nap spots. It’s nuts, but they definitely love switching things up!
I totally understand wanting more cat things than your space will allow without you feeling “trampled” by the stuff, haha! Honestly, being in a studio for two years, the desire for even one extra room for cat stuff killed me.
Completely agree that I prefer self warming types over plug in heated types. I think the ones with plugs may make sense for outdoor cats in the dead of sub-zero winters, but for indoor cats the self warming types do the trick anyway, so I prefer not to take the risk. It’s important to make sure what you grab is safe, and got that stamp of approval, MET Listed I think it’s called? For sure. I’ve heard of people grabbing ones and not testing them out even before handing them over to their kitties – bad accidents, so definitely I would also make sure to leave ’em running in a room on their own for a day first to test that they’re not faulty.
Never bought a cat warming bed for my cat. That cat bed with the pawprints on it is cute. Looks roomy. Follow Pets Overload. I like that site too.
It’s super cute, for sure 🙂 And yes, roomy and in the same sort of shape that Avery likes sitting in (a cat bread loaf!). He loves it.