midNight noctOwl
18 februari 2025
The cat scratching mat is comprised of multiple layers. Starting with the fabric, then there is a foil layer which is bonded to the fabric. Then the foil has a layer of adhesive, which is covered by a plastic film. The fabric is woven with ridges and valleys running the length of the roll, which reminds me somewhat like corduroy, but instead of velvet-cut ends, the cat scratching mat has loops of various sizes to help catch the cat’s claws.The roll of fabric appears to be somewhat light weight, in terms of its overall mass. But it’s very thick and feels very durable. The texture is surprisingly rough, as if the threads they chose to use are extra thick and heavy duty with the intention of being able to stand up to the claws of cats. It’s a woven fabric, but the weave is tight and looks complex since it appears like it may be multi-layered which could be providing the locking/knotting of the threads. I’ve cut a few pieces so far, and it does not appear like the edge can fray.On the back of the mat is the foil layer, the adhesive layer, and the plastic film. On the foil is printed a grid based upon centimeters and decimeters to help guide you when cutting the fabric be it straight cuts, or a little more complicated. I don’t use metric units personally, but these markings will still be helpful in keeping lines straight when it does require cutting.After applying it, and letting it sit for a few days, I noticed that I did not press it on hard enough, so it was wanting to come off in a few areas. Pressing firmer on to the chair’s fabric appeared to do the trick and now it’s sticking much better. I’ve tried to remove some of the stuck on pieces, and they appear to come off cleanly and are also able to be reapplied to the chair without looking any tackiness. I’ll have to see how these holds up over the next few months. If it’s not staying on, I’m considering putting a few stitches in to hold it since I do not want to use the spiral pins that it came with.These come with a few spiral pins that could be used to screw them through the cat scratching mat, then in to the chair’s fabric. But I honestly do not like the idea of using them, since if a cat happens to work it out of the fabric, it could cause a lot of injury with them.I’ve included some photos to show the texture of the cat scratching mat.1. The first photo is showing the printed foil with the directions on how to use tape to remove the film to expose the adhesive.2. The second photo is trying to show the side of the mat.3. A closeup of the texture of the fibers.4. The last photo is showing the mat rolled back on itself so you can see the foil, but the part that I was trying to show was the side profile.I’m pretty happy with these so far. But I’m going to have to see how well they stay in place. Worst case I’ll put in a few stitches.