Our Final Verdict
We give the Ripple Rug a rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
Quality: 5/5
Variety: 5/5
Cat Appeal: 5/5
Eco-friendly: 5/5
Value: 5/5
In the United States, cats are one of the most popular pets, often beating out “man’s best friend” when it comes to ease of care. In general, cats are far more clean, quiet, and unobtrusive compared to dogs, and are often the pet of choice when it comes to apartment living. But a cat’s ability to exist in a small space does not equate to a pet that’s thriving. Just like dogs require mental and physical stimulation to be happy, cats do, too. That’s where the Ripple Rug by SnugglyCat comes in.
Wedded dream-team Fred and Natasha Ruckel were inspired by their kitty, Yoda, to design the Ripple Rug. With combined backgrounds in visual effects, graphic design, marketing, and product testing, they knew they could create a different kind of product for feline enrichment. Under Yoda’s direct supervision, they eventually perfected the Ripple Rug, a cat activity mat that could not only entertain any curious kitty, but also provide a safe space for cats to rest. Fred and Natasha launched their product in 2015 under their new company, SnugglyCat, and the Ripple Rug has been improving the lives of cats around the world ever since.
SnugglyCat’s Ripple Rug has been featured on the Hallmark Channel, in Forbes magazine, and by digital media company Buzzfeed. It’s been imitated… but never duplicated. An authentic Ripple Rug is safe, durable, and can keep a kitty entertained for hours. Any cat owner would be wise to consider bringing the Ripple Rug into their household. It doesn’t matter how big or small your space is, or how old or young your kitty is. The Ripple Rug is a product made for cats, by a cat – Yoda Cat!
About Ripple Rug
SnugglyCat’s Ripple Rug is a simple yet ingenious kitty play mat, similar in size to an infant’s play mat. It consists of two identically sized rugs (35” x 47”) – one solid base rug with rubber backing to hold it in place, and a top rug with variably-sized holes for your cat to jump through, reach through, or stick its little whiskered face through like Jack Nicholson in The Shining. This top rug can be configured in different shapes and adheres to the base rug via strategically placed strips of Velcro, referred to as “touch points.” Once set up, the Ripple Rug is instantly intriguing to most cats, but even diva kitties that at first think they’re too good for it can typically be enticed to try it out using treats, toys, or catnip.
The SnugglyCat brand was launched in New York City in 2015 by husband-and-wife duo Fred and Natasha Ruckel. Their flagship product, the Ripple Rug, was the brainchild of their forward-thinking cat, Yoda, and as devoted cat-guardians, they made it happen! Following a successful Kickstarter campaign, they were able to bring the Ripple Rug to life and it has been delighting cats and cat parents everywhere with quirky, squirrelly fun. This clever cat contraption is also made right in the USA from recycled water bottles – how cool is that? And SnugglyCat regularly donates their products to cat-rescue organizations throughout the country, making this a company you can truly feel good about supporting.
No matter what type of place you live in, no matter what type of cat you have, the Ripple Rug is the ideal product to make your household more cat friendly. Playful cats will enjoy diving through the holes and launching out to attack toys. Lazy felines can receive mental stimulation by sniffing out hidden treats or kibble. Shy kitties will appreciate having their own personal fort to lounge in. There is virtually no kind of cat that can’t have a positive experience with the SnugglyCat Ripple Rug! This product is also ultra-durable against kitty claws, stain-resistant, and easy to clean. What more could you ask for?
Overview
Contents
The SnugglyCat Ripple Rug arrives in a size-appropriate pink plastic mailer with cute kitty designs to let you know that there is something magical hiding within. The two rug components are folded inside, and once removed from the packaging and spread out on the floor, the creases quickly disappear (if you’re distressed by creases, you can iron them out, but it really isn’t necessary). Both rugs have identical outer dimensions and aesthetically-pleasing rounded corners, but the base rug has a rubber backing to help it adhere to the floor and not slip and slide when kitty dives on top – the top rug is full of holes (that’s the fun!) and has Velcro touch points on one side to secure it to the base rug. To help you understand how to set up your new Ripple Rug, there are very extensive details with visual guides included in the packaging. But the main thing is to have fun with it and let kitty lead the way in discovering the perfect configuration for maximum cat enjoyment.
Introducing Your Cat
Cats are curious by nature (thus that old saying), and most will be instantly attracted to the Ripple Rug, no bribing needed. However, every kitty is different, and some elder queens might turn their nose up at their owner’s attempt to elicit their base cat instincts of hunting and hiding. This is where bribes are fully appropriate – sprinkle a little catnip on the Ripple Rug, hide your cat’s favorite treats in the ripples, or use a cat wand to make a feather dance around and into the holes of the top rug to encourage Kitty to dive in. Even the snootiest cats can’t hold out forever.
Maintenance
The Ripple Rug requires little maintenance, other than changing up the top rug configuration to keep Kitty guessing. But when it comes to cleaning the Ripple Rug, SnugglyCat does provide some recommendations:
- Vacuum the rug between washings. By removing fur, claw sheathings, and dander, you’ll be removing germs as well as the cat’s natural skin oils that contribute to the Ripple Rug losing its shape.
- Spot clean as needed. Thanks to its polyester fibers, the Ripple Rug is stain-resistant and resistant to mold and bacteria growth. However, any cat owner is probably aware of their kitty’s ability to puke in the darndest places. So, if your cat happens to toss its cookies during a play session, a little spot-cleaning may be in order. Dish soap and water is all it takes, which can be done in your bathtub or outside with the hose. Hang flat to dry.
- Machine wash when all else fails. Although regular machine-washing could shorten the total lifespan of your Ripple Rug, there is a way to do it that minimizes harm – wash with gentle soap and cold water on the delicate cycle, then hang flat to dry.
Pricing
SnugglyCat’s Ripple Rug is currently priced around $45 with no extra shipping costs added when you order from their website. Currently, you can also order from a few other sources, such as Chewy, the brand’s own Etsy store, and some boutique pet stores and animal clinics.
Beware that there are many imposters selling inferior counterfeits, so if you fall for an unusually cheap listing somewhere on the internet, you are probably going to be very disappointed when you receive a rug treated with toxic chemicals that also falls apart within the first week of use. It is for this reason that purchase options for authentic Ripple Rugs are so limited. So, to be safe, it is best to buy directly from the Ripple Rug website.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Non-toxic
- Eco-friendly
- Easy to clean & stain-resistant
- Distracts from furniture scratching
- Resistant to mold, mildew, and bacteria
- Multiple configurations
- Folds into compact shape for storing
Key Features
Quality
SnugglyCat has ensured that the quality of their Ripple Rug is top tier. The polyester fibers are derived from recycled plastic water bottles and are BPA- and Phthalate-free. The latex rubber used on the backing of the base rug is the same material used in surgical gloves which is non-toxic as well. And this product is long-lasting. With the appropriate care regimen, this durable cat activity mat can provide years of enjoyment for your furry friend.
Variety
Currently, the Ripple Rug comes in four neutral yet attractive colors – black, mocha, oatmeal, and beige. Match the rug to your cat, your furniture, or your flooring! SnugglyCat has also indicated that they are researching other color additions and may even do some limited color runs. As for size, there is currently only one size available, 35” x 47”, but if you want to create a larger play space, you can just buy multiple Ripple Rugs!
Care Instructions
Caring for your Ripple Rug is easy – vacuum as needed, spot-clean as needed, and thoroughly wash once a month to keep your cat’s play mat in tip-top shape. Monthly washing should be done in cold water with a gentle dish soap, and while it can be done in your washing machine on the delicate cycle, SnugglyCat recommends doing it by hand in your bathtub or outside with a hose – this will result in less wear and maximize the longevity of your Ripple Rug.
Is the Ripple Rug a Good Value?
The Ripple Rug is currently priced at around $45, very reasonable considering shipping is free. This is not your average outdoor carpet chopped up to fit in the corner of your living room. Made from recycled water bottles, this non-fraying rug is also non-toxic and environmentally friendly. SnugglyCat also donates Ripple Rugs to no-kill animal shelters. By purchasing this product, you are not just improving your cat’s life…you are also supporting a small business, reducing plastic waste, and enriching the lives of shelter cats until they find their forever homes. All of this achieved with just $45? That’s pretty impressive!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this hard to set up?
Not at all! And there’s no wrong way…unless of course you just laid the top rug flat on the bottom rug. That is all wrong. Be creative and your cat will thank you! You will receive detailed instructions with graphics along with your purchase, but if you need further guidance, you can check out the SnugglyCat YouTube page.
Will my cat like it?
Yoda the Cat designed it, so what do you think? Still, some cats may need a little enticing at first. Some toys, some treats, and some catnip will work wonders – then watch as a little lightbulb goes on above Kitty’s head!
Can my cat get stuck in the holes?
The Ripple Rug is designed with safety in mind. Though the holes have been cut based on the average 10 lb. cat, SnugglyCat realizes that there are some hefty meow mamas and thick boys out there – that’s why the larger holes on your top rug feature pre-cut safety slits. Still, if you’re the proud owner of one of these 20 lb. behemoths we hear about in stories, you’d probably do best to go ahead and widen those holes!
Can I wash both rugs?
Yes, and we recommend it! As your cat uses and enjoys the Ripple Rug, they will unavoidably deposit their body oils on the fabric. Just as with human clothing, material saturated with our skin oils becomes limp and flimsy-feeling. This is the same thing that happens to the Ripple Rug, but SnugglyCat is adamant – “a soft rug is not a defective rug!” Gently wash your Ripple Rug as described previously, hang flat to dry, and these rugs will be good as new!
How durable is the Ripple Rug?
Highly durable when cared for properly. Yes, your cat will do her best to murder the Ripple Rug, but that’s what it’s designed for. Let her sink her claws into the non-fraying polyester, and delight! Better to let her claw the Ripple Rug than your furniture. As long as you always follow SnugglyCat’s gentle care recommendations, this play mat should last your cat for years.
Our Experience With Ripple Rug
When I first saw a picture of the Ripple Rug, I didn’t think much about it. Then I saw Mr. Cat Mojo himself, Jackson Galaxy, promoting the Ripple Rug on his social media. OK, I’m listening. Then I checked out the Ripple Rug website – Made in the USA; Each rug made from 24 recycled water bottles; Non-toxic; Cats love it – well, my opinion quickly changed to WHERE DO I ORDER?
The day that our Ripple Rug arrived was glorious. Opening my mailbox to see that hot pink package with adorable cat drawings and funny phrases was like finding Schrodinger’s Cat alive. Once I got back to my house, I presented the package to Luna Kitty, and she was instantly intrigued. But Luna can be a skittish creature. Though the dogs find her a force to be reckoned with, unfamiliar things, loud noises, and seeing the kitty nail clippers can send her running for the hills. So, I decided to go slow and bribe her with treats throughout the entire unboxing and setup.
Once I had the Ripple Rug assembled in what seemed like a kitty-pleasing shape, I pulled out all the stops. Luna was still sniffing around, but she had ingested quite a lot of treats by this point and was starting to lose interest. I gathered up all her cat toys and dug out her baggie of the green stuff before making the inside of that Ripple Rug fort look like someone had dumped a Christmas stocking in there. Then I took the dogs outside and left Luna-tic to her own devices.
By the time we came back inside to check on the furry gremlin with the heart-shaped nose, Luna was definitely vibing in the kitty zone. With dilated pupils, she was pouncing on her toys inside her new cat cave, and even shooting a clawed paw out at a dog from time to time like a weird version of Whac-A-Mole (the dogs did not like this). Well, safe to say Luna had fun playing on her Ripple Rug, but even when her initial high wore off, she remained lost in the Ripple sauce, regaining her strength for the next round.
It’s been a week now, and Luna still loves her Ripple Rug. I have it set up in the living room by her cat tree since that is her corner. The only potentially negative thing I can say about it is the dogs want to play on it, too, and I have found it squashed flat plenty of times from them wrestling with each other on top of it. In my opinion, this is just further testament to what an enticing play mat the SnugglyCat Ripple Rug is! And to reshape the top rug, I just disconnect it from the base, give it a shake, and reconfigure it. Then my cat can go right back to making kitty chaos. Yep, Christmas definitely came early for Luna this year!
Conclusion
The Ripple Rug is the ideal cat activity mat, whether you live in a tiny apartment or a spacious home. Cats of all ages and personalities can find enjoyment using this simple yet ingeniously-designed product – and the fact SnugglyCat took steps to make this product a force for good by reducing plastic waste and enriching the lives of shelter cats speaks volumes to the caliber of people behind the brand. By purchasing an authentic US-made Ripple Rug, you are voting with your dollar for the kind of future you want for your planet and your cat!