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 one’s 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.
Here’s 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 cat’s 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 cat’s access to the bulb’s 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. It’s 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 enclosure’s 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, it’s 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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