Chyrle Bonk, DVM

All About Ragdoll Cats

By Chyrle Bonk, DVM / December 20, 2021 April 29, 2022

A cute Ragdoll kitten in a black bucket with a blanket inside. The kitten is on its back with its legs up in the air.

Quick facts

Lifespan: 12-17 years
Size (Adult): 17-21 inches, 10-20 pounds
Personality: Affectionate, quiet, cuddly
Shedding: Moderate
Pet Friendly: They tend to accept other pets well
Vocal: Usually pretty quiet
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor is best
Intelligence: Moderate to high intelligence, quick learners

Introduction

If you love the attributes of a dog but think of yourself as a “cat person,” the Ragdoll is for you. These kitties are affectionate, loyal, and playful yet will melt in your arms, giving them their Ragdoll name. They also tend to be on the bigger side and have a silky soft hair coat that does require some attention.

Origin/History

A cute Ragdoll kitten lying down on a blue blanket. There are two balls of blue yard on both sides of the kitten.

The Ragdoll is a breed developed in California during the 1960s. The foundation female, known as Josephine, was a white, longhaired kitty with some colorful genes in her background. The breed developer, Ann Baker, selected kittens for their laid-back personality and Himalayan-type coloring. The result was a calm and affectionate cat with long, soft hair with colored “points” similar to those of a Siamese.

Baker named them Ragdolls because they tend to flop in your arms when held, completely at ease in human company. In a later development, Persians and Burmese, among other cat breeds, are thought to contribute to the overall makeup.

Ragdolls were officially recognized as a breed by the Cat Fancier’s Association in 1993, with full recognition in 2000. They are now a very popular breed among pet owners.

Size

Ragdolls are on the larger end of the cat spectrum, with males getting up to 20 pounds or more and females coming in at 10-15 pounds. They can be 17-21 inches tall at the shoulder, with females being smaller than males.

This is a slow maturing breed. Most adults don’t reach their mature size and weight until around four years old. Full coloring typically happens around two years of age. They also have a fat pad that is characteristic of the breed, not an indication of overfeeding. Since they are so late to mature, proper nutrition is important throughout their growth phase.

Personality

An adult Ragdoll cat lying down on its stomach. Someone’s hand can be seen holding a wooden stick with a small bell and feather at one end tied to it with string. The person is showing the cat the feather to play with it.

Even though a Ragdoll’s coloring and haircoat are striking, it’s perhaps their personality that draws most people to this breed. Ragdolls are knowns for their propensity to sink into their family’s arms and cuddle at any given opportunity. They love to be around people and often greet you at the door and follow you around the house.

But don’t be fooled by their docile nature; Ragdolls also like to play, especially interactively. Many Ragdolls adore toys or other games with their family. This breed is also quick to learn and can pick up many different tricks. They can even be trained to walk on a leash and retrieve a ball.

A Ragdoll’s laid-back personality makes them a great family pet, even with children and other animals. They are well mannered enough to tolerate games of dress-up and cuddling with kids and even dogs.

They are quiet and will generally only use their soft voice when politely asking for food.

Lifespan and Health

The lifespan of a Ragdoll averages around 12-17 years, especially if kept as indoor pets.

Being a purebred animal, they are more likely to develop certain health conditions such as:

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM): Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common heart condition found in cats. This condition causes the walls of the heart to thicken, decreasing the efficiency of pumping blood. In Ragdolls, it is often the result of a genetic mutation that now has a test to identify it in breeding animals.
Bladder stones: Ragdolls carry an increased risk of developing calcium oxalate stones in their urinary bladder. These stones can lead to recurrent urinary tract infections and discomfort. Diet changes and increased water consumption can sometimes help prevent them.

Care

A Ragdoll cat lying down right in front of the camera. It’s fur looks fluffy and its blue eyes are clearly seen.

The laid-back personality of a Ragdoll doesn’t mean that they are also low maintenance. You may spend quite a bit of time loving on them and grooming their long hair coat. Ragdolls have a fairly thin undercoat, which means that it won’t mat, tangle or shed as much as thicker-haired breeds, but it still requires daily or weekly brushing.

Bath your Ragdoll anytime their hair becomes greasy or tangled, and pay special attention to their under-the-tail area as it can become encrusted with feces.

Exercise is a must for these kitties. They like to play and climb, especially to heights that are more eye level with you. Provide them with interactive toys when you’re away. Don’t be afraid to teach a Ragdoll some tricks, like fetch, or teach them to walk on a leash so that they can accompany you on your evening stroll.

Since this breed is one of the slower-growing among cats, they need to be fed a high quality, high protein food and lots of it until they have reached their mature size. Once they achieve maturity around four years of age, you’ll need to adjust their meal size to maintain a healthy weight. A veterinarian should serve as a nutritional advisor to help you determine the best food and amount to give your pet.

Daily tooth brushing will help prevent dental disease and keep your feline friend’s breath fresh. This is especially important since a Ragdoll will want to spend most of their time on your lap or in your bed. You may also want to wipe their eyes daily with a damp cloth and check their ears weekly for signs of infection.

The last bit of advice for caring for Ragdolls is not to let them become pushovers. It may be easy for young children or other pets to manhandle or mistreat them with their docile personality. Always supervise interactions between kids or pets if you’re unsure how both sides will react.

Cost

The price of a Ragdoll is going to vary based on quality. Most pets are sold for around $200-400, while show quality individuals can reach as high as $2,000.

If you’re in the market for a Ragdoll cat, be sure to use a reputable breeder. Don’t trust any breeder that says their animals are “disease-free.” There’s no such thing. Instead, look for breeders who have done pre-breeding screenings on their cats to reduce the chances of them having conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Purchasing a kitten isn’t the only way to get your arms around a Ragdoll. Check your local animal shelters and rescues for abandoned and surrendered kitties. Or search Petfinder for Ragdolls in need of a new home.

Chyrle Bonk, DVM

Dr. Chyrle Bonk has been practicing veterinary medicine since 2010. She lives in Idaho with her husband and two sons, where they spend their free time exploring the great outdoors that is right in their backyard.

Can Cats Eat Dog Food? Is The Nutritional Value the Same?

By Chyrle Bonk, DVM / December 20, 2021 April 29, 2022

A black and white cat and a small, off-white/light tan dog are eating food out of the same red bowl on the floor.

With many similarities, many pet owners often wonder if it’s okay for cats to eat dog food. After all, many of the ingredients are the same.

The short answer is yes, it’s okay for your cat to have the occasional bite of dog food. It won’t cause any toxicities. However, cats can not eat dog food for the long term. Here’s why:

The Differences Between Cat and Dog Food

The labels and ingredients may be very similar, but some significant differences between cat and dog food make dog food a bad choice to feed cats.

Protein Content: This is the big one. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they get the bulk of their nutrition from meat. Cats require lots of protein to build and maintain muscle and for energy. They require very few carbohydrates and can have a difficult time digesting plant matter. High-quality cat foods typically range from 30 to even 50% protein, while dog food is more around 20-25% or 30% for active diets. If a cat were to eat dog food long-term, protein deficiency could result.
Taurine: Taurine is an amino acid most mammals make in their bodies. It is essential for heart function, vision, and nerve growth. Cats, as well as humans, need to get taurine from their diet. They can’t make it on their own. Taurine is commonly added to commercial cat foods to prevent taurine deficiency that leads to heart issues, among other things, but is rarely added to dog foods.
Arachidonic Acid and Vitamin A: Like taurine, arachidonic acid and vitamin A are two components that cats can’t produce themselves. They need to be added to their food to maintain healthy skin, liver, muscles, and haircoats. Dogs are capable of making arachidonic acid, so it is rarely added to commercial dog food. Vitamin A is a common supplement in dog food but generally not in levels high enough for a cat’s needs.
Taste: Cats have a relatively weak sense of taste, especially compared to dogs. First off, they aren’t capable of tasting sweet. They also have about ¼-1/3 as many tastebuds as dogs. This means cat food needs to be extra tasty to get a cat interested. Dog food doesn’t have the flavor that they’re looking for.

What Happens if a Cat Eats Dog Food?

Don’t expect to see anything happen if your cat gobbles the occasional bite of dog food. Even a small sample every day shouldn’t make much of a difference. It will become a problem if your cat is fed dog food over a long period. There simply isn’t the proper nutrition in dog food to sustain a healthy cat.

Your cat may start relying on dog food as their sole food source, or they might eat enough dog food to replace a high percentage of their regular diet. They may start to lose weight and have a dry, dull hair coat. Some cats may show early stages of blindness, such as bumping into things or having trouble seeing in the dark. You may also notice a reluctance to exercise, difficulty breathing, or vomiting.

If your cat happens to grab a bite or get into and devour a large part of your dog’s food, they’ll more than likely be okay. They may have an upset stomach from eating too much, but as long as they don’t make eating dog food a habit, any adverse effects should be minimal.

How to Keep Your Cat From Eating Dog Food

Fortunately, most cats aren’t going to like the taste of dog food, so after a quick sample, they will probably leave the rest of it alone. However, if your cat develops a taste for it, make sure to provide them with high-quality cat food that supplies around 30% protein, has a flavor that they like, and that meets AAFCO standards for your cat’s life stage. You may have to experiment with different flavors and textures if you have a picky eater to give them something that they love.

Keep dog food out of reach. Feed your pup behind a closed door so that your kitty can’t join in. If you free-choice feed your dog, you may have to switch to meal feeding to keep your cat from snacking on the dog food left in the food bowl. Store dog food in an air-tight container to help maintain freshness as well as keep your cat out.

If your cat continues to beg for dog food, see your veterinarian to rule out any medical reasons or nutritional deficiencies that may have your cat acting this way.

Final Thoughts

You may love all of your pets the same, but that doesn’t mean you should feed them the same. While dog food isn’t toxic to your cat, it’s not meant for long-term feeding. Cats that eat dog food consistently can develop nutritional deficiencies that can become very serious and even fatal if left untreated.

Chyrle Bonk, DVM

The Best Cat Litter Mats to Keep Your Home Clean

By Chyrle Bonk, DVM / December 20, 2021 April 29, 2022

A purple cat litter box filled with brown litter, resting on top of a gray, mesh-style of mat.

Even though all cat parents would admit that their feline friend is worth all of the hassle, they would also readily wish it could be a little easier to keep the house clean. With all of the self-cleaning litter boxes, clumping litter, and bells and whistles out there, litter still gets tracked around the house. A great way to keep litter off your floors is to place a good cat litter mat under your cat’s litter box.

1. Best Overall Option: Gorilla Grip Thick Cat Litter Trapping Mat

Gorilla Grip Thick Cat Litter Trapping Mat

Technologically advanced mat features ultra deep grooves and superior mesh to capture litter.
Constructed of high quality, durable materials - mats are incredibly strong, resisting scratching and kicking from most frisky cats.
Traps both the litter that has been kicked out and litter that is stuck to furry paws.

There is a lot to this cat litter mat. First of all, the top is a padded surface with deep coils that allows cat litter to sink down and stay trapped. Secondly, those coils are arranged in repeating diamond shapes with deep grooves in between to hold that litter in place. While the description “deep coils” doesn’t sound that great for cat feet, they provide a bit of cushioning that coax some cats into napping on their litter mat as well.

The texture of this mat holds onto a lot of litter, but that doesn’t mean that it’s hard to clean. The Gorilla Grip Litter Mat can be cleaned with a vacuum or simply shaken back into the litter box as a way to reuse that litter, saving you money and a mess. You can also hand wash it with soap and water or a hose. It comes in four different sizes and three different shapes. There is also a variety of colors available to blend in or stand out, whichever you prefer.

However, this litter mat may stick to your flooring, depending on what type you get. This is an issue if the mat gets wet underneath with water or urine. To help prevent this, always make sure the mat is completely dry before replacing it and clean up wet messes as soon as possible.

Pros:

Deep coils catch and hold most litter sizes
Easily washed or vacuumed
Variety of shapes, sizes, and colors

Cons:

May stick to the floor
Not ideal for larger or pelleted litters

2. Best Mesh Texture Option: Pawkin Cat Litter Mat

Pawkin Cat Litter Mat

Effective Litter Lock mesh technology keeps litter off your floor.
Comfortable for your cat to walk on.
Easy to clean: Just shake it out or vacuum.

Pawkin Cat Litter mats have Litter Lock technology that is specially made to hold onto stray litter pieces. The PVC material is durable enough to withstand repeated use and abuse but soft enough to not harm sensitive paws. This mat is heavy enough to stay where you put it, even when vacuuming, but not so heavy that you can’t lift it to hose it off or scrub it. The trapped litter can be shaken back into the litter box for reuse.

Pawkin stands behind their product by providing a no-questions-asked 100% refund of any product that you don’t deem suitable for your needs. The design and function of this litter mat is very similar to the Gorilla Grip mat listed above, but it doesn’t have the options for size, shape, and color.

One drawback is that this mat does hold on to litter well, but it also holds onto messes. Fecal accidents outside of the litter box may be hard to clean out of these PVC coils. It also holds on to urine smells more than people would like.

Pros:

Heavy-duty and durable
Stays put even when vacuuming
100% money-back guarantee

Cons:

Hard to clean messes
Holds onto urine smell

3. Best Two-Layer Mat: Pieviev Cat Litter Mat

Pieviev Cat Litter Mat

Made of durable EVA material, non- toxic and phthalate free.
Double-layer honeycomb design helps gather the litter. You just pick up the mat and all the litter falls through ready to be poured back into your litter box.
Soft EVA material is gentle for sensitive cat paws.

This mat has a two-layer system that separates to allow litter to fall through the holes onto the lower mat. The litter can then be discarded or reused. This cat litter mat is like an envelope that hangs onto litter until you’re ready to dump it. This mat is hand washable with a hose or by scrubbing with soap and water for easy clean-up.

The Pieviev Cat Litter Mat is water and urine-proof, making it a safe barrier for hardwood floors or carpets. It is made from EVA material which is durable enough to stand up to cat claws yet soft enough to accommodate sensitive paws. With the double layer design, the litter disappears into the honeycomb holes so that your cat will no longer come in contact with it.

The larger holes of this cat litter mat can catch even large pieces of litter, making it more uncomfortable for some cats to walk on. Even though the material is soft, the bigger holes can create pressure spots that some cats won’t tolerate.

Pros:

Two-layer system allows for easy cleanup
Larger holes catch litter of nearly every size
Waterproof to protect floors

Cons:

Not as comfortable
Not as big as other mats

4. Best Cat Litter Mat with Ridges: PetFusion Tough Grip Waterproof Cat Litter Mat

PetFusion ToughGrip Waterproof Cat Litter Mat

Premium FDA Grade Silicone: Anti-microbial, water/stain resistant.
Durable yet comfortable for your cat to walk on.
Super Easy To Clean: Use a broom, vacuum, sponge - litter remains on surface recesses but unlike other mats, no longer trapped from view or reach.
Elevated inner ridges & outer lip to effectively contain pesky cat litter.

If your cat isn’t into walking on mesh or honeycomb-style mats, they may prefer one with ridges, like the PetFusion Tough Grip Cat Litter Mat. This mat is made from durable silicone that is not only comfortable for your cat to walk on, it’s also waterproof to protect your flooring underneath.

The secret to this cat litter mat’s success lies in the elevated ridges. These ridges work like little barriers to remove stuck-on litter from your cat’s feet and contain it within the walls that the ridges create. This cat litter mat also has a lip around the edge to better hold it all together.

Once you’re ready to clean up, you can simply pick the mat up and shake it back into the litter box or sweep or vacuum it out. This mat can also be washed with a hose or scrub brush.

This cat litter mat with ridges from PetFusion may be softer on cat paws, but it doesn’t do quite the job at collecting cat litter that the other designs do. While it is waterproof, it does have one design flaw. The V-shaped notch on one side is probably meant to be a pour spout to return cat litter to the box, but it also allows urine to leak out. So, if you have a cat that likes to spray or has bad aim, this may not work the best for you.

Pros:

Waterproof
Soft and comfortable to walk on
Durable

Cons:

Doesn’t collect cat litter quite as effectively
Urine accidents may leak out

5. Best Budget Option: Petmate Flex Rubber Cat Litter Mat

Petmate Flex Pet Rubber Cat Litter Mat

Tiny crevices in the mat wipe paws clean and prevent litter tracking.
Flexible mat is soft on cats' paws and remains securely in place as cats enter and exit litter box.
Rubber material is easy to shake off or wipe down for quick cleaning.

These little accents can get expensive, so if you’re looking for a more affordable cat litter mat, check out the Petmate Flex Rubber option. It’s made of rubber, so it’s flexible, easy to clean, and durable. It also stays where you want it to without being overly heavy or awkward to maneuver. It is easy to clean by shaking, sweeping, vacuuming, hosing, or scrubbing.

This cat litter mat has a little different design than the others on this list. The holes that catch the cat litter are made by elevated nubs with crevices in between. This makes the litter catching capabilities greater but may decrease the comfort level for some cats. It has a cute paw print design and comes in a few different colors to add some style.

This cat litter mat from Petmate is smaller than most. This makes it best for tight spaces or for those predictable cats that get out of the litter box the same way every time and don’t get wild with their digging. As stated above, it isn’t as comfortable on little feet as other options.

Pros:

Very affordable
Flexible
Easy to clean

Cons:

Smaller
Not as comfortable to walk on

Best Cat Litter Mats Buying Guide

A small, off-white, gray-ish cat litter box filled with little with a light blue scoop in it. It is resting on a gray carpet type of mat.

A cat litter mat may seem like a luxury or frivolous purchase. After all, you’ve already spent enough money decking out your home with scratching posts, cat toys, beds, and of course, litter boxes. The truth is, a litter mat is an excellent addition to your home.

A strategically placed litter mat is there to catch any flying litter that’s put into orbit by those overzealous diggers or to hold onto any errant pieces that may venture out of the litter box on a wayward cat paw. A litter mat can even catch any errant accidents that didn’t quite make it in the box. This means less cleaning up around the house.

While any old rug thrown under the litter box will keep some cat litter from tracking, getting a mat specifically designed for this will be much more efficient.

So what makes a good cat litter mat? Here are a few things to look for:

Texture

The texture is a cat litter mat’s bread and butter. It’s what determines how successfully a mat will grab and hold onto litter or if it will let loose around your house. The texture is also important from your cat’s perspective, as some kitties won’t want to step on mats that are not comfortable. With this in mind, it’s important to find a balance of enough texture to capture litter but not so much that it offends sensitive cat feet.

Layers

Cat litter mats can come as one piece or have a couple of layers.

The single-layer versions usually have a mesh covering that has small holes to trap litter pieces. While mesh may be more comfortable on cat paws, it might not catch the larger litter chunks. This is an important consideration if you use pelleted cat litter since it tends to be larger and probably won’t fit in the smaller holes.

Two-layer versions will have a removable upper layer with larger holes that allow the litter to fall through and easily be cleaned out by separating the two layers. These usually do a more thorough job of trapping litter of all sizes but might not be as pleasing for your cat to walk on.

Still, others will have small ridges that will work to scrape litter off of cat feet. These can usually be vacuumed or dumped into a garbage can for easy cleaning. There are even cat litter mats that are smooth. This type of mat probably won’t be as effective at trapping tracked litter but will be the softest on your cat’s feet.

Material

Don’t accept a super plush or fuzzy option for cat litter mats. Instead, the best cat litter mats will be made of rubber, silicone, or soft plastic. These materials give the mat the ability to catch litter and stay where you put them. They also make cleaning easier, more resistant to cat claw abuse, and will hold on to odors less.

Durability

This feature goes hand-in-hand with the materials used. Rubber and silicone are going to be more durable than fabric-type cat litter mats. Plastic will have a variable range of durability since some plastics can become brittle and break, or some cats can sink their claws into it and shred it.

Washability

A good cat litter mat will be easy to wash. Refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines when cleaning a litter mat. Some are machine washable; others will do better being hosed off or vacuumed. Whichever the case, litter should come off of them using just a shake, and wetter messes should come out with some simple scrubbing.

Size

Cats may be creatures of habit in many ways, but there’s no guarantee that they will exit the litter box the same way every time. In light of this, getting a litter mat with lots of space around the sides will help ensure that litter will be trapped no matter where your cat decides to fling it. You may also want a mat that’s big enough for your cat’s food and water bowls to sit on beside the litter box.

Extras

Once you’ve found a cat litter mat that meets the above criteria, you can customize your choices. Find one that your kitty likes that they will comfortably use. After that, colors, shapes, and costs are all up to you.

Final Thoughts

Adding a cat litter mat to your litter box system can boost the cleanliness of your home. These mats are specially designed to catch and hold onto flung or tracked litter to prevent it from being scattered around your home. Not only that, but these mats can also play a role in concealing those errant, almost-to-the-litter-box accidents that some cats are prone to doing.

Chyrle Bonk, DVM

Can Cats Eat Bread? will it hurt them?

By Chyrle Bonk, DVM / December 20, 2021 April 29, 2022

An orange-ish, white cat licking its mouth. It is standing on a wooden table, with a half-full glass of milk and a loaf of bread in front of it. Some of the bread is sliced, with some butter on top of one slice.

There’s nothing quite as tasty as a slice of fresh, warm bread or a sandwich served on thick-cut bread. Your cat won’t disagree. But should your kitty partake in this carbohydrate feast? Is bread safe for cats?

In short, plain bread isn’t toxic to cats, but that doesn’t mean that it should be part of a regular diet for your feline friend.

Can Cats Eat Bread? Does it Have Any Health Benefits?

There’s nothing harmful in a bite of plain bread. So, it’s okay for your cat to have the occasion bread treat. However, they don’t really get any nutrition from it, so it shouldn’t be part of their regular diet. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their digestive system is set up to digest meat, and lots of it. It’s not really made to break down carbohydrates.

If you give your cat more than the occasional bite of bread, it can start to take the place of their regular, balanced diet and starve them of some of the nutrients that they do need. It can also be an additional source of calories that can quickly lead to obesity and all of the complications that go along with it.

Is Bread Dangerous to Cats?

For most healthy cats, eating a bite or two of bread a few times a week isn’t going to cause any problems. However, if your cat is overweight, diabetic, or has any other health condition, eating bread can be detrimental. Again, bread doesn’t provide any real nutrition for your cat; it’s just empty calories. If bread is given in addition to their regular cat food, they can quickly start to gain weight, a dangerous process for any cat but especially for those already tipping the scales.

For diabetic cats, carbohydrates are a no-no. That’s because carbs are quickly broken down into sugars that elevate blood glucose levels. If these levels stay high, which is a common problem in cats with diabetes, organ damage and even failure can start to occur.

Feeding large amounts of bread at one time can also cause digestive issues like vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. A cat’s digestive system isn’t accustomed to digesting lots of carbohydrates, and eating lots of bread can overload it and even throw off the balance of the microbiome.

Types of Bread to Avoid

A loaf of raisin bread, some of which has been sliced. Next to it is a glass jar with some cinnamon sticks in it.

There are many varieties and flavors of bread; that’s part of the reason we humans love it so much. However, some of those additional ingredients can be toxic to your furry companion. Some spices, specifically onion and garlic, can destroy your cat’s red blood cells.

Raisins can lead to kidney failure, and high amounts of sugar can cause digestive upset. Xylitol is another “absolutely not” ingredient. Even though xylitol is more commonly considered a canine toxin, it can still be trouble for your kitties. You can never be too careful, so avoid giving it to your cat as well.

Is Raw Bread Dough Safe for Cats?

Raw, uncooked bread dough is definitely off the table for feeding your cat. Bread dough containing yeast is dangerous in several ways. First off, yeast expands as it ferments; that’s what makes bread dough rise. It continues to expand in your cat’s tummy, potentially leading to bloat or a dilated stomach.

Also, during the fermentation process, yeast produces ethanol. This alcohol travels to the bloodstream and can make a cat intoxicated or even give them alcohol poisoning.

If your cat eats raw bread dough, contact your veterinarian immediately. Depending on when and how much dough your cat ate, they may have you induce vomiting or bring them in right away to empty their stomach and treat any symptoms.

How to Safely Feed Bread to Your Cat

Even though bread doesn’t provide your cat any nutritional benefits, it can help in one area: giving them pills. Some cats can be fooled into taking their medications by hiding the pills in small pieces of bread.

Before giving your cat any bread, first, speak to your veterinarian to ensure that your cat is healthy enough to eat bread. Then keep the serving size small, just a bite or two once or twice a week. Any more than that, and you risk bread taking the place of other more valuable nutrients in their diet, or you may be putting your cat on the fast track to obesity.

Technically, cats can eat up to 10% of their daily caloric intake in treats like bread, but that doesn’t mean they should. Just keep portions small and infrequent for the best results.

Feed them only plain white or wheat bread. No additional seasonings or toppings (your cat doesn’t need butter or jelly), and definitely no raisins. Monitor your cat for any digestive issues after feeding bread and discontinue if they have any problems.

Final Thoughts

Bread is a great treat and staple in most human diets. However, it doesn’t hold any real place in your cat’s food bowl. Instead, if you choose to feed your cat bread or need a little to give them a pill, keep the amounts small and only feed bread to your cat every couple of days (at most). Be sure to avoid ingredients like garlic, onion, raisins, and high amounts of sugar to be extra safe. If your cat has issues eating bread, be sure to contact your veterinarian.

Chyrle Bonk, DVM

The 5 Best Cat Foods for Constipation

By Chyrle Bonk, DVM / December 20, 2021 April 29, 2022

A gray, tan-ish, and white tabby cat is lying in an enclosed litter box, with its head resting on the edge.

Before having a cat, you probably didn’t realize how much of your time would be centered around their bathroom habits. There’s the daily scooping of the litter box and the occasional accident, but you can also tell a lot about a cat’s health through their feces, or lack thereof.

One of the problems cats can face is constipation, the reduced or difficult passage of feces. Constipation can also indicate that something worse is brewing with your cat’s digestive tract or other systems. It can also be something that plagues some kitties throughout their life. For those cats, finding one of the best cat foods for constipation may help them with this ailment.

1. Best Overall: Hill’s Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome Digestive/Fiber Care

Hill's Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome Digestive/Fiber Care Cat Food

Clinically shown to promote regular healthy stool in as little as 24 hours and help reduce risk of recurrence.
Specially formulated by Hill’s nutritionists and veterinarians to support your cat’s digestive health.
Unique blend of prebiotic fibers to promote regular bowel movements and help balance digestive function.

If your cat is often constipated, Hill’s Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome may help to alleviate their problem for good. This prescription cat food is specially formulated for digestive regularity using a prebiotic fiber blend to promote a healthy and normal gut microbiome. Veterinarians and veterinary nutritionists formulated it to help regulate stools in as little as 24 hours.

In addition to high fiber content, Hill’s Gastrointestinal Biome cat food also contains high levels of omega fatty acids to help decrease inflammation and boost skin and haircoat health. This digestive health food can also help reduce the chance of developing urinary tract crystals and stones.

This food from Hill’s is a prescription food which makes it harder to get and harder to find. You will have to see a veterinarian first, which isn’t a bad idea for chronic constipation anyway. Also, it’s a pretty different formula than most cats are used to, so switching over to it should be done gradually to prevent digestive issues going the other way.

Pros:

High fiber
High omega fatty acids
Veterinary formulated

Cons:

Expensive
Requires a prescription
May be hard to find

2. Runner Up: Purina Pro Plan Indoor Care

Purina Pro Plan Indoor Dry Cat Food

High protein content with real turkey as the #1 ingredient.
Fortified with live probiotics to support digestive and immune health.
Natural fiber helps to control hairballs.

With real turkey or salmon as the first ingredient, Purina Pro Plan Indoor Care is a good quality food specially formulated for an indoor lifestyle. It is high in protein to fuel your cat without adding unnecessary weight and high in antioxidants for a healthy immune system. There are plenty of omega fatty acids and vitamin A to support vision and healthy skin and haircoat. It is high in fiber to help remove hairballs from the digestive system as well.

The high fiber content also makes it helpful in relieving constipation in cats. On top of that, Purina Pro Plan Indoor formula contains prebiotic fiber and probiotics to feed and replenish the gut’s microbiome for healthy digestion to prevent constipation in the first place.

However, some cats aren’t going to like this food. Fortunately, there are a couple of different flavors to choose from if your kitty turns up their nose at one. Also, there have been some problems with quality depending on the distributor, so always be sure to check the color and odor before feeding it to your cat.

Pros:

High in fiber
Contains probiotics
Essential nutrition for indoor cats

Cons:

Some cats might not eat it
Quality control issues depending on the distributor

3. Best Canned Food: Halo Indoor Wet Cat Food

Halo Wet, Grain-Free, Indoor Cat Food

Uses whole meat without any kind of rendered meat meal.
No factory farming, growth hormones, antibiotics, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
Uses non-GMO fruits and vegetables, and can is BPA free.

Halo canned cat food is a highly digestible product made from whole meats, fruits, and vegetables. It doesn’t use any meat meals, artificial ingredients, or grains. All of this makes it easily digestible so that your cat gets the nutrients they need without unnecessary fillers. This food is meant for indoor cats, so it is low in fat and calories and high in omega fatty acids to fight inflammation and boost skin and haircoat health.

Since most indoor cat food formulas are centered around fiber content to help control weight and promote hairball removal, they can also help with constipation issues. This canned cat food from Halo is no different. On top of high fiber content, Halo Indoor wet cat food also contains plenty of moisture that will also help keep your kitty hydrated to prevent constipation as well.

Canned cat food can be hard to quality control, especially if you’re getting it from an online supplier. That’s because it doesn’t stay fresh for as long as dry kibble. For this reason, you will want to make sure that each can of cat food has the correct color and smell before feeding it to your cat.

Pros:

High fiber
High moisture
High digestibility

Cons:

Quality control issues
Recipe change
Some cats may not like it

4. Canned Food Runner Up: Blue Buffalo True Solutions Blissful Belly Wet Cat Food

Blue Buffalo True Solutions Blissful Belly Natural Digestive Care Adult Wet Cat Food

Formulas created by PhD animal nutritionists and veterinarians with ingredients clinically proven to support your cat's specific health needs.
Made with high-quality real meat as the first ingredient.
Made with highly digestible ingredients including a prebiotic fiber clinically proven to support digestive health.

Another great canned cat food product to help with constipation is Blue Buffalo True Solutions Blissful Belly. This food is made with whole ingredients, including meat, fruits, and vegetables. It doesn’t contain artificial ingredients, by-products, or corn, so it is highly digestible and nutritious. High digestibility is important because the more undigestible fillers in a food, the more chance your cat will develop blockages.

Blue Buffalo True Solutions Blissful Belly wet cat food can help prevent and treat constipation and regulate stool quality with high digestibility and fiber. It also contains prebiotics to support a healthy microbiome and is high in moisture, both of which help prevent dehydration and dried out feces and promote regular digestion.

Some kitties aren’t going to like this food and might not eat it. As with any canned cat food, you’ll need to pay close attention to the quality and freshness. Monitor every can for color and smell.

Pros:

High moisture
Contains prebiotic fiber
Whole ingredients

Cons:

Quality control issues
Some cats aren’t going to like it

5. Best Budget Option: IAMS Proactive Health Adult Indoor Weight and Hairball Control

IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Adult Indoor Weight & Hairball Care Dry Cat Food

Helps maintain a healthy weight and helps to reduce hairballs.
100% complete and balanced adult nutrition with 0% fillers.
Real chicken is the 1st ingredient.

IAMS Proactive Health is a good quality food overall, especially for the price. It provides real, whole chicken as the first ingredient, zero fillers, and omega fatty acids for a healthy haircoat and skin. This is also an excellent food for indoor cats who tend to get on the pleasantly plump side and suffer from constant hairballs.

This food is high in fiber to keep your cat feeling full without additional calories and helps clear the digestive system of hairballs. Along with that, high fiber content can help regulate bowel movements by bulking it up to stimulate the intestine.

Pros:

High fiber content
Omega fatty acids
Real, whole meat as the first ingredient

Cons:

Possible recipe change
Possible mold issues depending on the distributor
Best Cat Foods for Constipation Buying Guide

There are many reasons that a cat can become constipated. Anything from eating something they shouldn’t have to the side effects of a medication can leave your kitty a little stopped up. Fortunately, feeding them the right food can help set things right again, but you’ve got to know what makes that food the right one.

Signs of Constipation in Cats

A light tan and brown cat resting its head on a window sill looking sad.

Most kitties keep a fairly regular schedule, even for pooping. So, if you find an empty litter box after a couple of days, your cat may be constipated. However, just because there is feces in the litter box doesn’t mean that your cat is home-free. Small, hard pellets rather than regular, formed, moist stools are also a sign of constipation.

Some cats may show their constipation by their discomfort. Cats that cry or strain when at the litter box may be having some digestive issues. Also, cats that avoid the litter box altogether may be suffering as well. Litter box aside, constipated cats may also not be eating as much, not want to jump or play, may walk stiffly, or may hide.

Why Do Cats Get Constipated?

Causes of constipation in cats can be as simple as dehydration caused by not drinking enough water. Hairballs or ingestion of foreign bodies like string or bone can cause blockages in the intestines. Lack of exercise slows the movement in the digestive tract, and pain in the pelvis or legs from an injury or arthritis can keep a cat from trying to defecate.

More serious causes include kidney disease, nerve dysfunction, megacolon, hyperthyroidism, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, anal gland problems, and some kinds of cancer. These issues can lead to constipation due to decreased movement of the intestines, pain, or dehydration.

What to Look for in Cat Foods for Constipation

A black and pink bowl resting on a gray table top filled with wet pet food. The black bowl has a white paw print design on it, while the pink bowl is a solid pink color with no design.

As long as your cat doesn’t have any underlying health conditions contributing to their difficult bowel movements, giving them the right cat foods can help keep them regular.

Proper foods include:

Fiber: Fiber comes in two forms: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber dissolves in water while insoluble fiber does not. Both promote regular digestion from different angles, so they work together well when combating constipation. Soluble fiber from pumpkin, apples, or psyllium is fermented into volatile fatty acids in the colon, which helps to stimulate intestinal contraction. Insoluble fiber from green beans, nuts, or wheat helps bulk up a bowel movement to stimulate those same contractions. The result is the same, a more motile colon to move feces through and out.
Moisture: One of the colon’s main jobs is to absorb water. This means that the longer a bowel movement sits in the colon, the more water that gets sucked out of it and the harder, drier, and more difficult to pass it becomes. Along with this, dehydration is one of the leading causes of constipation. Increasing the amount of moisture in the food to increase the moisture in your cat’s feces can help overcome this problem.
Probiotics: The primary regulator of your cat’s digestive tract is their microbiome. These are the good bacteria that digest food and get the nutrients where they need to go. Any disruption to the microbiome can lead to digestive upset, including constipation. Feeding a cat food rich in probiotics can help repopulate and support those good bacteria for a healthier digestive tract and less constipation.
Whole Foods: A cat’s digestive tract is acutely honed to digest prey. That’s their natural diet, and their guts are efficient at digesting it. They’re not meant to eat foods that have been highly processed or are full of artificial ingredients. Choosing a cat food made from whole foods, especially whole lean meats, is an important part of preventing constipation due to the digestibility of the food. Look for products that use whole meats as the first few ingredients and stay away from processed products like meals and flours.

Final Thoughts

Cats are no strangers to constipation, especially if they’re not on the proper diet. Giving your cat the right food for constipation can help put their digestive system on the right track. Any of them will supply the best nutrition with some additional bonuses to help keep their tummies full and their bowels regular.

Chyrle Bonk, DVM

Can Cats Eat Cucumbers? Do They Even Like It?

By Chyrle Bonk, DVM / December 11, 2021 April 29, 2022

A white cat with patches of gray and black stripes lying on its back in someone’s lap. The cat is holding and biting at a green cucumber.

What is it about cats and cucumbers? This pairing was made famous by numerous YouTube videos where owners repeatedly surprise their feline friends with this green fruit (trust me, it is, just like a tomato is a fruit). While hilarious, it may have some of you wondering if cats can eat cucumbers, or are they just a stage prop for your cat’s next home movie?

The quick answer is yes, cats can eat cucumbers in small quantities. However, there are things that you need to take into consideration.

Can Cucumbers Be Harmful to Cats?

Cats are carnivores; they crave and need lots of protein. Their bodies are designed to get the majority of their nutrition from meat. Vegetables, fruits, and grains don’t play a major role in their diet as their bodies are not set up to digest them as efficiently. Giving your cat a lot of fruits and vegetables can actually starve them of some nutrients. If cucumbers or other fruits and vegetables make up a high percentage of your cat’s diet, they may be missing out on some of their essential nutrition.

Lots of fiber and water can also cause some digestive upset for kitties, mainly in the form of diarrhea.

Do Cucumbers Have any Healthy Benefits to Cats?

Though your cat is more than likely only after cucumbers for their pleasing crunch, you’ll be happy to know that they provide them with more than that. At the top of the benefits list is water.

Cucumbers contain over 90% water, something most cats can’t get enough of. Besides helping to keep a cat hydrated, a couple bites of cucumber will also provide them with fiber to regulate their digestion and a variety of vitamins and minerals, including:

Vitamin C
Vitamin K
Magnesium
Potassium
Manganese

Cucumbers are also a source of antioxidants, which may help treat and prevent chronic illnesses such as cancer, heart, or kidney disease. This fruit is low in calories as well. With few calories and moderate amounts of fiber, cucumbers can make an excellent treat for kitties on a weight-loss plan.

How to Feed Cucumber to Your Cat

A white cat with patches of gray and black stripes is lying on a white carpet staring at a green cucumber in front of it.

While cucumbers are considered a safe food for your cat, there are some guidelines that you should follow when feeding them. First of all, moderation is key. And by moderation, a slice or two a week is plenty. You don’t want to give much more than that, or they will get full from cucumber instead of their complete and balanced cat food.

You should also consider peeling the cucumber first. The skin is where most of the fiber is found. Even though some fiber is beneficial, too much may be hard for them to digest. Also, be sure to wash the cucumber thoroughly before peeling and slicing.

Serve it plain, without any seasonings or dips. Not only are these extras just additional calories, but some seasonings can be harmful to your cats.

You can feed cucumber as an in-between meals snack or as a topper to their cat food. Just be sure to keep the amounts small and the feedings infrequent.

Can Cats Have Pickles?

Fresh, peeled cucumber is the only recommended way to share this fruit with your cat. Even though pickles make a great partner for tuna fish, a cat favorite, they don’t have a place in your cat’s diet. That is because pickles are packed with salt and other seasonings that can be potentially dangerous for your kitty. While some kitties may crave pickles, high amounts of salt can lead to salt toxicity, a possibly serious situation.

If eaten consistently, other seasonings, mainly garlic, and onion, can lead to red blood cell issues. Even though your cat would have to eat quite a few pickles to have any real problems, it can happen, and that’s a chance most of us are unwilling to take.

Final Thoughts

There’s no doubt about it; cats and cucumbers have an interesting and often amusing relationship. That relationship only goes as far as a little scare for most cats when they see this greet fruit. For others, cucumbers may be a regular part of their snacking routine. If your cat is curious about eating cucumbers, remember only to feed them a slice or two a week and don’t make it part of their regular meals. Keep pickles out of their diet altogether.

Chyrle Bonk, DVM

The Best Cat Diapers & How-To Guide

By Chyrle Bonk, DVM / December 11, 2021 April 29, 2022

A gray cat lying down on a tan-ish colored shaggy couch. The cat is wearing a blue diaper and black collar.

While buying diapers for your cat probably wasn’t something you thought about when you first picked out a cute little kitten, it may be something you need now. That’s because cat diapers help with many messy issues that you might not have realized until now. This guide will show you which cat diapers are best and how to use them.

1. Best Reusable Product: Pet Parents Washable Dog Diapers

Pet Parents Washable Dog Diapers

Innovative leak-proof & waterproof exterior shell + the interior absorbent pad keeps your carpet, couch, and home clean.
Durable and ready to take the abuse of daily wear, accidents, play, and will hold up through numerous washes.
Adjustable velcro system allows for a wide range of sizes & providing ease and comfort.

While the name of this product contains the word “dog,” an extra small or small size of these reusable diapers from Pet Parents can be used for cats. The extra small size covers a 4-10″ waist circumference with an adjustable Velcro closure to ensure a snug and comfortable fit. The fabric is also soft and quiet, with no crinkly noises or bunching up issues to worry about.

Pet Parents Washable diapers are made with an absorbable inner layer, wrapped in a waterproof outer layer to prevent leaks and messes. It is easily rinsed and washed for quick reuse. If you don’t mind a little extra laundry and don’t want to fill landfills with unbiodegradable diapers, then the Pet Parents Washable diapers are a good choice for your cat. They also come in a variety of colors to customize your cat’s “look.”

If you have a squeamish side, reusable cat diapers might not be for you. They do have to be rinsed before tossing them in the washer for best results. So, while you shouldn’t need to get your hands dirty, you are going to get a little more up close and personal with pee and poop than you would with disposable cat diapers. Also, be sure to measure your cat before ordering to make sure you get the right size to prevent leaks and messes.

Pros:

Reusable
Absorbent
Very adjustable

Cons:

You will have to rinse and wash them
Make sure you have the proper size

2. Best Disposable Product: Planet Urine Disposable Cat Diapers

Planet Urine Disposable Dog Diapers and Cat Diapers

Innovative leak-proof & waterproof exterior shell + the interior absorbent pad keeps your carpet, couch, and home clean.
Non-sticky, adjustable fasteners hold strong without pulling any hair or causing discomfort.
Comfortable and absorbent.

If rinsing and washing cat diapers aren’t your thing, a good disposable diaper may be in order. The Planet Urine Disposable Cat Diaper is highly absorbent, adjustable, and made to fit snuggly to prevent leaks and messes of all kinds. There are various sizes to fit any kitty, big or small.

These cat diapers also feature “magic tape” fasteners to further customize the fit without sticking to fur or leaving a messy residue.

Planet Urine diapers have elastic leg bands to fit snuggly around legs to prevent leaks. However, this elastic won’t cut off circulation or be uncomfortable for your cat. Most cat parents say their cats got used to these diapers quickly and worn them like they were wearing nothing at all.

Make sure to measure your cat before buying Planet Urine Disposable Cat Diapers, as they can easily slide off if they aren’t the correct size. Also, we know that some cats are tricky and will wiggle their way out of this diaper, whether it’s perfectly sized or not. Also, they are made from material similar to disposable diapers meant for human babies, so they may be crinkly or noisier than washable cat diapers.

Pros:

No rinsing or washing
Adjustable fit
Elastic leg bands to prevent leaks

Cons:

Not eco-friendly
Some cats may slip out of them
Noisier than washable diapers

3. Best Human Diapers for Cats: Huggies Special Delivery

Huggies hypoallergenic Baby Diapers

No Harsh Ingredients – Fragrance free, paraben free, lotion free and free of elemental chlorine bleach.
Hypoallergenic & dermatologically tested.
Softest plant based diaper from Huggies.

Since there aren’t many cat-specific diapers out there, you may want to look into the human side of things. Diapers meant for human babies may fit your cat, provided that you get the newborn or even premie sizes. Just be sure to take some measurements before buying to make sure they will fit your cat. Also, human diapers have a highly adjustable waistband that will help you get a snug and comfortable fit around your cat’s smaller waist.

Huggies Special Delivery diapers are plant-based and hypoallergenic, so they shouldn’t irritate your cat’s skin. They are also highly absorbent to help prevent leaks and messes and wick moisture away from their fur. Huggies Special Delivery diapers are breathable to help keep your cat from overheating.

The nice part about using human diapers for your cat is that they are easy to buy and generally less expensive.

Since these are baby diapers, you will have to cut a tail hole in them or thread your cat’s tail out through a leg hole, if possible. They are designed for baby legs, so there may be some gaps around your cat’s legs.

Pros:

Easy to find
Less expensive
Hypoallergenic

Cons:

No tail hole
Might not fit quite right

4. Best Pants for Cats: SELMAI Reusable Sanitary Pants

SELMAI Reusable Washable Stars Small Dog Cat Diaper Sanitary Pants

Comfortable cotton material.
Cute five star pattern design.

Maybe a cat diaper isn’t quite what you’re looking for. If that’s the case, sanitary pants may be more your style. Sanitary pants offer some absorbability but with a sleeker profile and a more underwear-like fit. These sanitary pants from SELMAI are washable and reusable so that they are eco-friendly.

If your cat doesn’t like the bulkiness of a diaper, sanitary pants may be more comfortable. They offer some protection without being restrictive. These sanitary pants from SELMAI also feature a drawstring waistband to help adjust the fit on your cat.

Sanitary pants aren’t as absorbable as diapers, so don’t expect them to perform in the same way. They are more for the occasional or minor accidents. They also aren’t as adjustable as diapers, so measuring your cat before purchasing will help ensure that you get a more accurate size.

Pros:

More comfortable than diapers
Sleeker design
Reusable

Cons:

Are not as absorbable
Are not as adjustable

How to Get Your Cat to Wear a Diaper

A gray and light brown cat with black stripes is lying down on a table, wearing a diaper and one of his legs shaved due to an injury.

Believe it or not, most cats aren’t going to jump into a cat diaper willingly. They will more than likely take some convincing. Your best bet is to go about it slowly and in steps that they are comfortable with.

Step 1: Ensure that you have the right size and type of diaper by measuring your cat.
Step 2: Let your cat sniff, play with, or get used to the diaper. Leave it out for them to mess around with (but not destroy!) until they are comfortable with it.
Step 3: Try it on. Go slowly and make sure your cat isn’t distressed. Put the diaper on and leave it on for a few minutes if they’re accepting. Remove it immediately if they don’t like it. Repeat until your cat is comfortable with the process. Offer lots of praise and pets if they’re accepting.
Step 4: Leave it on. Allow your cat to wear the diaper while on the move. Let them run, play, or eat as they would normally with lots of reassurance and praise.
Step 5: Change the diaper often as needed to decrease the chance for leaks, smells, and making your kitty uncomfortable.

The Best Cat Diapers Buying Guide

A stack of white diapers with a small cat plush toy in the front. The background is solid white.

If you’ve stumbled upon this article by accident, you may be wondering just who needs diapers for their cat anyway? You may be surprised to learn that cats may need to wear a diaper for several reasons. This guide will teach you everything you’ll need to know about getting your cat set up with some diapers.

Why Do Cats Need to Wear Diapers?

Even though cats tend to be very meticulous and clean animals, there may be times that they may need a little help. A cat diaper can help keep them and your house clean and keep them out of solitary confinement. Here are some of the reasons why your cat may need a diaper:

Incontinence: Urinary and fecal incontinence in cats can occur for a variety of reasons. Old age, injuries, or congenital deformities can interfere with a cat’s ability to control their urine or bowel movements. Rather than keeping your kitty locked up in an easily cleaned room, cat diapers can help to keep them and your home clean.
Recovery: If your kitty is recovering from an illness or surgery, they may be temporarily incontinent. This can be due to a decreased function of their legs or their urinary tract or digestive system. Whatever the case, cat diapers can help take care of them while they recover.
Spraying: Urine marking or spraying is a normal, yet unwanted behavior. Spraying lets other cats know the boundaries of their territory and becomes more prominent during times of stress. We all know that cat urine packs a pungent smell that tends to linger and that is hard to get out of upholstery and rugs, so rather than cleaning up urine marking messes, you can prevent them using a cat diaper.
Cats in Heat: If you have a female cat that isn’t spayed, their normal estrous cycle can cause a bit of a mess. Kitties in heat may drip blood or urinate excessively, both of which can be unwelcome in your home.

How to Choose the Best Cat Diaper

Whether your kitty has some temporary or permanent issues that require a cat diaper, choosing the right one can still be a struggle. That’s why it’s important to know what options are out there for you and to understand your cat’s needs. Here are things to consider when choosing the perfect product for your cat.

Types of Cat Diapers

Cat diapers fall into two main categories: reusable and disposable. Reusable diapers are made from fabric that has an absorbent liner sewn in. These diapers can be rinsed, washed, and reused. They generally cost more per diaper but should cost you less in the long run since it is a one-time purchase. They will be more labor-intensive since they will require rinsing and washing in between each use. However, they are more eco-friendly since most disposable diapers aren’t biodegradable.

Disposable diapers are made to be thrown away once they are wet or dirty. They can’t be washed or reused. They are usually cheaper per diaper but will require multiple purchases throughout a cat’s lifetime or condition. They tend not to be biodegradable.

Cat diapers can also be classified based on use. Some diapers are thicker and more absorbent for heavy use, while sanitary pants are more like underwear, so they are thinner and more for light use.

There are always human diapers. Human diapers can work well for a cat if you get the right size, especially in a pinch. They don’t have a designated tail hole, so you will either have to cut one or put your cat’s tail out through the leg hole. Human diapers have the advantage in that they are easy to get and generally less expensive than cat diapers, but they may not fit as well.

Sizes of Cat Diapers

Cats don’t vary in size as widely as dogs do, but there will still be some variation in which diaper size to get. Most cat diapers will give you a waist circumference range for the best fit. Most cat diapers have Velcro or “magic tape” closures that help you adjust the fit even further so that your cat can’t slip out of it.

Comfort of Cat Diapers

With different fabrics and thicknesses, cat diapers are going to vary in their comfort levels. Some cats will not like the bulkiness that thick diapers have, while others may need that thickness for their absorptive capacity. Other cats might not like the noisiness of disposable materials and would prefer the softness of washable fabric diapers. This is all going to depend on your cat’s preference and the diapers’ ability to meet your needs.

Along with fabric type and bulkiness, the comfort of a cat’s diaper depends on the “extras.” Some diapers may try to use adhesive tape as a closure. As we all know, adhesives and cat fur don’t mix, so it’s best to steer clear of these diapers. Instead, look for diapers that use Velcro or non-adhesive tape for closures. Some sanitary pants use drawstrings, which allow for high adjustability without sticking to your cat’s fur.

Price and Availability

When your cat needs a diaper, they generally need it now! With this in mind, make sure to choose a type of cat diaper that you can easily get your hands on. If you go with reusables, make sure you have enough to cover your cat during laundry day and so that you won’t be washing diapers daily.

Also, make sure cat diapers are affordable. Some cats may require a diaper for the rest of their life. That can add up in some situations, so be sure you can financially keep your cat in diapers for as long as they need them.

How to Determine the Best Size of Cat Diaper

Most pet diapers on the market are geared towards dogs. While this isn’t a deal-breaker for cats, it may cause some issues with getting the perfect fit. To choose a diaper that will properly fit your cat, you will have to take some measurements.

The most common measurement for cat diapers is their waist circumference. This can be found by measuring the thinnest part of the waist. If you don’t have a flexible measuring tape, use a piece of string instead to go around the narrowest part of the waist and then measure the string with a ruler or measuring tape.

Other diapers may give you a length measurement. This can be found by measuring from the narrowest part of the waist to the base of the tail. This length measurement will help ensure that a diaper isn’t too baggy. Some diapers may also give you a weight range to choose from. Get an accurate weight on your cat using a scale.

Final Thoughts

Instead of relegating your cat to a life of confinement in the bathroom, give them back their freedom by using a cat diaper. Whether their situation is temporary or long-term, cat diapers can help keep your cat and home clean and sanitary.

Chyrle Bonk, DVM

Why Does My Cat Scratch The Floor Before Drinking Water?

By Chyrle Bonk, DVM / December 11, 2021 April 29, 2022

A gray and black cat with white patches pawing at a blue water bowl in front of it.

Cats have many odd behaviors that often leave us perplexed or worried about their mental health. But the fact of the matter is that if you dig deep enough, there is usually a pretty good explanation for these strange behaviors rooted in a cat’s instincts.

Scratching the floor before drinking water is one of those behaviors. There are many speculations as to why cats do this. If you want to get to the bottom of your cat’s scratching before drinking water, read on to see some possible causes.

Blame it on Their Instincts

If you picture a cat in the wild, nothing comes easy to them. They have to hunt for their food, find water sources, and find shelter from the cold and rain. There’s no hand to fill their food bowl or faucet for their water. With this in mind, cats in the wild may have to dig for their food and even their water. Your cat’s scratching the floor before getting a drink may be reminiscent of that behavior, but since they can’t dig around in the mud at a water hole, they have to settle for scratching the floor before drinking water instead.

They May be Unhappy With Their Options

Cats are fastidious animals; they like things clean. This is very evident by the amount of time they spend cleaning themselves. Kitties like to have their surroundings clean, including their water. If your cat is unhappy with the cleanliness of their water, they may scratch the floor around it to bury it, similar to how they would bury their waste.

Even with a clean water dish, your kitty may not like the proximity of it to their food bowl or, worse yet, their litter box. Some picky cats prefer a little distance between their things, and who can blame them? Drinking water right near a litter box is enough to make any of us scratch the floor in disgust.

Let’s say that the water bowl is clean and an acceptable distance from everything else, so now what could be the problem? Believe it or not, some cats may not like the taste of tap water, especially if it’s been treated with chlorine or other chemicals. If you use filtered water or bottled water, these kitties may stop trying to “bury” their water.

They May be Happy With Their Options

On the flip side, scratching the floor before drinking water may be your cat’s way of saying that they’re content with their choices. Cats often knead their paws when they’re feeling happy or comforted; you’ve no doubt experienced this when your cat is snuggled on your lap. Scratching the floor around their water bowl could be a form of kneading because they are happy to be taken care of and comforted by what’s provided for them.

Making it Their Own

Along with being happy about their water bowl and what’s inside it, scratching the floor before drinking may be their way of laying claim to their stuff. Cats have scent glands in their paws and cheeks and use them to make their unique mark on people and things. This is part of why they like to rub on your legs or headbutt your face. By scratching the floor around their food bowl, they may be trying to tell other cats, “Paws off, this is mine!” This may be especially true if you have more than one kitty or even a dog in your household.

Curiosity Makes Them Do It

There’s a reason your cat may spend hours looking out the window or watching the dust particles settle in a ray of sunshine; they’re curious. Cats love to know what’s going on around them. They like to watch, touch, and even taste their surroundings. Scratching the floor around the water bowl, or even touching the surface of the water itself, may be their way of trying to figure out this receptacle and what exactly is inside of it. Kittens may dip their toes into their water bowl and then shake it or wipe it on the floor. Not only does this help them to understand better, but it’s also pretty entertaining.

Covering Their Tracks

Cats in the wild have to live in a world of balance. Not only are they predators that eat a variety of rodents and birds, but they are also prey to larger animals. This makes it essential to watch their backs, even when their eyes are on their next meal. They often have to cover their tracks so that other animals won’t know where they are or where they’ve stashed some leftovers meant for a future meal. Even though your housecat doesn’t need to fight for their resources, they may scratch the floor before drinking water to hide where they’ve been from other critters.

Final Thoughts

Our cats are a mix of weird and wonderful behaviors. While scratching the floor before drinking water may seem a little strange to us, to our cats, it may be a perfectly natural behavior that goes back to their ancestors in the wild. Even though domestic cats don’t face the same perils as wild cats, they still feel the drive and have the instincts that come out as strange seeming behaviors.

Chyrle Bonk, DVM