Why is it called "Thermo-Kitty? Is their insulation, reflective heat or what ???
1336778
No matter what the other answers say to the contrary, this is the "Unheated" model (notice to the right of the product picture...it says, "Pattern Name: Unheated"). The K&H; Pet Products Manufacturing co. makes 3 versions of this window seat: Heated, Unheated, and Bolstered (look further down on the product page under the heading "Product Description" to see that information). I'm guessing that the "Heated" version must have been the company's "flagship" model, and after the company came up with the name "Thermo-Kitty", they then identified all 3 versions (whether heated or not) by the same "Thermo-Kitty" name. By the way, the "Bolstered" model is also unheated. No matter what the other answers say to the contrary, this is the "Unheated" model (notice to the right of the product picture...it says, "Pattern Name: Unheated"). The K&H; Pet Products Manufacturing co. makes 3 versions of this window seat: Heated, Unheated, and Bolstered (look further down on the product page under the heading "Product Description" to see that information). I'm guessing that the "Heated" version must have been the company's "flagship" model, and after the company came up with the name "Thermo-Kitty", they then... » Read More No matter what the other answers say to the contrary, this is the "Unheated" model (notice to the right of the product picture...it says, "Pattern Name: Unheated"). The K&H; Pet Products Manufacturing co. makes 3 versions of this window seat: Heated, Unheated, and Bolstered (look further down on the product page under the heading "Product Description" to see that information). I'm guessing that the "Heated" version must have been the company's "flagship" model, and after the company came up with the name "Thermo-Kitty", they then identified all 3 versions (whether heated or not) by the same "Thermo-Kitty" name. By the way, the "Bolstered" model is also unheated. « Show Less
1336779
I think it has something to do with the type of fabric and there is an egg crate insulation type material underneath the cover.
417464
Kim, I can't say how warm the pads get, but they do seem to retain the cat's body heat very well. We have several of these pads around the house to protect furniture (we'd rather the cats sit on these pads then directly on a chair, etc.). Our cats love them and sleep on them all the time. However, if the feral cat and the container is outside in cool temperatures you might want to consider an electrically heated pad.
504085
Pretty similar. Reflective on one side. Red on the other. Red side may be something different. We use them to cover sound consoles to reflect the heat.
1704509
Nope, not insulated. I used Reflectix silver roll insulation (non-toxic) and attached it to the floor, walls and ceiling with Gorilla tape along the seams. It worked well for my outdoor cats, as it reflects back their own body heat. I'm not sure if a dog would chew on the insulation or not, but it's pretty rigid and the tape will hold it securely in place.
985637
The other answer is not correct. The heater pad is inflated with a little bit of air which provides some insulation between the heating element and the environment. When the cat puts it's weight on it, the cushion of air is squeezed to the side and they get more direct heat from it. So while the cat is not on it, it doesn't have to use as much electricity to maintain its temperature. These Lectro-Soft heating pads are low wattage and depending on the size, would use less energy than a 60 watt bulb. It would add only $2 to $4 per month if outside and plugged in the whole time. On a side note, it is a good idea to put a light blanket over it that is not folded up. The wrinkles from the blanket help hold the heat around the cats. Like you wouldn't just lay on top of a flat electric blanket yourself. You would be warmer if it was bunched up on the sides of you too. Plus the blanket keeps the things under it cleaner. It is easier to throw a small blanket in the washer than clean the rest of the shelter and heating pad. Straw is generally better if you expect moisture. Straw doesn't absorb water and the cats can be kept warm by it. If in a really cold environment and you have the money for it, I would recommend the Kitty Tube. Superior insulation, much more durable, small opening so less draft. Comes with choice of straw cozy pillow and optional heating pad.
2011655
I have 3 garage cats and 3 thermo blankets. I wrap each in a thick blanket to protectfrom claws and wash the blankets occasionally. I believe the manufacturer advises notto leave unattended, but check their instructions. As for safety, can you put it onsomething non flammable? Great product, cats love it. Check with the mfgr.
408513
I'm not an expert on this, but I have it literally on my countertop right now as I used it recently to bring freshly baked hot egg puffs to a potluck and they were still warm when we got there! the carrier itself is not thin and has something in there - not sure if it is officially insulated - but it is doing its job well! Hope this helps!
2266352
They are made out of what is called a thermal plastic rubber. Giving it the ability to retain high heat without melting!
716273
Well I have a heated which comes with a heat pad. I'm not sure about the non heated version. But my cat loves it very much especially in the cold. If you live where it gets cold indefinitely recommend one.
191262
It has a reflective layer inside. So any heat put out by your pet is reflected back into it, instead of into the floor. It does not generate it's own heat.
696799
It doesn't say ...the heat comes from heating up a liquid inside the radiator..I call it a radiator as that is how it works..can NOT have it near anything like furniture and curtains. It gets hot to touch, so not good around children. Says to keep 3 ft away from any cloth as danger of fire. I use it in my TV room in winter and use the timer so it goes off automatically.
887669
If I remember correctly it is a hollow foil type insulation. It is not goose down insulated. Highly compressible but great bounce back memory.
664619
yep... my poor ol kitty only weighs 8 pounds and he finds it plenty warm.. turns out you can put a pillow on top and it will warm up. so basically its the "closeness" of the cover that causes it to be warmer not the pressure of the animal.
1865263
i used to have the bulb version of this tv (was stolen, insurance check is enabling me to get this LED beauty), and it made the same noisesi always suspected it was from heat, just as David Teng is saying....once it's warm enough, it expands and creaks a biti used to find it funny because it would make the cats jump.....never really bothered me :)
934563
The unit comes with the cover shown. You heat the unit in the microwave according to the directions, then once it's warm, you cover it with the cover provided. We use these for a colony of cats that we rescued, and they work great. We've found that they stay warm for about 8 hours in really cold weather. Outside, we use straw (the same stuff gardeners use as mulch) to cover the unit, and the cats then curl up on top of the straw and the unit underneath that. It's wonderful, and the cats seem to love it.
1640255
It is a 4 watt heat source which very minimal. But yes - when place your hand toward the back of the pillow - near the electric cord you should feel a tiny warm spot. My 15 year old cat, who is always cold, happily curls up for hours in the thermo- bed. She did not seek the heating vents at all this winter so I assume that tiny heat source was all she really wanted.
1207561
Gets warm (not warm enough). With something comfortable on top of it, it barely feels warm. I am very dissatisfied with it personally. It's like a piece of cardboard with vinyl over it. Does nothing for my kitty. I'm thinking of getting a heated throw instead.