Troubleshooting
If the information below has not helped you solve your problem, contact Contech Customer Service at 1-800-767-8658, or email us.
My ScatMat is sparking.
Your ScatMat might spark if:
1. There is a broken wire somewhere in the mat.
Stop using the ScatMat. To request a new mat, please call our customer service number
at 1-800-767-8658.
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My ScatMat doesn't cover my entire couch. How can I keep my pets off it?
1. You can buy an extension mat.
Please check prices and sizes on our website at www.contech-inc.com.
2. You can place your ScatMat under a sheet or piece of fabric (no thicker than
denim). Move the ScatMat around so that your pet can't tell where it is on any given
day. Your pet will soon associate the entire piece of fabric with the static pulses
and avoid the entire couch.
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My ScatMat is triggering all the time even though there's nothing around.
The ScatMat may trigger all the time even though there's nothing around if:
1. The battery is low.
Is the light bright or somewhat dimmer than usual? If it's dimmer, you need to change
the battery. Use a good quality, brand new 9-volt alkaline battery.
2. There is something in the immediate area causing some electrical interference.
It doesn't happen often, but occasionally the ScatMat is affected by a large appliance
nearby, like a refrigerator, florescent lights.
To solve either problem, move the ScatMat around until the interference no longer
affects the mat.
3. The power pack is not properly connected.
Turn the power pack off. Remove it from the mat by lifting it up where the snaps
hold it to the mat. Reattach and press firmly.
For further assistance, please call our customer service number at 1-800-767-8658.
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The indicator light on my ScatMat doesn't count higher than six.
The indicator light is not meant to count higher than six. Once it reaches six flashes,
you should reset the power pack by turning it off, waiting a few seconds, and then
turn it back on. This is intentional - while blinking the activation count the unit
is 'disarmed' and not sensing. The count limit was therefore set at a nominal number
high enough to perform the 'tattle tale' role, but not high enough to reduce the
effectiveness of the ScatMat. The indicator light may flash once because you've
just touched the mat.
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My ScatMat is dead when I touch two adjacent wires in the mat. OR
My ScatMat stopped working but the light is always on.
1. The batteries need to be changed.
We recommend you use a brand new, never-been-used 9-volt alkaline battery fresh
from the package.
2. Your adapter (if you've bought one separately) may not be plugged into the wall
properly.
Sometimes people or animals bump into the power pack, adapter or accidentally pull
on the cord. Push the power pack onto the contacts firmly or push the securely into
the outlet again.
3. The power pack might be faulty.
You need to test the power pack. To do so, turn the power pack off and remove it
from the snaps on the mat. Using reasonable care, you will not tear the mat - it
is made of sturdy vinyl. Put the pack on its lowest setting. Press the round silver
contacts on the bottom of the power pack against the heel of your hand. You should
feel the static pulse within a few seconds. There is a reset delay so there is a
pause before it pulses again.
If you did not feel the static pulse, then it's likely your power pack is faulty
and needs to be replaced. If you did feel a pulse then it's likely your mat is faulty
and needs to be replaced. To request a replacement power pack or mat, please call
our customer service number at 1-800-767-8658.
4. The mat has a broken wire or loose connection.
You need to test the power pack to eliminate that as a problem before deciding the
mat is faulty. To test the power pack, please turn the power pack off and remove
it from the snaps on the mat. Using reasonable care, you will not tear the mat -
it is made of sturdy vinyl, unsnap the two fasteners with a firm tug.. Put the power
pack on its lowest setting. Press the round silver contacts on the bottom of the
pack against the heel of your hand.
If the unit is working, you should feel a static pulse within a few seconds. There
is a reset delay so there is a pause before it pulses again.
If you felt the static pulse, then it's likely your mat is faulty and needs to be
replaced. To request a replacement mat, please call our customer service number
at 1-800-767-8658.
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Can I use my ScatMat outside?
We do not recommend using the ScatMat outside. The power pack is not waterproof
and when exposed to dust and dirt, there will be a dramatic reduction in the ScatMat's
ability to detect an animal. If the power pack becomes wet, it will stop functioning.
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Will I feel a static pulse if I walk on my ScatMat?
You will feel a static pulse if you walk on the ScatMat in bare or stocking feet.
The static pulse can be felt through material as thick as denim.
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Could the ScatMat harm my pet?
No. The ScatMat generates pulses like static electricity. You've probably
felt these on dry, cool days when you touch a doorknob or metal object. They are
surprising, but otherwise harmless.
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Could the ScatMat harm my child?
No. A child stepping on the mat with bare or stocking feet would feel a static-type
sensation that is surprising, but harmless. For more on this, see the
discussion on safety.
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What setting should I use if I have both small and large pets to train?
Use the High setting.
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What if my pet jumps over the mat?
Doorways are the toughest challenge for ScatMats. To help with this type of training,
we've developed
this set of doorway training notes.
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What do the experts say about the ScatMat as a tool for training pets?
Contech consulted numerous animal welfare authorities when it introduced the ScatMat,
and they concluded it has a positive roll to play in behavior training.
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How long does the battery last?
A single nine-volt battery can operate for up to six months (or 10,000 activations),
or in high traffic areas you can use the optional AC adapter, available separately.
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Can I cut my ScatMat to reduce its size?
No, with one exception. The only ScatMat you can trim is the Scat Strip.
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Can you make custom shapes or sizes?
No.
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My ScatMat doesn't seem to be working. What can I do?
For more on this, refer to the
troubleshooting guide.
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