How do you get a feral cat use to the heated pad? The cat I'm trying to use it likes the flannel blankets next to it but, will not ly on the pad
473582
We have 3 of the K&H outdoor houses (with the heating pads) and we started by putting their cat treats in them. Once they figured it was warmer in the house they have used them every night. We think you might want to put the blanket on the heating pad since they are used to that. You might also try the cat treat thing since they could feel the warmth on their feet they decided that was a good thing. We hope that helps!
473583
Dear Serendipity...You might want to try some catnip and sprinkle some on the cover. I had the same problem with a few ferals and it took a few times but eventually they all laid on it. It also helps when the temp's get really cold. They can sense the warmth!
473584
serendipity: Well. We built a kind of cat house for the feral cats that came to us. It is insulated. We live in the mountains, so it snows here. There is a shelf inside the house where the heat pad sits. They seem to use this cat condo when it snows, mostly. Also, covered porch area with a love seat, with blankets and tarp, with heated lap blanket. Cats are creatures of comfort. It is likely the cat will use the heat pad when it gets cold. I know you are worried the cat will suffer the cold, but it seems to me you are doing the best you can to help a fellow creature.
473585
We have 3 of the K&H; outdoor houses (with the heating pads) and we started by putting their cat treats in them. Once they figured it was warmer in the house they have used them every night. We think you might want to put the blanket on the heating pad since they are used to that. You might also try the cat treat thing since they could feel the warmth on their feet they decided that was a good thing. We hope that helps!
473586
Some people warn against placing anything on the heat pad other than the cover that is designed for it. They think that doing so can cause the pad to overheat and fail.
867069
I'm not sure anyone could answer this question in reality. My bill is different every month. Our weather varies every month. I could tell no difference. It doesn't not get as warm as a heating pad. You can put a timer if you only want to used it at night. It couldn't cost anymore than a night light I would say. It depends on how badly you want your cat to stay warm in extreme cold. It was worth whatever it cost to keep my cat from being without ANY warmth when it was 8degrees in his shed. He LOVES it. I have it over a year and I would order another one right now if I needed to. But it has worked great now almost through 2 winters. Hope this helps. I'm not sure anyone could answer this question in reality. My bill is different every month. Our weather varies every month. I could tell no difference. It doesn't not get as warm as a heating pad. You can put a timer if you only want to used it at night. It couldn't cost anymore than a night light I would say. It depends on how badly you want your cat to stay warm in extreme cold. It was worth whatever it cost to keep my cat from being without ANY warmth when it was 8degrees in his shed. He LOVES it. I have it over a year and I would order another one right now if I needed to. But it has... » Read More I'm not sure anyone could answer this question in reality. My bill is different every month. Our weather varies every month. I could tell no difference. It doesn't not get as warm as a heating pad. You can put a timer if you only want to used it at night. It couldn't cost anymore than a night light I would say. It depends on how badly you want your cat to stay warm in extreme cold. It was worth whatever it cost to keep my cat from being without ANY warmth when it was 8degrees in his shed. He LOVES it. I have it over a year and I would order another one right now if I needed to. But it has worked great now almost through 2 winters. Hope this helps. « Show Less
1569596
I have to place my shelters in a very wooded area. I have a camoflauge and a dark green tarp over them and it is staked down with bricks (bought at home depot). With wind/snow/rain etc. the tarp has stayed on. I have two cats who will use it while the third feral will not but I'm happy at least someone is using it! I have the bottom lined with mylar and then it is filled with straw and they burrow in to the straw. I tried to put the awning on and it keeps falling off. I'll have to do that when the weather is warmer again but I have the entrance covered with the tarp so they have to go under the tarp to get in. We've had below zero temps this month in WI and I'm glad they have some type of shelter. I have to place my shelters in a very wooded area. I have a camoflauge and a dark green tarp over them and it is staked down with bricks (bought at home depot). With wind/snow/rain etc. the tarp has stayed on. I have two cats who will use it while the third feral will not but I'm happy at least someone is using it! I have the bottom lined with mylar and then it is filled with straw and they burrow in to the straw. I tried to put the awning on and it keeps falling off. I'll have to do that when the weather is warmer again but I have the entrance covered with the tarp so they have to go under... » Read More I have to place my shelters in a very wooded area. I have a camoflauge and a dark green tarp over them and it is staked down with bricks (bought at home depot). With wind/snow/rain etc. the tarp has stayed on. I have two cats who will use it while the third feral will not but I'm happy at least someone is using it! I have the bottom lined with mylar and then it is filled with straw and they burrow in to the straw. I tried to put the awning on and it keeps falling off. I'll have to do that when the weather is warmer again but I have the entrance covered with the tarp so they have to go under the tarp to get in. We've had below zero temps this month in WI and I'm glad they have some type of shelter. « Show Less
1260963
I used it inside but plugged in all the time cause my little kitty was very old. It does not get very hot, so it was just enough warmth for inside. I would think it might not get hot enough for outside, but if it is in a covered box, maybe it would work. I lost my little cat, 21 years old, this February, but I kept the pad for another day because I liked it so much.
1763729
The only thing about outdoor pads is they can't be run off of extension cords. They have to be plugged directly into the outlet to stay safe. Because my cat barn is out in the field, I take a brick that has been in the fireplace and got hot, wrap it in a towel and put it inside to help create heat for the kitty. I tried putting the snuggledisc inside but it won't fit through the door.
495432
You are doing it correct , keep it on low, if it's really cold like below 30 then put on medium, works great , my cats love it. good luck , and hope your hedgehogs have a warm winter.just make sure it is a heat pad that stays on and not cycle off. or will do no good if it goes off after 2 hours.Frank
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.
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.
1683349
I would think you would have to place it on top of the air mattress. The pet has to put body pressure on the heated pad to get the most body warmth from it. When I got it to test it out I laid a weighted object on it to simulate body weight pressure and plugged it up. You can feel the warmth from pad. I use it in an outdoor house for my cat. She stays nice and warm. But she lays directly on it. The cord is covered in a way to protect the pet from chewing it and getting injured.
852512
I think it is only supposed to heat when the cat is on it. But I noticed when I plugged it in this fall that is seemed warm without the cat.The cat seems to like it and stayed outside all last year. (Pacific Northwest) on covered porch.G McM
215195
Yes, have 4 in use on the Extreme Weather Kitty Pads and our feral cats love them. Initially they did have the elastic bands but newer ones are held in place with zippers. Easy to go on and off, to launder, and stay warm. I can use them sometimes for 2 years, but most generally replace them every year. Cheap investment for peace of mind.
2110508
That problem hasn't occurred yet. I am stuck with this blanket for the rest of the winter and have nothing good to say about it. It isn't something you can't cuddle with as it's stiff, material resembles felt and and tends to tear. If my cats walk on it it tearsNo auto shut off. Irregular heating on chosen temp. I hate it!! I will be sure to check reviews more carefully.
930414
Our outdoor cats love this heated pad. It gets warm from their weight. You do not want it too warm because it will burn your pet. Who is sitting on the pad? It is meant for animals, not humans. I hope this helps answer your question.
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.
1677201
Both my cats and the cat cave are inside. If u r trying to help stray cats which I do I have an outside cat house with a heated pad inside. U can find them online. I think Groupon goods had one recently
1615637
Try rubbing some cat nip on it? Mine took a few days to warm up to it. At first she wanted nothing to do with it lol.
339696
I put mine in a slumber ball from Drs Foster & Smith and the warmer is longer than the bed. I had no problems curling up the ends. To be honest it's kind of nice because it ends up enveloping my cats in warmth. The pad is very flexible.