These training devices work wonderfully. They literally do scat cats away from where we do not want them venturing or “misbehaving”. We operate a cat rescue; hence, there are cats everywhere. Frustration levels had reached an all time high what with kittens jumping onto the kitchen counters and seniors inappropriately urinating to show their displeasure with so many kittens around. Face it – it had reached a point where the felines were just running amuck!!! (But we so dearly love them anyway!) It was then we decided to purchase scat mats in multiple quantities to assure our sanity. We had been informed previously from other rescues, both cat and dog, that they do work. However, we had resisted for the longest time, being of the mindset that it was too similar to electric shock therapy.
Another obstacle in our way was the price. The mats are rather pricey, but well worth the initial investment. The small strips (3 x 46) cost approximately 50.00$, the medium mats (30 x 16) about 75.00$ and the large mats (48 x 20) run upwards to 150.00$.
Further research on our part, via the internet and actually going to see scat mats in action tipped the scales in our decision. After testing it out on ourselves (It felt like a tickle unless it was on HIGH.), we finally opted to purchase several and place strategically throughout our home. They run on a battery operated power pack attached to the end of the mat. ( A 9 volt battery). It works by sending a harmless electrical charge via a current stimulated from the power pack. When someone or something is on the mat long enough a change is sent to the mat. It is not instantaneous as the current has to be charged prior to emitting. If a cat stumbles upon the mat by accident a few seconds grace period is still in effect.
We learned that the little shocks do not hurt the kitties, it only startles them. It’s a deterrent not a punishment. We have medium sized one under our dining room buffet, another medium sized one on top of the kitchen cabinets, and sometimes we place a small one on the counters, when we remember to place them there in the mornings. Even if we forget to put them somewhere, (like the sofa- which we finally risked getting a new one and it still looks and smells new!!) the cats remember previous shocks; showing no interest in returning to the *scene*.
However, we are always intaking new cats, and scat mats help teach boundaries. I highly recommend them to any cat owner; especially rescues and fosters. There is no reason to lose your sanity or to become frustrated with your cats!! Get a scat mat!!!
A quick update, we recently realized that one of our scat mats’ battery had died, we have no idea for how long either, but still no accidents where the scat mat is located (under the dining room buffet). We did replace the battery as an aid for any new kitties.
The one negative is the settings. Why is there even a high setting at all? There is no need at that setting I know longer would view it as a deterrent, but as harmful. We have not even adjusted the setting from low to medium-there is not a need to do so.
