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&amp;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.
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.
312817
It doesn't get hot like a heating pad you may have for yourself. It doesn't really seem warm at all when you feel with your hand, but if you leave your hand there a few minutes, you can feel the heat easily. My cat loves it! I also ordered another one for my 3 lb. maltese...she loves it as well. This winter was the first time I'd ever seen her stretch out and sleep, she was always curled up with her nose tucked. It's clearly doing the job and we love it. My cat sleeps on the top when it gets too warm for her, my dog just stretches out the floor.
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
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.
800313
You're probably not supposed to do so. I had a cat get a nasty burn from sleeping on a pad. However, this pad has a pretty wide range of heat settings and won't run for more that 60 minutes (easy to set for less) so it's probably pretty safe. Note that it's thicker that a typical pad and might not be as comfortable. I use mine for back pain when sitting in the sofa but have nodded off once or twice.
1754501
Yes, I have two in my den for both cats, and I simply leave them plugged in all the time. The warming feature only works when pressure is applied to the mat, so you're not wasting electricity when they're not being used...My critters love them!!
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! :)
417466
I use mine outside for feral cats and they love it. I had put some catnip on it in the beginning to attract them which worked immediately. The cat lies directly on the pad which picks up the body heat. As long as the cat lays on it it stays warm. Mine love it and also a blue one that's a bit larger from another manufacturer. It's listed on Amazon as well. It works the same way but it's a little bit bigger and plushier.
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!
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.
584519
We have 4 of these installed in outdoor "cat homes." 3 have been trouble free for 2-3 years of November-March use (NorthCentral WV climate) One pad's controls went haywire during the first heating season and literally caused the heating coils to deform (melt) the plastic The distributor in Colorado Springs replaced it since it was within warranty. (I did have to ship the defective unit back.) Haven't had any problems with the others, so I'd say "quality/longevity" might be "hit-or-miss." The cats like 'em, but you should probably not be surprised if the control circuit fails *just* after the warranty expires. We have 4 of these installed in outdoor "cat homes." 3 have been trouble free for 2-3 years of November-March use (NorthCentral WV climate) One pad's controls went haywire during the first heating season and literally caused the heating coils to deform (melt) the plastic The distributor in Colorado Springs replaced it since it was within warranty. (I did have to ship the defective unit back.) Haven't had any problems with the others, so I'd say "quality/longevity" might be "hit-or-miss." The cats like 'em, but you should probably not be surprised if the control... » Read More We have 4 of these installed in outdoor "cat homes." 3 have been trouble free for 2-3 years of November-March use (NorthCentral WV climate) One pad's controls went haywire during the first heating season and literally caused the heating coils to deform (melt) the plastic The distributor in Colorado Springs replaced it since it was within warranty. (I did have to ship the defective unit back.) Haven't had any problems with the others, so I'd say "quality/longevity" might be "hit-or-miss." The cats like 'em, but you should probably not be surprised if the control circuit fails *just* after the warranty expires. « Show Less
417177
I bought 2 4 our 5 feral cats.they want fight over it.just gotta heat the pads every few hours.they r very dual able.WalMart pads didn't last long
1677203
You can get heat reflective beds and pair them with a snuggle safe disc (microwaveable bed warmer). Also, you can line a cat house with emergency blankets -the heat reflective kind runners use post-marathon. All of these things are available on Amazon at a reasonable price ... if your kitty must stay outdoors. Even the garage would be better in that weather :)
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!
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.
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.