A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2023
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Best Overall
The Green Pet Shop Cool Mat
Best overall
Pressure-activated
Long cooling period
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Best Value
NACOCO Pet Cooling Mat
Best value
Cats love it
Easy to use
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Premium Choice
CoolerDog Hydro Cooling Mat
Non-toxic
Three layers
Can change size
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Furhaven Orthopedic Cooling Mat
Not just a mat, but a bed
Soft
Helps with body alignment
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Dogbed4less Premium Cooling Mat
Super large
Good for multiple cats
Usable in hot and cold temps
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The 10 Best Cat Cooling Pads & Mats
The overall best cooling pad, by far, is The Green Pet Shop Pressure-Activated Gel Cooling Mat. This cooling mat requires no refrigeration, water, or electricity as it’s pressure activated. It provides around 3 hours of cooling, plus the gel formula recharges after approximately 20 minutes of non-use. That means if your cat walks away and comes back later, it’ll be nice and cool all over again! Not only does this mat provide relief from overheating, but it also provides relief for joint and muscle pain.
Dimensions 30 x 20 x 0.25 in
Weight 4.06 lbs
Material Gel
Color Green
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This mat is foldable and lightweight, and it’s simple to clean — all you need is a damp cloth. You can pick from several sizes, from extra small to extra-large, so you’ll be sure to find one suitable for your pet. One important item to note is not to place the mat in direct sunlight because it will affect how well it works.
Pros
Best overall
Pressure-activated
Long cooling period
Cons
Not suitable for pets who chew
Complaints of mat shrinking after storage
Looking for a simple cooling mat that’s not too expensive? Then this mat by NACOCO Pet Cooling Mat is the best value! It’s incredibly inexpensive and made of materials that are durable as well as breathable. Clean-up is super easy — just toss it in the wash or wash it by hand. Most pet owners who use this mat recommend air drying rather than sticking in a dryer, though, so keep that in mind.
Best overall
Pressure-activated
Long cooling period
- Best overall
- Pressure-activated
- Long cooling period
Not suitable for pets who chew
Complaints of mat shrinking after storage
- Not suitable for pets who chew
- Complaints of mat shrinking after storage
Dimensions 3 x 11.9 x 2.8 in
Weight 9.59 oz
Material Nylon, fabric
Color Blue, yellow, pink
This mat doesn’t require freezing or electricity. It helps to cool your pet down via jade crystal on the inside that absorbs body heat.
Pros
Best value
Cats love it
Easy to use
Cons
Thin
Some people hated the pattern design
If your cat prefers premium products, then the CoolerDog Hydro Cooling Mat is the mat for you! Don’t let the name of this mat fool you — this mat is suitable for cats and other pets as well. It consists of three layers: a waterbed cushion, a layer of insulation, and a FlexiFreeze Ice Sheet. The cushion distributes the heat and makes the cat cooling bed comfier for your cat. The Ice Sheet comprises 88 refreezable cubes that keep your pet cool, while the insulation repels heat. Have more than one cat? These mats are designed so you can snap multiple ones together.
Best value
Cats love it
Easy to use
- Best value
- Cats love it
- Easy to use
Thin
Some people hated the pattern design
- Thin
- Some people hated the pattern design
Dimensions 5 x 11.5 x 3.5 in
Weight 6.5 lbs
Material Plastic
Color Blue
The CoolerDog mat is non-toxic and approved by vets.
Pros
Non-toxic
Three layers
Can change size
Cons
Complaints of the mat leaking
- Furhaven Orthopedic Gel & Memory Foam Cooling Cat Bed
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Dimensions 20 x 15 x 5.5 in
Weight 1.39 lbs
Material Polyester, fleece, suede, gel foam
Color Printed suede titanium
The Furhaven Orthopedic, Cooling Gel, and Memory Foam Pet Bed is fancier than many others in that it’s designed as a chaise lounge, making it more of an actual cat cooling bed. Don’t worry, though, as it still will cool your pet down with its memory foam top infused with a cooling gel. The memory foam provides ultra comfort while also helping to keep your pet’s body in the proper alignment. The top is made of quilted fleece, and the rest is suede, making this product gentle on paws; plus, the cover is removable and easy to clean.
Non-toxic
Three layers
Can change size
- Non-toxic
- Three layers
- Can change size
Complaints of the mat leaking
- Complaints of the mat leaking
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Dimensions 20 x 15 x 5.5 in
Weight 1.39 lbs
Material Polyester, fleece, suede, gel foam
Color Printed suede titanium
If for some reason, this product arrives with defective material, there’s a limited 90-day warranty. There’s also a 60-day Worry-Free program for which the product may qualify.
Pros
Not just a mat, but a bed
Soft
Helps with body alignment
Cons
Complaints of cover being thin
Not the best for pets who like to chew
- Dogbed4less Premium Gel-Infused Memory Foam Pet Mat
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Dimensions 42 x 28 x 1.2 in
Weight 3.9 lbs
Material Fleece, fabric
Color Brown, beige
Does your kitty love having plenty of room to lounge? The Dogbed4less Premium Gel-Infused Memory Foam Pet Mat only comes in large, extra-large, and jumbo sizes, so they’ll have more than enough! This mat is perfect for multi-cat households as well, given the size. It contains memory foam with temperature-regulating gel that keeps pets cool during hot weather and warm during winter. The top of this mat is a velour fleece, so it’s soft and cozy, while the bottom of the mat is waterproof rubber designed not to slip and slide all over the place.
Not just a mat, but a bed
Soft
Helps with body alignment
- Not just a mat, but a bed
- Soft
- Helps with body alignment
Complaints of cover being thin
Not the best for pets who like to chew
- Complaints of cover being thin
- Not the best for pets who like to chew
Dimensions 42 x 28 x 1.2 in
Weight 3.9 lbs
Material Fleece, fabric
Color Brown, beige
The company claims the mat is resistant to wrinkles, dirt, and stains and won’t lose its shape from washing. Cleaning is easy—grab a hose and some mild detergent, and you’re good to go!
Pros
Super large
Good for multiple cats
Usable in hot and cold temps
Cons
Complaints of it being so absorbent, it’s hard to dry
Complaints of it absorbing odors
- Chillz Pressure-activated Cooling Mat
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Dimensions 5 x 15.5 x 0.75 in
Weight 2 lbs
Material Plastic, gel, foam
Color Blue
The pressure-activated Chillz Cooling Mat needs no freezing or plugging in to work. It provides relief from the heat for up to 3 hours with a non-toxic gel that recharges itself after about 20 minutes of non-use. The lightweight material makes it easy to carry from one place to another, while the plastic is reported to be resistant to punctures and tears. You can also store it quickly since it’s foldable.
Super large
Good for multiple cats
Usable in hot and cold temps
- Super large
- Good for multiple cats
- Usable in hot and cold temps
Complaints of it being so absorbent, it’s hard to dry
Complaints of it absorbing odors
- Complaints of it being so absorbent, it’s hard to dry
- Complaints of it absorbing odors
Dimensions 5 x 15.5 x 0.75 in
Weight 2 lbs
Material Plastic, gel, foam
Color Blue
While the gel used is non-toxic, the company states that if ingested by your pet, you should still call your vet.
Pros
Easy to use and store
No freezing or plugging in required
Last for up to 3 hours
Cons
Some complaints of product leaking
Complaints of it being less durable than advertised
- Coleman Pressure Activated Comfort Gel Cooling Cat Pad
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Dimensions 24 x 30 x 0.5 in
Weight 6.22 lbs
Material Gel
Color Blue
The Coleman Pressure Activated Comfort Cooling Gel Pet Pad promises to stay at least 5-10 degrees cooler than room temperature, so your pet is never too hot. It requires no freezing as it’s activated by the pressure of your cat laying on it, and the cooling gel is non-toxic. You can store it easily, and the best part? Clean-up is a breeze; all that’s required is a quick wipe down!
Easy to use and store
No freezing or plugging in required
Last for up to 3 hours
- Easy to use and store
- No freezing or plugging in required
- Last for up to 3 hours
Some complaints of product leaking
Complaints of it being less durable than advertised
- Some complaints of product leaking
- Complaints of it being less durable than advertised
Dimensions 24 x 30 x 0.5 in
Weight 6.22 lbs
Material Gel
Color Blue
You can use this mat on its own, in a pet carrier, in the car — practically everywhere!
Pros
Simple clean-up
No freezing needed
Can use in multiple places
Cons
Rare reports of mold
Complaints of leakage
- Pet Fit For Life Soft Cooling & Microwave Heating Gel Pad
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Dimensions 12 x 12 x 1 in
Weight 12 oz
Material Gel, fleece
Color Blue & white
This dual-purpose Pet Fit For Life Snuggle Soft Cooling and Microwave Heating Gel Pad keeps your kitty cool during the summer and warm during the winter. However, this one does require minor work on your part, as you’ll need to refrigerate it to keep it cool. It has a cozy fleece cover so your cat will want to snuggle in and is filled with non-toxic gel. Keeping it clean won’t be difficult since you merely need to remove the fleece cover and toss it in the wash, then wipe down the gel part if needed. In fact, this cooling mat is so good that the ASPCA has purchased over 250 of them for use at shelters.
Simple clean-up
No freezing needed
Can use in multiple places
- Simple clean-up
- No freezing needed
- Can use in multiple places
Rare reports of mold
Complaints of leakage
- Rare reports of mold
- Complaints of leakage
Dimensions 12 x 12 x 1 in
Weight 12 oz
Material Gel, fleece
Color Blue & white
This product includes a money-back guarantee, so if you or your pet aren’t satisfied, you can return it easily.
Pros
Easy to use and clean
Soft and comfy
Dual purpose
Cons
Not best for cats who claw or chew
Reports of gel leaking
- SEIS Ice Pad Cat Cooling Pad
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Dimensions 8 x 7.91 x 1.34 in
Weight 3.1 oz
Material Nylon, bamboo, fabric
Color Blue fruit
The SEIS Ice Pad Cat Cooling Mat works via the use of jade cold element crystal, which absorbs heat away from your pet’s body. The pad is soft and smooth, making it an excellent place for your cat to chill, while the bottom is a breathable mesh. The materials are also resistant to wear and tear, so kitties can scratch away without doing too much damage. You can wash this pad quite easily in the washing machine or by hand (just don’t use hot water!). Afterward, you’ll need to let it air dry, just not in direct sun.
Easy to use and clean
Soft and comfy
Dual purpose
- Easy to use and clean
- Soft and comfy
- Dual purpose
Not best for cats who claw or chew
Reports of gel leaking
- Not best for cats who claw or chew
- Reports of gel leaking
Dimensions 8 x 7.91 x 1.34 in
Weight 3.1 oz
Material Nylon, bamboo, fabric
Color Blue fruit
Pros
No freezing or refrigeration needed
Soft and comfortable
Wear and tear-resistant
Cons
Complaints of it not cooling much
Complaints of cats not using
- K&H Pet Products Cat Cooling Bed III
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Dimensions 22 x 32 x 1.5 in
Weight 1.75 lbs
Material Vinyl
Color Blue
With over 20 years of experience creating pet products, you’ll have no trouble getting info on K&H and the K&H Pet Products Cool Bed III. This cooling mat comes in small, medium, and large, so you can use it for a single cat or many. There are no gels with this one—just fill it with water. The mat draws heat away from your pet’s body and releases it into the air, so they’re kept nice and cool. K&H says the mat is perfect for pets suffering from arthritis or hip dysplasia, so this could work well if you have an older kitty.
No freezing or refrigeration needed
Soft and comfortable
Wear and tear-resistant
- No freezing or refrigeration needed
- Soft and comfortable
- Wear and tear-resistant
Complaints of it not cooling much
Complaints of cats not using
- Complaints of it not cooling much
- Complaints of cats not using
Dimensions 22 x 32 x 1.5 in
Weight 1.75 lbs
Material Vinyl
Color Blue
Recommended for temperatures 100 degrees and under.
Pros
Made by long-time company
No gels involved
Easy use
Cons
Doesn’t cool when placed in the sun
Complaints of poor customer service
Made by long-time company
No gels involved
Easy use
- Made by long-time company
- No gels involved
- Easy use
Doesn’t cool when placed in the sun
Complaints of poor customer service
- Doesn’t cool when placed in the sun
- Complaints of poor customer service
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting The Best Cat Cooling Pad & Mat
How Does A Cooling Pad For Cats Work?
A cat cooling pad is made of multiple layers, one of which is often gel but may also be water or fabric crystals. The majority require no plugging in, and many don’t even require refrigeration. So, how do most work? Thermodynamics! Or, to be more exact, a principle called endothermic. Essentially, a cat lays down on the pad, then that pressure activates the cooling agent which sucks away body heat, making the cat less heated. And when kitty walks away, the pad goes back to room temperature over the course of a half-hour or more. Other pads may require you to put water into it and then freeze or refrigerate, however.
Are Cooling Pads Safe?
Yes! The main concerns with cooling pads are regarding the gels used. While these are non-toxic, they still could upset your pet’s stomach if ingested (and checking with your vet if this occurs is always recommended!). If your cat loves to chew or rip things to shreds, you might want to go with a non-gel option.
Does My Cat Need One?
Depends on where you live, for starters. If you’re hanging out in Alaska, probably not, but if you’re located in Florida, you might want a cool place for your cat to laze about, especially if they’re acting restless or excessively grooming in an effort to cool down.
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How To Get Your Cat To Use A Cooling Pad
Cats are finicky creatures and don’t always take to new things. If that occurs, you might have to tempt them into using the cooling pad. The quickest way to do so is by placing something that already has their (or your) scent onto the bed, so they’re more inclined to get near it. Just don’t use something that covers up the entire pad — doing so may mean they won’t end up realizing the pad is a cool place to hang out on hot days. You may also want to try enticing them with a treat or two placed on the mat.
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Types of Cooling Pads
There are a few types of cooling pads you can get for your cat, depending on what level of ease of use you’re looking for.
Gel
This type of cooling pad is the most common and amongst the most popular for pet owners. Some pads cool themselves, while others require being put into the fridge before use. The biggest pro of gel-based cooling pads is their durability. Downsides include some pets finding the squish factor uncomfortable and the risk of a pet ingesting the gel.
Water-Based
Cooling pads that use water are kind of similar to waterbeds. They involve putting water inside the pad and then usually refrigerating or freezing (though not always). The biggest plus of this type of pad is the cost, as they’re generally cheaper than other kinds of cooling pads. The cons include them being heavy (due to the water) and prone to springing leaks.
Fabric Crystals
This type of cooling pad involves a Japanese technology of three layers — a mesh base, a middle with fabric crystals, and a thin silky top later that often includes jade for an extra boost of cooling. The pros of fabric crystals include the cost, the ease of moving a lightweight pad around, and faster absorption of heat. The downside is this cooling pad may not be the best for extreme heat.
What To Look For In A Cat Cooling Pad
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When it comes to buying a cat cooling pad that’s a good fit, you’ll want to look at the following to make your decision.
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Method Of Cooling
How does the cooling pad actually cool? Some pads will have a gel in them that whisks away heat, while others might require water and/or refrigeration. Still, others may require being plugged in. All of these options will work, but you’ll need to decide how much work you want to do to get them to operate.
Length Of Cooling Time
How long a cooling pad stays cool should be a significant factor in your choice. Many pads will remain cool for up to 3 hours at a time, but others will last much less. Your cat should be able to stay nice and chill without you having to take the pad away too often to get it cool again.
Recharging Time
Most mats will need some recharging time after they turn more warm than cool. You’ll want to look for one that recharges in 20 minutes or less, ideally.
Material & Size
Cooling pads come in a range of materials — both for the inside and outside. As far as how a pad or mat cools, you’ll find most use gels, water or ice, or fabric crystals. A few may use aluminum. Gels and crystals tend to be non-toxic, but if your cat is liable to chew or scratch at the pad, you may want to choose water or ice. The outside of a mat can range from fabric to plastic. For this, you’ll want to look at durability.
The size of a cat cooling pad is also important. If you have a single cat, you can go with a smaller size (unless your cat enjoys lounging on oversized objects). With more than one cat, a larger size would be a better fit.
Cleaning Method
How much time do you want to devote to cleaning your cat’s cooling pad? The majority of mats and pads will be relatively easy to clean with methods of cleaning ranging from a simple toss in the wash to hosing down with water.
Reviews
It’s always best to check out reviews of a product to ensure it does what it says it does and to ensure a brand has good customer service and warranties.
Conclusion
You want to get your furry friend the best when it comes to cat cooling pads, and we find the best overall pad to be The Green Pet Shop Pressure-Activated Gel Cooling Mat for its ease of use and long-lasting coolness. If you want the best at an affordable price, we recommend the NACOCO Pet Cooling Mat. Finally, if you want a cooling pad that’s premium, we recommend the CoolerDog Hydro Cooling Mat with its FlexiFreeze center. Regardless of your choice, we hope this quick list of reviews has helped!
