Last updated Feb 21, 2023
The best cat diapers have a snug yet comfortable fit to prevent leakage. They absorb liquid quickly to keep your cat dry and they are convenient and easy to put on and take off.
After researching the industry and reviewing the top brands on the market, we’ve chosen the following cat diapers as the best you can buy.
At a Glance: Best Cat Diapers To Buy
In the comparison table below, we’ve highlighted some of the most important features of each product. You’ll find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Pet Magasin Reusable Washable Pet Diapers
- Multiple layers of absorbency
- Machine washable
- Choose from three colors/patterns
Pet Parents Premium Washable Pet Diapers
- Available in five sizes
- Super-absorbent inner pad
- Adjustable Velcro band
Frisco Leak-Proof Pet Diapers
- Budget-friendly pricing
- Made with moisture-lock technology
- Available in five sizes
OUT! Pet Care Disposable Pet Diapers
- Extra-absorbent edges
- Baking soda for odor protection
- Disposable and affordable
Vet’s Best Comfort Fit Pet Diapers
- Snug and secure fit Fur-safe fasteners
- Repositionable closures
- Handy wetness indicator
Paw Legend Reusable Pet Diapers
- Wide range of sizes
- Extra loop closure for snug fit
- Easy to put on
You wouldn’t trust a toddler who isn’t potty trained to run bare-bottomed around your house, would you? Of course not. That’s just asking for trouble.
The same idea applies to cat diapers.
Though the term “cat diaper” may conjure up some pretty amusing images in your mind, cat diapers can come in quite handy in a variety of situations.
So, what situations might require your cat to wear a diaper?
Cat diapers come in handy when your cat has trouble controlling his bladder or bowel movements. There are a number of reasons why this might be the case.
Here’s a list of common reasons for cat diapers:
- Elderly cats with incontinence
- Cats with long-term health or mobility problems
- Female cats in heat
- Cats recovering from surgery (ex: spay/neuter surgery)
Regardless why your cat needs a diaper, they all fulfill the same basic purpose: containing liquid and solid waste. Cat diapers give your cat freedom of movement while protecting your floor and furniture against messy accidents.
What Are the Qualities of a Good Cat Diaper?
The qualities of a good cat diaper are similar to the qualities you’d look for in a human diaper.
A Good Cat Diaper Is Highly Absorbent
Perhaps the most important quality in a cat diaper is its absorbency. After all, the whole point of your cat wearing the diaper is to catch leaks before they ruin your furniture or flooring.
Good cat diapers are made with multiple inner layers to catch and absorb liquid along with a waterproof outer layer to prevent leaks. Some cat diapers even have color-changing material to indicate when the inner linings have absorbed liquid.
The Best Cat Diaper Is Comfortable for Your Cat
The most important thing to look for in a cat diaper in terms of comfort is the tail hole. Reusable pet diapers typically have a reinforced tail opening while disposable diapers often have a tearable tail hole you can customize to the size of your cat’s tail.
Pet diapers are also made from high-quality, lightweight materials to make them more comfortable for your cat to wear on a daily basis. Just make sure the material is durable as well.
A Good Cat Diaper Is Washable or Disposable
Even if your cat is only wearing diapers for a few days you’ll need to change them often. Consider whether you want to go through the hassle of washing reusable diapers or keep it simple with disposable cat diapers.
Reusable cat diapers are bound to be more expensive than disposable diapers but, depending how long your cat needs to wear them, you may end up spending less over time.
The Best Cat Diaper Is Appropriately Sized for Your Cat
Though you could make a regular baby diaper work for your cat, it’s really best to use diapers that are specifically designed for pets. Pet diapers typically have a hole in the bottom to accommodate the pet’s tail and they are adjustable for your cat’s size.
The 6 Best Cat Diapers You Can Buy
Now that we’ve discussed the qualities of the best cat diapers and you’ve become familiar with their most common uses, let’s take a look at some of the best cat diapers on the market.
#1 Overall Best: Pet Magasin Reusable Washable Pet Diapers
These Pet Magasin reusable pet diapers are our top pick because they are highly absorbent and machine washable. Choose from three different colors and four distinct sizes, each designed with a flexible Velcro band around the middle to ensure a snug and comfortable fit.
These cat diapers offer multiple layers of protection including highly absorbent inner layers and a leak-proof outer layer to protect your furniture and flooring. Unlike many dog diapers, these are made with soft, comfortable material and they don’t have the crinkly texture that bothers some cats.
#2 Runner Up: Pet Parents Premium Washable Pet Diapers
Available in five different sizes, these washable cat diapers are soft, comfortable, and highly absorbent. They are designed with a super absorbent pad combined with a leakproof outer shell. Plus, with the convenient Velcro belly band, these diapers are adjustable for cats of all sizes. You’ll receive three cloth diapers for under $20 and can choose from two color combinations.
#3 Budget Pick: Frisco Leak-Proof Pet Diapers
If you’re looking for a simple solution to control your cat’s urinary incontinence, these disposable cat diapers are a great option. Choose from five different sizes and buy them in a 12-, 30-, or 50-count package according to your preference.
These diapers feature moisture-locking technology for mess-free cleanup and an adjustable band for a comfortable fit. We also appreciate the Moisture-Alert wetness indicator that changes color to let you know the diaper needs to be changed.
#4 Best Disposable: OUT! Pet Care Disposable Pet Diapers
Designed with Sure Seal Technology and a Comfort Flex Fit, these disposable diapers are highly effective and affordable. Your cat will enjoy a 360° leak-proof fit with extra absorbent edges. These diapers have an absorbent core with baking soda added to deliver two time the odor protection.
While these disposable pads are only available in two sizes, the XS/S size should be adequate for most cats. Purchase these breathable cat diapers in a 16- or 96-count package for your convenience.
#5 Most Comfortable: Vet’s Best Comfort Fit Pet Diapers
Whether you have a female cat in heat or a cat with chronic health issues, these disposable pet diapers are comfortable and affordable. Designed with Comfort-Fit technology that includes fur-safe fasteners and repositionable closures, these diapers are also available in several sizes to ensure a snug fit.
Keep tabs on your special needs cat with the wetness indicator that shows you when the diaper needs to be changed. If you don’t notice right away, however, you’ll be glad your furniture and flooring is protected by the leak-proof outer barrier.
#6 Most Versatile: Paw Legend Reusable Pet Diapers
Most pet diapers on the market are designed for dogs, but these reusable pet diapers come in such a wide range of sizes that you’re sure to find one that fits your cat. These diapers are made from leak-free fabric and designed with an extra Velcro loop to ensure a snug, comfortable fit, even for extra small cats.
In addition to being versatile and comfortable, these reusable diapers are leak-proof and easy to put on your cat. Most importantly, the Velcro closures stay snug without sticking to your cat’s fur.
What Is Incontinence and What Causes It?
Incontinence is a condition that is both involuntary and incontrollable. Becoming incontinent refers to the loss of bladder control and it can be caused by any number of things.
Here are some of the top causes of incontinence:
- Diabetes – Feline diabetes, especially in older cats, can lead to an increase in thirst and subsequent urination. If your cat doesn’t make it to the litter box in time, it could result in puddles on the floor or wet bedding.
- Bladder Stones – Also known as uroliths or cystic calculi, bladder stones are hard formations of minerals that develop in the bladder or urinary tract. Small stones may result in incontinence, straining to urinate, or blood in the urine while large stones can cause a urinary obstruction.
- Kidney Stones – Small kidney stones may not cause any symptoms, but large stones can cause pain, fever, lethargy, and blood in the urine. They generally form when there is an abundance of urinary crystals in the kidneys, though they can also be caused by an infection.
- Urinary Tract Disease – Chronic inflammatory disease, urinary tract infections, and overactive bladder syndrome all contribute to changes in the bladder or the amount of urine it can hold.
- Surgery – After undergoing spay or neuter surgery, some cats temporarily lose control of their bladder as they recover from surgery. Other types of surgery may cause temporary incontinence as well, though most cats regain control over their bladder and bowels within a few hours.
Symptoms of incontinence include accidents outside the litter box, wet fur on the abdomen or hind legs, wet spots in bedding, urinary tract infection, and inflammation of the skin around the genitals.
How To Put on a Cat Diaper (And Keep It On)
The first time you put your cat in a diaper you should expect a bit of a struggle. It may take your cat a few days to get used to wearing a diaper as well. Be sure to offer your cat a few tasty cat treats when putting the diaper on to encourage him to cooperate the next time.
Follow these steps to put your cat in a diaper:
- Cradle your cat in your arms like a baby to keep him from moving too much.
- Insert your cat’s tail through the hole in the bottom of the diaper.
- Slide the diaper onto your cat’s body, positioning the bigger side under his stomach and between his back legs.
- Secure the diaper across your cat’s back to create a snug fit.
Buying the right size cat diaper is essential for a snug and secure fit. You may also want to try out both disposable and reusable cat diapers to see which option your cat finds most comfortable.
If you’re having trouble keeping the diaper on your cat, try using a diaper harness or put your cat in a baby onesie that snaps at the bottom for easy access to the diaper.
Relevant Articles:
- Top 10 Best Cat Urine Removers
- 6 Common Reasons Why Cats Pee Outside The Litter Box
- How To Get Rid Of Cat Pee Smell?
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do you change a cat’s diaper?
It depends how often your cat urinates. You should plan to change your cat’s diaper at least twice daily and keep some pet wipes on hand to clean your cat’s skin and fur during diaper changes.
Do cat diapers work for cats in heat?
Yes. Cat diapers can help collect blood and urine while a female cat is in heat. Many female cats spray when they are in heat, so cat diapers can help minimize the damage.
Can a cat wear a baby diaper?
If you’re in a pinch you can use a normal baby diaper for your cat. Lay the diaper out flat then fold it in half to find the center. Cut a wedge-shaped hole for your cat’s tail and put the diaper on following the instructions above.
Why do you call this a cat diaper review, when every single item “reviewed” is a dog diaper?
Hello! All of the products recommended are pet diapers, so they’re designed for use by both dogs and cats. We recommend taking some measurements of your cat before you buy to make sure you get the right size for a comfortable fit.
I’m having trouble finding a diaper that will keep the poo from dripping out of the hole for his tail. Please help. I haven’t sent this comment before.
Janet, do you think there’s anything you can do to resolve your cat’s…drippiness? I would think firstly about resolving the underlying cause of the diarrhea.
He is quite an old kitty and has dementia. His stool is soft not loose. He forgets where the kitty pans are and will squat wherever he is. I find the diapers hold the urine but not the poo.