A guide to cat diapers

Using a litter box comes naturally to many indoor cats. However, sometimes a medical or behavioral issue can lead your kitty to go elsewhere in your home. This can be challenging for pet owners to understand and eventually resolve, but pet diapers are a reliable option in many circumstances.

Reasons cats wear diapers

Senior cats. Aging and senior cats often experience incontinence Trusted Source Veterinary Information Network (VIN) Community of veterinarians with up-to-date veterinary information. Go to source or frequent urination as a result of diabetes or kidney disease. Additionally, more than half of cats between the ages of 11 and 15 and 80% of cats aged 16 to 20 experience feline cognitive dysfunction Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing cruelty to animals. Go to source (FCD). Some symptoms are changes in your cat’s behavior, blindness, memory loss or dementia, and hearing loss. Older cats with FCD may forget where their litter box is located and begin to go elsewhere.

Immobile or paralyzed pets. Cats with mobility issues like severe arthritis may struggle to use a normal litter box. While there are handicap boxes for senior or immobile cats, long-term diaper use is also a viable option.

Female cats in heat. Female cats often reach sexual maturity around 6 months old. After this, if they remain unspayed, they will experience an estrous, or heat cycle, during the breeding season. This cycle lasts about six days on average. During this time, you might notice your cat doing things they wouldn’t normally do, like spraying. Some cats will spray to emit hormones that are meant to attract a mate.

Kitties that spray. Spraying describes a cat’s emission of urine on a vertical surface Trusted Source The Merck Veterinary Manual Trusted provider of veterinary medicine. Go to source and is not always linked to your cat’s heat cycle. This behavior could be related to anxiety due to environmental factors. Introducing a new pet, family member, or even rearranging furniture in your home can heighten your cat’s stress level. Spraying as a response is often seen in male cats that aren’t neutered; however, about 10% of neutered male cats will continue to spray or “mark.”

For inappropriate elimination. This is a behavioral issue — not something medical — and refers to when your cat chooses to go outside their litter box. Some cats will choose a place to go again and again, which is your first clue that they’re likely avoiding their litter box for some reason. Perhaps the box is difficult to access, too small, or has not been properly cleaned. It’s important that you work with your vet to understand why your cat might be avoiding their litter box and address the underlying cause.

Felines on certain medications. Steroids including corticosteroids can cause increased thirst and therefore frequent urination. This can lead to accidents. Your vet may recommend your pet wear a diaper temporarily as they finish a round of medication.

Some urinary issues can be life-threatening. A few of the most serious urinary issues in cats include the following:

Bladder infections. Recurrent bladder infections are sometimes called feline lower urinary tract disease Trusted Source American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Not-for-profit organization representing 97,000+ vets. Go to source (FLUTD). If your cat is urinating more often than normal, urinating outside their litter box, or you notice blood in their urine, they might have FLUTD. In some cases, your cat may have bladder stones. This occurs when a build-up of minerals forms in your cat’s urinary tract and may require surgery.

Long-term medical conditions. The diagnosis of a health condition such as diabetes or kidney disease can affect how often your cat needs to urinate. Your vet is your best resource when it comes to determining what might be impacting your pet’s bathroom habits.

Urinary blockages. If your cat is getting in and out of their little box but producing little or no urine, they might have a blockage in their urethra. This is most common in male cats since their urethra is narrow. The blockage can be due to urinary stones, mucus, or inflammation and should be diagnosed by your vet immediately.

If your vet recommends a diaper for your feline friend, here are a few of our favorite options to try.

Best machine washable option

Best disposable option

It will likely be difficult the first few times you put a diaper on your cat. But with patience and perhaps a few treats, both you and your cat will get the hang of this new accessory. Follow these steps whether you’re using a washable or disposable diaper:

1. Put your cat’s tail through the tail opening at the back of the diaper
2. The long end goes on your cat’s belly, while the shorter end comes up the back
3. Pull each side forward, meeting each side together at the waist above your cat’s hind legs
4. Clasp or snap together the fixtures on both sides

Additional items to try

These are things pet parents might want to use in addition to or instead of a cat diaper.

• Diaper harness. This is a device used to keep the diaper in place. It attaches to the diaper and often has buckles and straps that wrap around your cat’s front legs to stay secure.
• Belly wrap bands. This is a piece of fabric that covers only the front of your cat. If your kitty is spraying or marking, they can wear this and still poop as normal.
• Onesies. Some pet parents find that using a cat onesie over their pet’s diaper will ensure their kitty can’t take it off or claw at it. They tend to make for easy diaper changes, too, since most have snaps at the bottom.