do I put the warming pad on top of or under the straw?
911770
I wouldn't combine a warming pad AND straw...I would be concerned about fire. If you are talking about the Extreme Weather Kitty Pad with fleece cover, I have one and it is not flexible at all. My cats like it but it is made to lay on a flat floor. Since I only have 1 cat using the Kitty Tube, I have stuffed straw in about 3/4 of it. My cat crawls in and makes a nest. Since the tube is so full, it really is quite warm for him. I check the straw every few days and add more (and cat nip too) as needed.
911771
I don't have the warming pad, but if I did I would put it underneath the straw simply because that makes more sense to me and the idea would be to have them burrow into the straw for warmth and not rely on the pad for warmth. We have about 4 ferals using our kitty tube on our deck and this winter has been brutally cold with lots of snow and ice. All of them are alive and accounted for - and I attribute it mostly to this house we bought for them.
911772
sorry i didnt buy the warming pad. i just filled my kitty tube houses with the straw
911773
I think you are supposed to use one or the other of them, not both. I would worry about a fire hazard with the heating pad on top of or under the straw. You could put an old blanket over the pad to keep it clean. I just have straw in mine and they make a little nest in it.
911774
Use one or the other. Straw is recommended for feral cats, as you can easily clean it out. Unless you know that the cats you shelter are free of fleas and other parasites, you want to be able to completely clean out the shelter periodically. Parasites can burrow into the heating pad, and it's very difficult to clean out an infestation in it. Also, as someone said, there is a fire hazard with the electric warming pad being used with the straw. Personally, I got the thin reflective self-heating pad and put it on top of the straw to help my kitties stay warm. I think it's made like a space blanket, with reflective mylar inside a soft cover, to reflect the cats' own body heat back to them. It's thin, no fluffy filling, so not much for parasites to burrow into, and it's relatively inexpensive, so I can throw it away if it gets too dirty to be cleaned.
911775
I didn't buy a heating pad, so I'm not sure. I will say, the insulation and straw combined with the cat's body heat would protect from all but the most extreme cold. If you need the heating pad, I'd make sure it's one that's designed to be very safe. For example, I have an electric throw that doesn't even seem warm until you hold it against your body for a while. I'd be leery of an old-style, overtly warm pad.
911776
I don't know the answer to that because I did not buy the warming pad. If you don't use straw under or over the pad, it will be too hard for the cat. I'm sure the pad is such low voltage as to not cause a fire. You can probably find more information about it if you research "kitty tube" online.
2234248
Depend on the thermos itself. Does your current straw have a an inch between the bottom of the straw and the round flat plastic that sets on the bottom of the cap? Then no.
1569600
Mine is facing East to avoid most rain and snow; however, I think a small piece of fabric or plastic could be taped over the door. I checked mine after this week's snow and there was nothing inside the shelter. The straw was still dry. I could see where someone had been sleeping way in the back and they were definetly dry! Mine is also on the porch right next to the house.
1531581
It's open, but it's still difficult for new straw users. Playtex makes another cup that you can squeeze to assist them and it's much easier.
535013
just put your frozen item on the tray ... if you wish, warm the tray first with warm water
2049896
I found it better to put straw on top then water for the wet paper is very unstable and rips after wet. The straw makes more of a weave over the paper than mulch and helps protect the paper. Then you can easily walk over it without ripping the paper. Make sure you have straw and not hay. Plus the straw decays nicely over the winter while it can be reused on second planting of winter root crops. Hope this helps.
879464
There's a space between the grate at the top of the diffuser and the heating element. You can slide the pad right in from the side and it should rest right on top of the heating element.
1134661
I slide it over the heating elements, fits there perfectly so that's where I put it.. keeps elements cleaner.. there are edges on the plate itself that allow this to happen..
1792246
try one that is for a cup of coffee...my husband has one on his desk at his office. I was very unsatisfied with the warming tray I purchased from Amazon last Nov. It worked only one time...
585780
Yes, the padded cover over the top will allow you to position it under the bod comfortably. If you intend to lie on it more than 30 min. I would place a thin blanket between you and the heating pad. Remember, no auto shutoff so keep the setting low if you think you could fall asleep!
349386
I can't but I also bought a regular cheap pad to lay over the top plus my fitted sheet. I don't even know its there. Plenty warm. Sometimes number 2 setting gets to warm for me. I really doubt you'll be disappointed.
1987005
Be careful putting water on top. I did it but you have to make sure there's water on it all the time. Same rules as a stove apply here.
1654957
Yes, I would recommend taking out the straw and using nothing on the floor or some carpet or small blanket for extra insulation on the areas the pad does not cover. The pad comes with a soft cover so nothing more is really needed.
1092421
No! I like it put at times the straw is awkward. Very hard plastic and hard to pull up to use.
1654961
It doesn't matter if u remove the straw or not. The pad has a hard bottom and doesn't get hot
2165119
Run the wand and whisk under water just before placing in your hot milk. It will make it easier to clean afterwards.
1639633
I pour boiling water directly into the airpot to pre-heat while I prepare the tea or coffee; no problems whatsoever. I leave the straw in to make sure it is clean. It's hard to scrub the inside of a straw. The straw has become discolored over time, but it works great and keeps the beverage hot for a surprisingly long time.