Is this soft or rough? I have a physically deformed cat. He walks on his back ankles instead of his feet, so I am worried about it being too scratchy.
615378
Hello Diana, The carpet is made of nylon and reminds me of the scratchers you do dishes with. Not brillo or metal feel but a heavier gauged nylon loops. No pointed ends. I don't think it would be painful to walk on. The issue I had with the one I purchased was that my cat started using it as the litter box urinating on it. Perhaps the deep nap and texture was too much like the litter. I took the mat outside, soaked and scrubbed it but could not get the smell out so I pitched it. It does help with the tracking but I honestly think a door matt would work just as well.
615379
It's hard to tell because the mat is made up of thin plastic fibers jumbled into almost a flat surface so it is firm. The fibers are not like brush bristles sticking straight up, they are coiled into a maze but I would not call them soft. Perhaps over time your cat has developed thicker skin than usual in the "ankle" area but probably still collects some litter crystals in his fur that fall off when he leaves the tray; this mat certainly helps to keep those crystals from being tracked into your living area. If you can avoid S&H, I think it could be worth buying just to try it out; it's really a matter of priorities and what you are trying to accomplish with the mat. I'm sorry this is the best I can offer. I've never tried to soften the mat surface but, it being plastic based, I'm guessing that any temporary softening would soon turn hard due to the nature of the material. Hope this helps you.
2267466
It's not scratchy. I don't use fabric softener and it's fine. With fabric softener I am sure it would be super soft!
550632
We do not have pets and have no experience with cats. The material is similar to a high quality air mattress. It is hard to imagine that it can be punctured inadvertantly.
2145982
The mat is actually very smooth. It is doubtful if you would suffer any damage. You can barely feel the thin wires on the top but none on the bottom. Maybe the only damages may be from the cat. A lot of people use these for cats on cars tho. I absolutely love my mats. After about 2 weeks you can turn them off and the cats will stay off the car in fear of getting shocked. By the way the shock,(static electricity) is not severe, it is just enough to get their attention
134994
Mine doesn't feel to hot to the touch but my cat def feels pretty hot when he comes out. It should be noted that my cat is hairless and his temp runs hitter then most cats.
1732855
No, it would be fine. Our cats are both 10 pounds and they curl up in it. A couple of extra pounds wouldn't make a difference. I'd say it's medium cushy. Just FYI, one of our cats lives in it, the other won't touch it even though we got one for each of them.
582093
It's definitely not soft, it's about the same consistency as a chewable vitamin tablet, although it's round. It could be given as a treat if your dog/cat would eat it that way. I put mine in my pups' food bowls.
495859
It is soft like moist food or a soft treat. The center is small, however, so I am not sure how noticeable the softness is. Of course, cats probably can tell the difference. :)
167221
I've had my mat for several months and neither of my cats have used it as a scratcher. It's pretty soft, so you'll probably be fine.
301071
I think it would be comfortable. It's about 1/4-1/2" thick, firm but cushiony, and the top is really soft. My older cats don't seem to mind it, beyond the normal reaction to being in a carrier. I'd probably add a blanket if our trips were longer than the 5 hours they typically are, though.
894527
I use it for my cat. This pet bed has more of a very soft linear shag texture. For me it has not balled or tangled.
2114770
This fabric is not soft but not as scratchy as a burlap either. It is a stiff fabric. I hope that helps?!
776551
We have had no problems with scratching. My dog (an old Golden) is quite skittish, so he's not quite sure about it & he's kind of rough going up & down & no scratches. So rest assured.
486968
No it is not rough at all. Until you step in the tub you will think it isn't even there and it isn't working but once you step in no slipping. We love it. It also has lasted a long time. Great product.
177625
i have three cats as well, and would never expose them to being hurt. that being said, i tested the scat-mat on myself when i opened it... it was a slight shock. not painful at all, just annoying enough to cats that they learn to stay away. lately, i dont even plug it in anymore, i just leave it laying there. they avoid it by sight alone. ive accidentally stepped on it barefoot plenty of times- you definitely notice it, but it definitely doesnt hurt. it just gets the cats attention and makes them associate that spot with something unpleasant.
611636
Yes it's durable. A dog's claws probably wouldn't poke thru walking across. My cat does scratch and knead it and that does mess it up :)
1895846
Yeah my cat scratched all over it and its fine. Very solid like a tablet. Its would be almost impossible to scratch it