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I've had so many owners look at me strangely when I recommend pee pads for their cats! They assume that they are a 'dog thing' and not something that kitty owners should be using. However, their versatility and value in a cat household is undeniable.
Puppy pads are not always going to replace the litter tray, but they can be a great solution for specific cat situations. This article takes a closer look at how washable pee pads can work for cats, and discusses the various practical applications.
An honest guide, written by a vet, read on to learn all you've wanted to know about puppy pads for your cat or kitten.
When Are Washable Pee Pads for Cats a Good Litter Box Alternative?
What to Look for in Reusable Pads for Cats
How to Use Washable Pee Pads for Cats Beyond the Litter Box
How to Clean and Maintain Reusable Cat Pee Pads
How to Transition Your Cat to a Washable Pad
Reusable vs. Disposable Pads for pet cats - Is It Worth Switching?
You'll be astonished to hear in just how many ways washable pee pads can be used when it comes to cat pee and poop! You might want to consider using cat pee pads for:
Young catswho are struggling to use their tray, especially when this is negatively impacting their toilet training.
Incontinent cats who need lots of 'toilet spots' around the home. These pee pads can also be placed under your pets while they sleep, if they tend to create messes and puddles
Those with mobility issuesor joint pain, who have difficulty getting into the tray. Many cat owners report that their cats prefer using reusable pee pads over traditional litter boxes, especially for pets with specific needs, such as those who may have difficulty accessing a litter box.
Cats recovering fromsurgery or illness who may be weak and can struggle to posture in a tray
Stress-related litter box avoidance, for those pets who have never been successfully litter trained or who get anxious when it comes to using the tray
Cats insmall spaces or temporary living situations, where having a couple of litter tray options just isn't sustainable, or if you've not yet purchased their litter box
Multi-cat households where competition is an issue or where litter boxes get dirty quickly, leading to accidents around the home
Keep in mind that not all cat pee pads are created equal and some will be more readily accepted by your feline friend than others. It can help to have a quick checklist of what you are looking for.
Cats have sensitive paws; soft, quilted fabric or plush microfibre should be used to ensure they are comfortable.
Some reusable cat pads feature multiple layers forenhanced absorbency and odor control, which is essential for managing cat urine effectively. It also means your house will smell a lot fresher when guests come around!
Always ensure there is awaterproof bottom layer.This is anon-negotiable to protect floors and furniture. The effectiveness of absorbency in reusable pads can vary, with some products claiming to be leak-proof and designed to handle larger volumes of liquid, which is crucial for odor control.
The size should be at least 1.5x the litter box footprint to catch scatter and perimeter accidents. Reusable pee pads for cats come in various sizes, with common dimensions including 16.9x11.4 inches and 36x36 inches.
Many reusable cat pee pads are designed to bemachine washable, allowing for easy cleaning and maintenance. For time saving, I highly recommend buyingthis variety. They are super absorbent and truly easy to keep clean.
Did you know, pee pads have a wide range of uses? Yes, they are super absorbent toileting spots, but there's so much more to them that!
Use these washable pee pads underfood and water bowls to protect floors from spills
Place them on favorite lounging spots - protecting furniture from fur and accidents
Washable pee pads are ideal to putin the carrierduring travel or for vet visits. It is common for anxious kitties to toilet inside their carrier
As atransitional toolwhen switching litter types
In the early stages of litter training,washable pee pads are a nice and easy target
Good maintenance of these pads is essential to ensure they can be used again and again and to keep them smelling fresh and looking new.
Rinse immediately after use to prevent odor setting. The quicker you can rinse off visible residue, the less risk of an odor lingering.
Useenzymatic pet mess cleaner as a pre-soak or laundry additive. This is truly essential for breaking down cat urine, and the strong smell associated with it.
Air dry or, if you must, tumble dry on low. You do not want to dry at heat that are too high as heat can damage the waterproof layer, making it less effective.
Get in the habit of checking the waterproof backing and the top layer of the pads, to ensure they are holding up over time.
How often you wash is dependent on usage frequency. Most owners will clean their washable pee pads about twice a week or so.
If the pad is looking worse for wear and is frayed or thinning, it is time to invest in a new one. These pads are designed to last months to years with proper care.
Training your cat to use pee pads is not always straightforward, especially if they are an adult who has never used one before. However, for the majority of felines, it is achievable. Let's take a look at a method I commonly use for the kitties I see in clinic who use these pads:
Start by placing the puppy pads next to the existing litter tray. Having the pee pads here helps your cat understand their use, and is also going to transfer the scent of the pee and poop
Gradually move it to replace the box if that's the goal. While your cat may find it odd without the tray initially, if they know that this is their 'toilet spot', they'll soon understand what you want.
Use familiar scent cues to ease the transition. This is really helpful. If you place a little of your cat's mess on the pad, they realise what its use is.
If your cat is not using the puppy pads right away, consider what can be changed. Do they need a quieter location, or perhaps a softer texture? Are the pee pads large enough?
It is worth trialling the pads in a few locations, to see which are preferred by your pernickety feline.
Top Tip: Consider using Cat Litter Training Spray, to attract your cat to the pee pads.
If you are conscious of your environmental impact, washable pads are for you. Users have noted that reusable pee pads can significantly reduce the amount of waste generated compared to disposable options, making them a more environmentally friendly choice for pet owners.
And for those owners eager to save money? There are significant cost savings over time when reusable pads are used. There is no need to constantly repurchase new disposable pads. While there are some costs associated with cleaning, these are minimal.
Many cat owners report that their cats prefer using reusable pee pads over traditional litter boxes, especially for cats with specific needs, such as those who may have difficulty accessing a litter box. However, this is quite cat dependent, so do a trial with your kitty before making a long-term commitment.
The verdict? Making the swap is ultimately worth it for owners willing to commit to a washing routine and for cats with more specific needs, such as those with mobility trouble or incontinence.
Every cat is an individual, and what works well for one may not be the right decision for the other. However, we feel that reusable pee pads are one of those things worth trying.
Washable pads are not a universal kitty toilet replacement - but for the right cat and situation, they're a practical, sustainable, and often preferred alternative. The key is choosing the right size, material, and washing routine.
Potty Buddy Washable Pee Pads are recommended by many vets, and may be just the solution you've been looking for.
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