Very thick heavy sisal.  We are laying it with another rug, just waiting for the white Farley slipcovered sofa to arrive.  Kittens have clawed at it pulling some strands, easy to pull back thru. You will want a rug gripper pad under it as it will shift a lot.   No backing so could flip it over it you remove tag.  The fringe is yarn which kittens love, thank goodness the English bulldog chases them off when clawing.  Very soft yet lumpy under foot.  My finish descendant love the "rough " feel under foot.  Me not so much, but still good rug for money.  Bought the 8 x 10.