Your ultimate guide to keeping your pets warm during the cold snap — without the use of electricity or wires
When saving money by having the heating off at night, there are many alternative ways we can keep warm, including hot water bottles and electric blankets. But what about your pet – are they cold in the night? Welcome to the ultimate guide to the best pet-warming products on the market right now.
Ah yes, the familiar guilt starts to take over when you think about your furry friend getting chilly, especially when extreme cold warnings are in place. Is there a way to keep my pet warm during the harsh winter chill? Yes there is, and in ways you never would have expected.
There are wired products out there for your pets such as electric blankets and heaters, but there's always the anxiety over animals being near them – what if their claws catch the wire, or they overheat from the power? These are legitimate worries that we aim to tackle by recommending you non-electrical products. And there are some surprising inventions in here that work just as well as something plugged in.
The best pet-warming products for the cold weather
We’ve done the extensive research and found you the best tips, tricks and pet-warming products – suitable for small animals such as rabbits up to the biggest Newfoundland you could find.
Pet warming products for small animals
SnuggleSafe Microwave Wireless Heatpad
For your small animals and rodents, a microwave heat pad such as the Petlife one above, or this SnuggleSafe version is perfect for their enclosure. It stays warm for up to 10 hours and has a washable cover.
Shop: on Amazon for £16
Little Friends Cuddle Up Eco Igloo
Made from 100% recycled plastic, this Eco Igloo will hang from your rodent or weasel's cage and provide a safe snuggly haven. The igloo shape contains the animals own body heat to make it warm, meaning no electrics are needed here.
Shop: on Amazon for £14.99
Pet warming products for cats
Petlife Hottie Heated Pad
Microwavable, these provide a moderate heat to warm up your animals. Made from fleece fabric, the heat pad is non toxic, as well as being chew and claw resistant. Reviews note is helps elderly pets joints, and lonely puppies sleep soundly at night.
Shop: on Pets at Home for £20
Clarsen Radiator Cat Bed
If you've got the heating switched on for the evening, you might as well let your cat benefit from it as well as the human household. This particular cat bed stands out for its great price (under £10) and its faux sheepskin covering, which is beautifully soft and washable.
Shop: on Coopers of Stortford for £15.99 £9.59
Petace Self Heating Cat Bed
Self-heating beds are a popular choice for those who want to avoid using energy to keep pets heated. This particular version from Petace is labelled 'Amazon's Choice', and works by reflecting and retaining your cat’s body heat to keep warm. Double sided, it saves washing it so soon if your cat is a shedder.
Shop: on Amazon for £11.99
MOLEDINO Cat Sleeping Bag
If your cat is a bit of a nester, and partial to snoozing underneath blankets or your laundry on the floor (whoops), treat them to this adorable leaf-shaped sleeping bag. It's thick polyester filling will keep your kitty warm in cold weather, especially for Sphynx and Shorthairs.
Shop: on Amazon for £22.98
Pet warming products for dogs
Wainwright's Self Warming Double Sided Dog Blanket Navy
Another self-warming product, this time for dogs, the special layer within the blanket reflects your dog's body heat back onto them, helping them to get warm. At only £10, it's a must-have and will prepare you for any chilly night where your dog needs that extra layer when sleeping.
Shop: on Pets at Home for £10
Scruffs Snuggle Blanket Sage-Green
A perfect size for puppies or small dogs, this blanket will keep them heated without being too bulky or overwhelming. The reversible design provides a soft, plush lining for cold snuggle days and a faux suede cover for warmer days – so you're prepared for any kind of weather.
Shop: on Dunelm for £22
Paikka FIR Lined Wool Mix Winter Dog Shirt
Ideal for wearing around the house, as well as out on walks, this stylish dog coat keeps your hound warm whilst looking very stylish indeed. Fun fact: natural wool has properties unlike any man-made material, wool is warm, moisture-wicking, and antibacterial.
Shop: on Pets at Home for £59-69
Pet warming products for birds
Cosy Corner - Fleece Bird Blanket - Medium
This sweet Fleece Bird Blanket helps to reduce the effects that draughts and seasonal cold weather can have on your birds. Perfect for a snuggly corner when things get chilly, this blanket is suitable for Cockatiels, small Conures, Lovebirds, Parrotlets and Quakers.
Shop: on Parrot Essentials for £5.99
Happy Snuggle Hut for Parrots - Small
Or if you have birds that like some privacy, this hut is their new favourite haven. More than just a warm resting spot, the Happy Snuggle Hut can also act as a place for your bird to feel secure and relaxed. It is suitable for Budgies, Canaries, Finches, Lovebirds and Parrotlets.
Shop: on Parrot Essentials for £8.99
