The Scat Mat--I think it's a bit cruel
By pyewacket
@pyewacket (43903)
United States
June 30, 2007 8:49pm CST
I got this e-mail from the newsletter by CrazyCat.com today and one feature is about the "Scat Mat"--I was trying to find a more direct link to the story on their website but couldn't..so this is from the e-mail. It's all about a new product designed for cat owners to discourage cats from jumping up on places they're not wanted....
The email/article goes like this:
(Quote)"...The ScatMat is a touch sensitive training pad, which says no, when you can't. Place the clear flexible vinyl ScatMat in a room entrance, on your sofa, counter top or the hood of your car. The touch sensitive pad will silently protect prohibited areas from trespassers. When touched, the battery sends small pulses to the mat for three seconds. These surprising little zaps quickly repel most animals that stay away after one or two exposures--even after the mat is removed.
Scat Mats operate unattended and correct the pet at exactly the time and location of the unwanted behavior, day or night. Action Indicator Light helps you decide when the pet is trained. It will blink a count showing how many times the mat has been stepped since it was last turned on. Check it out and let us know if the ScatMat works for you!.."
Now personally I've had cats all my life, and my cats have pretty much always had the run of the apartment..I frankly couldn't care less where they jump up...do you? And is it REALLY necessary to have our little furry friends be "zapped" by a charge? I don't know about you but I think that's cruel. Also it runs about $99.00 and is sold at Amazon.com
So what do you think...is this product really necessary..doesn't spark a bit of cruelty here? (pun intended)
16 people like this
35 responses
@brendakaya (2332)
• United States
1 Jul 07
No way would I ever want one of those in my house around my babies. My son would like them to stay off his car, but even he wouldn't want to zap them with that. There is only one thing I would want to use that for, and that would be to keep them away from something more dangerous. Other than that, they go where they please. I'm not always happy about where they jump to, but I'm not gonna hurt them for doing it.
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
1 Jul 07
I guess what most people don't realize, that if a person is going to have a pet, they're going to have to expect some damage...but nothing is worth that much to put an animal through some kind of electric charge like that
2 people like this
@brendakaya (2332)
• United States
1 Jul 07
You're right, they're just like children. If you have a child, you try to childproof your home, if you have pets, you need to pet proof it. If there's something, you don't want them to get into, you put it where they can't get it. You don't shock them for doing what's natural. They're curious, and they like climbing. If it makes them happy, who wants unhappy cats? I don't. lol
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
1 Jul 07
Well all I know is that my two kitties are very happy
;-)
2 people like this
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
1 Jul 07
It sounds like the same concept as the electric fences they use for cattle and now the 'invisible' fences used to train dogs. It does sound cruel to me and I would never to that to any animal.
3 people like this
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
1 Jul 07
Well just imagine, I don't know that they do it now days but I do know that years back they did the same to PEOPLE - shock therapy I believe was the simple term...
No prob on the typo I knew what you ment :)
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
1 Jul 07
I have to laugh...train? What train..sounds like you do psychological damage and terrify the animal as well
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
1 Jul 07
Excuse the typo...I didn't mean to make it sound that you did anything...talking about how people think they need to train their pets....that is what happens when one is doing this when a tad tired
2 people like this
@lilaclady (28207)
• Australia
1 Jul 07
hmm it does seem to be a cruel thing to me, but I guess there are two ways of looking at it, it could mean the difference between whether someone can keep a cat or have it put dow if not controlled, cats can cause a little damage to some things, to me I would get rid of the things but to some people especially if sharing with someone a cat can not do certain things, I have been horrified to hear some people get their pets put down if they can't be controlled, so I guess there are circumstances where they could be good for me no I wouldn't use one...
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
1 Jul 07
Well I've had cats all my life...plenty of the furniture would be damaged..but so what..furniture can be replaced..a little life can't--Most pets don't do that much damage...Not enough to warrent a cruel device that could do a lot of harm to a pet
3 people like this
@emeraldisle (13139)
• United States
1 Jul 07
I agree that is cruel and unneeded. My cats have the run of the place but for the most part know when they shouldn't go some places. Like they don't go on the counters when I'm working there but they will when I'm not which is fine. Cats and other animals can be trained without resorting to cruelty such as that. Personally I cannot see buying one let alone actually using it.
@emeraldisle (13139)
• United States
1 Jul 07
My cats do as they please. I know they are spoiled rotten but they are part of the family to me. Even if they do go someplace I don't like I'm not about to use something that is cruel like that. My thought is what happens if they fall on it by mistake, then they are punished for an accident? Would we punish a child for falling into a room we didn't want them in?
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
1 Jul 07
My two babes are angels...they pretty much know where not to go to...but even if they did go somewhere I wasn't thrilled about I'd never resort to a product like that
3 people like this
@jeweledbluerose (3061)
• United States
1 Jul 07
I don't like anything that zaps an animal to train it. Heck I don't even like using a squirt bottle when my cats jump up on the kitchen counter. The kitchen counter is the only spot I have a real problem with my cats jumping onto, since I prepare food on those surfaces and don't want to get cat fur into my food.
Every time I hear of these things that zap a cat or dog so they behave in some manner, I think these things were designed by people who just generally have dislike for any animal.
3 people like this
@BarBaraPrz (45430)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
2 Jul 07
Cat fur is a condiment in some houses... =^..^=
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
4 Jul 07
Think you got a point that these things were designed by people who don't like animals
1 person likes this
@sumofalltears (3988)
• United States
1 Jul 07
I don't think that the charge would be bad enough to hurt the animal, and there are places I would like my cats to stay away from so rather than me adjusting to their habits I could make them adjust to my desires. It is basically the same principal of the obedience collar for dogs. I haven't heard to many complaints about that one. The price is too steep to make them a common thing.
3 people like this
@sumofalltears (3988)
• United States
4 Jul 07
Have had the same problem, but I do go out to work during the day and for the new additions it would come in handy because I have some very valuable things that I don't want broken. I would not be into zapping my cats, these things usually come with settings so you can adjust as necessary. I think cats could be trained with a very low setting that would startle them rather than hurt them.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
1 Jul 07
Aww-now sumofalltears..you mean you would zap your kitties? There are a few places I wouldn't want my cats to be in or on either...My darling Pyewacket did one time jump up on top of the hutch of my computer desk..at the time I had a nice vase...and of course it crashed down..but I didn't get mad...but he sensed that, oh o..I shouldn't be here, my mom wouldn't like that..he's never jumped up since..lol
4 people like this
@magikrose (5429)
• United States
1 Jul 07
I dont like it. My cats have the run of our appartment too and honestly I prefer it that way. I feel that cats are free spirits and need freedom to roam, even if it is just in your own appartment.
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
1 Jul 07
I don't like it either...the charge is supposed to be minimal but still..what if it isn't? You could find an electrocuted cat!
2 people like this
@brendalee (6082)
• United States
1 Jul 07
I would not buy such a thing. That to me is very cruel. My cats have full run of the house also. There are a few places I don't want them to get to but thats only because they like to use my bed as a liter box.lol. I just keep the door shut. I knew a guy whos cat got on his shelf were he kept his collectibles, he beat the cat and threw it up against a shed. Needless to say, I have the cat now. I'm sure he would have bought something like that.
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
1 Jul 07
Oh that's horrible about that guy...he thought his precious collectables were more important?--Glad to hear you rescued and took away that cat from him
2 people like this
@texasclassygal (5305)
• United States
1 Jul 07
Oh this is awful, I can't believe they would be selling such a thing for the kittens of the world, it is as bad as those invisible fences that do the same thing to dogs, I would never buy one of these for my babies, and I think it should be outlawed, how awful.
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
1 Jul 07
I think things like this should be outlawed too...just hope people have the sense NOT to buy it
3 people like this
@texasclassygal (5305)
• United States
1 Jul 07
Sadly, there is always going to be that one that does, poor kitten!
1 person likes this
@GnosticGoddess (5626)
• United States
2 Jul 07
My cats pretty much have free reign too but there are places I don't want them to be - like the kitchen table and counter tops. But I wouldn't buy that - especially for $99!
As far as cruelty I suppose it's no less cruel in giving them a swat for doing something they're not suppose to. With our cats a plain old NO doesn't work that good unless they're afraid of getting smacked on the butt. Not hard of course. I suppose if I was in the market for a mat like that I would test it on myself first then decide if it was too much.
2 people like this
@GnosticGoddess (5626)
• United States
5 Jul 07
You do have good kitties! I wish mine were that well behaved. I have having to give them a swat on the behind.
My Leo is a chubby little thing too - but he's got too much will power to keep him from anything he wants to do.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
5 Jul 07
A good old fashioned no gets it through to my kitties,...but then they really are great and don't go to where they know they don't belong...uh, first of all a bit too chubby to jump up anyway....LOL
1 person likes this
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
1 Jul 07
I would never use that on my pets it does sound cruel. I have a flyswatter that works off of batteries and when I touch a fly or any other bug with it they get fried. I touched it by accident and it hurt so I can imagine how any type of electric charge would hurt a cat or even a dog as the pads on their paws are very sensitive.
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
1 Jul 07
I sure hope you don't have that flyswatter anymore!! And yes the paws of cats and dogs are very sensitive
2 people like this
@LittleMel (8742)
• Canada
1 Jul 07
I don't know how high can the charge go, but animal abuser can use this to hurt strayed animals by setting the charge to max for example. if the charge is low, I doubt they will use it, but still I don't see why cat owners need it. I have one cat and she is practically all over the place, even if it's dangerous for her. Placing this mat in the house will end up hurting her instead of keeping her safe.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
1 Jul 07
I don't think it really makes any difference how low or high the charge is, I just think it's a cruel way to "train" a cat--my cats are all over the place too..doesn't bother me in the least..after all it's their home too
2 people like this
@scarlet_woman (23465)
• United States
1 Jul 07
urgh..i agree.i'd never buy one of those things.
i don't have anything that would warrant such a punishment.my furkids are pretty good about not going where they're not supposed to.
..i do have a nephew i wouldn't think twice about using that on,however ;)
@scarlet_woman (23465)
• United States
1 Jul 07
yup.the only place they're not allowed is sitting on the stove.but they haven't tried,so it's good :)
would i? oh yes i would.
he's a defiant lil cuss LMAO
my other 7 nephews are..well,better..
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
1 Jul 07
My cats have the run of the place--though they're good about not jumping up at places...uh, mainly cause they're too chubby and couldn't get their fat tushies up...LOL--my sofa is a bit scratched up..but like who cares...--now now..would you really use that on your nephew?? LOL
3 people like this
@irishmist (3814)
• United States
1 Jul 07
Our cats have the run of our home, and we would never dream of using a scat mat thing that would zap our babies. You are right Thats just cruel. Where do people come up with this stuff? They should be zapped.
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
1 Jul 07
That's a good one...yes, they should be zapped--see how they like it
2 people like this
@Katlady2 (9904)
• United States
5 Jul 07
Ummmm....how about...."NO THANKS". I agree that that is cruelty to animals, no matter how much the company sugar coats its' description of it. If you're going to have a cat, accept them and their curious natures. They are going to jump up on things whether we like it or not. I prefer the spray bottle approach any day. Picking up a spray bottle is much safer for the kitties. Plus it doesn't take very long until all you have to do is put your hand on the bottle and they run to safety. It has trained mine quite well. Shame on that company for putting that kind of product out. And double shame to anyone that actually purchases and uses it!
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
5 Jul 07
I'm lucky that I have two angels that don't get into trouble...well..not much...heheh..I've never even had to resort to a squirt bottle --good thing too...my babes probably give me nasty looks!!
1 person likes this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
4 Jul 07
Ouch! Zap your pet and frighten him away! No wonder they need nine lives. That's disgraceful. Cat's can be trained without resorting to those sort of cruel procedures...it's hard to believe any cat lover would use such a device and if they do I hope their puss shats itself on the scat mat. They should call it the shat mat.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
4 Jul 07
Shat Mat? Oh that's precious...you have me laughing here :-D
@nancyrowina (3850)
•
5 Jul 07
It doesn't shock them by the sound of things it just pulses which makes them move. It's expensive for what it is and my cats jumping up in places I don't want them too isn't that much of a concern for me So I wouldn't use one, but it might be good for someone who doesn't want cat's on the hood of their cars.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
5 Jul 07
My cats jumping around isn't a big deal with me either...but then..LOL...this is their house--hehe
1 person likes this
@BarBaraPrz (45430)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
2 Jul 07
Depends on the voltage, I guess... I remember when transistor radios first came out, they usually took a 9v battery. We used to test the battery by sticking it on our tongue... a little jolt meant it was still "good". It wasn't really all that painful, just "shocking" (no pun intended).
2 people like this
@BarBaraPrz (45430)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
5 Jul 07
Hey, what can I say? Kids were a lot tougher back then...
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
5 Jul 07
Yikes....what a way to test a battery!
2 people like this
@dcroome2005 (1210)
• United States
1 Jul 07
Wow, I need to email this company. That is cruelty. My animals have free roam of the house too. The only time I get on to them is when I am burning candles, but they are smart enough to stay away. They listen pretty well that I don't need anything like this to "teach " them. That is so sad. Thanks for sharing this though. Hey, one day, I need to come meet ya girl so I can see all your babies!
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
1 Jul 07
I burn candles and incense as well, but my cats are smart enough not to go near them..That's not a bad idea...maybe if a lot of people complained to this company they'd pull it off the market--I wouldn't mind coming your way one day..my ancestors were from your area..well VA anyway and always wanted to go and look up the ancestral area--Loudoun CO.
2 people like this
@dcroome2005 (1210)
• United States
1 Jul 07
Well you are welcome to come over anytime you want. My door is always opened to you and your furbabies :)
@taymouse (585)
• United States
5 Jul 07
I think it's not necessary, and I also agree with you that it's slightly a bit cruel. My cat is not the most brave, outgoing kitten in the world, and something like this would surely horrify her and make her even less trusting of strange things. It's really not a good idea at all.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
5 Jul 07
A lot of cats can be timid...something like this really could do some kind of emotional damage to a kitty
1 person likes this
