Vinyl mats - can anyone help?

[SequinBear]

I wanted something both decorative and protective under my kitchen / dining table, but didn't want a rug due to having multiple young children. Even the ruggable ones - I figured I'd be washing it every other day.

Anyway, I bought a vinyl mat and it's been brilliant. It's basically a piece of vinyl but with a border pattern, so it looks really nice.

The problem is that the edge seems to be really fragile. I know I've had it for years, but it started with the cat chewing on the edges (don't get me started!), but just generally the edges are very easily scuffed and torn - and when there's a tear in vinyl it seems to quickly extend further in. So now it's a right state.

I'd like to get a new one at some point, but obviously don't want the same to happen again.

This is quite niche, but any ideas, or has anyone else used a vinyl mat before?

I haven’t seen one, so this is a guess. Do you think putting gaffa / duct tape along the edge of the underside would strengthen it? (And maybe citronella wiped on it to keep the cat away. Check that is safe though, poisoning it would be a bit harsh)

What is the floor made of, that it needs protecting?

I can’t see the advantage of a vinyl mat on a kitchen floor. I would have thought the chairs ruckled it up.

I have a heavier washable mat, to stop dishes breaking when DH empties the dishwasher.

I just used a long handled dustpan after each meal for anything the dog didn't hoover up.

Thanks both!

@Lurkingandlearning - duct tape could be a good solution (plus cheap!), thank you. I've tried rubbing strong perfume all round the edges, plus lemon juice (not at the same time.....) to try and deter this cat, but he just seems to love chewing on the damned thing. Maybe it's easier to get rid of him..... ;)

@myplace - the floor is cheap laminate, so nothing special. But we quickly noticed after moving in that it gets scratched VERY easily. I've put all manner of protector things on our chairs and the kids' chairs, but the kids pull all the chairs, stools, toys, and basically everything around the kitchen and we were getting bad scratches. All now covered up and hidden with my mat .

It's like this (pics taken quickly from Etsy). Basically imagine getting a roll of vinyl flooring and cutting the size you need, but because of the border pattern it looks nice rather than like a vinyl cut-off.

Because it's not a rug, it can be quickly wiped clean, rather than needing carpet cleaner / scrubbing / putting in the washing machine, etc.

That does sound good! Probably helps with noise absorption as well!

Are they expensive? Maybe eye up the cat and children and work out when the worst of the damage will stop, and replace it then!

Otherwise get a good brand of duct tape in a complementary colour, and carefully tape it down.

Are there indoor/outdoor mats that are more robust?

The type people have on their patios and that can be hosed down.