July 2026

SUMMER’S MUST HAVE FOR YOUR PET

Review: Cooling Thermochromic Tech Pet Mat by Rywell

Disclaimer: Kitties Blue received one Rywell Cooling Thermochromic Tech Pet Mat free of charge in exchange for our fair and honest review. I received no additional remuneration.

The weather in the Northern Hemisphere has been almost unbearably hot this summer. If you are uncomfortable, just think how your furry housemate feels.

I am quite familiar with warming pads/mats for pets. In fact, Kitties Blue have several. I had never heard of cooling mats, however, until I was contacted by Rywell. They offered Kitties Blue the opportunity to try their Cooling Thermochromic Tech Pet Mat, which sounded like a great idea to me.

They gave me the choice of which size mat I wanted (S to XXL). I selected the medium (30″L x 20″W x 0.6″Th), as I knew it would be large enough even for 20-pound Cooper Murphy. (See the bottom of this post for all size dimensions.)

I originally had planned to use the mat on the catio. Even though it is under roof and equipped with two ceiling fans, it gets extremely toasty there. Unfortunately, we started having some rain almost every day along with some severe storms. With all sides being comprised of screen, the tiniest amount of wind causes the catio to get very wet.  Consequently, I moved the mat to the bedroom, so the kitties would have help cooling off after coming inside.

Cooper Murphy and Gibbs were the first to try it and use it most often.

 

Orange tabby cat loafing on the Rywell Pet Cooling Mat.

 

White and black kitten sprawled on a Rywell Pet Cooling Mat.

 

Mat Composition

With the same Arc-Chill 3.0 surface used in cooling blankets for humans, the surface immediately starts cooling on contact, which I can affirm. The mats top is a soft, quilted surface consisting of 65 percent Arc-Chill nylon fabric and 35 percent polyester with 0ne-way moisture wicking. The strong non-slip, polyester bottom is waterproof. The non-slip surface keeps it from sliding on rugs and carpet, tile and wood floors and car seats. The mat also is perfect for kennels or pet carriers as it has 180g of a soft, cloud-like polyester fill. 

Harmful & Chemical Substance Free

Most importantly, the mat is, OEKO-TEX certified. According to Wikipedia, OEKO-TEX is a globally recognized certification system managed by the International Association for Research and Testing in the Field of Textile and Leather Ecology. It verifies that products, from raw materials to finished goods are produced under safe, environmentally responsible conditions and free from harmful chemicals and substances. This guarantees the mats safe for human use as well as for our pets.

Before reviewing I wanted to check the claim that the mat is fully machine washable. I wash everything in cold water and did the same for the mat. It recommends drying on a cool setting, which I also did. It came out looking just as good as when it arrived and works just as well.

Some Additional Cooling Mat User Photos

Tali, Lisbeth and Kizmet also have discovered the comfort of the Rywell Cooling Mat.

 

White and calico kitten sprawled on a Rywell Pet Cooling Mat.

 
Grey cat sprawled on a Rywell Pet Cooling Mat.

 
Black and white cat with upper body on a Rywell Pet Cooling Mat.

 

In Conclusion

The Rywell Cooling Pet Mat is perfect for your feline, dog, rabbit, guinea pig or maybe even yourself. (I have been tempted on several occasions to steal it away for myself.) It offers an excellent cool down after time spent on the catio or a walk, in a sunpuddle, a vigorous play session or just a case of the zoomies.

I am extremely happy with this product as are Kitties Blue. We all recommend it and thank Rywell for the opportunity to try it.

Available Cooling Mat Sizes

Small: Dimensions 24″L x 18″W x 0.6″Th
Medium: Dimensions 30″L x 20″W x 0.6″Th
Large: Dimensions 36″L x 27″W x 0.6″Th
Extra Large: Dimensions 44″L x 32″W x 0.6″Th
Extra-Extra Large: 59″L x 40″W x 0.6″Th

Where to Purchase

The Cooling Mats are available at Rywell and Amazon.

Thanks for joining us today. You can find Kitties Blue at Messymimi’s Meanderings for Feline Friday. Click on the link to go there now.

 

 

 

THE BLIND DATE & THANKFULS

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

Time to share some poetry based on an inspiration photo from those Two Spoiled Cats, Teddy and Angel Sammy. Here is that photo followed by my poem.

 

A man and a woman sitting next to each other on a couch during a blind date.

The Blind Date

Usually blind dates put me in a funk,
but this guy is a real live hunk.
Sometimes that’s good but more often not—
His ego may be inflated or personality overrated.

This gal sure looks amazing.
I wouldn’t think she’d have trouble dating.
My buddy said she’s lots of fun.
This could possibly be a home run.

This is better than an on-line hook-up.
My friend assures me he’s not a schmuck.
But he hasn’t uttered even one word.
Perhaps he is one of those shy nerds.

I guess I should say something soon,
or this girl will think I’m a goon.
I just don’t know where to start.
What if she thinks I’m not too smart?

Okay, I’m jumping in.
This awkward silence is wearing thin.
I’ll just stick out my hand & say my name—
Maybe he will decide to do the same.

Oh wow, she looks as if she’s going to speak.
I dare not look surprised or act like a geek.
Or maybe I should just go first—
Introduce myself in one quick burst.

“Hi, I’m Maggie.”
“Oh, hi, I’m Josh.”

Maggie & Josh each emit an uneasy chuckle.
Could this be the start of life as a couple?

© Janet Buickerood Blue – 07/29/2026

Angel Sammy is the official poet at Two Spoiled Cats. Each Thursday, he transmits his poem from the Rainbow Bridge to brother Teddy. Angel Sammy is a great poet, and I know you will want to read  his offering for this week. You can find that poem by clicking on the poetry badge. While visiting, check out the inspiration photo for next week and join us in writing some poetry.

Thankful Thursday

Audrey and Raleigh thank those who left them good wishes for their fourth Gotcha Day.

I am thankful I completed my judging assignments for the Cat Writers’ Association annual contest ahead of the deadline.

Kitties Blue and I are thankful to each of you who visit and comment on our posts and especially to those who participate in the Sunday Selfies blog hop.

We will be hopping over to Angel Brian’s Home to participate in the Thankful Thursday blog hop. To join us there, click on the Thankful badge.

 

BELATED GOTCHA DAY CELEBRATION

A Few Words on Wednesday

In the past 40 years, I have been the human mom to 22 cats. During that time, I have forgotten numerous birthdays and gotcha days. I have never, however, forgotten the names of any of our fur children nor the order in which they  joined the family. So, that’s something at least.

On Sunday, I missed Audrey and Raleigh’s fourth Gotcha Day. I must thank Mackerull and his human, Laura, for the reminder. Audrey and Raleigh thank those of you who have already left them Gotcha Day wishes.

I honestly do not feel too badly about all of this, as we did celebrate their fourth birthday at the beginning of June. Regardless, we will celebrate a tiny bit today with a card, some cake from Cooper Murphy and beverages, so Dad Tom and I can officially recognize these two.

 

A torbie cat and a peach-colored tabby cat celebrate their fourth gotcha day belatedly.

 

A torbie cat and a peach-colored tabby cat atop a fourth gotcha day cake.

 

collage of beverages.

 

Thank you for stopping by today. Audrey and Raleigh will be participating in the Wordless Wednesday blog hop hosted by Sandee at Comedy Plus. If you would like to do the same, click on the WW badge.

 

LAUGH AT LIFE & A FLASHBACK AWWW

Sparks

 

Two laughing cartoon cats on a background of balloons and confetti with the following quote from Red Skelton, "Live by this credo: have a little laugh at life and look around you for happiness instead of sadness. Laughter has always brought me out of unhappy situations."

 

I totally agree with Red. We watched him on TV when I was.a kid, and he always elicited laughter from me and my family. Nothing lifts my spirits like a good laugh.

I suspect that these two kitties are laughing at me, as once again I have forgotten a Gotcha Day. Yesterday was Audrey and Raleigh’s. I must thank Mackerull and Laura (Trout Talkin’ Tabbies) for wishing them a happy Gotcha Day on yesterday’s post. We will celebrate later this week.

Sparks is the creation of Annie from McGuffy’s Reader. It began as a blog hop, created by our friend. Annie stated when she began Sparks, “I believe we are meant to be lights in this world. If we allow our light to shine, we can see where we are going. It is then that we can begin to truly see each other clearly. Together, we can light up the entire world.”

Awww Mondays

As I did miss Audrey and Raleigh’s Gotcha Day, I am including the first photo taken after they arrived here.

 

Photo of two tiny kittens wrapped in a towel and surrounded by a blue lace and ribbon frame.

 

Raleigh and Audrey will be heading over to Comedy Plus to take part in the Awww Monday’s blog hop hosted by Sandee. You can join them there by clicking on the Awww badge.

The Adventures of Periwinkle & Stinky

Tomorrow your two favorite tabby cats will be adventuring again. Periwinkle is in charge of the itinerary, so you’ll be able to find them at Friends Furever. They always have fun and will be looking for you to join them.

Our Angel Sawyer continues to live through these adventures as his alter-ego Stinky, and it would mean so much to Mom Sharon, Noelle and myself if you would continue to follow our two adventurous, cartoon tabby cats.

Thanks for stopping in to see us today. We always appreciate your visits and support.

 

 

A BEAUTY WITH BUTTERFLIES

Sunday Selfies: Week #623

 

A beautiful white and black cat isurrounded by a frame with butterflies.

 

Lisbeth is a bit miffed at me. She claims the frame I selected for her selfie is upstaging her. I totally disagree. The green tones enhance her eyes and the tilt of the butterflies draw the observer into the photo. Though, Lisbeth turns 15  in less than a month, she is still a beauty, especially with the boo-boos that were on her ears healed. Don’t tell Kizmet, but I think Lisbeth is strong competition in the Super Meowdel Competition. Youth doesn’t always win out!

Hopping Time

Anyhoo, Lisbeth hopes you like her selfie. She knows she will like yours as will all the other Kitties Blue. You can link up with us through Thursday. If you know any friends who might enjoy our hop, please let them know that we would be delighted to meet them. Kitties Blue love making new friends.

Lisbeth and I will not be staying awake until midnight, so she will officially join you on the hop in the morning.

Giveaway

To celebrate our 14th blogoversary, we promised to give away two copies of the anthology, Purrseverance. We received 17 comments on that post. I used Random.org to select the winners. They are: Floki and Frankie’s dad, Charles Huss (Bad Cat Chris) and Angel Madi’s mom, Cecelia Upchurch (My Mind’s Eye). Congratulations to the winners. I will be contacting you soon by e-mail.

Thank you for dropping by to see us today. We wish you a purrfectly peaceful and easy Sunday.

 



THE MANY COLORS OF TALI

Caturday Art

 

Bi-eyed, white and calico kitten in an art rendering in many colors along with a. colorful and sparkly frame.

 

To create today’s art I used Tali’s “Growing Up Selfie” from week #621 on July 12 of our Sunday Selfies blog hop. To turn it into this colorful image, I used the Watercolor Dream effect from Painnt. In that app, I added Multiply from Color and Lomo from Coloring. The frame, as usual is from favpng.

Here’s a puzzle for all our jigsaw fans, and it is not as hard as it appears.

preview132pieceBi-Eyed Cat Art

Tali will be joining Athena Cat Goddess Wise Kitty’s Caturday Art blog hop. You can do the same or just check out some art by your fellow bloggers if you click on Athena’s badge.

Giveaway

Tomorrow, Kitties Blue and I will announce the two winners of the anthology, Purrseverance. Readers had the opportunity to leave a comment prior to midnight on our blogoversary post from Tuesday for the opportunity to win. So, we’ll be able to use Random.org today to select the winners and then announce them on our Selfies post.

Sunday Selfies Tomorrow

Can you believe another week has slipped by? I cannot, but it has, which means it is time tomorrow to snap a selfie and join our hop any time through Thursday. We have another one of our rarely seen gang lined up to be your host. They have taken an exceptional selfie and really hope you will stop by to check it out. All the Kitties Blue are looking forward to seeing your adorable faces as well.

Thanks for stopping by today. We always appreciate it.

 

 

CAN YOU PLEASE EXPLAIN THIS?

Feline Friday

 

A grey cat with a bewildered look on her face as if to say, "explain this" sits in front of a tv playing a soccer game.

 

Kizmet is a huge sports fan, but like her humans, she knows very little about soccer. Unfortunately, we could not explain it to her.

Kizmet will be participating in the Feline Friday blog hop hosted by messymimi’s meanderings. To join, click on the badge below.

Friendly Fill-Ins

The Friendly Fill-Ins blog hop is hosted each Friday by Ellen (15 And Meowing) and Lorianne (Four-Legged Furballs). They publish the fill-in sentences on their blogs each Thursday. To participate in the hop, click on the badge at the left.

I was fortunate to get some help from Calista Jo this week, as I had no idea how to fill in #2. We both used teal italics for our completions. Any explanatory information is in parentheses.

1. Angel Food is my favorite kind of cake. (I cannot remember the last time I had some.)

2. Calista Jo: The best part of my week was staying out late on the catio, as I refused to come in at dinner time. (Kizmet does that all the time and gets away with it, so I thought I’d give it a try.)

3. I usually stay to myself in a room full of strangers.

4. If I opened a restaurant, it would be called There’s Pie! and would serve pie.

Thanks for visiting us today. We will have some Caturday Art tomorrow.

 

A POEM OF PEACE & THANKFULS

Thankful Thursday

We are starting with thankfuls today for Angel Brian’s blog hop.

💐 Ten years ago today, Angel “Mau”ricio and Angel Allie (Friends Furever) were married at Cat Scouts. (Of course, they were not angels at the time.) Scoutmaster officiated and all their friends and fursibs attended.

 

A wedding party of cats.

Wedding Party: Groomsman Charles, Best Man Sammy, Mau, Allie, Maid of Honor Gracie, Bridesmaid Anya, Bridesmaid Sundae

 

Cat bride and groom.

Allie and Mau on the dance floor at the Reception.

 

⛈️ We have been having significant rainfall almost every day. Unfortunately, we remain in an “emergency-level” drought. Rain is approximately 7.8 inches below normal throughout the Commonwealth. This represents the second driest year on record. The driest was 2002. Our region has only received 57 percent of the rain that is normal for this time of year. Nonetheless, we are thankful for what we have been getting and pray it continues.

🥳 Periwinkle & Stinky are thankful for each of you who joined their adventure on Tuesday. They celebrated the anniversary of Angel Sawyer’s Gotcha Day and our blog’s 14th blogoversary.

😸 Kitties Blue and I are thankful for each of you who visit and comment on our posts, and especially for those who join our Sunday Selfies blog hop.

We will be hopping over to Angel Brian’s Home to participate in the Thankful Thursday blog hop. To join us there, click on the Thankful badge.

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

Thursday is also poetry day. The Two Spoiled Cats, Teddy and Angel Sammy, presented us with a bucolic inspiration photo this week. I have added Gibbs to my photo. He is that tiny white and black speck on the deck.  In the poem, his name is Charlie.

 

A cabin in the peaceful setting in the woods with a cat on the deck.

 

A Place of Peace

Our cabin in the woods
may look rundown and shabby,
but it brings peace to my soul.

No phone, internet, TV
or noisy, nosey neighbors … just
burbling creek sounds and Charlie.

While I daydream, read or nap,
Charlie chitters at the squirrels
then joins me for a snack.

We watch birds and butterflies,
fireflies, like magical fairies,
when the sun dips behind the trees.

The hours and days pass peacefully.
We enjoy each other and our refuge
until we reluctantly return to city living.

© Janet Buickerood Blue – 07/22/2026

 

Angel Sammy is the official poet at Two Spoiled Cats. Each Thursday, he transmits his poem from the Rainbow Bridge to brother Teddy. Angel Sammy is a wonderfully talented poet, and I know whatever he wrote this week will be gold-star worthy. We never miss reading his poems and suggest you do the same. You can find this week’s poem by clicking on the poetry badge. While visiting, check out the inspiration photo for next week and join us in writing some poetry. If you need some help, check our this website: Shadow Poetry.

Giveaway

In remembrance of our precious Angel Sawyer and celebration of our 14th Blogoversary, Kitties Blue and I are giving away two copies of Purrseverance.  You can read Angel Sawyer’s story in the book as well as those of several of your other kitty friends.

To have an opportunity to win one of the books, leave a comment on Periwinkle & Stinky’s Tuesday post before midnight ET Friday.

Thank you for visiting today. We look forward to seeing you again tomorrow.

 

LISBETH DISCOVERS THE NEW CAT SCRATCHER

Wordless Wednesday

 

Tuxie cat rubbing her cheek against a cat scratcher.

 

Lisbeth will participate in the Wordless Wednesday blog hop hosted by Sandee at Comedy Plus. To join her there, click on the WW badge.


Giveaway

In remembrance of our precious Angel Sawyer and celebration of our 14th Blogoversary, Kitties Blue and I are giving away two copies of Purrseverance.  You can read Angel Sawyer’s story in the book as well as those of several of your other kitty friends.

To have an opportunity to win one of the books, leave a comment on yesterday’s post before midnight ET Friday. The link to that post is at the bottom of this one.

Thank you for visiting today. We look forward to seeing you again tomorrow.

 

THE ADVENTURES OF PERIWINKLE & STINKY: PART CCCL

The Arrival of Periwinkle & Another Kitty

Stinky waits by the teleportation tunnel for Periwinkle. She is always punctual, so he knows he won’t have to wait long. Moments later, the teleportation tunnel begins to vibrate. Periwinkle tumbles out with the familiar whoosh. Before Stinky can set her upright, Noelle tumbles out behind her. Periwinkle is only slightly surprised to see her.

 

 

 

“Stinky, I was fairly certain I knew what you had planned for today, but now that I see Noelle, I know I am right.”

“Well, you are a really smart kitty, so I am not surprised you figured it out. We will be celebrating the anniversary of Angel Sawyer’s second Gotcha Day … the day that our Mom rescued him from his three-and-a-half week walkabout.”

“I am happy that you continue to remember that all important day when Sawyer came home. It truly was a miracle and a relief that he was unharmed,” states Noelle.

“Mom said we could do something today we have not done in the past.”

“Oh, I love a surprise, what is it?” asks Periwinkle.

Giveaway

“We are going to give away two copies of Purrseverance. The winners will be able to read Sawyer’s story as well as that of many of their other friends.”

“That is a super idea. What will readers need to do to win?”

“Just leave a comment on this post before midnight ET on Friday. Mom will use Random.org to select the winners.”

“I know this is a special day for another reason as well,“ says Periwinkle.

“That’s right, it is the fourteenth blogoversary of The Cat on My Head.”

Reminiscing

“It really is a strange coincidence that your mom brought Sawyer home on the anniversary of the blog,” replies Periwinkle.

“I know, and that is not the only unusual occurrence. The person who found Sawyer and snapped his photo lived in the house where Mom and Dad adopted their first kitty, Skooter. A friend of Mom’s lived there in the 80s.”

“He was obviously meant to come home. It is just too bad it took so long,” says Periwinkle.

“I know. That was extra time we all would have loved to have had with him. Mom thinks about him constantly and how much joy and sorrow he brought to our family.”

“So, what are we going to do today besides the give away?”

“That is a very good question?” As Sawyer’s birthday was just three weeks ago, Mom did a post for him then,” replies Stinky.

“Yes, but that was a party. She hasn’t shared photos since she let everyone know he went to the Rainbow Bridge,” interjects Noelle.

“She’s right, Stinky. We should find some photos your mom didn’t share back then, and make a couple more scrapbook pages for him.”

Scrapbooking

“Sure, we are really good at that. I will gather the supplies.”

After Stinky gathers what they need, the three cats get busy selecting some photos. “Lots of these, I don’t remember,” declares Stinky.

 

 

“He was such a cutie pie,” says Noelle with a tear in her eye.

“Indeed he was,” agrees Stinky and adds, “We all used to giggle at him when he looked like he was hopping like a bunny. Being a Manx cat, his back legs were longer than his front. Mom says, when she pictures him in her mind, most times that is how she sees him. She thinks his tailless butt was super cute.”

“I’ll agree with that,” says Noelle with a giggle.

“Noelle, I think you should be the first to share the page you made,” says Periwinkle.

“Thanks, I would like to go first. I miss Sawyer so very much.”

 

 

“That is so sweet, Noelle,” exclaims Periwinkle as she gives Noelle a hug. “Stinky, is it okay if I go next?”

“Of course.”

 

 

“That’s beautiful, Periwinkle,” Stinky says. “I guess it is my turn.”

 

 

“I am feeling very sad, now,” states Noelle.

“Oh, I think we all are,” Periwinkle tells her.

“I think I can cheer us all up. Cooper Murphy has baked some cakes—one in memory of Angel Sawyer and one to celebrate the blog’s 14th anniversary. We have beverages to share as well,” Stinky tells Periwinkle and Noelle.

A Celebration Cake and a Remembrance Cake

 

 

 

 

“As usual, Cooper Murphy has outdone himself,” Noelle exclaims.

“Let’s get all my fursibs together to celebrate the blogoversary and remember Sawyer. He was special, and I know we all wish he was still with us,” suggests Periwinkle.

Stinky goes in search of all the Kitties Blue and they join he, Noelle and Periwinkle for some cake, beverages and a group photo.

 

 

Finally, it is time for Noelle and Periwinkle to head home. Noelle thanks Stinky for including her in the remembrance for Angel Sawyer and the blogoversary celebration. She then heads into the teleportation tunnel for the trip home so Periwinkle and Stinky can spend some time together.

The two tabbies spend several minutes paw hugging, whisker kissing, and saying, “I love you,” to each other.  Then Periwinkle enters the teleportation tunnel and with a wave and blown kiss is gone in a whoosh.

Stinky heads to the kitchen to clean up their craft supplies and then finds a nice sunpuddle for a nap and dreams of Periwinkle.

The End

The tabbies, all the Kitties Blue and Noelle will be joining the Happy Tuesday blog hop hosted by Sandee at Comedy Plus. If you would like to do the same, click on the Happy badge.