Is the Rywell Cooling Mat a Purr-fect Choice for Your Cat?
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
When the hot weather hits, our feline friends can struggle to stay cool and comfortable. Cats love their sunbathing time, but in the increasingly hot, humid heatwaves we are experiencing, cats can be very sensitive to high temperatures and finding a reliable way to help them beat the heat is essential. The Rywell cooling mat promises to offer a simple, effective solution to keep cats comfortable during hot weather. But is it really cat approved? This review dives deep into the features of the Rywell cooling mat and explains why it could be the perfect comfort accessory for your cat, especially after the recent heatwave and with another one on the horizon.
How Heatwaves Affect Cats
Cats regulate their body temperature differently than humans. They don’t sweat through their skin but instead rely on panting and grooming to cool down. When temperatures rise, cats can become lethargic, lose their appetite, and in extreme cases, suffer from heatstroke. Providing a cool resting place is crucial to help them stay safe and comfortable.
Traditional cooling methods like fans may not always reach the spots where cats prefer to rest. This is where a cooling mat designed specifically for pets can make a big difference.
What Makes the Rywell Cooling Mat Stand Out?
The Rywell cooling mat is designed with cats’ needs in mind. It offers a range of features that make it an excellent choice for keeping your cat cool during hot days.
Self-Cooling Technology
One of the most impressive features of the Rywell cooling mat is its self-cooling gel layer. Unlike mats that require refrigeration or electricity, this mat activates cooling on contact. When your cat lies on it, the gel absorbs body heat and dissipates it, creating a cool surface that lasts for hours without any external power source.
Comfortable and Soft Surface
Cats love soft, cozy spots. The Rywell mat has a smooth, cushioned surface that feels gentle on their fur and skin. This encourages cats to lie down and relax on it, making it more likely they will use it regularly.
Durable and Easy to Clean
Cats can be messy, especially when they’re trying to cool off. The Rywell cooling mat features a waterproof, puncture-resistant cover that stands up to claws and spills. Cleaning is simple — just wipe it down with a damp cloth or mild soap. This durability ensures the mat stays fresh and hygienic for your cat’s comfort.
Portable and Lightweight
Whether you want to place the mat in your living room, bedroom, or even take it on trips, the Rywell cooling mat is easy to move around. Its lightweight design means you can quickly relocate it to wherever your cat prefers to rest.
Size Options for All Cats
Cats come in all shapes and sizes, and the Rywell cooling mat caters to this by offering multiple size options. Whether you have a petite kitten or a large adult cat, or even if you want a large one for multiple cats to use, there’s a mat size that fits their needs perfectly.
Small — 24 × 18 inches
A compact, reversible mat suitable for cats, small dogs, and small spaces.
Medium — approx. 36 × 27 inches
A thicker, durable mat designed for medium dogs.
Large — 90 × 70 cm (≈ 35 × 28 inches)
A popular size for large dogs, offering extra thickness and joint support.
Extra Large — 70 × 90 cm (≈ 28 × 35 inches)
Often marketed as “XL” or “Extra Thick,” ideal for large breeds.
Small — approx. 40 × 30 cm
Suitable for kittens, small cats, toy‑breed dogs.
Medium — approx. 50 × 40 cm
Good for average adult cats and small dogs.
Large — approx. 65 × 50 cm
Fits larger cats, multi‑cat households, and medium dogs.
Extra Large — approx. 100 × 70 cm
Designed for large‑breed dogs or for covering bigger floor areas.
They also come in a range of colours. Rywell uses thermochromic Arc‑Chill fabric, so the colours are designed to shift slightly with temperature. Not every size is available in every colour, with blue and green being the most widely stocked. The core colours available are:
Blue
The most common colour; shifts to lighter blue when warm.
Green
Often paired with yellowish or mint tones when activated.
Pink
Popular for small sizes; shifts toward pastel pink.
Purple
Usually available in medium and large sizes; shifts toward lavender.
Mandy's cats Coco and Lucky are enjoying size medium in blue. Both average build adult cats.
Why Cats Love the Rywell Cooling Mat
Cats are known for their selective preferences when it comes to resting spots. The Rywell cooling mat’s combination of coolness, softness, and safety appeals to their natural instincts. Unlike standard gel or water‑filled cooling mats, the Rywell Cooling Mat uses Arc‑Chill cooling fibres and colour‑changing technology to deliver safer, faster, and more consistent cooling — without leaks, chemicals, or the need for refrigeration. Rywell benefits;
Instant Relief: Cats feel the cooling effect immediately, which encourages them to use the mat during hot weather.
Safe and Non-Toxic: The materials used are pet-safe, so you don’t have to worry about harmful chemicals.
Quiet and Passive: Unlike fans or cooling devices that make noise, the mat works silently, which cats appreciate.
Encourages Hydration and Rest: When cats are comfortable, they tend to drink more water and rest better, helping them stay healthy during heatwaves.
Real-Life Experiences with the Rywell Cooling Mat
Many cat owners have shared positive feedback about the Rywell cooling mat so we wanted to try it for ourselves! Upon receiving it, it was laid out on the floor to have an inspect of when Coco walks over and immediately lays down. The main image was taken around 7 minutes after it was taken out of it's packaging! A clear thumbs up. Since her initial test, she has relaxed on it every day, multiple times a day. Vets diagnosed her with mild arthritis and she can be a bit restless and searching out different spots to rest trying to get comfy, yet the Rywell mat seems to show she has signs of relief and comfort as she has been falling into a deep sleep on it for long periods.
Lucky is a senior cat who struggles with the heat now she is older, but has taken a liking to the mat on warmer days. She will lay there for hours at a time, and seems rested and cool. She tends to prefer the sofa and rarely sleeps on beds or mats placed on floors, but she has very much taken to this one so it would appear there is a second big thumbs up!
These true, real life stories highlight how the Rywell cooling mat can make a tangible difference in a cat’s well-being during hot weather.
It's great for us too because the range of sizes mean any one of them could fit our desired space - the medium fit perfect into a section of floor I ideally wanted it to go, and it is a gentle and unobtrusive design that blends nicely in.
Tips for Using the Rywell Cooling Mat Effectively
To get the most out of the Rywell cooling mat, we advise the following practical tips:
Place the mat in a shaded, quiet area where your cat likes to nap.
Combine the mat with plenty of fresh water and good ventilation.
Clean the mat regularly to keep it inviting and hygienic.
Observe your cat’s behaviour to see if they prefer the mat in a specific spot or orientation.
Use the mat indoors or in covered outdoor spaces to protect it from direct sunlight and damage.
Preparing for the Next Heatwave
With another heatwave expected very soon, now is the perfect time to invest in a cooling solution for your cat. The Rywell cooling mat offers a hassle-free way to provide comfort without complicated setups or ongoing costs and it gets the big thumbs up from the CatsMatter camp, Coco and Lucky specifically.
By giving your cat a cool, soft place to rest, you help reduce the risk of heat-related stress and keep them happy and healthy.
If you're in the US you can grab yours here.
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