Just my opinion, for whatever that's worth.
I have a laptop I keep by the sofa - for quick reference or email checks - that stays on all the time. It isn't unusual to go a month between restarts, and it rarely ever gets shut off. I haven't noticed any problems after the better part of a year.
The cat seems like a bad idea though. I have noticed my laptops have intake and exhaust ports, but for the cpu only. It appears to me they get rid of a lot of waste heat through radiation, especially through the keyboard. A cat on top would both generate more heat, as well as insulate against radiation of waste heat.
I keep the top of my laptop slightly open to allow for air circulation and make sure that the cpu cooler intake and exhaust ports are clear. Seems to be fine.
From what I have heard about the cooling pads: They are the greatest thing since sliced bread if you are on the go and the laptop is sitting right on your lap a lot. And while they certainly don't do anything but help, they aren't that big an improvement for use on top of a desk.
Josh
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