Has anyone had a feral cat who wouldn't use this heated pad? I have one that is resisting it, and prefers his other K&H microwaveable heating pad.
1747249
Are you using a cover? If so try a generous sprinkling of catnip inside the cover to make it more tempting. You don't have to buy their cover, take an old flannel shirt or old T-shirt cut to size (or a dollar's worth of fleece at a fabric store), some fabric glue around 3 sides and some sticky-back Velcro squares on the 4th side and you've got a cheap and easy cover.
1175192
I have this pad. I have it outside in a cat house. So far so good, it's been working 4 months now. I have 2 medium size male cats who sleep on it when it gets cold.
866620
I essentially did the same as K. Keiner. I traced the opening on a piece of texture 111, cut it out, and attached it with a single hinge at the middle top. We used a regular heating pad with a timer and it worked fine although our cat uses the condo during the day only so we close it at night or feral cats will taking over. Once a feral cat has used the condo a domestic cat probably wont go back in until the feral scent has been removed by washing and or replacing the blankets and pads. We found this out the hard way.
495429
I used an electric heated bed pad which was made for animals. Human heating pads can be too hot for some animals - even on low.
1877030
This pad will do what you want. As long as it is plugged in it stays on. Only uses 6 watts. It doesn't feel warm when you feel it but when the pet lays on it the heat comes from the weight of the pet laying on it. My cat only weighs 3.5 lbs and when she gets up I can feel the warmth from where she was laying...she loves it!
1591851
I think 50-degree temp is not cold enough for the cat to feel he needs shelter. I found once it got really cold, the stray outdoor cat used the cat house and even brought along his feral friend. They continued to use it after the winter.
2011651
Yes, I leave mine plugged in all day and my cat just goes and lays on it when he wants. The pad gets warm but never hot. He loves this thing in the winter!
1591848
Just give it time. 50 degrees is actually perfectly warm for a cat. They generally do not need true heat till the temps get into the 30's. I highly recommend the outlet plug that is temp controlled. Mine turns on at 40 degrees. It took my little outdoor stray (that I have had for 16 years and just refuses to come inside with the other cats) about 2 weeks to decide the house was great. But she still only goes in if the temp gets below about 38. I assume that is when she actually starts feeling cold and seeks a heat source. God Bless you for taking good care of your cat
1175193
We use the 12" x 18" pad in a "house" on the covered front porch for feral cats for 8 or 9 winters. We purchased additional pads (same size) for family cats that like to sleep in the garage in the winter. The heat is activated by the weight of the cat so you need to put a book or something on it for a few minutes to test it. Ours are all still working.
2011657
Yes - I also have a feral tom that comes into my home. He uses my pad on a window carpeted window shelf - no heat problems.
1212981
We have two shelter and have straw with the heated pad that is made for the units. They have seen two winters at temps as low as zero degrees and are still going strong. No issues at all and our Ferals love them. We will be adding two more in the next few weeks.
733427
Just wandering if you ever bought this heating pad? Does it have the auto-shutoff or not? 4 answers....2 say yes, 2 say no. I'm looking for one without an auto-shutoff. If you could let me know, it would really help. Thank you! :)
1102372
I bought the pad mainly due to a problem with litter being kicked out of the box so not sure that I can fully answer the question. Previously I had newspaper under it but one cat enjoys shredding paper. The pad is wonderful for helping to control the litter spatter. As near as I know, she has not used the pad rather than the box. This had been a problem when she was a kitten before I got multiple boxes. The pad is very sturdy so I should think it would be worth a shot. If needed, you might try an old shower curtain or vinyl cloth underneath. I love the pad for my purposes, particularly as it is in my bedroom and helps to make the box less unsightly. I bought the pad mainly due to a problem with litter being kicked out of the box so not sure that I can fully answer the question. Previously I had newspaper under it but one cat enjoys shredding paper. The pad is wonderful for helping to control the litter spatter. As near as I know, she has not used the pad rather than the box. This had been a problem when she was a kitten before I got multiple boxes. The pad is very sturdy so I should think it would be worth a shot. If needed, you might try an old shower curtain or vinyl cloth underneath. I love the pad for my purposes, particularly as... » Read More I bought the pad mainly due to a problem with litter being kicked out of the box so not sure that I can fully answer the question. Previously I had newspaper under it but one cat enjoys shredding paper. The pad is wonderful for helping to control the litter spatter. As near as I know, she has not used the pad rather than the box. This had been a problem when she was a kitten before I got multiple boxes. The pad is very sturdy so I should think it would be worth a shot. If needed, you might try an old shower curtain or vinyl cloth underneath. I love the pad for my purposes, particularly as it is in my bedroom and helps to make the box less unsightly. « Show Less
985637
The other answer is not correct. The heater pad is inflated with a little bit of air which provides some insulation between the heating element and the environment. When the cat puts it's weight on it, the cushion of air is squeezed to the side and they get more direct heat from it. So while the cat is not on it, it doesn't have to use as much electricity to maintain its temperature. These Lectro-Soft heating pads are low wattage and depending on the size, would use less energy than a 60 watt bulb. It would add only $2 to $4 per month if outside and plugged in the whole time. On a side note, it is a good idea to put a light blanket over it that is not folded up. The wrinkles from the blanket help hold the heat around the cats. Like you wouldn't just lay on top of a flat electric blanket yourself. You would be warmer if it was bunched up on the sides of you too. Plus the blanket keeps the things under it cleaner. It is easier to throw a small blanket in the washer than clean the rest of the shelter and heating pad. Straw is generally better if you expect moisture. Straw doesn't absorb water and the cats can be kept warm by it. If in a really cold environment and you have the money for it, I would recommend the Kitty Tube. Superior insulation, much more durable, small opening so less draft. Comes with choice of straw cozy pillow and optional heating pad.
1264179
I personally would not. The reason is that the rabbit loves to eat the mats and the mat only lasted at best 2 or 3 days. She had it shredded and it was everywhere for me to sweep up. Another reason is that it is a dry substance and you wouldn't want to start a fire. I am not familiar with heating pads for rabbits or other animals but I myself would not temp fate. I can tell you my rabbit had more fun ripping this apart and eating it than anything else I've given her. Hope this helps.
584518
The pad I purchased is still working (I don't remember when I got it; maybe 2 years ago). I have it outside on the porch in a small cat house, which the cat uses every day. It is only plugged in during the winter months. She seems to like it a lot.
105541
I just used K&H; self warming pad, with old small blanket I had laying around. I also had it up on my deck & had it wind block with a tarp. I made sure I had it turned out of the wind & snow could not get in. Hope this will help you :)