A heated bed should feel like a warm lap: gentle, steady and easy to leave when your cat has had enough. Here's how to get the most from one, safely.
Start low
Begin on a lower setting and let your cat show you what they like. If they stretch out at the edge, it's likely a little warm. If they curl up tight in the middle, they may enjoy a step up. Place your hand flat on the surface after it has warmed up. It should feel comfortably warm, never hot.
Always leave an escape route
Your cat should be able to step off the warmth whenever they like. Use the bed on an open surface rather than inside a closed carrier or a small box, and don't cover it so heat can't escape. This matters most for kittens, older cats and any cat with limited mobility, who may be slower to move.
Look for the right safety features
- Overheat protection: a thermostat that keeps the temperature in check.
- A timer: so the bed can switch itself off.
- A protected cord: curious cats chew. A metal or armored sleeve helps.
- A removable cover: so it stays clean without washing the electronics.
Mind the cord and controller
Run the cord along a wall or behind furniture so it isn't a tempting toy, and keep the controller and plug somewhere dry and out of reach. Check the cord from time to time for any damage, and stop using the bed if you see any.
Use it flat, indoors
Lay the pad flat and avoid folding or bunching it while it's on. Most heated pet beds, including ours, are designed for indoor use only.
Unplug before cleaning
Always unplug the bed before taking off the cover. Wash the cover as directed and let it dry completely before you put it back on.
Use the timer when you're away
If you'll be out for a long stretch, setting the timer is a simple way to give your cat warmth while you're gone without leaving it on indefinitely.
Our Hearth Warming Bed includes overheat protection, a 2 to 24 hour timer, a 6.5 ft cord in a metal anti-bite tube, and a cover that lifts off for the wash. Read the instructions in the box before first use, and if your cat has a health condition, check with your vet.