You may observe that cats usually curl up and fall asleep where they found the warmest. Even it could be sunny window sills, besides radiator or even on the laptop’s keyboard. Most cats are a fan of warm and cozy things. If you will get her Heated Cat Beds so definitely she will love it.
A heated cat bed comes in two types, self-warming or electric. Electric Heated Cat Beds acquires a heating element within it that is attached to a power cord. You just have to plug into the power and it will begin to work. The best example of this is the Heated Cat Bed Patco. Besides, a self-warming cat bed in created with a material that reflects the body of the cat and gets heated.
How to Choose a Heated Cat Bed for Your Cat?
You have to order some essential features to choose a perfect heated cat bed for your cat. Initially, look for electric or self-heated what you want and is suitable for you and your cat. Electric could be a bit risky if someone is not around and self-heated is completely okay. Also, indoor or outdoor. Before buying assess the quality and buy accordingly. The power cord is another important thing to note. It should be long enough to let you position your cat.
Apart from this, assess the size, shape, and padding of the Best heated cat beds. These all should be completely comfortable and suitable for your little mate.
Types of Heated Cat Bed
There are many options for cat owners, in terms of Heated Cat Beds. They are available in pad models, with microwave mats, electric beds, and self-healing systems as well. Let’s have a look at different types of heated cat beds.
Electrical Heated Bed
This version of a heated cat bed is available in various designs but mostly comes in a hut-like or a cup-like shape. It is a safe heated cat bed and gives your cat additional comfort as they can curl up into the bed also with high walls for a comfortable and secure sleep. Electrically heated pet beds are constructed in order to give thermal heat and therapeutic advantages and help to soothe stress and strain. The material used in it is the one which is used in mostly all the cat beds and it offers a Removable Heating Pad which is basically the main source of heat. This form of heated cat bed warms even more, as it is built on an external power supply that enables the heat to be controlled and you can turn it off when required.
Self Heating Beds
The self-heating beds are self-warming cat beds and these types of heated cat beds enjoy the benefits of the cat’s own motion as it offers a design that can capture the heat from the cat’s body and can store it to reheat the cat bed. They are using their own wiggles to keep themselves warm, which would be excellent if your cat compulsively goes over their favorite place before they consider it acceptable enough to take a nap. They are non-electric heated cat beds and these types of heated cat beds never use electric power, and they’re secure for your kitty to use even if you’re out for work, and they’re still functional when the electricity goes out in the middle of a snowstorm.
Pressure-sensitive Heating Pad
Pressure-sensitive heating pad for cats is ideal for cat owners who tend to leave the blanket constantly on the floor. Most of the pressure-sensitive heating pads offer heating power of 6 watts, but the temperature rises instantly when your kitty comes on the pad, making it the perfect heat pad for cats who are alone at home throughout the day. The device used for the heating purpose is detachable, so it can be easily removed for the purpose of cleaning.
Best Heated Cat Beds 2021 Comparison Table
There are many Heated Cat Beds available in the market. But we have reviewed some of the best ones to make things easy for you.
Cat Heating Pad
There are several cat heating pads available. Mentioning some of the best below
1. ThePure Enrichment Pressure Sensitive Cat Heating Pad
It is a fast-heating heating pad for cramps and back pain. It has an LCD controller on it by using that you can select the heat level it has 6 temperature settings like warm, low, medium warm, medium, medium-high, and high. The pad is made up of polyester and the top of the pad is of micro mink. For safety, the heating pad auto shuts off after 2 hours.
2. K&H Pet Products Thermo Kitty Heated Pet Mat
Instead of being disturbed again and again by your cat at night while sleeping, this is a good option for you if the cat will have a nice place of its own to sleep so it won’t disturb you. When the cat lies on this heating pad it gets warm. It is very affordable and is available in two colours. The heating pad is not really so hot or cold. It is moderate hot so it keeps your pet warm as the cat lies it can feel the warmth and comfort. You can remove the mat cover and can wash it when needed.
3. Pet Magasin Thermal Self Heated Bed
This option is best for your precious pet. It is very cozy and comfortable plus its size is really big if you have two small cats this one will be enough for both cats. Pet Magasin Thermal gives then heat and keeps your cat warm. this Pet Magasin Thermal has a rubberized bottom which prevents the mats from slipping. Its top is velvety and it has springy foam in it which is super soft and hypoallergenic. One pack has two pads one is small and one is big. The product comes with a 2-year warranty.
4. Milliard Thermal Cat Mat
Searching for a heating pad for your cat than this one is really good and affordable. It is in blue color and is washable. It is the ultra-soft and perfect bed for your pet. Milliard Thermal reflects on your pet’s body temperature and without any electricity keeps your pet warm in cold weather. Milliard Thermalhas a hangtag on it so you can hang it when not using it. This Milliard Thermal has no safety concerns or high maintenance issues you can just wash it in your washing machine. Milliard Thermal is made up of high-quality durable materials.
5. Thermal Cat Warming Bed Mat
It is a leopard print with no electricity heating pad. Thermal Cat has a thermal core in it when the pet lies on it and touches the thermal core your pet will feel the warmth. the Thermal Cat is super cozy and comfortable. It has a leopard print with a loop on it which is used to hang the heating pad when not using or after washing for drying. Thermal Cat is really easy to wash just through it in your washing machine. This is highly recommended for pets recovering from injuries or illnesses.
6. Electric Heating Pad for Dogs Indoor Warming
Keeping a pet is indeed a difficult job, especially in the winter season when the weather is cold and you can’t let your pet sit near a bonfire or heater. So, here is the best solution: Electric Heating Pad for pets. It’s kind of a soft warm pillow which has a monitor with it. This heating pad helps your pet to keep its body warm. It is very helpful for baby pets, injured pets, pregnant pets, or pets that are not familiar with the cold atmosphere. The heating pad is water-resistant and can easily be washed. It has a temperature control monitor for the user’s convenience.
7. K&h Pet Products Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Bed
If you are looking for an outdoor+indoor heated bed for your pets then K&H has the best-heated pads for your pets. This Lectro-soft heated bed is modern, comfortable, portable, washable, and super soft; your pet can’t distinguish whether he is outside or inside the house. It is best for places like basements, garages, or terraces. It is an ultra heating technology that works fast.
8. K&H Pet Products Thermo Heated Mat For Cats
Every pet owner wants the best for their pets. And if you are looking for a heating pad to save your pet from cold than you should order this Thermo heated mat. It is really affordable and comes with a year’s warranty. As the pet lies on it, it becomes warm and gives your pet a cozy and homey feeling. It is available in different sizes and it is washable. It is a dual thermostat which is under the soft foam. This helps your pet feel comfy in cold weather.
9. Furhaven Pet Are Heating Pads Safe For Cats
It is one the one Best Heated Cat Beds. It works without electricity it is a self-warming pad. When the pet lies on it provides the pet naturally warmth which helps your pet rest best. It is triple-layered which comforts your pet. You can keep the pad on the floor, a sofa in a cat’s basket, or in pet carriers. Some pets are so curious and start playing with cords of the heating pad which can be really dangerous so this one has no cords any worry.
10. Fairhaven Pet Bed Self Warming Cat Bed
Instead of Electric Heated Cat Beds here is one option of Best Heated Cat Beds, as electric cords need so much care if your cat is the curious one. Fairhaven doesn’t even need too much time to clean it you can just wipe or you can also was its cover in the washing machine. You can keep it under your pet as the bed sheet or on your pet as a blanket it provides your pet warm and cozy environment. Fairhaven is so light and portable you can take it with when traveling with your pet carriers.
11. Wangstar X-Large Pet Heating Pad
This is a heating pad for your cat or dog. With a heating pad, there is a blanket for your pet also. The size of the heating pad and blanket is large so it is good for small and big cats or dogs both. You have to plug in to heat the pad. For cleaning, you can just easily wipe and it will be clean as new. There is a really beautiful claw printed the same as the Best heated cat beds for your pet.
12. Marunda Pet Heating Pad Cat Electric Heated Cat Bed
For all size cats and dogs, this heating pad is a really good option. Normally people having large dogs face problems in finding heating pads but it is Best Large Dog beds for the winter season. It has really good quality. You just have to plug in no need for temperature adjustment. It has a dual-core automatic thermostat that heats your pet in the best and comfortable temperature range.
13. Marunda Thermal Cat Self Heating Cat Pad
For all the chilly nights in which your pets suffer it is the best option. Marunda is a thermal self-heating cat pad. Whether your pet is a cat or dog it is good for both because it is large in size. These mats are ultra-soft and comfortable, a really cozy place for your pet. It works without electricity. Marunda has an inner thermal layer which reflects your pet’s body temperature and keeps your pet warm.
14. Marunda Pet Heating Pad Microwavable Cat Heating Pad
Provide your pet with a warm and comfortable place to sleep and lay in the winter season. Very use to use a heating pad. Because of its inner dual-core, the automatic thermostat sets the heat and temperature according to the pet’s comfort level. Marunda has three lays protection. It has a dual resistant cord that protects the pet from chews. It has really cool temperature control. Marunda is also waterproof so you can clean it easily. It heats your pet and provides a cozy environment with your pet will love it.
15. Marunda Pet Heating Pad Best Cat Heating Pad
For heating your pets and providing them with a warm and cozy in the winter season you should choose the best heating pad. So here is one of a really good heating pad that works with electricity. It doesn’t have a thermostat it reflects your pet’s body temperature and provides heat with the pet heat according to the pet’s comfort level. It is made up of PVC material so you can clean it easily; you just wipe everything off it.
16. Pet Heating Pad Indoor Pet Electric Blanket
It is an electric blanket for your cat. It is a really good thing for injured or pregnant cats it will comfort them. Pet Heating helps the pet to keep their body warm and also to relieve their pain. Pet Heating has a special system that the blanket automatically turns off at 109°F and again turns on when the temperature falls at 96°F. You can use it as a blanket for your cat in chilly nights and even you can use it as a bedsheet it will be a warm and cozy place that your pet will love and will be addicted to.
17. Nicrew Pet Heating Pad Outdoor Cat Heating Pad
It is really easy to use a heating pad. it has an internal thermostat that works according to the pet’s body temperature. Nicrew has a fleece cover on it and the cover is removable so you can easily remove the cover and can wash it. this Nicrew works with electricity it has a 5ft long cord there is no danger because the cord is steel covered. The material of the cover of the pad is ultra-soft and cozy. Nicrew is good for young, old, injured, and pregnant cats.
18.Waterproof Pet Heat Pad
The ultimate waterproof pet heat pad is the latest soft, warm, and comfortable bed soft of large pad your pet. It is specially designed for providing heat in the chilly season to make your pet’s body snug and cozy. Since it is water-resistant so you can be carefree when to leave your pet home alone. Waterproof has a special cord cover so it is also chew-resistant. It is also very easy to clean all you just need is a wet towel. Waterproof is best for any kind of pets to keep them healthy and comfortable during winter.
Heated Cat Beds
There are plenty of heated cat beds available. Here listing down some of the best.
1. K&h Heated Cat Bed Thermo Kitty
K&H has introduced the thick, super soft, orthopedic foam base heated cat bed. It is more than anything for cat lovers. Its special formation keeps your pet’s body warm and cozy. It is the best product for injured, sick, and pregnant cats. K&H is easily washable all you have to do is unzip the zipper and wash the fleece in an ordinary machine. K&H also has a separate pillow and fleece with it.
It is indeed the best product to make your cat feel secure and warm.
2. KH Lectro Soft Heated Cute Cat Beds
For keeping your pets warm in the winter season is a really good and reliable option. It has orthopedic foam which is really soft and comfortable. It is good for both indoor and outdoor use. K&H is waterproof and has a 5.5ft long cord and the cord is steel wrapped. It works with electricity and is electricity efficient. K&H is covered with super soft fleece which is removable, you can remove the fleece and you can wash it.
3. K&H Manufacturing Electric Heated Cat Bed
This cat heated bed acquires soft walls made from foam that increases the comfort of cats. This is an electric cat bed that is controlled thermostatically for responding to the temperature changes to warm the body of the cats automatically. K&H has a removable cover for washing. K&H is low in wattage, just have 4 watts. Best heated cat beds are tested and approved by MET labs.
4. K&H Pet Products Thermo Kitty Heated Bed
This cat bed resembles the Heated Cat Bed Petco. It is comfortable for all seasons. It has soft and cozy foam walls that let the cat cuddle around. Its heater uses only 4 watts. K&H warms the pet body up only when your cat is in. it is recommended to use indoor. It features 5.5 inches of electrical cord. K&H has a removable heater that makes its cleaning easier.
5. K&H Pet Products Pet Bed
It is the best cat heating pad for indoor use. K&H is automatic to control the temperature changes to warm the body of your pet. K&H features in orthopedic foam in its sleeping surface along with a plush bolster that makes the cat more comfortable. K&H is low in wattage. It is tested and approved by met labs. K&H is recommended by experts for usage.
6. K&H Pet Bed Warmer Place Pet Bed
This K&h Pet bed warmer is able to give comfort and coziness to any of the indoor pet bed. You can place it anywhere virtual to the pet bed. K&H is quite easy to use. All you need to do is to plug it in. K&H could become the most favorite place for your pet to take a nap. This pet product is also approved by MET. However, it is recommended for indoor use only. K&H simply means that it should only get used at normal room temperature.
7. Kh Lectro Soft Heated Pet Bed
This pet bed features in soft and orthopedic bed. KhLectro Soft is an award-winning pet bed and in use for about 30 years now. It is usable in indoor and outdoor both. KhLectro Soft acquires orthopedic foam. Its outer part is made from softer, durable, and waterproof PVC material. This gives the owner the flexibility to place it anywhere. KhLectro Soft acquires the 5.5-foot cord that is wrapped with steel. This assures the safety and security of your pet.
8. Amazonbasics 20 Indoor Heated Cat Beds
This bed is a good option for cats and small size dogs. It is round in shape that facilitates your little mate with warmness and good sleeping space. Amazonbasics could be like Heated Cat Bed Petsmart. It is light in weight and you can place it anywhere you want. Amazonbasicsis good to place in your living room, bedroom, office or any other place you like. Amazonbasics is also great in a kennel or crate.
9. K&H Pet Products Heated Cat Bed Petsmart
This mod dream pod cat bed gets zipped with each other to result in a unique cat bed. K&H comes in huge size, so recommendable for all size cats. It also facilitates the cats with privacy that would praiseworthy. K&H has a larger opening that makes the entry and exit fun and easy. You can get it in heated and unheated styles both.
10. K & H Thermo Snuggly Sleeper Dog Bed
Most of the cats and dogs love cuddling beds. In regard to this, they love heated beds. This Thermo snuggly sleeper acquires both of the two features and results in one luxury bed. It has 6 watts of the removable heater. It is an ultimate heating comfort for cats and dogs. K & H thermostat heater warms the body temperature of pets when it is in use. Its walls are 5 inches high and 2 inches thick to make your pet feel secure. K & H exterior cover is washable in machine and the pillow surface too.
11. Warming Kitty Kitten Puppy Small Dog Bed
This pet bed features in soft plush leopard design on its one side. It can easily get washed in the machine and it is reversible too. Warming Kitty size is 22 inches long and it is 19 inches wide. Its paddling has interior insulating foam cushion. Warming Kitty foam cushion will facilitate your pet with ultimate comfort.
12. Aleko Ph Bed17s Electric Heated Cat Beds
This cat bed can spoil your beloved! It is like this because of its ultimate level of comfort. This is loved by pets to have a comfortable personal spot. Its inside electric heating feature will make facilitate your pet with warmth and coziness. It has a 6-foot long cord that is not chewable. Its thermostat is able to work automatically to alter the temperature of a pet.
Features to Consider in Heated Cat Beds
Electric or Self Heated
Although some of the beds are heated using an integrated electrical heating design, some have self-heating functionality that reflects your pet’s heat. Undoubtedly, electrical heating beds perform much better than self-heating beds. So if you feel uncomfortable leaving your cat at home with an electrical plug-in pad, it is safer to use self-heating beds.
Indoor or Outdoor
Although many cat owners are buying a heated bed for indoor use in their cat’s favourite place, others may want one for open-air use. Domestic cats also have their favourite places in the garden, so you might be planning on giving them an outdoor heated cat bed to keep them warm even during the winter season. If this is the situation then it will be ideal for you to purchase a self-heating cat bed. You can go for a plug-in option or the self-heating design as well if you just need to use the bed indoors.
Pressure Sensitive Heating Pad or Heating Bed
You may assume all of them work with electricity but this is not true. Some of the plugin and use wires for working, while others use different techniques. So it is very important to first find out which technology is being used in the bed to make it warm. In the pressure-sensitive pet heating pad, the bed only gets warmer when the cat lies on the bed whereas in heating beds the beds get heated once the power is turned on.
Open Heated Cat Beds or Closed Heated Cat Beds
Cats love to pound themselves because of their own enjoyment, and covered cat beds allow the cats to get all the pleasure even when they lie down. The covered cat bed maintains the warm temperature, and if you want a cat bed that will stay warm all the time then covered cat beds are the one for your cat. Whereas open heated cat beds offer more ventilation and are ideal for the cats that get overheated easily.
Comfortable
One of the most comfortable cat beds that you will have at any time will be a heated one. If your cat has arthritis, muscle pain, or similar health issues then a heated cat bed is a treat for your cat. Different cat beds use different technologies to provide comfort, so choose the one that is ideal for your cat.
Wash Ability
It is best to go for a heating bed that facilitates easy washing. There are cat beds that must be washed out by hand and also others that can be easily washed in the machine. Most heated beds offer removable covers, which can be conveniently placed in the washing machine for washing.
Size
If you own a cat of a bigger breed then a large heated cat bed will be ideal for you. Whereas, if you have a kitten or a cat that is smaller in size then don’t choose a bed that is large in size because your cat will not feel comfortable in it. Consider the size of a heated cat bed before buying one.
Material
Always check the material that is used in the making of a heated cat bed, because the resilience and comfort level of the bed primarily depends on the materials used. The bed should be durable and should offer comfort as well. The fabric used should be safe for the cat such as polyester.
Heated Beds We Recommend
1. K&H Pet Products Outdoor Heated Kitty House
Your pet cat will love to play in K&H Outdoor Heated Kitty house. It is a water-proof heated cat house, and is built using 600 denier nylon and offers vinyl backing. It has two doors and a water-resistant zipped roof to keep your cat warm and dry in the rainy and winter season. It also has a K&H Lectro-Soft bed that is highly durable and comfortable. Its fuzzy fastener-style makes it very easy to install and comes with detailed instructions manual.
2. Sheri Novetly Pet Huts Self Heating Cat Bed
Sheri Novetly Pet Huts Bed includes a useful and elegant design and the outer layer is made of breathable suede fabric and the inside is made using incredibly soft PV fleece. The ideal cave-like shape cat bed gives your precious pet protection, comfort, and peace. The outside shell is made using premium foam material which is resistant to shape but versatile enough to make transportation and storage easier. This heated cat bet is the best-heated cat bed for the cats of older age and the ones that are pregnant because it offers extra comfort and privacy.
3. AmazonBasics Warming Washable Heated Cat and Dog Bed
AmazonBasics Warming Heated Cat and dog bed offer reversible design and a detachable pillow that is durable and will provide your pet with comfort and can also withstand any weather condition. The one side of the bed is made using highly soft and smooth microfiber fleece. Whereas, the other side offers smooth, water-proof oxford that keeps the bed cooler for your cat in the summer season as well. The soft heated outdoor pet mat facilitates easy cleaning because the pillow and cushions can be easily removed.
4. K&H Pet Products Cat Window Heated Hanging Bed
K&H Pet Products Cat Window Heated Hanging Bed provides your cat with an elevated top where she can relax after playing or can take a nap. Cats like to be high above the ground, and this robust heated cat bed makes the ideal perch. It can accommodate up to 40 pounds and is 14 inches by 24 inches tall. The installation process is very easy, and there are screws to mount the bed firmly on your window sill. It contains a smooth, machine-washable faux fleece fur cover as well as thick, comfortable orthopedic foam for your beloved pet. The durable design of this heated hanging bed is made while keeping in mind the health and safety of your cat.
5. Multi Kitty Frame Outdoor Electric Heated House
The outdoor electric heated cat bed is the best option for keeping your cat warm even in the harsh winter season. Multi Kitty Frame Outdoor Electric heated house offers a 40-watt energy source and MET secure heating bed so your cat can stay cozy and can sleep comfortably even when the temperature is below minus. It also includes two exits so your cat will be protected from cold breeze in winters. It is suitable for the domestic cats that love to stay in the garden or backyard.
How to Use Heated Cat Beds?
Using Heated Cat Beds is not quite tricky or difficult. Only you have to be careful about your pet. You have to take care of the heating pad and not let the pet get the increased temperature. Of course, it will not be good. You also have to keep an eye on the cord as pets can chew it so get chew resistant cord. Electric cat beds need additional care while self-warming cat beds are completely safe and secure in any way you want.
You also have to care about the feeding and waste of your pet. In this regard, it is recommended to get one of the Best Automatic Cat Feeder, so your cat will get fed automatically without much of your help. You can also get one of the Top Cat Litter Boxes and Pans so your cat will easily dispose of the waste and things come back to its bed.
Criteria Used to Evaluate Heated Cat Beds
Before buying you will definitely assess the heated bed you want to get. So for this, there are criteria that make your evaluation easy. Mentioning some of those points below so you can evaluate the heated cat bed easily,
Self Heated or Electric
Both of the heated cat beds are great. But electric ones needed some extra care as it can be a bit hazardous when you are not around. Besides, self-heated are entirely safe and simple to use whenever you and your cat wants.
Indoor or Outdoor Use
Evaluate if you are getting for indoor use or outdoor. Mostly cat beds are for indoor usage so must get to know about it and buy according to your need. You have to get a much warmer bed if you have to use outdoor.
Power Cord
Observe the power cord, it should be enough length to position your pet in any suitable place. Get the bed that does not need an extension lead for the power cord. Moreover, evaluate that it is not chewable because pets can easily chew the cord.
Thermostat
The thermostat should always be internal and automatic to change the temperature in accordance with the pet. It should be like that gives you assurance about the safety of your pet. You can get a model that allows you to alter the temperature.
Size and Shape
There are varied shapes and sizes available for cat beds. You have to get the size and shape in a way your cat sleeps and sits. It should be big enough so the cat can cuddle around.
Conclusion
Best Heated Cat Beds are something quite beneficial and comforting for your cat. It will keep your pet warm and cozy and this is something most demanded by cats. There are quite a big number or heated cat beds available in the market. But still, you are needed to assess properly which one is most appropriate for your cat. All the above-mentioned cat beds are recommended, so you can select anyone from them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Cats Like Heated Beds?
It’s much simpler for a cat to remain warm and comfortable thanks to the fluffy fur they’re relying on to store heat in their parts of the body. But, sadly there are many pet cats that cannot withstand the extreme winter season and suffer from frostbite, winter sickness, and hypothermia. Most of the cats prefer to snuggle up at a cozy spot and will love their heated bed. Heating beds also give cats a feeling of well-being and pleasure, so as they grow older, those very same heat-seeking cells gain strength and are the instinctive power that directs your cat towards the heat.
Are Heating Beds Safe for Cats?
Heating beds are surely safe for your beloved cat because the temperature of the bed can be easily maintained. However, several heated cat beds offer an internal thermometer, so you can see the exact temperature. But it is very important to read the instructions carefully that are mentioned on the bed. For example, many heated cat beds don’t allow the use of extra extension cords. It is because the extra extension cord cannot withstand the electricity required by the heated beds and this could end up in a spark or the cords can even get burned. So overall it is extremely safe to buy a heating bed for your cat but to follow the safety regulations is a must part.
Can i Wash a Heated Cat Bed?
It depends on the type of bed bought, and it is crucial to follow the respective instruction manuals. The manual will have all the information that you need to know about cleaning your cat’s heating bed. But mostly heating beds offer detachable covers to facilitate the easy cleaning process. But it should be kept in mind that the heating pad should never be washed only the cover can be washed.
Can You Use the Bed Indoors, Outdoors or Both?
There are many cat beds that keep the cat beds extremely warm and can be placed in the garden even in the extreme winter season. Whereas, many cat beds are able to maintain the temperature of the bed so if placed inside the house the temperature will not get too warm for your cat. If you are looking for a heating bed that can be used both in indoor place and outdoor place then choose a one that has an integrated temperature thermometer so you can maintain the temperature and make sure it is water-proof as well.
What Type of Bed Do You Need?
Cats love their own place for curling up but every cat has its own preferences. Many cats want a fluffy mat where they can relax and play but some cats want a bed to relax and to get themselves warm in the winter season. The best part is that in the case of heated cat beds there are many choices available. Consider what your cat needs, where the bed is going to be placed, whether your cat will like a covered or an uncovered bed. By keeping in mind all these options find a suitable cat bed for your feline friend.