I will start with my gripe over this product. It is called a Cat O Nine Tails but in fact only has eight?! I have queried this and have been told that the spec sheet (although not the description) states this. So it is a Cat but not as implied. The positive side is that it is well made and gives a delightfully sharp sting on impact. Looks good with the rest of my collection and I am glad that I bought it. I would have been much happier with this product if it was named honestly just as a Cat styled flogger. Calling it something that it is not, doesn't sit well with me.