Are Cat Heating Pads Safe?
Are Cat Heating Pads Safe?
In the cold winter months, you might be looking for a way to keep your favorite feline warm — especially if you have drafty windows. Cats are sensitive to the cold just like we are, so if they’re spending extended periods of time outside, or indoor temperatures are colder than normal, their immune system can be weakened and they run a higher chance of getting sick.
Your cat might like to sit by a vent or even in the sun, but with sunshine being a rarity during the snowy season, what else can you do to keep your cat warm? One option is a cat heating pad. This is a small, cat-sized mat that sits on the floor and heats up when you plug it in. Similar to an electric blanket, these pads can give your cat a cuddly place to sit on cold days.
Cat heating pads seem like the perfect answer; a warm pad that your cat can sit on. Sounds perfect, right? However, some cat owners are concerned about safety. Are cat heating pads safe… for the most part, yes.
The Positives
Cat heating pads require little electricity, so there’s not a high risk of fire, overheating, or electrocution. Since the pads are specific to cats, most won’t get hotter than a cat’s internal body temperature and you can feel comfortable leaving them on for extended periods of time. Overall, cat heating pads are relatively safe, so you won’t have to worry about them causing damage to your cat or your home.
Cat heating pads can give your cat a sense of security by giving them a space that is similar to a lap or a warm bed. In fact, most cats will think of it in the same way and find it comforting. They can also provide an easily accessible place for older cats who might get a little stiff during the colder months.
The Negatives
Unfortunately, there are situations in which a cat heating pad might not be safe in your home, but the key to knowing whether it’s worth it essentially comes down to how well you know your cat. The cat heating pad itself isn’t likely to hurt your cat. Your cat, on the other hand, might harm themselves by tampering with the heating pad.
For example, if your cat has a habit of chewing things, they may chew through the cord or the pad and end up electrocuting or burning themselves. If they go further than chewing and actually start eating the pad, they could end up with an intestinal blockage. Inside the pad are wires that create heat, and if they’re ingested, they can wreak havoc on the insides of your cat and leave you with an enormous vet bill.
You’ll also want to make sure that the heating pad’s temperature doesn’t exceed your cat’s body temperature. If the pad is left on too long and starts to get hotter, your cat could end up with burns.
Also, since the pad is electric, it has a cord, which could lead to strangulation if you cat plays with it or gets tangled in it.
If you want to get a cat heating pad, do your research first. Make sure you get a pad that’s well reviewed and doesn’t overheat. Once you have one, keep an eye on your cat while they’re using it and avoid leaving it on overnight.