Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

7 Best Outdoor Heating Pads for Cats in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Written by: Christian Adams

Last Updated on January 30, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

Cat-sitting-on-an-outdoor-heated-mat

7 Best Outdoor Heating Pads for Cats in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Cat-sitting-on-an-outdoor-heated-mat When colder temperatures roll around in the winter, it can be hard on our outdoor pets. This is particularly true of cats, who aren’t as large and can freeze faster than larger animals. If you have a cat that stays outside or a stray cat you care for, you need a warm place to help keep them safe.

That’s where heating pads come in. For outdoor use, you need a heating pad that can withstand elements such as moisture and wind without jeopardizing the safety of your cat.

There are so many options available, with different features to choose from. We’ve gathered the best ones and provided reviews below.

yarn ball divider

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2024

Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
K&H Lectro-Soft Heated Pad K&H Lectro-Soft Heated Pad
  • Features a removable, machine-washable cover
  • Water-resistant
  • Comes in three different sizes
  • Best Value
    Second place
    PetNF Waterproof Heating Pad PetNF Waterproof Heating Pad
  • Comes in multiple size options
  • Features 6 different temperature
  • Has a timer
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    K&H Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Bed K&H Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Bed
  • A bed instead of just a pad
  • Removable fleece cover
  • Can be used for multiple cats
  • Best for Kittens
    K&H Small Animal Heating Pad K&H Small Animal Heating Pad
  • Designed for small animals
  • Can be mounted to wood surfaces
  • Doesn't get as hot as larger heating pads
  • FurHome Heated Cat House & Pad FurHome Heated Cat House & Pad
  • The house provides extra protection
  • Elevation and door flaps keep the heat in
  • The heating pad is removable
  • The 7 Best Outdoor Heating Pads for Cats

    1. K&H Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Pad – Best Overall

    K&H Pet Products Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Pad

    Materials: Fleece and PVC
    Machine-Washable Cover: Yes
    Plug-In: Yes

    Our top pick for the best outdoor heating pad for cats is the K&H Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Pad. This heating pad features a foam pad covered in water-resistant PVC, which is then covered in fleece so that your cat stays comfortable and cozy. The fleece cover can also be removed and washed in the washing machine. The K & H heating pad is designed to be used outdoors, but it can be used indoors as well. It can make a great addition to your porch or garage, so your cat can stay dry and warm.

    The power cord is 5½ feet long, and you should be able to reach any outdoor power outlet. This heating pad works by warming your cat to their normal body temperature. It also comes in small, medium, and large sizes to accommodate any size cat (or even a dog). However, it is not recommended to use with young kittens who cannot remove themselves from the pad once they have warmed up.

    Pros
    • Features a removable, machine-washable cover
    • Water-resistant
    • Comes in three different sizes
    Cons
    • Shouldn’t be used with small kittens

    2. PetNF Waterproof Heating Pad with Timer – Best Value

    petnf cat heating pad with timer

    Materials: Fleece and PVC
    Machine-Washable Cover: Yes
    Plug-In: Yes

    The best outdoor heating pad for the money is the PetNF Heating Pad with Timer. Not only is the PVC foam enclosure waterproof, but it’s flame retardant as well, so you can feel secure knowing that your pet is 100% safe. The outer cover is made of fleece and can be removed to be washed in the washing machine.

    Plus, the PVC can be wiped clean as well if needed. This heating pad also has an adjustable temperature feature with six temperature levels and a timer to prevent your pet from overheating.

    The power cord on this heating pad is almost 7 feet long and is chew-resistant to keep your pet from getting hurt. It comes in three sizes: the medium size is good for one cat, but the large size is big enough to accommodate multiple cats.

    The downside is that due to the timer and control device, the pad shouldn’t be immersed in water, so you need to use it in a covered area such as a barn or screened-in porch that will keep water out.

    Pros
    • Big enough for multiple cats
    • Features 6 different temperature
    • Has a timer
    Cons
    • Needs to be used in a covered area

    3. K&H Deluxe Outdoor Heated Bed – Premium Choice

    k&h_deluxe_lectro-soft_outdoor_heated_bed_image1

    Materials: Fleece and polyfill
    Machine-Washable Cover: Yes
    Plug-In: Yes

    This K&H Outdoor Heating Pad for cats isn’t just a heating pad; it’s a whole bed. This heated bed features four bolster pillows to provide your pet with the ultimate comfort and a place to lay where their neck can be supported. The pillows and heating pad also feature a removable fleece cover for easy cleaning. It comes in three sizes, which is ideal if you have multiple cats.

    This heating pad also has a 5½ foot-long, steel-wrapped cord, and it is chew-resistant and safe for outdoor use. The pillows are filled with polyfill material for superior comfort for your pet. However, it may not be as waterproof as a heating pad made with PVC, and it is a good idea to use this bed in a covered area. Another downside is the high price, but that’s why this bed is a premium choice.

    Pros
    • A bed instead of just a pad
    • Removable fleece cover
    • Can be used for multiple cats
    Cons
    • Pricey
    • May not be as waterproof as other pads

    4. K&H Small Animal Heating Pad – Best for Kittens

    K&H small heating pad for kittens

    Materials: PVC
    Machine-Washable Cover: No
    Plug-In: Yes

    The K&H Small Animal Heating Pad is marketed for small animals such as rabbits and ferrets, but it can work for kittens as well. It can be used indoors or outdoors, so you can keep your kittens indoors and keep them warm until they are big enough to go outside.

    It also doesn’t get as hot as heating pads designed for adult cats, so you won’t have to worry about your kitten getting burned or overheating. A hole in each corner allows you to use screws to secure the heating pad to a wooden porch so that it doesn’t get moved around.

    This heating pad doesn’t have a removable cover, so it may not be as soft or comfortable for a kitten. However, you could put a blanket on top to make it more comfortable and still be able to feel the heat underneath. Plus, the PVC material is waterproof and can be easily wiped clean. Another downside is that this heating pad is only 9” x 12”, so it is only big enough for one kitten and not a whole litter.

    Pros
    • Designed for small animals
    • Doesn’t get as hot as larger heating pads
    • Can be mounted to wood surfaces
    Cons
    • Doesn’t have a removable cover
    • Only big enough for one kitten

    5. FurHome Collective Elevated Heated Cat House w/ Heating Pad

    FurHome Collective Elevated Heated Cat House w: Heating Pad

    Materials: Waterproof fabric, PVC, and foam
    Machine-Washable Cover: Yes
    Plug-In: Yes

    The FurHome Collective Elevated Heated Cat House w/ Heating Pad features a removable heating pad, and you can use them together or by themselves. The heating pad is covered in a faux fur fabric cover that can be removed and washed. The house is made from a waterproof fabric and is elevated so it doesn’t sit on the cold ground. This will help keep some of the warmth inside the house. It also features two doors with PVC flaps that keep heat in as well.

    Additional features of this cat house include a timer and chew-proof cord. You can choose from two colors: chocolate and beige. Even though the cat house is described as waterproof, the description says not to leave it directly outside in the rain and snow.

    Customers who have bought this cat house also describe it as flimsy, suggesting it may blow away in a strong wind or storm. However, it has buckles with holes that can be secured to the ground.

    Pros
    • The house provides extra protection
    • The heating pad is removable
    • Elevation and door flaps keep the heat in
    Cons
    • May not be completely waterproof
    • Some owners describe it as being flimsy

    6. Outdoor Heated Kitty House with Removable Heating Pad

    K&H Pet Products Outdoor Heated Kitty House

    Materials: Nylon and vinyl
    Machine-Washable Cover: Yes
    Plug-In: Yes

    The Outdoor Heated Kitty House w/ Removable Heating Pad also contains a removable heating pad so that you can use the house and the heating pad at once or separately. The roof of the house is removable so that you can easily remove the heating pad and clean the house if necessary.

    The house is made from durable nylon and vinyl, while the heating pad has a removable fleece cover so that it can be washed. It’s easy to assemble, and all you need to do is Velcro the walls together. However, this method raises questions about the sturdiness of the house and how the Velcro will hold up over time.

    Other features of this cat house include two exits with removable door flaps, as well as an electrical cord that’s safe for outdoor use. While the cord is safety-rated, it is not designated as being chew-proof. That shouldn’t be a problem unless you have a cat that likes to nibble. The house isn’t elevated, so you want to put it outdoors where the bottom can stay dry. The house is large enough to accommodate two cats, and it comes in seven colors and styles.

    Pros
    • Easy to assemble and remove the heating pad
    • Made from durable materials
    • Big enough for two cats
    Cons
    • Velcro may not hold up over time
    • The cord isn’t chew-proof
    • The house isn’t elevated

    7. K&H Extreme Weather Outdoor Kitty Pad

    K&H Extreme Weather Outdoor Kitty Pad

    Materials: ABS plastic and fleece
    Machine-Washable Cover: Yes
    Plug-In: Yes

    The Extreme Weather Outdoor Kitty Pad is made of durable ABS plastic, which is stronger than PVC. However, that seems to be the only difference between the “extreme weather” version and the regular version of this heating pad. The name of this kitty pad sounds like it would offer better protection for your pet against extreme weather, but it doesn’t get any warmer or more waterproof than other outdoor heating pads. However, you can put it inside a cat house for added protection.

    Although it isn’t shown in the picture, this heating pad has a fleece cover that can be removed and washed in the washing machine. However, it is just a cover, which wraps around the pad with elastic straps, so it may not be the most secure.

    You can buy the deluxe cover to fit the heating pad, but it costs more. The cord is chew-proof and long enough to reach an outlet inside a garage or on a porch. It isn’t big enough to accommodate more than one cat, but it is a great option if you only have one cat.

    Pros
    • More durable than other heating pads
    • Chew-proof cord
    • Comes with a free fleece cover
    Cons
    • Provides no better protection than other heating pads
    • The fleece cover may not be secure
    • Not big enough for multiple cats

    3 cat face divider

    Buyer’s Guide: Selecting The Best Outdoor Heating Pad for Cats

    Now that you’ve had the opportunity to compare several heating pads and their features, it may seem overwhelming when deciding which one to choose. That’s why we’ve also provided this buyer’s guide so that you know which features are essential and which are just a nice bonus.

    cat lying on heating pad
    Image Credit: Anelo, Shutterstock

    Ensure the Heating Pad Can Be Used Outdoors

    When choosing a heating pad that you intend to use outdoors, one of the most important things you should do is make sure that the heating pad specifies that it is for outdoor use. This is important because outdoor heating pads are designed to be waterproof and durable, as well as have electrical cords that are reinforced so that they are safe to use outdoors.

    All of the heating pads that we reviewed in this guide specify either in the name or the description that they can be used outdoors. You don’t want to replace your heating pad due to water. What’s worse is that using a heating pad designed for indoor use outdoors can put you and your pet at risk for electrical shock. Remember, it’s okay to use an outdoor heating pad indoors, but it’s not a good idea to use an indoor heating pad outdoors.

    Temperature Control

    Another factor you’ll need to consider is whether you want to be able to control the temperature that the heating pad puts out. Most of the heating pads have self-adjusting thermostats, but one or two of them have different temperature settings you can choose from.

    An example of when you may want to control the temperature is when you have a kitten or a sick pet needing more or less heat. Of course, you should always check with your vet before using a heating pad on a pregnant or sick cat.

    cat sleeping on electric heating pad
    Image Credit: New-Africa, Shutterstock

    Timer or No Timer

    You’ll also want to consider whether or not you want the heating pad to have a timer. Most heating pads with self-adjusting thermostats don’t need a timer. However, some heating pads have timers to save energy or limit how long the pad stays warm. Heating pads with timers can keep your cat from laying on them for too long.

    Removable Cover

    A heating pad with a cover is more comfortable for your cat because it provides a soft surface for them to lie on. If you choose to go with a heating pad with a cover, it’s best if the cover is removable so that you can wash it to remove cat hair, dander, and dirt. Even if you don’t go with one that has a cover, you can place a blanket on top of the heating pad to make it more comfortable for your cat.

    Heated Houses

    Outdoor cat houses provide more protection from the elements, and heated versions usually contain a heating pad to help your cat stay warm. Ideally, the heating pad should be removable so that you can clean it. You’ll also want to make sure that your cat doesn’t have a hard time getting out of the house.

    Otherwise, they could get hurt by the heating pad. It’s also worth noting that if you have a covered porch or a garage where your cat stays, a cat house probably isn’t necessary.

    sphynx cat on heating pad
    Image credit: Casey Elise Christopher, Shutterstock

    One or Multiple Cats

    Finally, you’ll need to consider how many cats you have that stay outdoors. Heating pads come in different sizes, and you want to ensure that you buy one large enough for all of your cats to use if you don’t want to buy separate ones. Larger heating pads are designed to be used by dogs, but they can easily accommodate two, three, or even four cats, depending on how large they are.

    cat paw divider

    Conclusion

    Heating pads are a great way to keep outdoor cats warm, especially in rainy or cold conditions. Hopefully, our reviews and buyer’s guide helped make your decision easier. You’ll want to choose a heating pad designed for outdoor use, but other features are up to you. We like the K&H Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Pad as the best overall due to all of the features it has. For a budget-friendly option, the PetNF Heating Pad with Timer is the ideal choice.


    Featured Image Credit: jax10289, Shutterstock

    Get Catster in your inbox!

    Stay informed! Get tips and exclusive deals.
    Catster Editors Choice Badge
    Shopping Cart

    Pangolia

    © Pangolia Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved.