Kat Zed Bed User Guide
The Kat Zed Bed incorporates a low-frequency vibration system designed to create a gentle, purr-like sensation through the shelf in the Recessed Top - it is intended to provide a subtle tactile experience rather than conventional audible sound.
Getting started
Place your Kat Zed Bed on a firm & level indoor surface - before use, check that the power lead and connections are undamaged and that the D/C socket on the side of the Kat Zed Bed is clear of debris & dirt.
Plug the power supply into a switched 13 amp mains socket then connect the low-voltage lead from the power supply into the D/C socket.
Once both connections are secure, switch on at the 13 amp mains socket - the Kat Zed Bed will will begin operating automatically using its pre-installed sound programme.
The system has a built-in volume control that is housed in the chamber under the shelf in the Recessed Top - we set this to what we consider a sensible starting level before your Kat Zed Bed leaves us, but it can easily be adjusted up or down to suit your cat noting that the aim is a subtle purr, not something that will register on the Richter Scale.
General Operation
We’ve tested the Kat Zed Bed for extended use over days of continuous running however, we do not recommend leaving the unit switched on overnight or unattended.
Introducing Your Cat To The Kat Zed Bed
We recommend introducing the vibration function in the Kat Zed Bed gradually - allow your cat to discover and investigate the vibration in its own time, as some cats may respond immediately while others may take a little longer to become familiar with the sensation.
When introducing your cat for the first time, always switch the Kat Zed Bed on before your cat sits or perches on - avoid allowing your cat to settle on it first and then start the vibration, as the sudden change may startle them.
Let your cat approach & investigate the Kat Zed Bed while it is already vibrating - initially, operate it for short periods while your cat is nearby and able to move away freely.
If your cat appears relaxed, curious or chooses to remain on the Kat Zed Bed, use can gradually be extended - if your cat appears uncomfortable, anxious or repeatedly avoids the unit while it is operating, reduce the vibration or disconnect the Kat Zed Bed and try again more gradually at another time.
Cats naturally have individual preferences, so use should always be led by your cat's behaviour.
Good Vibrations
There is no single correct vibration setting - every cat is different, so the best setting is simply the one your cat appears most comfortable with.
To adjust the vibration, first make sure your cat is safely away from the unit - remove the Twist Pile carpet insert and lift the removable shelf using the finger hole, where you will find the small silver volume control on the side of the amplifier positioned in the middle of the compartment.
Turn the control gradually to increase or decrease the vibration - small adjustments are best, giving your cat time to get used to each change before increasing it further.
Your Cat's Wellbeing
Kat Zed Bed has been designed to create a gentle tactile sensation rather than intense vibration - every cat is different, so behaviour should be the best guide to whether and for how long the Kat Zed Bed is used.
Discontinue use if you notice signs of distress or discomfort - try again later with a lower vibration setting or place a familiar towel or small blanket on top of the shelf to soften the vibration slightly & introduce a scent your cat already knows.
If your cat has a medical condition, has recently undergone surgery, or you have any concerns about whether vibration is appropriate for them, seek veterinary advice before using the Kat Zed Bed.
Health & Safety
The Kat Zed Bed is an electrical product designed for indoor domestic use in the UK - each unit is electrical safety tested before leaving us and should only be used with the power supply supplied with your Kat Zed Bed, connected to a switched 13 amp UK mains socket.
The electrical system has been assembled & tested for its intended use - do not modify the unit, substitute the power supply or make alterations to any of the electrical components or wiring.
For safe operation:
- Keep the unit and electrical components dry.
- Do not use outdoors or in damp or wet locations.
- Do not operate with a damaged plug, cable or enclosure.
- Do not pull or carry the unit using the electrical cable.
- Keep the power cable positioned where it cannot be trapped or damaged.
- Do not allow liquids to enter the base of the Kat Zed Bed.
- Do not dismantle or modify the electrical or vibration system.
- Disconnect from the mains before cleaning, moving or inspecting the unit.
- The vibration function should always remain optional for the cat, with an unrestricted means of moving away from the vibration.
If any unusual noise, excessive vibration, overheating, burning smell or electrical fault is noticed, disconnect the unit from the mains immediately - get in touch with us to report the issue & do not use it again until the cause has been identified & remedied.
Cleaning & Care
Switch off at the mains and disconnect the Kat Zed Bed before cleaning - clean the interior & exterior in accordance with the normal care instructions for your Hicat® furniture.
Do not spray cleaning products or water into the base of the unit or around electrical components.
Periodically check the power lead, connections and accessible fittings for signs of wear or damage.
If Something Doesn't Feel Right
No vibration - check that the mains supply is connected and switched on, that the cable feed into the Kat Zed Bed is properly connected and that the volume control has not been turned fully down.
Switch the unit off immediately & get in touch if…
Vibration seems excessively strong even after reducing the volume control.
Rattling or unusual mechanical noises are heard even after checking that nothing is touching or resting against the unit.
There is an electrical smell, excessive heat or you spot a damaged cable.
Changing Tunes
The vibration in your Kat Zed Bed is created from a sound file stored on a removable microSD card inserted in to the MP3 audio player connected to the amplifier - the supplied file is the one we use to create the gentle purr-like vibration your Kat Zed Bed arrives with.
If you fancy experimenting, the sound file can be exchanged for another compatible audio file - different sounds and frequencies will create different vibration patterns through the shelf.
We recommend keeping a copy of the original Hicat® file before making any changes - that way you can always return your Kat Zed Bed to its original purr if your musical experiments don't impress your cat.
When changing the microSD card or its contents, always switch off at the mains first - only remove the card itself and do not alter or disconnect any of the surrounding electrical components.
One Final Thing
Kat Zed Bed has been created for cats, & ultimately your cat decides how it is used - some will curl up on it immediately, some will investigate it for several days before venturing on to it, some may simply prefer it switched off.