Skip to main content

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

4 fantastic cooling pads for cats you need this summer

The summer heat and humidity can be just as tough for your cat as for you. While cats will naturally cool themselves by lying on cold surfaces and sleeping through the day, sometimes your kitty can use a little extra help. You can do a lot to help your cat stay cool, like running your air conditioning and shutting the shades to your home during the day, but you might also want to invest in a cooling pad for your cat. Cooling pads offer your cat a refreshing place to sleep, helping to keep his body temperature down and keeping your cat comfy. If you’re thinking about how to keep your cat cool this summer, then check out these best cooling pads for cats.

NACOCO Pet Cooling Mat

  • Self-cooling
  • Mesh underside promotes ventilation
  • Machine- or hand-washable

The NACOCO Pet Cooling Mat is self-cooling, so there’s no need to put it in the fridge or to use electricity to cool it down. It features a fabric that’s mainly nylon, making it both a durable and a comfortable choice for your cat. The cold-sensing technology fabric is refreshing against your cat’s hair and skin, and it has a soft and smooth surface your cat will love. The underside of the mat is mesh, which promotes ventilation to keep your pet cool. You can machine- or hand-wash the mat for easy cleaning. It’s available in several colors and sizes, so you can choose the option that’s just right for your cat.

Pet Products Cool Mat

  • Self-cooling fabric
  • Hand-washable
  • Good for indoor and outdoor use

The Pet Products Cool Mat is made of self-cooling fabric, so it’s super easy to keep your cat comfortable in the summer. The fabric has a mesh underside that’s breathable and a silklike cooling surface. It’s free of substances like crystals, polymers, and glues, so it’s completely cat-friendly. The fabric resists scratches and is durable, suitable for use summer after summer. It folds up for easy storage and can be used on your floor, sofa, and both indoors and outdoors. It’s a great way to keep your cat cool, and the mat is easily portable — place it anywhere your cat likes to sleep. This mat comes in two sizes and is hand washable.

Pet Fit For Life Snuggle Soft Cooling and Microwave Heating Gel Pad

  • Cools and heats
  • Made with a nontoxic gel
  • Fleece cover is machine-washable

The Pet Fit For Life Snuggle Soft Cooling and Microwave Heating Gel Pad is a highly versatile pad that can keep your cat comfy in both the summer and the winter. This dual-purpose pad can be cooled in the fridge, or you can put it in the microwave for cozy warmth. The pad is made of a nontoxic gel that makes it comfy for your cat to lie on. You can use it on top of a bed or put it under a blanket. Since there’s no need for electricity, this gel pad can go just about anywhere, making it a breeze to move around the house and set in your cat’s favorite sleeping spots. The fleece cover is machine washable for easy cleaning.

FurHaven Southwest Kilim Cooling Gel Deluxe Chaise

  • Chaise-style design is classic
  • Made with orthopedic foam and gel-infused memory foam
  • Removable cover is machine-washable

The FurHaven Southwest Kilim Cooling Gel Deluxe Chaise will help your kitty relax in cool comfort. This chaise-style bed uses microbeads to wick your cat’s body heat away for cool naps. Orthopedic foam core and gel-infused memory foam add extra comfort and help prevent pressure points. The L-shaped bolsters give extra support and double as a pillow. The plush sleeping surface is extra soft, and the bed features a removable, machine-washable cover for easy cleaning. This bed is available in multiple colors, so you can choose the one that best complements your home decor.

Cooling pads are just one of the many ways to keep cats cool. If your cat needs to beat the summer heat, then consider keeping him indoors during the day when the temperatures are highest. Give your cat access to a cool part of your house, like the basement, and be sure he always has access to clean and cool water. Don’t forget the importance of grooming your cat, which can help remove extra hair and prevent matting, so your cat’s skin will stay cooler. Summers can be long and warm, but when you put these tips to use and get a cooling pad for your cat, you can keep him comfy.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Paige Cerulli
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Paige's work has appeared in American Veterinarian, Business Insider, Healthline, and more. When she's not writing, Paige…
Why do cats eat plastic (and when you should be concerned)?
The reasons for this behavior might be surprising
Cat in a basket with plastic bag

Cats are quirky — sometimes puzzling — creatures. Part of the fun of kitty parenthood is laughing off these funny, curious traits and perhaps looking into what each might mean. Is your cat staring at you because they're plotting against you? Why does your cat want to sleep on your chest? Does your kitty wish you would get back to the office already after several years of this work-from-home thing?

Often, these questions — and our search for answers — are all in good fun. Cats are cats, and that's why we love them. Yet, if your cat eats plastic, you might wonder, "Why does my cat eat plastic?" You'll want to get a formal answer to this question from a vet.

Read more
When can kittens eat dry food? The lowdown on what you should feed them
Tips on feeding your new kitten
A tabby kitten standing in a bowl of kibble

Caring for kittens is hard work, but it's one of the most rewarding experiences of a lifetime. Not only are you responsible for the most adorable little lives, but you get to watch them grow and thrive! Preparing to keep them fed and happy, however, is a lot more work. 

Just like human babies have different nutritional needs than adults, kittens have different dietary requirements than adult cats. With few exceptions, your new feline fur baby is considered a kitten for the first year of life. (Large cat breeds like Norwegian forest cats and Maine Coon cats mature more slowly and don't reach adulthood until they're two years old.) Have you ever asked yourself, "When can kittens eat dry food?" We'll give you the full scoop on what you should feed your kittens — and when to change their diet.
Do kittens need wet and dry food? 

Read more
Why do cats lick themselves? It goes beyond just cat grooming
This totally normal behavior could mean a few different things
A cat licking his paw while lying in front of a blue background

Cats spend the majority of their time doing one of a few things: eating, resting, grooming, using the litter box, or causing havoc. Their routines can become predictable at times, so it's not even worth a second glance when you catch your cat licking themselves as obviously -- and loudly -- as possible. Cats groom themselves all the time, after all, but when does licking become a bit too much?
Even though cat grooming is completely normal, if it becomes noticeably excessive, your kitty may be licking themselves -- or even licking you -- for another reason. Luckily, we can help you understand why cats lick themselves and how you can tell what may be going on. Here's what you'll want to know and what to look out for.

Is my cat grooming? When licking is normal

Read more