Training a cat to use puppy pads

sheltiemom · 02-27-2009, 09:38 PM

I sort of already did this by accident, and I want to get some feedback...does this sound ok or are there any reasons you guys can think of that it isn't a good idea?

It happened because my senior cat is having urinary issues. She's been vetted and we believe the issues are behavioral, peeing outside the box, primarily in one spot. I've tried a bunch of different things, but she kept going to that spot...finally I put a puppy pad down in the spot, which is under the buffet in the dining room, and she went on the pad...I kept pads down for a while and she kept using them. After a while I put the pad in the bottom of a litter box in the same spot and she continued to use it. Fast forward....I now believe both cats are using the box with the pee pads, and quite frankly I like it. I find it easier to change out the pad once a day than scooping litter, it smells better, and because it's in the dining room on carpet, it's nice that there is no tracking. I costed it out and it's even cheaper than the higher end litters...$10 for 30 pads, each pad can be cut in half, so $10 for two months worth for one box. I still have litter in another box and I want to put pads in it too, but I'm hesitant...the younger cat still uses the litter too, she uses both...any reason not to try it??

amynrichie · 02-27-2009, 10:01 PM

Put a wee pad box next to the litter box. Then quit cleaning the litter box. See if your cat will naturally transition to the cleaner area. Once she starts using the pads consistently, then you could probably get rid of the litter. Let us know how this works out! It is an interesting concept that I have never thought of before. I wonder if it would work in my house. . .

pamperedpups · 02-28-2009, 03:42 AM

"...any reason not to try it??"

Can the dogs get to the pads? Are the pads fixed so the cats can't scratch them up to bury their elimination?

midnight mojo · 02-28-2009, 03:05 PM

If it's working for you, I see no reason to stop. Our cats need to bury their waste so pads aren't an option. Halen actually gets a bit offended about Mojo's pad and will walk over and scratch at the edge of the pad (in the litterbox) to bury his waste.

Though just an fyi, you can get pads a lot cheaper if you are willing to buy in bulk. We paid less than $45 (shipping included) for 300 pads from a medical supply company.

Eyssa · 02-28-2009, 04:03 PM

You know, that actually sounds like an excellent idea! Heck, if the cats are using it, there's no messy litter, no tracking... I'd say just stick to that. Hehe, I might just be inclined to start using puppy pads instead of a litter box! So long as the cats aren't clawing it up, it sounds like a good way to go.

Willowy · 02-28-2009, 09:33 PM

My mom's old cat has been peeing on puppy pads for about 5 years now. But she still poops in the litterbox. Are your cats pooping on the pads, too? Most cats like to bury their poop.

But, sure, if your cats will use the puppy pads, there's no reason not to make the switch.

sheltiemom · 03-17-2009, 09:10 PM

In case anyone was wondering about this, I tried it, but one of the cats, not sure which, was pooping near, not in, the box. One of them did use the pad for poop and pee though. I have gone back to litter for the upstairs box and pee pads for the downstairs box where the old lady likes to pee.

nikelodeon79 · 03-20-2009, 02:56 PM

LOL, I can't imagine my kitties using a puppy pad. Bogey sometimes misses the litterbox with a turd or two (he's HUGE and sometimes accidentally hangs out over the edge). He gets SO distressed about not being able to cover up his waste! He keeps crying and scratching the edge of the box until someone goes in there and puts the turd in the box so he can cover it.