After looking for cooling mats, and realizing most were simply bags filled with cold water, I tested with my water bottle (you know, those old-fashioned red ones that you fill with water) to see if this idea would work. I filled the water bottle with water, froze it, then set it out, wrapped once in a towel, for my cat. He hates being indoors, but I Know in Florida as a medium-haired cat he's got to be hot, even on the shaded patio. Sure enough, after a couple days, he gravitated towards the frozen bottle.
But, I needed something that would last longer. That started my search for the product I'm reviewing. And they work Marvelously for keeping Monkey cool.
The good:
Massive capacity
Easy to fill
Easy to transport
Freezer-friendly
Multi-pack
Cost
The bad:
Condensation
Small cracks in the plastic from being frozen in shape, then moved
So-so:
I still can't tell if it's condensation or a faulty lid. The majority of the condensation occurs at the spout, so I'm suspicious of the lid.
However, for less than $12, I now have a cooling option for my cat, and he seems to very much enjoy it. He's usually on the cot (I stole it from the dogs since they're too posh to use it) with his back or tail resting against the frozen bag.
Whether it will continue to stand up to massive use (I've used each bag 8 times so far) remains to be seen. The small cracks I see in the plastic are superficial, thus far. They're a product of that section of the bag being frozen, but with only a small layer of ice resulting. When I lift the bag from the freezer, those spots tend to break, which causes extra stress on the plastic, potentially breaking it in those sections. I've tried my best to eliminate the water in those sections by getting all the air out, but there is always a very thin layer of water, and that will always freeze.
It's not perfect, but it's working. Especially when Monkey is smart enough to go Under the cot. If he goes beneath the bag, then the cold air is falling and acts like an air conditioner. I've learned that, if I go camping in the future I will have these bags with me for the cooling effect alone. It's a 6º difference or so beneath the cot, and more if butted right up against the bag.
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