"The only time that punishment is either appropriate or effective is while the pet is 'in the act' of misbehaving… Although shock is not necessary for most pets, it must be remembered that in order for punishment to be effective it must be noxious enough to deter misbehavior…Scat Mat is an effective alternative when all else fails."

Gary Landsberg, B.Sc. DVM
Immediate Past President

"I have used the Scat Mat for many cases in which the goal was to keep the pet dog or cat away from an area. These cases involved a variety of behaviors including:

* Urinating or defecating on particular spots,
* Scratching certain pieces of furniture,
* Jumping onto counters, tables, sofas, etc.
* Spraying or urine marking on particular spots,
* Resting or sleeping in certain areas,
* Barking, whining or meowing/howling - by keeping pet away from doors or windows.

The Scat Mat is effective because it is based on well researched principles of avoidance learning. The electrical stimulation can be adjusted to be startling enough to make the animal reflexively jump off of the Mat, and thus very quickly learn to avoid that spot in the future. The 'spot', rather than the Mat itself, usually becomes the salient cue for avoidance. Since the level of electrical stimulation never becomes very high, and the animal learns within a few trials, there is no issue of 'cruelty'.

I recommend the Scat Mat frequently and find that most owners are delighted with the results."

Peter L. Borchelt, Ph.D.

"…I see it's greatest value in saving the lives of many cats whose owners are unwilling to accept unacceptable behavior, e.g. spraying or scratching, and therefore turn to the shelter, pound or veterinarian to destroy the animal."

Harry C. Rowsell, OC, DVM, Oh.D., Executive Director

"In our view it would be acceptable "negative reinforcement" if positive reinforcement doesn't work in a particular situation."

Ernest D. Olfert, Chairman
Humane Practices Committee

"…if positive conditioners cannot be applied, this device would be preferred to other negative procedures which have a greater opportunity for pain and suffering to the animals involved."

James H. Bandow, Executive Director

"…the easiest way…"

Martha Stewart

About keeping pets off furniture with the SCAT MAT, "…GREAT!"

"Cats For Dummies"

"A cat that has sat on a hot stove lid will never again sit on a hot stove lid, or a cold stove lid. (sic)"

Mark Twain

CLICK ON KITTY To Return to HDW's Main Scat Mat Page

© 1997-2003 Copyright by HDW Enterprises, Inc. - All Rights Reserved.
HDW Enterprises, Inc., P.O. Box 418104, Sacramento, CA 95841-8104 (916) 481-CATS ph/fax
http://www.hdw-inc.com e-mail: holly@hdw-inc.com