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.
Cats can experience urinary problems that necessitate the use of diapers for a number of reasons. Some causes are behavioral, while others are more serious, and may indicate potentially life-threatening health issues. Common reasons a cat might need to wear diapers include:
Aging and senior cats often experience incontinence (Trusted 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 (FCD). (Trusted Source) 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.
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 often reach sexual maturity around 6 months old. After this, if they remain unspayed, they will experience an estrous, or heat cycle, (Trusted Source) 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.
Spraying describes a cat’s emission of urine on a vertical surface (Trusted 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.”
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.
Steroids, including corticosteroids, can cause increased thirst (Trusted Source) 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.
Recurrent bladder infections are sometimes called feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD). (Trusted Source) 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. Sometimes, bladder and urinary tract infections can lead to blockages.
I personally wouldn't recommend diapers for a male cat suffering from urinary blockage of the urethra as that can be life threatening and dangerous. Blockage, even partial, is an emergency and shouldn't be covered up hoping it will just resolve. It needs immediate care. Not being able to eliminate the ‘toxic’ urine can lead to kidney failure and deadly electrolyte imbalance in a short period of time.
Dr. Bruce Armstrong
🚨 If your cat is straining or struggling to urinate, (Trusted Source) something serious and potentially life-threatening could be going on. Head to your vet ASAP to get your pet checked out.
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.
If your vet recommends a diaper for your feline friend, here are a few of our favorite options to try.
These are things pet parents might want to use in addition to or instead of a cat diaper.
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:
The process of putting a diaper on your cat may take some getting used to, for both you and your cat. It may feel a little awkward to put your cat in diapers, but you’ll quickly realize they save you a ton of clean-up on potential messes all around the house. Be patient with your kitty as they adjust to wearing their diapers, and the process should naturally get easier over time. Keep an eye on their bathroom habits, and see a vet as soon as you notice any changes.
Depending on your cat’s situation, diapers may be suited for long- or short-term use. Speak with your vet about what might be best for your cat.
If your older cat is experiencing incontinence due to age or cognitive dysfunction, it’s likely they will need to wear a diaper long term. In this case, a washable, reusable diaper is likely their best option.
Yes, although there will be different outcomes depending on which diaper your cat is wearing. Some diapers, including belly bands, do not cover your cat’s behind, so they can empty their bowels as normal while wearing one.
Yes, diapers can be used on both male and female cats that spray or mark.
Yes, you can! Many diapers on the market are made for both cats and dogs.
While you could, we suggest purchasing a version specifically made for pets, which will have a pre-cut tail-hole and ensure the best fit for your cat.
