Hepper is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

8 Best Cat Cooling Mats & Pads – 2024 Top Picks & Reviews

Nicole Cosgrove Profile Picture

By Nicole Cosgrove

Pet Fit For Life Cooling and Heating Pad When summer is here, our pets can get hot just like we do. Even though cats enjoy warm weather and basking in the sun, they can still get overheated. Signs that your cat is uncomfortable in the heat include panting, excessive grooming, drooling, and restlessness because they can’t find a cool enough spot.  Providing a way for your cat to stay cool during the hot months will keep them calm and relaxed. When the AC just isn’t enough, cooling mats and pads can help provide relief. Most of them are easy to use, clean, and store.

While many cooling mats are advertised toward dogs, they will work the same for any animal that needs them. With so many different types available on the market today, we rounded up our favorites with reviews to help you pick not only the best cool pad for cats, but the best cool pad for your cat.

hepper cat paw divider

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
The Green Pet Shop Cooling Bed The Green Pet Shop Cooling Bed
  • Recharges automatically
  • No cords or refrigeration needed
  • Easy to clean
  • Best Value
    Second place
    K&H Pet Products Coolin’ Mat K&H Pet Products Coolin’ Mat
  • Mold and mildew resistant
  • Comes in several sizes
  • Durable
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Arf Pets Self-Cooling Gel Mat Arf Pets Self-Cooling Gel Mat
  • Recharges automatically
  • Requires no water, electricity, or batteries
  • Durable material
  • Best for Kittens
    Pet Fit For Life Cooling Pad Pet Fit For Life Cooling Pad
  • Dual-purpose
  • Fleece cover for comfort
  • CoolerDog Hydro Cooling Mat CoolerDog Hydro Cooling Mat
  • Stays cold for 4–5 hours
  • Easy to clean
  • The 8 Best Cat Cooling Mats & Pads

    1. The Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Bed — Best Overall

    The Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad

    Check Price on Chewy
    Dimensions 19.7”L x 15.7”W x 0.02”H
    Material Gel

    Our overall pick for best cat cooling pad is The Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Bed. The sizes range from extra small to extra large, so you can find the right fit for your kitty or multiple cats at once. The pad is pressure-activated, so as soon as your cat walks on it, it starts cooling. There is no need to stick this in the fridge or plug it in due to this feature. The cooling effect lasts up to 4 hours. The non-toxic gel in this pad absorbs body heat as it cools down your cat. This pad doesn’t provide much cushioning on its own, but it can be placed on top of a pet bed, your couch, or a blanket for extra comfort. When your cat leaves the pad, it starts to recharge itself and will be ready for use again when the cat returns. It takes around 15–20 minutes for the pad to fully recharge. It’s hand washable, so a damp cloth is all you need to wipe it down. This pad is good for travel because even if it’s left in a hot car, it will still respond to pressure and start cooling.

    Pros
    • Recharges automatically
    • No cords or refrigeration needed
    • Easy to clean
    Cons
    • Not much padding

    2. K&H Pet Products Coolin’ Cat Mat — Best Value

    K&H Pet Products Coolin' Dog Mat

    Dimensions 20”L x 15”W x 0.25”H
    Material Vinyl, nylon

    Our choice for the best cool pad for cats for the money goes to the K&H Pet Products Coolin’ Mat. It comes in sizes medium through extra large. You fill this bed with water and then let it wick the heat away from your cat to instantly start cooling them down. This mat has a bit of thickness to it, providing plusher cushioning so your cat can use this directly on the floor. It’s best not to use this mat on the carpet because it makes it more difficult for the heat to dissipate.

    The mat is made of durable vinyl and nylon, so it’s built to last. You control how much water you add to this mat, with more water making it plusher. It doesn’t dry out, so you only have to fill this mat once and then your cat can enjoy it whenever they want. The material is antibacterial and resistant to mold and mildew. To clean, simply use a damp cloth.

    Once you fill this mat with water, though, it may be difficult to move it. It’s best to set it up where you want it first and then move it. It may take a while for some cats to get used to the feeling of walking on this pad.

    Pros
    • Mold and mildew resistant
    • Comes in several sizes
    • Easy to clean
    • Durable
    Cons
    • Heavy when filled with water
    • Cats may not like walking on this mat

    3. Arf Pets Self-Cooling Solid Gel Mat — Premium Choice

    Arf Pets Self-Cooling Solid Gel Dog Crate Mat

    Dimensions 43”L x 27”W x 0.5”H
    Material Gel

    The Arf Pets Self-Cooling Solid Get Mat comes in three sizes and is filled with solid cooling gel. It is pressure-activated and stays cool for up to 3 hours. No batteries, electricity, refrigeration, or water are needed to give your cat a comfortable, cool place to relax. It can even be used in the car while traveling.

    The material can be easily cleaned by hand with a damp cloth and is strong enough for repeated use without showing signs of wear, like tearing, ripping, or puncturing. This mat was made to last for years It’s also flexible enough to be folded and packed for travel or stored away when not in use.

    Whenever your cat leaves this bed, it starts to recharge, so it will continue cooling when your cat returns to it. Charging takes around 15–20 minutes. If you’re using the mat outdoors, don’t place it in direct sunlight. It can alter the effectiveness of the mat, so always place it in a shady spot. There are a few reports of the mat being slippery while cats are walking on the material.

    Pros
    • Recharges automatically
    • Requires no water, electricity, or batteries
    • Durable material
    Cons
    • Material may be slippery

    4. Pet Fit For Life Cat Cooling Pad — Best for Kittens

    Pet Fit For Life Cooling and Heating Pad

    Dimensions 12”L x 12”W x 1”H
    Material Gel

    The Pet Fit For Life Cooling Pad is our choice that is best for kittens because of its size, comfort, and ability to be used as a heating pad. The gel inside this pad can be microwaved for warmth or frozen to keep cats cool. The fleece cover is soft and snuggly for cats of all ages, and it’s machine-washable for convenience. It also creates a barrier between your cat and the pad itself so they don’t come in direct contact with the heat or cold. Since this is a two-in-one pad, you don’t have to purchase separate heating and cooling pads. For it to stay cool, you have to put it in the refrigerator/freezer until it reaches the desired temperature. While the pad has been reported to stay cool for hours, it starts to warm up once it’s taken out of the fridge or freezer. Getting it cool again requires more freezing or refrigeration. That can be time-consuming. A possible solution is to have multiple pads ready to go so you can switch them out.

    Pros
    • Dual-purpose
    • Fleece cover for comfort
    Cons
    • Time-consuming

    5. CoolerDog Hydro Cooling Cat Mat

    CoolerDog Dog Cooling Products Hydro Cooling Mat

    Dimensions 16.5”L x 11.5”W x 3.5”H
    Material Polyester, nylon

    Don’t let the name stop you: The CoolerDog Hydro Cooling Mat can be used for cats too! A waterbed cushion, a flexible sheet of ice cubes, and a layer of insulation combine to give your cat a comfortable place to sleep while keeping them cool. The mat cover is machine washable. You do have to freeze the ice cube sheet before using it for the cooling effect. The bed will stay cool for 4–5 hours at room temperature. When it thaws, having extra sheets already frozen to be able to swap them out will enable continued use. There are a few reports of the ice sheets taking up too much room in the freezer. The ice cubes are made of pure water. No toxic chemicals are used in the liquid. There are also reports of the  ice cubes breaking and leaking.

    Pros
    • Stays cold for 4–5 hours
    • Easy to clean
    Cons
    • Ice packs may break and leak
    • Ice packs require freezing to work

    6. Coleman Comfort Cooling Gel Pet Mat

    Coleman Pressure Activated Comfort Cooling Gel Pet Pad

    Dimensions 24”L x 30”W x 0.5”H
    Material Gel

    The pressure-activated Coleman Comfort Cooling Gel Pet Mat uses non-toxic, stay-cool gel and doesn’t require refrigeration. Your cat’s body weight will begin the cooling effect. This mat stays 5–10 degrees cooler than the temperature of the room, so your cat can be comfortable. It’s easy to clean by wiping it down with a cloth. There are multiple colors to choose from, so you can find the one that matches your cat the best. This mat can be placed on a piece of furniture, your cat’s bed, over a blanket, or on the floor for your cat to enjoy it. It also folds neatly for traveling or storage. If using this pad outside or in a sunny part of the house, avoid placing it in direct sunlight.

    Pros
    • Comes in different colors
    • Cools on contact
    • Easy to clean
    Cons
    • Doesn’t work efficiently in direct sunlight

    7. Chillz Pressure Activated Cooling Cat Mat

    CHILLZ Dog Cooling Mat Pressure Activated

    Dimensions 11.25”L x 5.25”W x 2.75”H
    Material Gel

    The thin and comfortable Chillz Pressure Activated Cooling Mat lasts between 2–3 hours and automatically recharges by air when it’s not being used. The weight range recommended for this mat is 9–20 pounds, making it suitable for cats and dogs alike. This mat can be placed on the furniture, a pet bed, in the car, or on the bare floor. It’s easy to clean by hand and requires no batteries, water, or electricity. It’s body-heat activated and will be cooler than the floor for your cat if they’re looking for a comfortable spot to rest. The thin material can be torn easily by claws, though. If you have a cat that likes to scratch, they may be able to claw this mat apart.

    Pros
    • No electricity, water, or batteries needed
    • Lasts 2–3 hours
    Cons
    • Thin
    • Can be easily torn

    8. Nacoco Pet Cooling Mat

    NACOCO Pet Cooling Mat

    Dimensions 18.9”L x 15.3”W
    Material Nylon

    The durable, breathable fabric of the Nacoco Pet Cooling Mat will keep your cat comfortable when they need a place to cool down. It comes in several patterns and sizes so you can choose the right fit. It’s made of ice silk material so it stays cooler at room temperature and requires no activation for it to work. It can also be machine washed for added convenience but must be air-dried. The fibers inside this mat absorb heat and quickly dissipate it to reduce your cat’s body temperature. This mat can be used anywhere your cat likes to lounge but works better on bare floors instead of carpet.

    Pros
    • Machine washable
    • Several sizes and colors
    Cons
    • Thin
    • Doesn’t work well on carpet

    hepper cat paw divider

    Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Cat Cooling Mats & Pads

    You might be wondering if your cat needs a cooling pad or mat. Your cat may be struggling in hotter temperatures without you even knowing it. One main reason to help your cat stay cool is so they avoid heatstroke. Their body tries to regulate their temperature and winds up getting overworked and starts to shut down. High temperatures are the main cause of heatstroke, with the second being lack of cool, clean water to drink.

    If your cat spends time outdoors, they may enjoy a cooling pad for cats in the warmer months. Cats feel warmer than we do because they have higher body temperatures and are covered in fur.

    Types of Cooling Mats for Cats

    Gel

    Gel cat cooling mats have their cooling effect activated by your cat’s body weight. They recharge once the cat leaves the pad, usually within 30 minutes. The cooling effect can last for a few hours. The gel is non-toxic but still should not be ingested if it starts to leak. These mats are easy to clean and don’t need any refrigeration, freezing, water, or electricity to work.

    Water

    These cooling mats and pads require water to be added to them, or they already come with a water-filled center and need to be frozen or put in the fridge to get cold. The water can weigh them down and make them hard to move around your home. While they claim to be leakproof, it’s still a good idea to put protection under them just in case.

    Crystal

    These cooling mats are made from ice silk fabric and feel cool to the touch at room temperature. They are to be used indoors because hot weather can limit their cooling ability. They are convenient because they’re machine washable. The downside is that the longer your cat rests on them, the warmer they get. They don’t have a feature that enables them to stay cool, so your cat can only enjoy them for a limited time. Flipping the pad over may help extend the time that it can be used, but it will only get cool again once your cat is off of them for an extended period.

    Considerations Before Purchase

    You can choose which cat cooling pad or mat would be best for your cat by keeping these things in mind when you’re looking for one.

    • Size: Your cat should be able to comfortably fit on the mat while stretched out to the full length of their body. The mat should also be large enough to enable your cat to move from one area to another if they get too warm. If you’re not sure about size, go with a size larger than you think that you need.
    • Material: The more durable the material, the better the pad will be. Consider how the mat needs to be cleaned. Outer materials can be machine washable or wiped by hand, depending on which you choose. If your cat likes to scratch or chew things, a tough outer material that doesn’t easily shred is necessary.
    • Cooling: Some pads and mats require no work from you to get them cool because they are self-cooling and recharge by themselves. Others require freezing or filling them with water. Whichever one you choose, make sure you’re aware of how labor-intensive it is and what it requires.
    • Time: Some mats stay cool for an hour or so while others last much longer. You know your cat’s needs and how much heat relief that they’ll appreciate. When the mats start to get warm, some have to be frozen again. Keeping additional mats in the freezer or fridge will help your cat stay cool continuously.

    How to Get Your Cat to Use It

    Cats like to operate on their own timeline. It seems like they will sleep on anything except what we get specifically for them. It’s not uncommon for cats to ignore something that you got for them and then start to use it out of the blue one day and never stop. They like to do it when they think that it was their idea.

    It may take a while for your cat to use the cooling pad, but there are a few things that you can do to help the process along.

    • Put the mat where they enjoy sleeping. Do they like the couch or a corner of your bed? Do they have a favorite windowsill? Cover the spot with the pad, and give them no option but to try it out.
    • Sit on the mat yourself first and then call your cat over. Use toys or treats to entice them to walk on it.
    • Feed your cat on the mat. Let them get used to the feeling and associate it with something positive.

    Are These Mats and Pads Safe for My Cat?

    While many manufacturers ensure that their products are safe for animals, these cooling mats aren’t meant to be eaten. They aren’t toxic, but if your cat ingests some of the material, it could lead to an emergency visit to the vet.

    If your cat eats something that they aren’t supposed to, it could cause an intestinal blockage. Treatment for this is usually surgery. If you know that your cat often chews things that they shouldn’t, especially plastic, or if you know your cat has pica, a cooling mat should only be used when you can monitor your cat’s activity on and around it.

    hepper cat paw divider

    Final Thoughts

    Our best overall choice for a cooling mat for cats is The Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Bed. We like the fact that it charges automatically in 15–20 minutes and requires no refrigeration. Our best value pick is K&H Pet Products Coolin’ Mat. It’s plush for added comfort and resistant to mold and mildew. Our premium pick is Arf Pets Self-Cooling Solid Gel Mat. It’s durable and easy to clean. We hope that our reviews help you choose the best pad or mat to keep your cat cool and comfortable.


    Featured Image Credit: Pet Fit For Life, Chewy

    Related Articles

    Further Reading

    Vet Articles

    Latest Vet Answers

    The latest veterinarians' answers to questions from our database