7 Best Outdoor Heating Pads for Cats in 2023 – Reviews & Top Picks

When colder temperatures roll around in the winter, it can be hard on our pets that stay outdoors. 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—whether that be the cat’s preference or yours—or a stray cat that you take care of, you need a warm place to help keep them safe.

That’s where heating pads come in. They are specially designed for your cat to lay on in order to stay warm. But for outdoor use, you want a heating pad that can withstand elements such as moisture and wind without breaking or 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 have provided reviews for you in this article.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2023

The 7 Best Outdoor Heating Pads for Cats

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

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 that is 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. This 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 that your cat can stay dry as well as warm.

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

2. PetNF Waterproof Heating Pad with Timer – Best Value

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 different temperature levels and a timer to prevent your pet from overheating.

The power cord on this heating pad is almost seven feet long and is chew-resistant to keep your pet from getting hurt. It comes in three different 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 want to make sure that you use it in a covered area such as a barn or screened-in porch that will keep water out.

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

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 his or her neck can be supported. The pillows and heating pad also feature a removable fleece cover for easy cleaning. It comes in three different sizes, so you can purchase it for one or multiple cats.

This heating pad also has a 5½ foot long, steel-wrapped cord so 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 so 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.

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

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 still 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 come with a removable cover, so it may not be as soft or comfortable for a kitten. But, 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.

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

The FurHome Collective Elevated Heated Cat House w/ Heating Pad features a removable heating pad, so you can use them together or by themselves. The heating pad is covered in a faux fur fabric cover that can be removed to be washed. The house itself is made from a waterproof fabric and is elevated so that 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 help to keep some warmth in as well.

Additional features of this cat house include a timer and chew-proof cord. You can choose from two different colors: chocolate and beige. But, 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 being flimsy, suggesting that it may blow away in a strong wind or storm. However, it does feature buckles with holes that can be secured to the ground.

6. Outdoor Heated Kitty House with Removable Heating Pad

The Outdoor Heated Kitty House w/ Removable Heating Pad also contains a removable heating pad, so you can use both the house and the heating pad at once or use them separately. The roof of the house is removable so that you can easily take out the heating pad and clean the house if necessary. The house itself 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, 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 also isn’t elevated, so you want to ensure that you put it somewhere outdoors where the bottom can stay dry. The house itself is large enough to accommodate two cats and it comes in seven different colors and styles.

7. K&H Extreme Weather Outdoor Kitty Pad

The Extreme Weather Outdoor Kitty Pad is made of durable ABS plastic, which is said to be 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. You may wish to put it inside a cat house for added protection.

Although it isn’t shown in the picture, this heating pad does come with a free fleece cover that can be removed and washed in the washing machine. But, it is just that, a cover, which simply wraps around the pad with elastic straps, so it may not be the most secure. You can buy the deluxe cover to fit this heating pad, but it is an extra cost. The cord is chew-proof and long enough to reach any low outlet inside a garage or on a porch. It isn’t big enough to accommodate more than one cat, but this heating pad is a great option if you only have one cat.

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

Now that you’ve had the opportunity to compare several different 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 what features you definitely want to have, and which ones are just a nice bonus.

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 more 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 have to replace your heating pad because it became due to water. What’s worse is that using a heating pad designed for indoor use outdoors can put both 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.

• Related: 10 Best Heated Cat Beds (Indoors & Outdoors) – Reviews & Top Picks

Temperature Control

Another thing you’ll need to consider is whether you want to be able to control the temperature that the heating pad puts out. Most of these heating pads have self-adjusting thermostats, but one or two of them have different temperature settings you can choose from. An example when you may want to be able to control the temperature is when you have a kitten or a sick pet that may need more or less heat. Of course, you should always check with your vet before using a heating pad on a pregnant or otherwise sick cat.

Timer or No Timer

You’ll also want to consider whether or not you want the heating pad to have a time. Now, most heating pads with self-adjusting thermostats don’t need a timer. But, some heating pads have timers to either 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 overall because it provides a soft surface for them to lay on. If you choose to go with a heating pad with a cover, it’s best if that 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 offer even 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. But, you’ll also want to make sure that your cat doesn’t have a hard time getting out of the house if he needs to. Otherwise, he or she could get hurt from the heating pad. It’s also worth noting that if you have a covered porch or a garage where your cat stays, a whole cat house probably isn’t necessary. But, we’ll leave that decision up to you.

One or Multiple Cats

Finally, you’ll need to consider how many cats you have that stay outdoors. Heating pads come in different sizes, so you want to make sure 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.

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 be sure to choose a heating pad that specifically says it is 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 best choice.