Hey there, fellow cat lovers! We're about to embark on a journey into the world of feline fun - specifically, the BABORUI Upgraded Water Sensory Playmat. This thing promises to be the cat's meow, offering hours of endless entertainment for your furry friend. But, as always, we gotta dig a little deeper than the marketing hype to see if this product is truly worthy of your hard-earned money.
So, is the BABORUI Upgraded Water Sensory Playmat worth buying?
Well, it's complicated. This one is a bit of a mixed bag, like a bowl of cat food with a rogue hairball. On the one hand, it seems like a fun and engaging toy, especially for cats that enjoy water. On the other hand, the durability and customer service seem to be, shall we say, "feline-ly lacking".
Let's dive into the nitty-gritty.
First things first, this playmat is a rectangular water-filled surface with moving fish-like objects that are supposed to entice cats. You fill it with water, and theoretically, your cat will be mesmerized and have the time of their lives batting around the fish-shaped toys. The concept is brilliant!
But here's where things get a bit messy.
The Reviews:
The Amazon reviews are a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Some cats absolutely LOVE it, while others seem completely unimpressed. Some owners report that the playmat sprung a leak within hours, while others say it's held up strong.
Here's what some real cat owners had to say:
- "Traci Smith" said: "The minute I filled it up and closed the water valve it was leaking!! Totally defective!! Couldn’t even try it out. The lamest part is that the company won’t just refund me. They want me to return it first!!"
- "NANCY WINDHAM" said: "Gave as a gift and my granddaughter says the cats love the interaction!"
- "Allison" said: "I can’t tell if my cat is just not interested or afraid of ir repelled by the strong unpleasant smell of the plastic/vinyl. Sure would have been nice to have at least a brief information on how to fill both water and air but I’m fumbling through it. Hoping not to overfill and cause a rupture! update- I didn’t even overfill it- the fishies were almost immobile but it leaked. I’m just going to toss it. Customer service is almost non existent since it went 99% AI."
- "Beth Mitchell" said: "I’m not sure what I expected with the splash pad, but whatever it was I am disappointed. When filled with water the little pieces inside the splash pad didn’t really move. And after two times and my cat playing with it, she punctured a hole in it, and it was unusable."
- "Robert L Vecchiolli" said: "In concept this is a GREAT product. We have 15 cats and their initial reaction to this product was apprehension, but after a day or 2 they were warmed up to the product. UNFORTUNATELY, as you might have already guessed, the product did not last 24 hours after they started playing with it. It received a puncture in the water bladder and the containment ring. On the upside, it comes with a patching kit. Holes patched and refilled with water and air; less than 4 hours before it was punctured again. The product did come with claw trimmers, but I don't have time to trim the claws of 15 cats, especially since some of them become violent when you try to hold them long enough to force them into a claw trimming. I would give this 5 stars for concept, but it lacks the durability needed for cats with untrimmed claws. As is, I have to recommend "DO NOT BUY", but with a huge caveat: If you are able to trim your cat's claws, your cat will love this after they warm up to it."
- "Alice B" said: "It was a fun surprise for my Grandcats. Strong plastic and did not pop."
- "Anna Marie" said: "It’s quite a cute toy and a good value for the money. Unfortunately our cat of 2 1/2 years of age wasn’t interested in the toy. She wouldn’t even step on it."
- "Kindle Customer" said: "I have two cats. One wouldn’t touch it. The other one loved it & started playing with it right away but within minutes it sprung a hole. It was totally destroyed in a few hours. If they’re going to make something for cats to play with, it needs to be more durable."
The verdict?
The BABORUI Upgraded Water Sensory Playmat is a gamble. It might be the hit of the party for your cat, or it might end up in the trash within a few hours. The reviews are a mixed bag, with some cats loving it and others completely ignoring it. The durability issues seem to be a recurring theme, and the customer service isn't exactly known for being quick to offer a refund.
Here are some of the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Cat-approved (for some): Many cats seem to enjoy the playmat and get hours of fun out of it.
- Innovative design: The water sensory aspect is a clever way to keep cats entertained.
- Comes with a patching kit: You can attempt to patch any leaks or holes.
Cons:
- Durability issues: Many owners report that the playmat leaks or gets damaged easily.
- Not all cats are interested: Some cats simply don't care for the playmat, making it a waste of money.
- Customer service concerns: Some reviewers have had trouble getting refunds or resolutions from the company.
So, the final verdict?
It depends on your cat and your tolerance for risk. If you're willing to gamble on a product that might be damaged quickly, and if your cat is a water-loving playmate, the BABORUI Upgraded Water Sensory Playmat could be a good option. However, if you're looking for a durable, reliable toy, this might not be the best choice.
We always recommend reading reviews carefully before making a purchase. And, if you do decide to give this playmat a try, be sure to keep an eye on it and have your fingers crossed that your cat doesn't turn it into a punctured mess!
PS: Don't forget to check out our other amazing cat product reviews!
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. As an amazon affilater, if you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.