How To Heat Outdoor Cat Enclosures

When heating outdoor cat enclosures, the right temperature and safety are of equal importance. Heated beds, heat lamps and under-floor heating are all options. But which ones the best for your cat?

Even with their fur, cats need temperatures greater than 35 degrees F just to avoid hypothermia and need even more warmth and comfort for optimal health. However, many cats chew electrical cords and investigate, or even snuggle up to heat sources. This is why pet-safe heating and proper installation procedures are of high importance. Heated beds, heat lamps and under-floor heating are all good choices for providing warmth in your outdoor cat netting or cattery. Heres how to heat net enclosures:

Steps
1
Provide each cat with an indoor or outdoor heated bed raised off the floor. A good weatherproof electric pet bed typically has a chew-resistant cord and thermostat to prevent overheating. Temperature should be maintained between 100 and 104 degrees F, close to the cats normal body temperature. If your cat enclosure has no power outlets within reach, make use of a microwavable heating pad. This type of heating pad can stay warm for up to 12 hours.

2
Build in a light fixture and insert a 75 to 100 watt incandescent light bulb. The fixture should be covered with a metal shield to minimize the glare and block the cats access to the bulbs hot surface. The light should be left on all night to provide moderate warmth in spring or fall.

3
Put in brooder lamps to heat outdoor cat enclosures. Brooder lamps can usually be found at feed stores and provide significant warmth in an enclosure of up to eight feet by eight feet. Its safe to leave one on all night. Usually, small chicken and pig brooder lamps cost around $10 to $20. Larger models on the other hand, appropriate for larger portable cat enclosures, go for over $100.

4
Screw in an indoor or outdoor radiant heater on the wall. In winter, electric quartz infrared heaters can handily heat outdoor cat enclosures of up to 10 feet by 10 feet. For safety reasons, pick a model that has a thermostat control, turning the heater on and off according to the enclosures temperature and oxygen levels. A typical radiant in-wall heater costs around $250.

5
You may also install an under-floor radiant heating system. Keep in mind that hot water and electric under-floor heating is contained entirely beneath the floor, with no hot objects that could harm your feline companion above ground. Although it is the most efficient source of heat, its more suitable for a professional cattery since installation will set you back several thousand dollars.

6
Light fixtures and radiant heaters should be placed where the cat cannot sleep closer than within two feet of it. Cats like to snuggle up to heat sources and may burn their fur on lamps or heaters. Protect all electrical cords with cord casings or secure them to the floors or walls by covering them lengthwise with durable electrical tape.


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