regular vacuuming is important to the health of your oriental rug, and it does not take the place of professional cleaning. the twinkle paws mat is battery-operated, so even though the mat shuts off when your cats not using it, you will have to replace the batteries at some point. i feel like i am stuck in an endless loop. i imagine some chemical, which unless you wear protective gloves, probably is absorbed into your skin. 2 bedroom 1 bath large fenced yard. 8. my name is will… god’s will for you. 