A cooling mat only works if it's actually cooler than the floor it's replacing, and the ones that need no power or freezer time are the ones that get used every hot day rather than the ones somebody has to remember to prep the night before.

This mat cools automatically once a pet sits on it, using a non-toxic gel rather than electricity, water or freezing. It measures 60cm and comes in three assorted fruit-print designs. It's described as suitable for helping pets with allergies as well as keeping them cool.

• Self-cooling gel, activated by the pet's weight
• No electricity, water or freezing needed
• 60cm diameter
• Three assorted fruit designs
• Described as helpful for pets with allergies

What's not stated. There's no weight limit, no washing instruction and no gel-life expectancy given on this listing, so we can't tell you how a heavier dog affects the cooling, how to clean it, or how many summers a mat like this typically lasts before the gel stops working as well.

Who it's for: owners of a smaller dog or cat wanting a simple summer cooling mat with nothing to plug in, freeze or refill.