A PRASKA cat mat is a flat bed in certified upholstery fabric, filled with silicone fiberfill that doesn't flatten even after repeated washing at 86°F (30°C). PRASKA mats do two jobs: a standalone bed (on the floor, a couch, a windowsill, in a carrier) and a cover for the platforms of wall shelves, scratching posts, and playgrounds. Sizes range from 14×14 in to 47×47 in (35×35 cm to 120×120 cm). Hand-sewn in Poland. Every model comes in PRASKA's color collections: FOREST, GARDEN, LOVE, AQUA, ORCHARD, PATCHWORK.

How is a cat mat different from a bed?

A mat is a flat bed with no raised edges. It works well for cats that sleep stretched out on their side or stomach, rather than curled into a ball. The raised edges of a stable nest give a cat support and shelter, but they also limit the space. A mat gives a cat complete freedom of movement - they can stretch out to their full length, change position during sleep, and get up easily without climbing over any sides.

In my own cattery, I see that large breeds - Maine Coon, Ragdoll, Norwegian Forest Cat - tend to choose flat mats over nests, because they need more room to stretch out. Smaller cats more often prefer nests with edges. A well-designed space for a cat should offer both types - the cat will choose whichever suits their own way of resting.

Which cat mats does PRASKA offer?

This category includes 4 types of mat, each answering a different need.

Sensory mats (CATLANDIA, TWIST, and the collection mats FOREST, GARDEN, LOVE, AQUA, ORCHARD) are the largest group. A sensory mat combines several fabric and fur textures on one surface - smooth, rough, plush, with raised details. That mix of textures stimulates a cat's sense of touch during rest, play, and horizontal scratching. Sensory mats work as a playground on the floor, with nothing to mount on a wall. The CATLANDIA model splits the surface into 4 sensory zones with different textures. The TWIST model combines upholstery fabric with premium faux fur in a spiral layout. The collection mats (FOREST, GARDEN, LOVE, AQUA, ORCHARD) have textures and colors matched to their collection. Available in standard and XXL sizes.

DELUXE XXL mats (AQUA DELUXE XXL, LOVE DELUXE XXL) are large sensory mats with 3D decorative details - elements that stand proud of the surface encourage a cat to play with their paws. They work well as a standalone floor bed for large cats, or as a shared resting space in a multi-cat household.

Basic mats (round, square, rectangular, GRAND, LIŚĆ, LIŚĆ SERCE, PATCHWORK) are flat beds with a single, even texture - in upholstery fabric or premium faux fur. No sensory zones. They work as a covering for wall shelves, scratching post platforms, windowsills, couches, and inside caves. The LIŚĆ and LIŚĆ SERCE models are leaf-shaped - decorative as well as functional. The premium PATCHWORK mats, 27.5×23.6 in (70×60 cm) (LAZUR, OLIWKA, PUDER, LATTE), are new: a patchwork pattern for large cats. Sizes: from 14×14 in to 47×47 in (35×35 cm to 120×120 cm).

ARENA mats (ANANAS, DUO) are made specifically for the ARENA plywood structure. The ANANAS mat has a soft, furry surface. The DUO mat combines fabric with faux fur - two sides, two textures. Available in sizes for both standard ARENA and ARENA XXL.

The carrier pad is a mat sized to fit popular cat carriers. A soft pad with silicone fiberfill makes travel more comfortable - the cat lies on a familiar, softly padded surface instead of bare plastic.

Why does a sensory mat stimulate a cat?

A cat experiences the world mainly through touch - the pads of their paws and their whiskers (vibrissae) are their main tools for reading their surroundings. A flat surface with one even texture doesn't provide any tactile stimulation. A sensory mat offers several different textures on one surface - smooth fabric, soft fur, a rough weave, raised details - so a cat explores it with their paws, scratches, kneads, and plays, instead of just lying on it.

In my own cattery, I see that cats spend more time on sensory mats than on plain ones - they don't just sleep on them, they actively touch the different zones, scratch the textured sections, and stretch out across the whole surface.

Where should you put a cat mat?

A cat mat should go wherever the cat already rests. From what I've seen in my own cattery, cats choose their own sleeping spot and return to it as part of their daily routine. A mat placed in a cat's "favorite" spot will be accepted faster than one placed somewhere the owner has chosen.

Tried-and-tested spots: on the couch next to you (cats that like company), on a windowsill (cats that watch the world outside), on a wall shelf (cats that prefer height), inside a cave as bedding (cats seeking a hideaway), on the platform of a standing cat tree, or on an ARENA structure.

How to care for a cat mat

PRASKA mats are sewn from certified upholstery fabric resistant to pilling. You can remove fur day-to-day with a brush or a lint roller. Faux fur mats are best cleaned with a vacuum upholstery attachment. Machine washable at 86°F (30°C) - the silicone fiberfill inside doesn't flatten after repeated washing.

Which cat mat works best?

It depends what you need. A sensory mat (CATLANDIA, TWIST, the collection mats) stimulates a cat with tactile input and works as a playground on the floor. A basic mat (round, rectangular, LIŚĆ) is a covering for a shelf, a scratching post, a couch, or a cave. An ARENA mat (ANANAS, DUO) fits the ARENA plywood structure.

What is a sensory cat mat?

A sensory mat combines several different fabric and fur textures on one surface - smooth, plush, rough, with raised details. The variety of textures stimulates a cat's sense of touch, encouraging exploration, play, and horizontal scratching.

Do PRASKA mats fit wall shelves?

Yes. Basic mats (round, rectangular) are sewn in sizes matched to PRASKA wall shelves and scratching post platforms - from 14×14 in to 29.5×20 in (35×35 cm to 75×50 cm). At order stage, you choose the size that matches your specific shelf model.

Can a cat mat be washed?

Yes. PRASKA mats can be washed at 86°F (30°C). The silicone fiberfill inside doesn't flatten after repeated washing. The upholstery fabrics are resistant to pilling.

What mat size should I choose for a large cat?

For a Maine Coon and other large breeds, XXL mats or the premium PATCHWORK mats at 27.5×23.6 in (70×60 cm) work best. A cat should be able to stretch out to their full length on the mat. You'll find more on what large breeds need in our article on designing a space for a Maine Coon.

Can I choose the color of the mat?

Yes. PRASKA mats are available in the color collections FOREST, GARDEN, LOVE, AQUA, ORCHARD, and PATCHWORK. At order stage, you choose the color of the fabric and the faux fur, matching the mat to your interior and the rest of your cat's PRASKA pieces.

What's the difference between a mat and a bed?

A mat is a flat bed with no raised edges - it works well for cats that sleep stretched out on their side. A bed (nest) has raised edges that give support and shelter - it works well for cats that curl into a ball.

Does the carrier pad fit any carrier?

The carrier pad is available in several sizes. At order stage, you choose the size that matches the dimensions of your own carrier.