As a foster furmomma for a cat rescue and a cat slave to my own cats, this prodcut is a dream come true and has been saving my life for 10 years now! Worth every penny you pay (if you avoid the high retail) and worth the time it saves.  Yes, they do break down, what doesn't?  But with a little care and obvious common sense these work for YEARS!  You do have to break them down a few times a year for a good cleaning and keep the track the rake rides in halfway clean, but otherwise still the best thing. I will never be without them or without a spare in the closet just in case!