The essentials
- Both male and female cats can benefit from diapers — Diapers for male cats are sometimes called stud pants, while diapers for female cats are called queen pants.
- Elderly cats might experience incontinence — This can be due to health issues such as urinary tract infections or kidney problems.
- Both disposable and washable cat diapers are easy to find — Deciding on the best option will depend on your cat’s size and the reason they need a diaper.
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
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:
Age
Aging and senior cats often experience incontinence 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). 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 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.
Bladder infections
Recurrent bladder infections are sometimes called feline lower urinary tract disease (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. Sometimes, bladder and urinary tract infections can lead to blockages.
Dr. Bruce ArmstrongI 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.
🚨 If your cat is straining or struggling to urinate, something serious and potentially life-threatening could be going on. Head to your vet ASAP to get your pet checked out.
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.
The best diapers to try
If your vet recommends a diaper for your feline friend, here are a few of our favorite options to try.
Best machine-washable options
- Pet Parents Washable Diapers for Cats. These diapers are made from a comfortable fabric and include an adjustable velcro strap to ensure the perfect fit for cats of all sizes. Each diaper also has a sewn-in pad, which provides an extra layer of protection against leaks.
- Pet Magasin Reusable Nappies (3 Pack). These are labeled as dog diapers, but also suitable for use on cats and other pets like rabbits. They’re available in five different size options, from extra-small up to extra-large, and they’re easy to wash and air dry. They’re also super functional, consisting of multiple highly absorbent inner layers and a waterproof outer layer to prevent leakage.
- SunGrow Reusable Female Cat & Dog Diapers for Heat Cycle. These diapers are specifically made for female pets in heat, but they’re an equally good choice for kitties in training and cats with incontinence issues. Bonus points for the leak-proof tail hole, which maximizes your cat’s comfort while keeping messes to a minimum.
Best disposable options
- Paw Inspired Disposable Pet Wipers. These diapers are single-sue, but they’re built with a leak-proof design and a super-absorbent core that makes for easy clean-up every time. They’re also a great value, coming in packs of 32, and can be worn by both dogs and cats.
- Hartz Disposable Cat Diapers. Wide, easy-to-grips tabs make these diapers a breeze to put on and fit securely. They’re made of a soft, breathable material that’s easy on your cat’s skin, and they’re equipped with “Flash Dry” technology that turns liquid into gel to prevent leaks for up to 12 hours.
- Shadavtre Cat Diapers. Unlike velcro diapers, these are fitted with an elastic waistband that fits snugly around cats of all shapes and sizes. They’re made of polymer absorbent resin that keeps your cat dry and comfortable while keeping messes in with a 360° leak-proof design.
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.
How to put a diaper on a cat
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:
- Put your cat’s tail through the tail opening at the back of the diaper
- The long end goes on your cat’s belly, while the shorter end comes up the back
- Pull each side forward, meeting each side together at the waist above your cat’s hind legs
- Clasp or snap together the fixtures on both sides
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.
Frequently asked questions
When should a cat wear a diaper?
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.
What diapers are best for older cats?
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.
Can cats defecate with a diaper on?
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.
Can I use a diaper on a cat that sprays?
Yes, diapers can be used on both male and female cats that spray or mark.
Can I put dog diapers on my cat?
Yes, you can! Many diapers on the market are made for both cats and dogs.
Can I put baby diapers on my cat?
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.
