In this article
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2026
| Image | Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall
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The Green Pet Shop Cooling Pad |
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Best Value
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K&H Pet Products Coolin’ Mat |
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CHECK PRICE |
Premium Choice
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FurHaven Wave Fur & Velvet Cooling Gel Deluxe Chaise |
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CHECK PRICE |
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K&H Pet Products Cool Bed III Pad |
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Arf Pets Self-Cooling Solid Get Mat |
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The 9 Best Cat Cooling Mats and Pads
1. The Green Pet Shop Cooling Pad – Best Overall
| Size: | Small to extra large |
| Material: | Gel |
| Color: | Blue |
| Washing Machine Safe: | No, wipes clean or hand wash only |
We have chosen the Green Pet Shop Cooling Pad as the best overall cat cooling pad because of its effectiveness and versatility. This pad is pressure-activated, so you won’t have to chill it in the refrigerator or plug it in for it to work, and it provides a cooling effect for up to four hours at a time. The gel filling absorbs body heat from your cat, and the pad recharges when it’s not in use.
While the gel is non-toxic, this pad won’t stand up to a lot of chewing.
- Pressure activated
- Four hours of cooling
- Not chew proof
- Not machine washable
2. K&H Pet Products Coolin’ Mat – Best Value
| Size: | Medium to extra large |
| Material: | Plastic |
| Color: | Blue |
| Washing Machine Safe: | No, wipes clean |
The K&H Pet Products Coolin’ Mat is our pick for the best value for the money. This pad is water-filled and works to dissipate body heat. You only fill it once, and it’s designed to never dry out. The material is mold and mildew resistant and has durable seams to prevent leakage. The pad easily wipes clean with a damp cloth.
The biggest concern with this cooling mat is the fact that it’s water-filled. While the water does a great job of cooling off your cat, there is always the potential for leaks that could create water damage in your home. Mildew is another concern. Long-term, there is the potential for bacteria to grow in standing water.
- No electricity required
- Inexpensive
- Easy to use
- The use of water holds the potential for leaks and bacterial growth
3. FurHaven Wave Fur & Velvet Cooling Gel Deluxe Chaise – Premium Choice
| Size: | Medium to jumbo |
| Material: | Polyester, Gel, and Orthopedic foam |
| Color: | Gray |
| Washing Machine Safe: | Yes |
This Fur & Velvet Cooling Gel Deluxe Chaise from FurHaven features micro-gel beads to help absorb body heat from your cat. The bed is filled with gel-infused memory foam for comfort and to support pressure points or aching joints. The cover is removable and machine washable.
This cooling bed is our premium choice. It does a fantastic job of cooling your cat and keeping them comfortable, but the price point for this bed is quite high.
- Ultra-comfortable
- Good cooling features
- No electricity required
- Expensive
4. K&H Pet Products Cool Bed III Pad
| Size: | Small to large |
| Material: | Nylon |
| Color: | Blue |
| Washing Machine Safe: | No, wipes clean |
The K&H Cool Bed III Pad requires no electricity to operate. As with the other K&H cooling mat on this list, it requires filling with water. This pad has an easy air valve that can be adjusted to circulate the liquid throughout the bed for better cooling. This pad is safe to use both indoors and out and has an easy-to-clean exterior.
Anytime water is used, there is a risk of mold and mildew development inside the bed. There is also a risk of leaks if a tear develops in the pad.
- No electricity required
- Easy-to-clean
- Indoor and outdoor use
- Risk of mold and mildew
- Risk of leaks
5. Arf Pets Self-Cooling Solid Get Mat
| Size: | 23 x 35 inches |
| Material: | Gel |
| Color: | Blue |
| Washing Machine Safe: | No, wipes clean |
This self-charging cooling mat from Arf Pets provides cooling relief for your cat for up to three hours without water, batteries, electricity, or refrigeration. It folds up for easy portability and recharges with only 15-20 minutes of non-use. It’s safe to use indoor and out with a puncture-resistant exterior. The added cushioning makes it a comfortable place for your cat to cool off. While it isn’t machine washable, it easily wipes off with soap and water.
- No electricity required
- It folds up for travel
- Recharges quickly
- No water means no mold risk
- Not machine washable
6. TechNiche International Evaporative Cooling Pad
| Size: | Small to extra-extra-large |
| Material: | Nylon |
| Color: | Blue |
| Washing Machine Safe: | No, wipes clean |
The TechNiche International Evaporative Cooling Pad uses “HyperKewl” technology to speed up your cat’s natural cooling process. The outer fabric absorbs and releases water through evaporation, similar to the process of sweating.
To use this pad, you will need to soak it in water for one to two minutes and wring out the excess. It then provides up to 10 hours of cooling relief. It’s safe to use indoors or outdoors.
- The long-lasting cooling effect
- Safe for indoors and outdoors
- Requires wetting the pad to gain cooling effect
7. Pet Fit For Life Cooling and Heating Pad
| Size: | Small – designed specifically for cats |
| Material: | Gel |
| Color: | Blue and white |
| Washing Machine Safe: | Yes |
This is one of the only cooling pads on our list that is actually marketed for cats. It’s a dual-purpose mat that provides both cooling and heating, so it can be used to provide your pet with comfort year-round. For cooling purposes, this pad is placed in the freezer while it’s placed in the microwave for heating. The cover is easily removed and machine washable, while the inner gel pad can be washed with soap and water.
The biggest downside of this pad is the need for it to be frozen to provide a cooling effect. It not only takes a long time to cool down, but the temperature also isn’t consistent. It loses its cooling effect over time.
- Dual-purpose cooling and heating
- Machine washable
- Perfect size for cats
- Requires freezing or microwaving
8. Pawple Self Cooling Cat Pad
| Size: | Small to medium |
| Material: | Nylon |
| Color: | Blue |
| Washing Machine Safe: | No, wipes clean |
The Pawple self-cooling cat pad requires filling with water to help your cat cool off. It has orthopedic foam in the mat center to keep your pet comfortable, and there is an adjustable air valve to circulate the water.
This pad is simple and inexpensive. There’s nothing particularly fancy about it. There is no indication that the pad is made from mildew-resistant material, so you may have to frequently replace the water in the pad.
- Simple design
- Orthopedic foam for added comfort
- inexpensive
- No mildew resistance
- Requires filling with water
9. SEIS Ice Pad
| Size: | Large |
| Material: | Nylon, fabric, bamboo |
| Color: | Blue or Pink |
| Washing Machine Safe: | Yes |
This ice mat can be used anywhere from the floor to the sofa. It is filled with bamboo to help pull heat from your cat’s body and lower their body temperature.
This pad cannot be used outdoors as the cooling cushions will melt in direct sunlight.
- Durable
- Machine washable
- Inexpensive
- Indoor use only
Buyer’s Guide
How do cooling pads and mats work?
Cooling pads work using either gel or water. With the exception of one, all the pads on this list require one or the other.
Water cooling pads cool your cat off using a process similar to sweating. Since your cat can’t sweat, the pad does it for them. The water absorbs the heat from your cat’s body and releases it from the pad through evaporation. It’s not unlike the effect you would obtain by soaking your cat in water; they would cool as they dry off. This achieves the same thing, except that your cat can stay dry.
Gel cooling pads work by using a special chemical called a polymer. This chemical is activated by pressure to absorb heat. Anytime your cat lays on the mat, the mat will draw heat out of your cat’s body. When your cat leaves the mat, the chemical change reverses, and the mat moves back to room temperature. This is what is referred to as “recharging,” and the process takes about 20-30 minutes. At this point, the mat is ready for your cat to use again.
Are cooling pads safe for cats?
All the pads on this review list that contain gel are guaranteed by the manufacturer to be 100% non-toxic. If the mat was to tear and your cat was to accidentally ingest a bit of gel, it shouldn’t harm them. That being said, any gel cooling mat should be replaced if the gel starts to leak, and your cat should be prevented from consuming it.
If you have a cat who likes to scratch at or chew on its mat, you may be better off choosing a water-filled pad or one that is cooled off in the freezer.
Do I have to plug in cooling pads?
The beauty of these cat cooling pads is that none of them require a power supply. This means you can choose where to put them in your house, move them around, and take them with you on trips. It also means you don’t have to worry about your cat being harmed by electrical cords.
None of the cooling pads or mats on this list require the use of electricity.
Will my cat actually use a cooling pad?
It can be tough to get your cat used to a new bed or a cooling pad added to their existing one. While cats are curious, they often don’t like new things.
The easiest way to get your cat to use a cooling mat is to put it next to or on top of their current bed. Adding a familiar piece of bedding or a blanket with their scent (or yours) will help them feel safe. Once they realize the pad helps them to cool off, they will be more inclined to use it regularly.
Does my cat need a cooling pad?
It may be that you are buying a cooling pad to spoil your cat a little extra in the summer, and that’s okay. However, there are some cats who actually require a cooling mat, and there are a few signs that can tell you they need assistance with lowering their body temperature.
Cats experience heat stroke similar to humans. Their body can’t keep itself cool, so it simply begins to shut down. High temperatures and a lack of water are the most common reasons for heatstroke.
In the hot summer months, it’s critical that your cat has full-time access to clean drinking water. That is the number one step you can take to ensure your cat stays cool.
- Restlessness
- Panting, drooling, excessive grooming
- Rapid breathing
- Redness of the tongue
- Excessive lethargy
- Staggering or stumbling
If you notice your cat is exhibiting these symptoms, you should contact your veterinarian for assistance.
Our Cat Cooling Mats and Pads Selection Process
Catster’s dedicated team of writers and editors collaborate with expert veterinarians, considering a wide range of factors when selecting the best cooling mats and pads for cats. These parameters include customer reviews, brand reputation, veterinary experience, and in some cases, hands-on testing. Of course, our cats have a say in the process, too! We strive to select and review the highest-quality products available, to help you choose the best possible product and make the most informed decision for your and your cat’s needs.
Why Trust Catster?
Catster has been a trusted online brand since 2001, so we know a thing or two about cat cooling mats and pads. We’re a team of cat-loving writers, editors, and veterinarians dedicated to helping you make the most informed decision for your feline. We deeply believe in providing the best information for cat owners to help their cats live their best life possible. We look at reviews from the most trusted sources available, and this, combined with our veterinary team’s experience and expertise, helps us gather the best options on the market. Our team is invested in the welfare and health of cats around the world, and believe that expert knowledge is one of the best ways to achieve this.
Conclusion
There are quite a few options for keeping your cat cool in the heat. Our best overall pick for cat cooling mats is the Green Pet Shop Cooling Pad. It’s one of the most versatile pads on our list and does a great job of providing a cool spot for your cat to relax. The K&H Pet Products Coolin’ Mat is our pick for the best value for the money. It uses water to cool instead of gel, but it is simple to use and provides a fantastic cooling effect.
Whichever pad or mat you choose, the best one is the one that your cat will actually use.
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