The 11 Best Cat Cooling Pads 2021 (Gel, Alloy & Memory Foam)

a cat laying down with his paws over his face and text that says the best cat cooling pads

This summer in Chicago has been pretty darn hot! And I don't know about you folks, but some of these old apartment buildings don't have very good air conditioning available. At best they might have a window unit. When it is 95 F outside it just doesn't keep up.

Now I know our feline friends come from the dessert historically, but that doesn't mean that they absolutely love hot humid weather. So when AC isn't an option a nice cat cooling mat can help your kitty stave off the summer heat!

Now you'll quickly see that most of these mats are marketed for dogs, but the mats work just as well for our feline friends too. So let's dig into it below and look at some of the best mats out there!

The Best Cat cooling pads Quick Guide

Best Overall

Best Alternates

Best Aluminum Model

Best for Cats & Dogs

Most Durable

Best Indoor/Outdoor

Best Hot/Cold Mat

Gel Infused Foam

Best Memory Foam

Air Cooled

Longest Lasting

Additional Information

The Green Pet Shop Cat Cooling Pad

a white dog on a blue cooling mat

The Green Pet Shop stands above and beyond other players in this market with their cooling mat. It has been around for years and it has been cool as a cucumber the entire time.

Yes that’s a picture of a dog. No it doesn’t matter!It works for cats too!

Not only do they provide a great product to keep your cat cool, but it is safe and sound for your fluff ball as well!

Key features of this mat include:

  • A patented pressure activated gel technology that provides cooling for up to 4 hours
  • When your pets steps off the mat it will refresh itself in 20-30 minutes on average
  • There is absolutely no water or electricity required, it comes ready to go out of the box
  • It folds up easily to stow away when the temp goes down or if you want to move it
  • It comes in 5 different sizes, though a single cat would likely only require the small or medium
  • The gel is non toxic, but clearly you shouldn’t let your cat eat it or chew on the mat
  • A nice touch for cats that may be arthritic or suffering from joint pain on hot days.
"On those hot summer days when our two Norwegian Forest Cats are steaming they love laying on this mat!"

It is worth noting the following before making a purchase:

  • If they aren't used on a frequent basis the gel inside can turn rock solid

Riogoo Aluminum Alloy Foldable Pet Cooling Mat

a puppy with a rose in its mouth on an alumninum coolin pad

Aluminium alloy stays cooler than other objects around it, just like a tile floor. This is why Riogoo decided to change it up a bit and go with an aluminum allow option instead of a gel related option like many other pet companies.

On top of this Riogoo has an option that has zero chance of being ingested by your kitty cat and their claws can’t really do much to it either. This means you’ve got another option worth considering if you don’t like the idea of a gel based cooling mat.

Key features worth noting:

  • It starts to absorb heat instantly upon contact, it doesn’t have to activate like gel based options
  • It is completely solid and very resistant to wear, there’s no chance of a cat claw puncturing it
  • You can hose it down or throw it in the fridge/freezer to quickly cool it down again for another use
  • It is super easy to clean and maintain because it is made of aluminum.
"My cat loves it. She normally zonks out on the wood floor so there's no difference in comfort between that and the aluminum."

You'll want to consider the following before you make a purchase:

  • Unlike gel pads you'll have to remember to cool this one down yourself on a consistent basis

Arf Pets Pet Dog Self Cooling Mat Pad for Kennels

a blue rectangular cooling mat

The Arf Pets Cooling Pad has been around for a good long time and they’ve made a high quality product for years.  Not only will it keep your cat nice and cool, but it won’t be damaged easily either.

Some of the major features worth noting on this model:

  • It is pressure activated, so it will cool down when your kitty lays on it
  • Like all gel models it will provide relief for several hours and recharge in 20-30 minutes
  • The gel is non-toxic and the entire product is completely latex-free so it is 100% safe for cats
  • If it gets filthy you can easily wipes it clean with a damp cloth
  • Comes in 3 different sizes, great if you have multiple cats in the home and only want one
  • The flexible mat folds out flat, but it super easy to pack up for storage or movement
"I laid this out on a hot day and both of my cats immediately came up, sniffed, then took a long nap on top of it. Apparently they knew what it was straight away!"

You'll want to note the following before making a purchase:

  • Some pets don't like the texture of it, you may want to wrap it in a pillow case

Boho Aluminium Alloy Pet Cooling Pad for Cats

a small dog on an aluminum alloy cooling mat

If you’re worried about gets, non toxic or not, then this is an excellent option for you. Boho Farms brings a great aluminium alloy based cooling pad to the market for both cats and dogs.

The beauty of this type of cooling pad is no amount of chewing or clawing can ever puncture it or cause it to leak. It is made of a solid metal that stays cooler than the surrounding environment and encourages your cat to relax on it.

Key features of this model worth noting:

  • The aluminum alloy will help keep your cat cooler and activates instantly on contact
  • You can fold it up easily so it can be stored or moved in seconds
  • It is super easy to clean with a damp cloth, just wet it down and wipe it off
  • You can cool it down quickly with a quick rinse or by throwing it in the freezer for a few minutes
  • No batteries or electricity required, it is safe and economical even when you’re not home
"Even if your cat is crazy like mine, she doesn't like boxes, she'll probably take a liking to this mat on a hot day! Mine sat down on it immediately and claimed it as her own."

You may want to consider the following before making a purchase:

  • The aluminum surface may be uncomfortable for some cats because it is solid and not squishy

Hugs Pet Products Chillz Pressure Activated Pet Cooling Gel Pad – No Need To Freeze Or Chill

a cooling camouflage mat

With a product name like Chillz with a z on the end you know you’re getting a ‘cool’ product, and not just a mat that will keep the temperature down. This model is for the hippest and coolest cats out there. And if your cat isn’t cool, it’ll make them cool.

This product has a nice soft puncture outer layer which makes it a great spot for cats to relax on very hot days. It’ll help them not only get some sleep, but de-stress and help make all their worries melt away.

  • This is another  pressure activated gels mat that absorbs body heat when a cat lays on it
  • This is a great option for both indoor and outdoor use
  • It requires no electricity and there’s no need for batteries, it will cool itself off when not in use
  • You can cool it off quickly by placing freezing it or spraying it down with cold water 
  • It features a pet safe gel on the interior that is non toxic to cats and humans alike.
  • There are two sizes available if you have multiple cats that may want to share
"At first I was worried my cat would puncture it easily, but the cover seems to do the job so long as I don't let her claw it on purpose! She loves it and sleeps on it all day."

As with all gel based models you'll want to consider this before buying it:

  • Gel based models tend to clump up and can harden over time

Pet Fit For Life Snuggle Soft Cooling and Heating Pad for Cats

a circular shaped cat mat with snowflakes on it

The key differentiation point for this model is that it is both for cooling and heating purposes. If you’ve got a cat that likes to cool off in the summer and stay nice and warm in the winter than this might be the best choice.

Similar to other models it uses a gel compound inside that can be heated or cooled, note this model will not cool itself or heat itself. You have to prep it for use by either microwaving it or throwing it in the fridge.

Key features worth noting:

  • This one works both ways, you can heat it up or cool it down
  • It is about 12 inches in diameter and is the only round model in the list
  • It comes with a fleece cover for extra comfort, the cover is machine washable for simplicity
  • The gel is pet safe so your cat should be safe and sound even if a leak springs
"I love the fact that I can heat it up and cool it down. It doesn't matter what season it is, my arthritic kitty cat can stay more comfy!"

You'll want to know the following before purchasing:

  • Heating requires a microwave and cooling requires the refrigerator

K&H Pet Products Cool Bed III

an english bulldog on a blue mat keeping him cool

K&H Pet Products owns a slot in my favorite heated cat beds article because they've been making amazing pet products for years. This cooling bed for pets is no different.

The K&H model uses a Cool Core technology inside this cooling mat that absorbs the heat produced by your pet and coverts it to room temperature, electricity free.

A few other key items worth noting:

  • If your home is 80°F, then the Cool Bed III is 22° cooler than your cat's body temperature
  • This cat pad does come in multiple sizes, Medium is ideal for a traditional house cat
  • The exterior is made of durable nylon and vinyl so it stands up well even to cat claws
  • To activate the bed all you need to do is add water to it one time, it can be stored full/empty
  • K&H recommends distilled water and grapefruit seed extract to minimize bacterial growth inside
"My girlfriend's long haired cat is always looking for cold spots to lay, usually right in the middle of the tile in the kitchen. We tried this out to get him to relocate and were super happy, he now lays off next to the couch instead!"

You'll want to note the following before making a purchase:

  • Filling the bed can be difficult alone, bring a friend along to help

Gel Infused Memory Foam  Cooling Bed

a memory foam mat with a beagle on it

This option is a memory foam bed that is infused with cooling gel to help keep your feline friends cool even on the hottest day! This high density memory foam is super high quality and provides great support!

This bed is primarily made for medical treatment, especially for arthritic animals or those that need to stay extra cool on hot days. The gel is of course 100% non toxic just in case of a puncture or leak.

Be sure to check out the following highlights:

  • The 3 inch thick mat is infused with cooling gel that cools on contact
  • There are both interior and exterior covers included, the interior is waterproof
  • There are two different sizes to choose from for families with multiple pets
  • There are 13 different color options available if you want to match decor
  • The external fabric cover is durable denim fabric that won't rip or tear easily

Memory Foam Air Cooling Mat

a beagle on a purple velour mat that keeps him cool

If you're looking to treat your cat or cats to the comfiest and coolest (in more ways than one) cat bed ever, then consider this one.

Not only does it have it have top quality memory foam, but it comes with a super comfy velour cover! Your cats will never leave it, except hopefully to eat and use the litter box!

A few other things worth noting:

  • Top quality foam with a 4 lbs density rating promotes better sleep and healthy joints
  • The bottom is made with waterproof anti slip material to protect the floor in case of a leak
  • The mat is stain, dirt and wrinkle resistant and keeps the original shape after many washes
"Both my cat and my dog love the bed, sometimes they even crash on different ends of it at the same time."

Definitely note the following before purchasing this option:

  • This doesn't feature a cooling technology like a gel, but memory foam stays cooler than room temperature by a few degrees and will provide a short term cooling sensation

CoolPet Reusable Ice/Heat Pack Mat

a canvas mat covered in dog prints that lets you insert ice packs into it

CoolPet uses a very simple, but very reliable method for cooling your kitty off. This mat is basically a slip cover for a special designed ice pack that can be inserted into the center.

The ice packs can be purchased in multiples so you can easily freeze one while another is in use and maintain a nice cool spot for your cat the entire day!

A few other things worth noting about this option:

  • The included ice/heat pack is filled with distilled water so it is 100% non toxic in case of a leak
  • The modular design ensures that the mat stays comfortable over large areas
  • The exterior is made of durable canvas that will put up with extended use easily
  • The bottom is made with slip material so it won't slide all over the place when your cat moves
  • Extra ice/heat packs are available for purchase for extended use

Definitely note the following before purchasing this option:

  • This model doesn't work based on the surrounding air temperature, you will need to heat or cool the packs for it to have any impact


Additional Information


How Does a Cat Cooling Pad Work?

Most of the above products are gel based cooling pads. You might be wondering to yourself “Why does my air conditioner need to be plugged in to cool my house but this thing doesn’t?”  It’s a fair question.

The gel in a cooling pad what is called a polymer. A polymer is a special chemical structure. Basically it means it was designed just for this purpose! But essentially what happens is when pressure is placed on the polymer it activates a chemical change that absorbs heat.

This is based on the idea of endothermology. All that means is a chemical change that is accompanied by an absorption of heat. In simple terms, when you place pressure on the mat it triggers a chemical change that absorbs heat.

When there’s no longer any pressure on the mat the chemical change stops and the heat is no longer absorb. The pad will heat back up to room temperature in about 20 to 30 minutes depending upon the environment. Then it’ll be ready to go again!


Are These Things Safe for my Cat?

The manufacturers of these products ensure that the gels inside of these mats are 100% Non-Toxic and will not hurt your cat if they happen to consume it. That being said, you should still err on the side of safety and do your best to stop them from consuming it.

So if you’ve got a curious cat that chews and scratches at things definitely go for an aluminium version instead of a gel based version. They are definitely safe for your feline friend.

If you’re curious about what the gel is made of you can check out this awesome post on Instructibles where some great members researched the most likely solutions behind the gel based mats. It’ll give you an idea of the contents.

If your cat does happen to consume any of the gel it is recommended you call the ASPCA Poison Control Line(888) 426-4435 or get your cat to the veterinarian immediately for a check up. Note if you call the ASPCA they may charge you a consultation fee.


Does It Have to be Plugged In?

The beauty of these products is they don’t require any consistent power supply, they work completely energy free! This means you can put them wherever you want in the house and it’ll help keep your feline friend nice and cool on those hot summer days.

Another huge bonus of not having the plug the cooling pad in is that you don’t have to worry about another cord lying around that your cat might start to chew on. We all know that some cats love to chew on cords that aren’t covered up or completely protected. These cooling mats are totally free of this risk!


How Do I Get My Cat To Use It?

Getting your cat to use a new bed or anything new is often a bit complicated. While cats are typically quite curious, they are also cautious when it comes to new things being introduced to their environment.

The easiest way to get your cat interested is to put something they like on top of or next to the bed. In particular a t-shirt or a piece of bedding with their scent or your scent on it can help get your cat comfortable with the new bed.

Be sure not to use anything too thick though and be sure not to cover the whole cooling surface up. If you do this it’ll be that much longer before your cat recognize that it is a cool area to sleep and they might not start to use it as quickly.

For the aluminum options you may also want to consider a thin pad or a thin piece of fleece just to add a bit more comfort. My cats both love laying on my wood floor and a bunch of other rock hard places so they don’t have any problem with this, but other cats may want something more comfy.


Does My Cat Need One?

There are a few signs you can look for in your cat to determine if you should be considering a cooling mat. Some of us may simply buy this to spoil our kitty and give them a nice cool place to snooze, but some cats may actually need it depending on their environment.

If cats overheat they can experience Heat Stroke just like humans. Basically, the body simply gets overworked trying to stay cool and shuts down. The key reasons this might happen are a very high temperature and a lack of access to water.

Another option worth exploring is a cat drinking fountain that will provide a constant supply of fresh water. Many cats don’t drink enough water because they prefer water from a moving supply. If you’re unsure if your cat is too hot then here are some key signs you should look out for:

  • Restless behavior as your cat tries to find a cool spot
  • Panting, sweaty feet, drooling, excessive grooming in an effort to cool off

If things progress further and your cat can’t find a place to cool off he or she may start to show these types of behavior:

  • Rapid breathing
  • Redness of the tongue and mouth
  • Vomiting or excessive lethargy
  • Staggering or stumbling when walking

If you notice any of this you should get your cat to the veterinarian immediately.


Wrapping It Up On Cat Cooling Pads

As you can see there are a lot of different options out there when it comes to keeping your cat cool on those hot summer days.  But the cooling pads mostly break down into two broad categories: gel based, aluminium based.

Both options work great and they both have pros and cons. If you have cats that like to chew and scratch everything in site then you’d probably want to lean toward the latter. If you have chill cats that just tend to zonk out anywhere comfy then gel based is probably a great option.

Whichever option you choose definitely leave a note in the comments below to tell us how it worked out for you!

StuffCatsWant.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

About the author

    Craig

    5comments

    Leave a comment: