Cat Mats & Pads

A cat heating pad can be a wonderful comfort accessory as long as it is used correctly. If you decide to introduce a heating pad to your pet, make sure to place it in an area where they have the option to leave it if they’re not comfortable. We don’t recommend using one in a confined space like a crate as it can create a dangerous area. Most pet mats that act as a type of temperature-controlled bed are designed with a hard wrap around the electrical cord to help prevent your cat from chewing on it.

Like many animals, cats love to be warm, and a heated pet mat can be a great solution. Things like space heaters and other individual heaters can pose a threat to your kitty because of exposed wires. Even fireplaces and wood-burning stoves can put your cat at risk because of the smoke they produce.

Not all mats are alike. Some cooling pet mats are made with a specialized gel, while others are made with water, air, or both. For example, some will keep your pet cool by using a pressure-activated substance that keeps your cat cool by absorbing their body heat. This particular type of gel chills and “recharges” when your feline gets off the mat—making for a refreshing and comfortable surface for when they return.

A cat cooling pad that uses cold water or air also absorbs a percentage of your pet’s body heat and redistributes it over the mat.  

However, if you’re looking for something simpler, consider an elevated cot that allows air to circulate underneath more easily. 

If your cat uses a litter box, we highly suggest getting a litter box mat to place underneath. At Petco, many of the litter mats we carry feature a nonstick underside to help prevent it from sliding all over when your feline uses the bathroom. The built-in grooves help trap leftover litter granules stuck to your kitty’s paws which can keep your floor much cleaner.

Depending on the brand and variety you choose, there can be different ways to clean your cat litter mat—machine washable mats are usually preferred by pet parents to help prevent the spread of bacteria. Consult the user guide that comes with your pet mat for proper washing instructions.

To keep your cat’s feeding area as clean as possible, we suggest getting a placemat. At Petco, we carry many placemat designs depending on your kitty’s temperament and mealtime behavior—like non-slip, easy-to-wipe down and dishwasher-safe varieties.