Cat Litter and Cleaners

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

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 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

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

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

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 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.