A cat heating pad is a small, padded device that your pet cat can rest on and which provides warmth. These pads are comfortable for cats of all ages and at all times of year, but most pets will especially enjoy them when it is cold outside. Older cats also tend to spend more time on their heating pads as compared with younger cats. There are a number of reasons why getting a heating pad for your cat may help to make him more comfortable and to ease discomfort that he feels as a result of arthritis, bone and joint issues, and other medical conditions as well.
Immune System Boost
Cats are sensitive to the cold in the same way that humans are. If your pet spends a good portion of his time outside when the weather is cold, his immune system may be weakened. This allows diseases of various types to have a better chance of affecting him during this time of year. As a result, your cat will be more likely to become sick. If your pet has a heated pad to rest on while he's indoors, however, he will be able to get adequate rest and his immune system will remain strong.
Mobility Advantages
Older cats in particular may experience stiffness during times when it is especially cold outside. Cats of all ages may be more stiff when they wake up or in the early morning. Having a heated pad available will give your pet a place to rest his legs and other parts of his body that may become stiff as well. Many vets recommend having a heated pad available to give your pet a chance to reduce his stiffness at these crucial times of day and during specific times of year.
Heating Pads Give Cats a Feeling of Security
Many cats find heated beds to be a comforting place to rest. Unlike the floor or a piece of furniture, a heated bed is naturally warm and will provide your cat with a sense of being close to a living being. To many cats, a heated bed is a substitute for a human lap or a mother cat.
Cat Heating Pads and Safety
Heated pads for cats are a good choice for your home because they are very safe and require little electrical power to use. These pads will not heat up past a cat's body temperature, meaning that the risk of their catching on fire or overheating is very small. This also means that you can safely leave a cat's heating pad turned on for extended periods of time while you leave the home without having to worry about the safety of the pad, of your cat, or of the house.
Cat heating pads are generally inexpensive and available at most pet supply stores. Be sure to buy a pad that is specifically designed for a cat, as a human heating pad will have different temperature settings and may not be appropriate for your pet.