Subsonic Bobcat User Guide
The Subsonic Bobcat combines our Bobcat with a low-frequency vibration system designed to create a gentle, purr-like sensation through the shelf in the Access Hole Compartment - it is intended to provide a subtle tactile experience rather than conventional audible sound.
Getting started
Place your Subsonic Bobcat on a firm, level & dry indoor surface - before use, check that the power lead and connections are undamaged and that nothing is obstructing the base or ventilation areas.
Plug the power supply into a switched 13 amp mains socket - then plug the low-voltage lead from the power supply into the socket mounted low down on the back of the Bobcat.
Once both connections are secure, switch on at the 13 amp mains socket - the Subsonic system 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 removable shelf - we set this to what we consider a sensible starting level before your Subsonic Bobcat leaves us, but it can easily be adjusted up or down to suit your cat.
The aim is a subtle purr, not something that will register on the Richter Scale.
General Operation
We’ve tested the Subsonic Bobcat for extended use over days of continuous running - however, we do not recommend leaving the unit switched on overnight or unattended.
Do not cover, obstruct or place objects underneath the unit while it is operating.
Cats naturally have individual preferences, so use should always be led by your cat's behaviour.
Introducing Your Cat To The Subsonic Bobcat
We recommend introducing the Subsonic function 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 Subsonic system on before your cat enters the Access Hole Compartment - avoid allowing your cat to settle inside first and then starting the vibration, as the sudden change may startle them.
Let your cat approach and investigate the Bobcat while it is already gently 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 Bobcat, 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 Subsonic function and try again more gradually at another time.
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 directly beneath it.
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
Subsonic Bobcat 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 Subsonic function 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.
This can be particularly useful during the first few days while your cat is getting used to the new sensation - just make sure anything you place inside sits on the shelf itself and does not obstruct any ventilation areas.
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 Subsonic function.
Health & Safety
The Subsonic Bobcat 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 Subsonic Bobcat, 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 Bobcat.
- Do not insert objects into openings in the unit.
- Do not dismantle or modify the electrical or vibration system.
- Disconnect from the mains before cleaning, moving or inspecting the unit.
- The Subsonic 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 Subsonic Bobcat 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.
Moving Your Subsonic Bobcat
Always disconnect the mains cable before moving the unit - roll the Subsonic Bobcat on its feet & after repositioning ensure the unit is stable and the power cable is not trapped underneath it before plugging it back in.
If Something Doesn't Feel Right
No vibration - check that the mains supply is connected and switched on, that the cable feed into the Bobcat is properly connected and that the volume control has not been turned fully down.
Vibration seems unusually strong - reduce the volume control and, if the vibration still seems excessive, disconnect the unit from the mains and get in touch with us before continuing to use it.
Rattling or unusual mechanical noise - disconnect the unit from the mains and check that nothing is touching or resting against the Bobcat & if the noise remains, discontinue use and get in touch with us.
Electrical smell, excessive heat or damaged cable - disconnect the unit immediately and get in touch.
Changing Tunes
The vibration in your Subsonic Bobcat is created from a sound file stored on a removable microSD card - the supplied file is the one we use to create the gentle purr-like vibration your Subsonic Bobcat 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 Subsonic Bobcat to its original purr if your musical experiments don't impress the 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
Subsonic Bobcat 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 in, some may simply prefer it switched off.
Please give them the choice & if after a week or so the interest levels are zero then get in touch & you can return the unit to us.