Mat for an animal cage as well as animal cage with the mat

Abstract

Mat (9) for an animal cage (1), comprising a top, a bottom and a main section (11) enclosed between two opposing edge sections (17, 18), which has a lying surface (15) on the top and a support surface (10) on the bottom, wherein a main section end region (11a) is to be raised relative to a non-raising main section residual part (11b), wherein the main section end region (11a) is provided for magnetic attachment to an animal cage rear wall (3).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The invention relates to a mat for an animal cage. Furthermore, the invention relates to an animal cage with the mat. BACKGROUND

[0002] Mats for animal cages are typically offered in different sizes to be used in different sized animal cages used for transporting animals, e.g. dogs or cats, in vehicles. SUMMARY

[0003] One object of the invention is to provide a mat that is particularly flexible with respect to the size of the animal cage into which the mat is to be placed. This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims, as well as in the following description and drawings.

[0004] According to one embodiment, a mat for an animal cage is provided, comprising a top, a bottom, and a main section enclosed between two opposing edge sections. The main section can have a lying surface on its top and a support surface on its bottom. An end section of the main section can be raised relative to a non-raising portion of the main section. The end section of the main section can be designed for magnetic attachment to the back wall of an animal cage.

[0005] The magnetic fastening allows for quick and tool-free assembly and flexible adaptation to different cage sizes.

[0006] According to one embodiment, the main section end region can have a coupling element for magnetic coupling with the rear wall of the animal cage.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the coupling element can be a magnet.

[0008] A magnet can exert a direct attraction on ferromagnetic materials of the cage's rear wall, allowing for easy attachment.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the coupling element can be a ferromagnetic component.

[0010] The ferromagnetic component can interact with a magnet attached to the rear wall of the cage, enabling a flexible arrangement of the magnetic components.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the coupling element can be inserted into the underside of the main section end area, for example by being sewn in.

[0012] Integrating the coupling element into the underside allows for an inconspicuous and protected arrangement without affecting the lying surface on the top.

[0013] According to one embodiment, two or more of the coupling elements can be provided in the main section end area.

[0014] Multiple coupling elements can enable a more even distribution of force and a more stable attachment of the mat to the back of the cage.

[0015] According to a further embodiment, a mat for an animal cage is provided, comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, and a main section enclosed between two opposing edge sections. The main section has a lying surface on its top surface and a support surface on its bottom surface. A plurality of substantially parallel folds can be provided on the main section, which divide at least the top surface of the main section into a plurality of main section segments. A main section end region, comprising a main section end segment corresponding to an outermost main section segment, and optionally one or more further main section segments adjoining the main section end segment, can be raised along one of the folds relative to the non-erectable main section remainder.At least the main section end segment can be designed for magnetic attachment to the back wall of an animal cage.

[0016] The folding sections allow for flexible adjustment of the mat shape and facilitate the setup of the main section end area. The magnetic fastening enables easy and secure attachment to the cage back wall and ensures stable positioning of the set-up area.

[0017] According to one embodiment, at least the main section end segment can have a coupling element for magnetic coupling with the rear wall of the animal cage.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the coupling element can be a magnet.

[0019] A magnet can exert a direct attraction on ferromagnetic materials of the cage's rear wall, allowing for easy attachment.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the coupling element can be a ferromagnetic component.

[0021] A ferromagnetic component can interact with a magnet attached to the back of the cage, allowing for a flexible arrangement of the magnetic elements.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the coupling element can be inserted into the underside of the main section end segment, for example by being sewn in.

[0023] Integrating the coupling element into the underside allows for discreet installation and does not affect the lying surface of the mat.

[0024] According to one embodiment, two or more of the coupling elements can be provided in the main section end segment.

[0025] Multiple coupling elements can provide a more stable fastening of the erected area.

[0026] According to one embodiment, a mat for an animal cage is provided, comprising a top, a bottom, and a main section enclosed between two opposing edge sections. The main section has a lying surface on its top and a support surface on its bottom. A main section end region can be detachably connected to adjacent edge section end regions along respective separation points, so that the main section end region can be partially separated from the adjacent edge section end regions as needed and set up separately from the edge section end regions relative to the remaining, non-erectable portion of the main section and the edge sections. The edge section end regions separated from the main section end region can form folding flaps that can be folded against the underside of the set-up main section end region.Each separation point can be formed by a first coupling section at the main section end area and a second coupling section at the edge section end area, which are detachably and reconnectably attached to each other.

[0027] The detachable connection allows for flexible adjustment of the mat shape and enables the setup of the main section end area in various configurations.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the first coupling section and the second coupling section can be designed as elements of a hook and loop fastener connection.

[0029] A hook and loop fastener connection can enable a simple and releasable attachment and allow for flexible adjustment of the separation points.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the first coupling section and the second coupling section can be designed as elements of a zipper connection.

[0031] A zipper connection can provide a reliable and releasable connection and allow for precise adjustment of the separation points.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the first coupling section and the second coupling section can be designed as elements of a magnetic connection.

[0033] A magnetic connection can enable a simple and releasable fastening and allow for flexible adjustment of the separation points.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the separation points can extend in the longitudinal direction of the mat.

[0035] The longitudinal extension of the separation points allows for flexible adjustment of the mat shape in the longitudinal direction and permits the placement of the main section end area in different positions.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the separation points can extend parallel to each other.

[0037] Parallel separation points can allow for a uniform adjustment of the mat shape.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the separation points can extend from one end of the mat over a quarter of the total length of the mat or longer, for example over a third of the total length of the mat or more.

[0039] Extending the separation points over a significant portion of the mat length allows for flexible adaptation of the mat shape.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the main section can have a plurality of substantially parallel folding points, which divide at least the upper surface of the main section into a plurality of main section segments. A main section end region, comprising a main section end segment corresponding to an outermost main section segment of the main section segments, and optionally one or more further main section segments adjoining the main section end segment, can be erected along one of the folding points relative to the remaining portion of the main section. The portion of the main section that is not erected and lies flat on the floor of the animal cage is also referred to as the main section remainder. At least the main section end segment can be designed for magnetic attachment to a rear wall of the animal cage.

[0041] The folding points allow for flexible adjustment of the mat shape and facilitate the setup of the main section end area.

[0042] According to one embodiment, at least the main section end segment can have a coupling element for magnetic coupling with the rear wall of the animal cage.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the coupling element can be a magnet.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the coupling element can be a ferromagnetic component.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the coupling element can be inserted into the underside of the main section end segment, for example by being sewn in.

[0046] According to one embodiment, two or more of the coupling elements can be provided in the main section end segment.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the main section can have a cushioning area in which an inner cushioning element is removablely received in an outer covering section.

[0048] A removable padding element allows for easy cleaning and maintenance of the mat and enables adjustment of comfort to suit different needs.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the inner cushioning element can be made of EVA material.

[0050] EVA material can provide good cushioning and easy cleaning, allowing for long-lasting use of the mat.

[0051] According to one embodiment, at least one fold point can be formed by a seam.

[0052] A seam can enable a stable and permanent formation of the folds and allow for flexible adjustment of the mat shape.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the main section end segment can be arranged furthest outwards in relation to the longitudinal direction.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the edge sections can be formed by a first edge section and a second edge section. The mat can further have a first longitudinal fold line and a second longitudinal fold line, wherein the first edge section runs on a first side next to the main section and the main section end region (11a) or the at least one main section segment, extends longitudinally along the entire mat, and is configured to be folded along the first longitudinal fold line such that the first edge section runs obliquely to the lying surface.The second edge section can run on a second side facing away from the first side next to the main section and the at least one main section segment, extend longitudinally along the entire mat and be designed to be folded along the second longitudinal fold line in such a way that the second edge section runs diagonally to the main section.

[0055] The longitudinal fold lines allow for flexible adjustment of the mat shape and permit the edge section to be set up in different configurations, thus enabling adaptation to different cage sizes.

[0056] According to one embodiment, an animal cage is created comprising a floor, a back wall and a mat according to one of the above configurations, wherein the main section of the mat rests on the floor of the animal cage with a bearing surface opposite the lying area.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the main section end area (11a) or the main section end segment can be detachably attached to the rear wall of the animal cage.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the animal cage can further comprise a first side wall and a second side wall, wherein the mat can be configured according to one of the above configurations. The first edge section of the mat can abut the first side wall of the animal cage, and the second edge section of the mat can abut the second side wall of the animal cage. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] The invention is described with reference to the attached figures. Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of part of an animal cage. Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the animal cage according to Fig. 1, wherein a mat according to a first embodiment of the invention is placed in the animal cage. Fig. Figure 3 shows a front view of a mat according to a second embodiment of the invention for placement in the animal cage according to Fig. 1. Fig. 4 shows a rear view of the mat. Fig. 3. Fig. Figure 5 shows a detailed view of a partially folded mat, with Velcro strips provided at the first edge section end area, which can be coupled to a Velcro strap provided on the underside of the edge section end area. Fig. Figure 6 shows a mat for an animal cage in a rolled-up state. Fig. Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the animal cage according to Fig. 1, wherein a mat with a longer main section end area is attached to the rear wall. Fig. Figure 8 shows the arrangement according to Fig. 7 with the main section end area folded down, showing that the edge section end areas extend behind the main section end area along the rear wall.

[0060] The figures are schematic and not to scale. The same reference symbols are used for the same elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] The embodiments and modifications will now be described with reference to the figures.

[0062] Fig. Figure 1 shows an animal cage 1 comprising a base 2, a back wall 3, a first side wall 4, and a second side wall 5. The animal cage 1 also has a rotatably mounted locking gate 6 on its front, which can be used to open or close the cage. The base 2 is horizontally oriented. The back wall 3 projects upwards from the base 2, for example, substantially upright or vertically. The base 2 can be made of, for example, a plastic or a light metal. The same applies to the back wall 3, which, however, is preferably made of a ferromagnetic metal, particularly to allow the adhesion of coupling elements (see below). Alternatively, the back wall can also be made of a different material and may have local coupling elements. The two side walls 4 and 5 also project upwards substantially vertically from the base 2.The side walls 4, 5 can be constructed in the same way and as in the example according to . Fig. The side walls 4 and 5 are arranged symmetrically to a central plane. Each side wall has a lower section 7 inclined obliquely outwards, which is directly adjacent to the base 2. Above the lower section 7, the side walls 4 and 5 each enclose several vertically stacked bars 8, each extending in a longitudinal direction L of the animal cage 1.

[0063] Fig. Figure 2 shows a first embodiment of a mat 9. The mat 9 is a flexible sheet structure. The mat 9 has a top surface, a bottom surface, and a main section 11 enclosed between two opposing edge sections. The mat 9 rests on a support surface 10 arranged on the bottom surface (see also Figure 2). Fig. 4) on the floor 2 of the animal cage 1. The main section 11 can be padded and thus form a padding area of ​​the mat 9. At least two optional folds 13 in the form of fold lines are provided on the main section 11. The folds 13 extend substantially parallel to each other in the transverse direction of the mat 9. The fold 13 can be designed as a transverse fold line. The mat includes a main section end region 11a, which can have a first main section segment 12 and a first fold 13. The main section 11 can have several quilted padding pockets 14 arranged in a longitudinal direction L of the mat 9, each filled with an inner padding element, e.g., an inner padding element based on EVA. The main section 11 thus extends in the longitudinal direction L of the mat 9. The longitudinal direction L of the mat 9 corresponds to the longitudinal direction L of the animal cage 1.The main section 11 forms a lying surface 15. The lying surface 15 can extend into a cushioned plane E. The lying surface 15 can be soft and padded to provide a comfortable lying area for an animal, e.g., a dog. The first main section segment 12 can also be filled with an inner cushioning element, e.g., also with an inner cushioning element based on EVA.

[0064] The first main section segment 12 or the main section end region 11a runs in the cushion plane E if the first main section segment 12 or the main section end region 11a is not in the area defined by Fig. The first fold 13 extends in a transverse direction Q of the mat 9. The transverse direction Q runs at 90° to the longitudinal direction L. The first main section segment 12, which here forms the main section end region 11a, can be folded along the first fold 13 such that the first main section segment 12 is folded as described by Fig. 2 is shown oriented obliquely upwards towards the padding level E and rests against the rear wall 3 of the animal cage 1. This changes the length of the mat 9. In particular, the mat 9 has a first length L1 when the first main section segment 12 runs in the padding level E. If, on the other hand, the first main section segment 12 is oriented as shown by Fig. If the mat shown in Figure 2 is angled to the padding plane E, then the mat 9 has a second length L2, which is shorter than the first length L1. In the case of Fig. In the example shown in Figure 2, the first main section segment 12, positioned at an angle, rests with its upper edge against the vertical rear wall 3 of the animal cage 1. Alternatively, the first main section segment can also be positioned perpendicular to the cushioning level E and the lying surface 15, with its entire back surface resting against the rear wall 3 of the animal cage 1. Thus, the contact surface 10 of the mat 9 can be adapted to different sized animal cages 1. In the sense of a one-size-fits-all approach, the entire floor 2 of the animal cage 1 can be covered by the mat 9 without leaving any areas of the floor 2 unprotected. As in conjunction with Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the main section end area 11a can not only have the first main section segment 12, but also further main section segments 25, 26, 27, so that several main section segments can be set up and extend along the rear wall 3.

[0065] Mat 9 demonstrates in this example Fig. 2 two coupling elements 16 which are arranged in the first main section segment 12, which in Fig. 2 is indicated by dashed lines. The coupling elements 16 of the mat 9 adhere to a metallic component of the animal cage 1, in the example shown, to the metallic back wall 3 of the animal cage 1. The coupling elements 16 make it very easy to attach the mat 9 to, and especially inside, the animal cage 1. No dangerous straps are required to secure the mat 9 to the animal cage 1. An animal, especially a dog, cannot become "tangled" or stuck in the mat 9.

[0066] The mat 9 also has longitudinally L foldable edge sections 17, 18, so that the animal, e.g. the dog, is protected from the hard floor 2 and side walls 4, 5 of the animal cage 1 when the mat 9 is in accordance with Fig. 2 is placed in the animal cage 1. The edge sections 17, 18 can also be referred to as side parts. In detail, the mat 9 comprises a first edge section 17, a second edge section 18, a first longitudinal fold line 19 and a second longitudinal fold line 20. The first edge section 17 runs along a first side S1 (left according to Fig. 2) In addition to the main section 11 and the first main section segment, it extends longitudinally L along the entire mat 9 and is designed to be folded along the first longitudinal fold line 19 such that the first edge section end area 17 runs obliquely to the padding plane E and / or the main section 11. The second edge section end area 18 runs on a second side S2 facing away from the first side S1 (to the right according to Fig. 2) In addition to the main section 11 and the first main section segment, it extends longitudinally L along the entire mat 9 and is designed to be folded along the second longitudinal fold line 20 such that the second edge section end area 18 runs obliquely to the padding plane E and / or the main section 11. In the Fig. In the example shown, the two edge sections are identically shaped and dimensioned, and arranged axially symmetrically to each other.

[0067] The edge sections 17, 18 can be partially detached from the mat 9 by means of separation points 21, 22 and reattached, so that they form wing-like elements on the mat 9 which can be folded underneath the mat 9. The detachable portion of the edge sections 17, 18 is also referred to as the edge section end portion 17a, 18a and can serve as a folding flap 23, 24. This also allows the edge sections 17, 18 of the mat 9 to be adjusted in size with respect to the longitudinal direction L, so that the mat 9 fits perfectly into animal cages 1 of different sizes. This combination of features is also present in the embodiment according to Fig. 3-8, which is explained in more detail below. According to this embodiment, the mat 9 comprises a first separation point 21 and a second separation point 22. On the first side S1, a first edge section end region 23 of the first edge section 17 is detachably attached to the first main section segment by means of the first separation point 21. On the second side S2, a second edge section end region 24 of the second edge section 18 is detachably attached to the first main section segment by means of the second separation point 22. Each separation point 21, 22 can be formed by a first coupling section 21a, 22a at the main section end region 11a and a second coupling section 22a, 22b at the edge section end region 17, 18, which are detachable and reconnectable. The coupling sections can be designed for a hook-and-loop fastener, a zipper, or a magnetic connection. The exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 3-8 has, in addition to the first main section segment 12, a second main section segment 25, a third main section segment 26 and a fourth main section segment 27, which together form the main section end region 11a.

[0068] Fig. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of mat 9, in which the main section end area 11a is separated from the edge section end areas 23 and 24 and shown folded over. At the first edge section end area 17, instead of a continuous Velcro strip (see Figure 5), there is a Velcro strip. Fig. 4) Several hook and loop fastener strips 35, 36, 37 are provided, extending in the transverse direction Q and running inwards from the edge section end region. These hook and loop fastener strips are designed to be detachably coupled to a hook and loop fastener 38 provided on the underside of the main section end region 11a in order to create a connection at the separation point.

[0069] The additional main section segments 25, 26, 27 can be folded or angled relative to each other and to the padding plane E or main section remnant 11b in the same way as the first main section segment. For this purpose, the mat 9 has a second folding point 28, a third folding point 29, and a fourth folding point 30. All folding points 13, 28-30 extend in the transverse direction Q. According to Fig. In the longitudinal direction L, the second main section segment 25 adjoins the first main section segment 12, the third main section segment 26 adjoins the second main section segment 25, and the fourth main section segment 27 adjoins the third main section segment 26, with all four main section segments 12, 25-27 running in the padding plane E. The first fold 13 separates the first main section segment 12 from the second main section segment 25. The second fold 28 separates the second main section segment 25 from the third main section segment 26, the third fold 29 separates the third main section segment 26 from the fourth main section segment 27, and the fourth fold 30 separates the fourth main section segment 27 from the remaining main section part 11b. All folds 13, 28-30 of the mat 9 are formed by seams.As for the inner padding element, this can be formed by a single layer of foam 31 extending at least approximately over the entire length L1 of the mat 9 and forming the inner padding element 31 for the entire main section 11, i.e., the remaining part 11b of the main section and the end region 11a of the main section. The main section can be designed in the manner of an outer cover. The folds can only be formed on the upper side of the main section if the inner padding element is removable. Alternatively, if the inner padding element is integral with the main section and therefore not removable, the main section 11 can be quilted through the folds 13, 28-30, with the stitching passing through the inner padding element. In this way, the padding pockets 14 can be formed in the main section 11.Each segment can have a separate padding pocket with an inner padding element, or the padding element can run as a continuous layer under all segments.

[0070] The second main section segment 25 can be folded along the second fold 28. The third main section segment 26 can be folded along the third fold 29. The fourth main section segment 27 can be folded along the fourth fold 30. By folding the main section end region 11a, which is formed by one or more of the four main section segments 12, 25-27, relative to the main section remnant 11b, the length of the mat 9 can thus be varied. The four main section segments 12, 25-27 can also run in a plane (e.g., which coincides in particular with the plane of the rear wall 3 of the animal cage 1) and, as a whole, run obliquely to the main section remnant 11b and / or the padding plane E. In the embodiment according to Fig. 3-6 the two coupling elements 16 are arranged in the first main section segment 12 to attach the mat 9 to the rear wall 3 of the animal cage 1 via the outermost first main section segment 12.

[0071] Fig. Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the animal cage 1, with a mat 9 having a longer main section end area 11a attached to the rear wall 3. In this example, the main section end area 11a comprises the first, second, third, and fourth main section segments 12, 25-27, which are positioned at an angle to the padding plane E and rest against the rear wall 3. This further reduces the length of the mat 9, allowing it to be adapted to a shorter animal cage 1.

[0072] Fig. Figure 8 shows the arrangement according to Fig. 7 with the main section end area 11a folded down. It is visible that the edge section end areas 17, 18 extend behind the main section end area 11a along the rear wall 3 and are concealed when the main section end area 11a is erected or attached to the rear wall. The first folding flap 23 can be detached from the first separation point 21 and folded in the transverse direction Q behind the main section end area 11a, which in Fig. 3 is indicated by dashed lines. In this way, the length of the first edge section 17 in the longitudinal direction L is reduced to the same length L2 as that of the entire mat 9, from the first length L1 (all four main section segments 12, 25-27 run in the padding plane E) to the second length L2 (all four main section segments 12, 25-27 are folded). The same applies to the second folding flap 24, which can be detached from the second separation point 22 and folded in the transverse direction Q and obliquely to the padding plane E behind the four main section segments 12, 25-27, so that the length of the second edge section 18 in the longitudinal direction L is also reduced to the second length L2.

[0073] The Mat 9 is made of flexible and compressible materials, so it feels like it's been through Fig. 6 shown rolled up and secured by one or more straps 32 or similar. Fig. Figure 4 further shows that a slot 33 can be provided on the back of the mat 9. In the example shown, the slot 33 runs in the transverse direction Q. The slot 33 is large enough to allow the inner padding element 31 to be inserted into and removed from the mat 9, for example, when the mat 9 (which can consist mainly of fabrics or textiles) needs to be washed. Furthermore, the mat 9 has two storage loops 34 on its back, running parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction L, which form the straps 32. The loops 34 can be elastic and, when the mat is rolled up, can be wrapped around it to secure the mat in the rolled-up state. The Fig.The mats shown in Figures 1-8 (9) can also be used outside the animal cage (1), for example, as a bed for an animal, such as a dog. The mats (9) are ideal, for instance, for dog owners who want to get their dog used to feeling comfortable in a transport box or animal cage (1). Initially, the mat (9) is used outside the transport box so the dog associates it with comfort and peace, and later it is used inside the transport box or animal cage (1).

Claims

[1] Mat (9) for an animal cage (1), comprising a top, a bottom and a main section (11) enclosed between two opposing edge sections (17, 18), which has a lying surface (15) on the top and a support surface (10) on the bottom, wherein a main section end area (11a) is to be raised relative to a non-raising main section remainder (11b), wherein the main section end area (11a) is provided for magnetic attachment to an animal cage rear wall (3). [2] Mat according to claim 1, wherein the main section end area (11a) has a coupling element (16) for magnetic coupling with the rear wall (3) of the animal cage (1). [3] Mat according to claim 2, wherein the coupling element (16) is a magnet. [4] Mat according to claim 2, wherein the coupling element (16) is a ferromagnetic component. [5] Mat according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the coupling element (16) is introduced into the underside of the main section end area (11a), for example by being sewn in. [6] Mat according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein two or more of the coupling elements (16) are provided in the main section end region (11a). [7] Mat according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of substantially parallel folding points (13, 28-30) are provided on the main section (11), which divide at least the top of the main section (11) into a plurality of main section segments (12, 25-27), wherein the main section end region (11a) comprises a main section end segment (12) corresponding to an outermost main section segment of the main section segments (12, 25-27), and optionally one or more further main section segments (25-27) adjoining the main section end segment (12), which can be set up along one of the folding points (13, 28-30) relative to the non-setupable main section remainder (11b), wherein at least the main section end segment (12) is provided for magnetic attachment to an animal cage rear wall (3). [8] Mat according to claim 7, wherein at least the main section end segment (12) has a coupling element (16) for magnetic coupling with the rear wall (3) of the animal cage (1). [9] Mat according to claim 8, wherein the coupling element (16) is a magnet. [10] Mat according to claim 8, wherein the coupling element (16) is a ferromagnetic component. [11] Mat according to one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the coupling element (16) is inserted into the underside of the main section end segment (12), for example by being sewn in. [12] Mat according to one of claims 8 to 11, wherein two or more of the coupling elements (16) are provided in the main section end segment (12). [13] Mat (9) for an animal cage (1), comprising a top, a bottom and a main section (11) enclosed between two opposing edge sections (17, 18), the main section having a lying surface (15) on the top and a support surface (10) on the bottom, wherein a main section end region (11a) is detachably connected to adjacent edge section end regions (17a, 18a) along respective separation points (21, 22), so that the main section end region (11a) can be partially detached from the adjacent edge section end regions (17a, 18a) as required and can be set up separately from the edge section end regions (17a, 18a) relative to the non-erectable main section remainder (11b) and the edge sections (17, 18), and the edge section end regions (17a, 18a) separated from the main section end region (11a) 18a) Form folding tabs (23, 24) which can be placed on the underside of the erected main section end area (11a),wherein each separation point (21, 22) is formed by a first coupling section (21a, 22a) at the main section end region (11a) and a second coupling section (21b, 22b) at the edge section end region (17, 18), which are detachably and reconnectably attached to each other. [14] Mat according to claim 13, wherein the first coupling section (21a, 22a) and the second coupling section (21b, 22b) are designed as elements of a hook and loop fastener connection. [15] Mat according to claim 13, wherein the first coupling section and the second coupling section are designed as elements of a zipper connection. [16] Mat according to claim 13, wherein the first coupling section and the second coupling section are designed as elements of a magnetic connection. [17] Mat according to one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the separation points (21, 22) extend in the longitudinal direction (L) of the mat (9). [18] Mat according to one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the separation points (21, 22) extend parallel to each other. [19] Mat according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the separation points (21, 22) extend from one end of the mat (9) over a quarter of the total length of the mat (9) or longer, for example over a third of the total length of the mat (9) or more. [20] Mat according to one of claims 13 to 19, wherein a plurality of substantially parallel folding points (13, 28-30) are provided on the main section (11), which divide at least the top of the main section (11) into a plurality of main section segments (12, 25-27), wherein a main section end region (11a), comprising a main section end segment (12) corresponding to an outermost main section segment of the main section segments (12, 25-27), and optionally one or more further main section segments (25-27) adjoining the main section end segment (12), is erectable along one of the folding points (13, 28-30) relative to the non-erectable main section remainder (11b), wherein at least the main section end segment (12) is provided for magnetic attachment to a rear wall (3) of the animal cage (1). [21] Mat according to claim 20, wherein at least the main section end segment (12) has a coupling element (16) for magnetic coupling with the rear wall (3) of the animal cage (1). [22] Mat according to claim 21, wherein the coupling element (16) is a magnet. [23] Mat according to claim 21, wherein the coupling element (16) is a ferromagnetic component. [24] Mat according to one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the coupling element (16) is introduced into the underside of the main section end segment (12), for example by being sewn in. [25] Mat according to one of claims 21 to 24, wherein two or more of the coupling elements (16) are provided in the main section end segment (12). [26] Mat according to one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the main section (11) has a cushioning area in which an inner cushioning element (31) is removably received in an outer cover section. [27] Mat according to claim 26, wherein the inner cushioning element (31) is made of EVA material. [28] Mat according to one of claims 7 to 12 and 20 to 25, wherein at least one fold is formed by a seam. [29] Mat according to claim 28, wherein the main section end segment (12) is arranged furthest outwards with respect to the longitudinal direction (L). [30] Mat according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the edge sections are formed by a first edge section (17) and a second edge section (18), and wherein the mat further comprises a first longitudinal fold line (19) and a second longitudinal fold line (20), wherein the first edge section (17) extends on a first side (S1) next to the main section (11) and the main section end region (11a), extends in the longitudinal direction (L) along the entire mat (9) and is configured to be folded along the first longitudinal fold line (19) such that the first edge section (17) extends obliquely to the main section (11), and the second edge section (18) extends on a second side (S2) facing away from the first side (S1) next to the main section (11) and the at least one main section segment (12, 25-27), extends in the longitudinal direction (L) along the entire mat (9) and is configured to is,to be folded along the second longitudinal fold line (20) in such a way that the second edge section (18) runs obliquely to the main section (11). [31] Animal cage (1) comprising a floor (2), a back wall (3) and a mat (9) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the main section (11) of the mat (9) rests on the floor (2) of the animal cage (1) with a support surface (10) opposite the lying surface (15). [32] Animal cage according to claim 31, the mat (9) is designed according to one of claims 1 to 12 or one of claims 20 to 26, and the main section end area (11a) is detachably attached to the rear wall (3) of the animal cage (1). [33] Animal cage according to claim 32, wherein the animal cage (1) further comprises: a first side wall (4) and a second side wall (5) the mat (9) is designed according to claim 30, the first edge section (17) of the mat (9) is adjacent to the first side wall (4) of the animal cage (1), and the second edge section (18) of the mat (9) is located against the second side wall (5) of the animal cage (1).

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