Buying guide for Best heated cat houses
Cats may have a reputation for being lower maintenance than dogs, but your feline friend enjoys creature comforts just as much as Fido does. Cats especially like being warm, which is why they like napping in the sunlight. Heated cat houses can help you make sure your cat has access to warmth.
A heated cat house is exactly what it sounds like — a structure that generates heat to keep your pet warm. You can find models meant for indoor use, as well as durable houses that can stay outdoors. Some are electric and require a power source to warm up, while others are self-heated. A heated cat house in your yard can keep an outdoor cat warm when winter temperatures drop. Older cats can benefit from a heated house to soothe the aches and pains of joint issues. Even cats without special needs enjoy the cozy feeling of a heated house.
Key considerations
Electric vs. self-heated
Not all heated cat houses generate heat in the same way. If you plan to use your heated cat house indoors, either type can work well.
Electric: Some heated cat houses are electric, with a heating pad on the floor of the house to warm your cat. These houses have a power cord that must be plugged into an outlet for operation. Some electrically heated cat houses are suitable for outdoor use, while others are not. The tricky part of using an electric model outside is having an outlet nearby to power it.
Self-heated: These houses are made of materials that reflect the cat’s body heat to help warm them up. These houses don’t require an outlet, but they don’t generate as much heat as electric models. Self-heated houses are typically safe to use outdoors, but some pet owners don’t feel that these houses provide enough heat to keep their cats warm in colder temperatures.
Size
Cats like the cozy, secure feeling of being in enclosed spaces. Still, your cat should be able to fit comfortably inside a heated house and enter and exit it easily. Pay attention to the dimensions of any house that you’re considering to make sure it can accommodate your cat. Keep in mind that most heated cat houses are designed for one cat. However, you can find some models that can fit two or three cats, so your pets can all nap together if they like.
Features
Cord
If you opt for an electrically heated cat house, the power cord is a crucial feature to consider. Look for a model with a cord that’s long enough to give you some options for where to place it. Some cat houses come with an extension cord, which makes it easier to position the house exactly where you want it even if an outlet isn’t nearby.
Thermostat
Some more expensive electric cat houses are equipped with a thermostat, which lets you choose a specific temperature setting for the house. Not only does it allow you to make sure that your cat is as comfortable as possible, but it can also give you peace of mind about the safety of the house because you won’t be operating it at a higher temperature than necessary.
Timer
Many electric heated cat houses have a timer that allows you to set a specific time for the heating element to turn off. This is an important safety feature when you’re away from home. You don’t have to worry about the cat house becoming a fire hazard when you’re not there to monitor your cat.
Padding
If you want your cat to be as comfy as possible, opt for a house that includes some type of padding. Some houses come with a cushion or pad that can be placed on the floor of the house for your cat to lie on. If you opt for an electric house, this pad is in addition to the heating pad and is meant to provide a softer surface for your cat. You can also add your own blankets to help make your cat comfortable if you like.
Weather resistance
If you want to use your heated cat house in your yard, it must be approved for outdoor use. The heating component must be safe for use in the elements, and the structure itself should be weather-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about rain or snow damaging it. To help your cat house last as long as possible, it’s a good idea to place it under some type of covering. For example, you might place it in your garage, in a shed, or under a carport.
Assembly
Some heated cat houses are easier to assemble than others. Many models are so easy to put together that you simply take them out of the box and fold them into the proper position without the use of any tools. Others are more complicated and may require tools like a screwdriver for assembly, though nearly all heated cat houses can usually be put together in less than half an hour.
Did you know?
Outdoor cats can survive outside in colder temperatures, but when the temperature drops under 32°F, the cold becomes extremely dangerous.
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Heated cat house prices
Heated cat houses vary in price based on type, materials, and size. Most models range from $15 to $155.
Inexpensive
The most affordable heated cat houses are self-heated models. Most of these can only fit one cat and don’t generate enough heat to keep your cat warm outdoors in lower temperatures. You’ll typically pay between $15 and $50 for these models.
Mid-range
Most of these heated cat houses are electric models, but they’re not designed for outdoor use and generally only fit one or two cats. You can expect to pay $50 to $75 for these cat houses.
Expensive
The most expensive heated cat houses are electric models that are suited for indoor or outdoor use. They’re weather resistant and can keep outdoor cats warm in winter weather. Most models fit one to two cats, but some can accommodate up to four. You’ll pay between $65 and $155 for these cat houses.
Tips
- Find a quiet indoor spot for the cat house. If you’re using a heated cat house indoors, put it in a quiet area, so it’s easy for your cat to relax and take a nap.
- Find a sheltered spot outside. If you’re placing a heated cat house outdoors, try to locate a place in your yard that’s not overly busy, so your cat will feel secure in it. A sheltered area, such as a porch or deck, is usually a good option.
- Fasten the house to the ground. If you live in an area that experiences strong winds, secure your outdoor heated cat house to the ground
- Help feral cats. Stray or feral cats in your neighborhood can benefit from a heated house in your yard in the cold winter months.
FAQ
Q. How safe is a heated cat house?
A. Self-heated cat houses pose no safety risk to your cat at all because they only use your cat’s own body heat to keep it warm. Electrically heated cat houses are more of a risk because their electrical components can become a fire hazard. Fortunately, most models use only 4 to 40 watts of electricity. Opt for a lower-wattage model if you’re concerned about a cat house’s safety.
Q. Can all cats use a heated cat house?
A. If you opt for an electric model, your cat should be able to get off the heated pad on its own. It’s best to ask your veterinarian before selecting a heated house for kittens, cats who are recovering from an injury or surgery, or cats with limited mobility.
Q. What does it mean if a heated cat house has a MET safety label?
A. A MET safety label is similar to the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) label. It denotes that a heated cat house has been tested for safety and meets all of the required standards for safe operation.
