Last Updated on June 17, 2023 by Pauline G. Carter
Are you a cat lover with an adventurous feline who enjoys spending time outdoors? If so, you understand the importance of providing your outdoor cat with a comfortable and safe space to rest and sleep. That’s where the search for the best bedding for outdoor cats comes into play. Outdoor cats face various weather conditions and need a cozy spot to relax after their outdoor expeditions. We write here different options for outdoor cat bedding, including durable and weather-resistant materials, to help you find the perfect resting place that will keep your furry friend comfortable and protected in any season.
Our Top Picks
10 Best Bedding For Outdoor Cats In 2023
1. Furhaven Small Cat Bed ThermaNAP
- Brand: Furhaven
- Manufacturer: Furhaven Pet Products, Inc.
- Color: ThermaNAP Pad – Quilted Faux Fur (Gray)
- Dimensions: Height: 0.25 Inches Width: 17.0 Inches Length: 22.0 Inches Weight: 0.15 Pounds `
Features
Furhaven’s Small Cat Bed ThermaNAP offers a safe, electricity-free solution for keeping your pet warm. Crafted with insulating fiber batting and mylar, it reflects body heat for a cozy sleeping surface. The quilted faux fur surface enhances your pet’s comfort. Lightweight and portable, this 17″x22″x0.25″ gray pad is perfect for travel, fitting snugly in crates and kennels. It comes in six stylish colors and two sizes. Machine washable for easy care, this product offers a 90-day limited coverage for material defects. Choose Furhaven for worry-free pet comfort and convenience.
Pros:
- Safe, electricity-free warming: The ThermaNAP pad uses your pet’s body heat, not electricity, providing a safe and cozy sleeping surface.
- Comfortable fabric: The quilted faux fur surface is soft and gentle on pets’ noses and paws, increasing their comfort level.
- Travel-friendly: This lightweight and portable pad can easily fit in crates and kennels, making it perfect for traveling, camping, or other outdoor activities.
- Easy to clean: The pad is machine washable, simplifying the cleaning process and making it convenient for pet owners.
- Multiple options: The pad comes in six different colors and two sizes, offering a variety to choose from according to your pet’s needs and your aesthetic preferences.
Cons:
- No additional heat source: While it’s safe, the lack of an electricity-based heating element means the pad won’t provide additional warmth beyond what your pet’s body produces.
- Limited size options: With only two sizes available, it may not be suitable for all pet sizes.
- Limited coverage: The product comes with a 90-day limited coverage against material defects which might not be sufficient for some consumers.
2. Cat Bed Pad, Soft Dog Bed Mat
- Brand: Darzheoy
- Manufacturer: Darzheoy
- Color: B
Features
Immerse your furry friend in supreme comfort with our Cat Bed Pad. This 20×13 inch mat provides extra cushioning for cats and dogs who love to snuggle up, while its raised rim cradles their head and neck. The ultra-plush filling aids in relieving joint and muscle pain, promoting relaxation and improved health. The pad’s dedicated sleeping area facilitates easy clean-up of shed hair. Made from ultra-soft, hypoallergenic fabric, it’s gentle on your pet’s skin and machine-washable for easy maintenance. With an array of colors, this luxurious pet bed pad integrates seamlessly into your home decor, offering your pet a cozy and inviting sleep haven.
Pros:
- Extra Comfort: With a raised rim for neck support and a super-soft filling for muscle and joint relief, the bed pad provides unrivaled comfort for your pet.
- Improved Behavior & Health: By reducing stress and anxiety, can lead to positive behavioral changes and enhanced overall health for your pet.
- Easy Cleaning: Concentrating your cat’s shedding in one location makes hair cleanup more manageable.
- Hypoallergenic Material: The ultra-soft fabric is designed to avoid allergic reactions and skin irritation, ensuring your pet’s utmost safety.
- Versatile Design: Its sleek and luxurious design, available in multiple colors, complements any home decor while offering a comfy space for your pet.
Cons:
- Size Limitations: The 20×13 inch dimensions may not be suitable for larger pets, limiting its usability.
- Hypoallergenic Material: While the fabric is designed to be hypoallergenic, it may still cause allergic reactions in some highly sensitive pets.
- Maintenance: Though machine-washable, frequent washing to maintain cleanliness may lead to wear and tear over time.
3. Non-Electric Pet Warming Pad, Pets Cat Bed Pet Blanket Thermal …
- Brand: CASOME
- Manufacturer: WULE
- Dimensions: Height: 1.85039 Inches Width: 15.74803148 Inches Length: 19.68503935 Inches
Features
The Non-Electric Pet Warming Pad is the ultimate cozy solution for your pet during chilly seasons. This self-heating pet bed, ideal for cats, rabbits, puppies, and arthritis or aging pets, provides efficient warmth using a unique 5-layer heat preservation design. No need for batteries or cables, it’s engineered to reflect and retain your pet’s own heat, ensuring their comfort and safety. Its generous size and washability make it versatile for use on sofas, floors, pet beds, carriers, and outdoor houses. Its charming plaid design adds a decorative touch to your home. The perfect winter gift for your beloved pets.
Pros:
- Self-heating Feature: The pad generates warmth using the pet’s own body heat, providing an energy-efficient solution for cold weather.
- Safety: The absence of batteries or electrical cables significantly reduces any risk of electrical accidents or fire hazards, ensuring your pet’s safety.
- Five-layer Heat Preservation Design: This advanced structure is highly effective in retaining warmth, offering superior comfort for your pet compared to other market options.
- Versatility: The large size and washable nature of the pad make it suitable for multiple uses – on sofas, floors, pet beds, carriers, and outdoor houses.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The classic plaid design serves as a beautiful addition to your home decor while providing comfort to your pet.
Cons:
- Non-Electric: While the non-electric feature enhances safety, it might not provide sufficient warmth during extreme cold weather conditions.
- Limited Size: Despite the large size being versatile for most cats and small dogs, it may not be large enough for bigger breeds.
- Single Design: The pad is available in a classic plaid pattern only, offering limited design options for pet owners with different aesthetic preferences.
4. Self Warming Cat Bed Self Heating Cat Dog Mat
- Brand: Mora Pets
- Color: Grey
- Dimensions: Height: 5.0 Inches Width: 10.0 Inches Length: 10.0 Inches
5. MidWest Homes for Pets Deluxe Dog Beds
- Brand: MidWest Homes for Pets
- Manufacturer: MidWest Homes For Pets
- Color: Mocha
- Dimensions: Height: 1.5 Inches Width: 11.0 Inches Length: 17.0 Inches Weight: 0.6 Pounds `
Features
Enhance your pet’s comfort with the Midwest Homes Deluxe Dog Bed, designed for 18-inch crates or standalone use. Perfect for pets up to 6 pounds, this bed features a plush ombré swirl pattern in a neutral gray that complements any home décor. Crafted from fabric material, it adds a cozy touch to your pet’s sleeping area. As a commitment to environmental sustainability, the bed features eco-friendly aspects. The cover is easily removable for machine washing and drying, ensuring your pet’s space stays clean. A 1-year warranty guarantees quality and satisfaction. Comfort for your pet, convenience for you.
Pros:
- Versatile Usage: This bed is designed for 18-inch crates but can also be used as a standalone pet bed, offering flexibility for pet owners.
- Stylish Design: The plush ombré swirl pattern and neutral gray color make this bed a chic addition to any home décor.
- Eco-friendly: The bed’s eco-friendly material is a responsible choice for environmentally-conscious pet owners.
- Easy Maintenance: The bed has a removable cover that is machine washable and dryer friendly, making upkeep simple and convenient.
- Quality Guarantee: The product comes with a 1-year warranty, providing assurance of its quality and durability.
Cons:
- Size Limitation: The bed is ideal for pets up to 6 pounds, which may not be suitable for larger dogs or cats.
- Fabric Material: While comfortable, the fabric may be susceptible to wear and tear from pets with a tendency to scratch or chew.
- Single Color Option: The bed is only available in a neutral gray color, limiting personalization options for pet owners who prefer other colors.
6. ULIGOTA Self Heating Cat Mat
- Brand: ULIGOTA
- Manufacturer: ULIGOTA
- Color: Grey
Features
The ULIGOTA Self Heating Cat Mat is the epitome of pet comfort, designed to keep your furry friend warm and cozy. Crafted from self-warming materials, it reflects and retains your pet’s body heat without the need for batteries or cables. The smart thermal structure ensures effective heat lock-in. Safety is uncompromised, with a skid-resistant base featuring rubber dots that keep the mat firmly in place. Available in medium and large sizes, this versatile mat can be used in pet beds, carriers, sofas, floors, or outdoor houses. Its classic plaid design enhances your home’s aesthetics, making it a perfect winter gift for your pet.
Pros:
- Self-Warming: The mat uses a smart thermal structure to retain and reflect your pet’s body heat, providing a warm and cozy space without any external power source.
- Safety Guarantee: No battery or cable is required, reducing the risk of electrical accidents.
- Anti-Skid Bottom: Rubber dots on the back ensure that the mat stays put, even with active pets, ensuring they sleep comfortably.
- Versatility: Available in two sizes, it’s ideal for small to large cats or puppies and can be used in a variety of locations such as pet beds, carriers, sofas, floors, or outdoor houses.
- Aesthetic Design: The classic plaid pattern makes it not just a pet necessity, but also a stylish addition to your home.
Cons:
- May Not Be Suitable for Very Cold Climates: As the mat uses your pet’s body heat, it may not be effective enough in very cold climates or for pets with less body heat.
- Size Limitations: Larger pets may not comfortably fit on even the ‘large’ size mat.
- Sliding Issue: Although equipped with an anti-skid bottom, very active pets or those with heavier weight might still cause the mat to slide on smoother surfaces.
7. Downtown Pet Supply Thermal Cat Bed
- Brand: Downtown Pet Supply
- Manufacturer: Downtown Pet Supply
- Color: Grey
- Dimensions: Height: 0.5 Inches Width: 19.0 Inches Length: 23.0 Inches Weight: 0.5 Pounds `
Features
The Downtown Pet Supply Thermal Cat Bed, with its sleek animal print design, offers unbeatable comfort and warmth for your pet. Our thermal cat mat employs a reflective mylar film to reflect your pet’s body heat, alongside Sherpa fabric for insulation against cold floors. The bed is padded with a plush faux fur pillow, delivering a cozy, snug spot for cats, kittens, older pets, nursing females, or those recovering from injury. The bed includes a self-warming thermal pad with a poly-fiber core. It’s machine washable for convenient care, maintaining its status as your kitty’s favorite nap spot. As devoted pet owners, we stand by our products.
Pros:
- Reflective Mylar Film: Utilizes a mylar film that reflects the pet’s body heat back to them, providing natural and constant warmth.
- Sherpa Backing: The Sherpa fabric backing offers excellent insulation against cold surfaces, maintaining a cozy environment for the pet.
- Plush Faux Fur Pillow: Comes with a soft, plush faux fur pillow, delivering a highly comfortable and snug spot for pets to relax.
- Machine Washable: Easy maintenance with machine washable materials, ensuring the bed stays clean and fresh for your pet.
- Versatile: The thermal cat bed is suitable for all cats, kittens, older pets, nursing females, and pets recovering from an illness or injury.
Cons:
- Size: The regular size (22 x 19in) may not accommodate larger breeds of cats or dogs comfortably.
- Heat Reflectivity: The effectiveness of the bed’s heat retention might vary based on the environment’s temperature.
- Wash Care: While the bed is machine washable, it must be line dried, which might be inconvenient for some users.
8. MARUNDA Self-Warming Cat Bed
- Brand: MARUNDA
- Manufacturer: MARUNDA
- Dimensions: Height: 2.0 Inches Width: 2.0 Inches Length: 2.0 Inches
Features
Experience the innovation and comfort of the MARUNDA Self-Warming Cat Bed. Crafted from ultra-soft materials, this bed provides your pet with a cozy sleeping experience. It boasts a unique thermal inner layer that mirrors your pet’s body temperature for enduring warmth, ensuring no need for electricity or safety concerns. Available in three convenient sizes – small (22 x 15 inch), medium (23 x 30 inch), and large (24 x 35 inch) – it’s machine washable for easy cleaning. With a two-year warranty and 24/7 customer support, we guarantee peace of mind along with a comfy space for your pet.
Pros:
- Ultra-Soft Material: The bed is made from supremely soft materials, offering the utmost comfort for your pet.
- Innovative Design: The innovative thermal layer reflects your pet’s body temperature to keep them warm.
- No Safety Concerns: This bed does not require electricity, eliminating potential safety hazards related to electrical components.
- Machine Washable: The ease of maintenance is a big plus, as the bed can be simply thrown into the washing machine.
- Warranty & Support: The product comes with a two-year warranty and round-the-clock customer support for a worry-free purchase.
Cons:
- Limited Sizes: Available in only three sizes, this bed may not fit pets of all sizes perfectly.
- No Heating Control: The self-warming feature might not provide adequate warmth in extremely cold conditions since it depends on the pet’s body temperature.
- Regular Washing Required: As it does not repel pet fur or stains, frequent washing might be required, adding to the maintenance efforts.
9. Pet Magasin Cat Thermal Bed Self
- Brand: PET MAGASIN
- Manufacturer: Pet Magasin
- Color: Grey
- Dimensions: Height: 4.3 Inches Width: 9.5 Inches Length: 11.3 Inches Weight: 9.6 ounces `
Features
Experience unparalleled pet comfort with the Pet Magasin Cat Thermal Bed Self-Heating Pads. This 2-Pack offers a Medium (22″ x 18.5″) and Small (17” x 11”) mat, ideal for small pets. Luxuriously padded with hypoallergenic foam, these mats feature a velvety cover ensuring long-lasting springiness and coziness. Unique Mylar film technology keeps the mat warm, perfect for any season. Delight your pets with the just-right heat, ideal for cold winters or warm summers. Despite not being machine-washable due to their specialized self-heating material, they’re easy to hand-clean, maintaining hygiene without sacrificing comfort. Give your pet the year-round comfort they deserve.
Pros:
- Includes two mats of different sizes (Medium and Small), perfect for accommodating pets of various sizes or multiple pets.
- Luxurious, cozy, and comfortable due to its velvety cover and thick, hypoallergenic foam padding.
- All-season usability as it generates just the right amount of heat for both cold winters and warm summers.
- Incorporates advanced self-heating material – Mylar film, ensuring consistent warmth for your pet.
- Easy to hand-clean, allowing you to maintain the mat’s hygiene while preserving its self-healing capabilities.
Cons:
- Not machine washable, which might be inconvenient for some pet owners who prefer easier maintenance methods.
- The heat generated might not be sufficient for extremely cold environments or for pets who are particularly sensitive to the cold.
- Despite its high-quality materials, the bed might not be as durable as expected if exposed to pets with heavy chewing or scratching behaviors.
10. Self Heating Cat Pad Self Warming Cat Bed
- Brand: Mora Pets
- Manufacturer: Mora Pets
- Color: Grey
- Dimensions: Height: 1.0 Inches Width: 18.5 Inches Length: 27.5 Inches
Features
Stay warm, stay cozy with our Self-Heating Cat Pad. It’s designed with 3 layers of self-warming material, ensuring effective warmth even on the coldest days. Perfect for kittens, cats, puppies, small dogs, or aging and arthritic pets. Safety is paramount—our mat forgoes electricity, reflecting your pet’s body heat to create comfort, eliminating safety hazards and chemical smells. No annoying crinkling noises—upgraded with noiseless heat-reflecting mylar film, it’s perfect for indoor and outdoor use. Generously sized at 27.5″ x 18.5″, it fits most pets and is machine washable. Enjoy a 1-year warranty and a 30-day hassle-free return policy from Mora Pets.
Pros:
- Unbelievable Warmth: Designed with 3 layers of self-warming material, this pad provides effective warmth for pets, even on the coldest days.
- Safety Guaranteed: The cat pad does not use electricity, eliminating safety hazards and chemical smells associated with electric pads.
- Noiseless Material: Enhanced with a noiseless heat-reflecting mylar film, it ensures quiet, undisturbed naps for your pet.
- Generous Sizing: Measuring 27.5″ x 18.5″, this mat is large enough to accommodate most cats and small dogs.
- Reliable Manufacturer’s Warranty: Mora Pets provides a 1-year warranty and a 30-day hassle-free return policy, reflecting the company’s confidence in their product.
Cons:
- Limited to Small Pets: Due to its size, the mat may not comfortably accommodate larger dogs or pets.
- Not Electrically Heated: Some pets might need more warmth than the mat can provide by just reflecting body heat.
- No Fixed Cover: The lack of a fixed, removable cover might make the cleaning process more challenging if your pet tends to get messy.
How To Choose The Right Bedding For Outdoor Cats?
Choose bedding for outdoor cats that is suitable for their environment and meets their specific needs. Selecting the right bedding for outdoor cats is essential to ensure their comfort, safety, and well-being.
Although cats are known to be resilient, they still require a cozy and comfortable place to rest, especially when they are living outdoors. Outdoor cats face several challenges that indoor cats don’t, including weather fluctuations, pests, and predators, which can be addressed by selecting suitable bedding.
The bedding should protect them from harsh weather conditions such as rain, wind, or intense heat. It must also be easy to clean, insect-proof, and durable.
Understanding Your Cat’s Needs
Cats need a comfortable space to call their own, whether it’s indoor or outdoor. Outdoor cats may have different needs than indoor cats, and it’s important to understand those needs to choose the right bedding.
Different Breeds And Personalities
Cats come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities, so it’s essential to consider these factors when choosing an outdoor bed. For instance, long-haired cats like persians would need a bed that keeps them away from damp ground and provides insulation in cold weather.
Meanwhile, sociable cats like siamese would enjoy a cozy bed with soft blankets and pillows to snuggle in.
Consider the following:
- Breed of your cat
- Cat’s personality
- Adaptability to the weather
- Age of your cat
- Size of bed that fits your cat
- Sleeping position of your cat
Prerequisites For Outdoor Beds
Having an outdoor bed for your cat is a great way to provide them with a safe and comfortable area to rest. But before you buy one, there are a few prerequisites to consider.
- Durability – an outdoor cat bed should be able to withstand various weather conditions, including wind, rain, and sunlight.
- Easy to clean – cats naturally shed hair and claws can cause damage to the bed, so it’s essential to choose a bed that’s easy to clean.
- Firm structure – the bed should have a firm structure to support your cat’s weight and protect them from the cold or damp ground.
- Ventilation – ventilation is necessary to keep the bed fresh by preventing a buildup of moisture, odors, and bacteria.
Comfort, Safety, And Weather Protection
When choosing an outdoor bed for your cat, comfort, safety, and weather protection should be at the top of your priorities.
- Comfort – the bed should be comfortable with soft bedding to provide support to your cat’s joints and muscles while they sleep.
- Safety – the bed should be sheltered, and the cat should feel secure and safe while sleeping. Choose a bed with raised edges to protect your cat from predators or rain.
- Weather protection – if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, you should consider buying a bed with a waterproof cover to keep your cat dry and safe.
Types Of Bedding For Outdoor Cats
When it comes to outdoor cats, selecting the right bedding can make all the difference between comfort and discomfort, especially during extreme temperature fluctuations. Choosing the right bedding is essential to keep your kitty healthy, safe, and happy. We’ll explore different types of bedding options that you can consider for your outdoor feline.
Straw
Straw is one of the most popular bedding choices for outdoor cats. It’s soft and provides good insulation, which keeps cats warm in winters. Here’s what you need to know about straw bedding:
- It’s affordable, and you can easily buy it from a farming or feed store.
- You can fluff it up to create warmth and insulation.
- It’s biodegradable and easy to dispose of if it becomes too soiled.
Cedar Shavings
Cedar shavings are another popular choice for outdoor cat bedding. They not only provide insulation but also serve as a natural insect repellant. Here are some benefits of cedar shavings:
- They’re easy to find at pet stores and online retailers.
- They have a pleasant smell that can keep away fleas and ticks.
- They’re comfortable and offer excellent insulation.
Hay
Hay is an affordable and readily available bedding material, especially if you have a barn or stable nearby. Here are some things to know about hay:
- It’s biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
- It’s warm and cozy, which is perfect for winter months.
- It can get damp and moldy if it’s not changed and cleaned regularly.
Old Fabric And Clothes
For those avoiding buying new bedding materials, you can consider using old fabrics, blankets, towels, and clothes. Here’s why some people prefer this option:
- It’s an excellent way to recycle old items.
- It’s soft and comfortable for cats to sleep on.
- It’s free and easily accessible.
Creative And Easy DIY Options
If you’re looking for a creative and easy DIY option for your feline friend, here are some options you can consider:
- Cardboard boxes lined with blankets or straw can keep cats warm and cozy.
- A bucket or plastic container with a hole cut out and a soft bed placed inside offers a cozy and warm shelter for outdoor cats.
- Upcycling a discarded drawer or suitcase and turning it into a comfy sleeping spot for your cat.
Finding the right bedding material for your outdoor cat is vital to ensure their comfort, health, and safety. By considering different options and choosing the best one for your furry friend, you can provide them with a cozy place to sleep and avoid potential health issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Bedding Is Best For Outdoor Cats?
Outdoor cats need bedding that will keep them warm and dry, such as cedar shavings or straw.
How Often Do I Need To Wash Outdoor Cat Bedding?
Wash bedding every two weeks and immediately if soiled to minimize smells and risk of disease.
Is It Safe To Use Heated Bedding For Outdoor Cats?
Yes, as long as it meets safety standards, and the cat can move away from it if necessary.
How Can I Keep My Cat’S Bedding From Getting Wet?
Elevate the bedding off the ground or use a waterproof cover to protect it from moisture.
How Do I Choose The Right Size Bedding For An Outdoor Cat?
Choose bedding that is at least one and a half times the size of your cat, to allow them to stretch out.
Conclusion
As outdoor cats are exposed to harsh weather conditions, choosing the best bedding for outdoor cats is crucial to ensure their comfort, health, and safety. By considering their needs and preferences, such as warmth, durability, and moisture resistance, you can select the right materials and size for their bedding.
You should regularly clean and replace their bedding to maintain hygiene and prevent pests and parasites. Don’t forget to also provide a safe and sheltered area for your outdoor cat to sleep and rest, away from hazards and predators.
With these tips in mind, you can improve your cat’s outdoor living and ensure they are happy and healthy. By taking good care of your outdoor cats, you can develop a loving and lasting relationship with them.