Another use:I think these pads might be quite nice for cats after surgery too when they are not allowed to use litters.
Don't think it would train them to use other materials as long as you use them temporarily and go back to litter in the pan when it is allowed by the vet. Even if you were to make strips of the puppy pad, it would be cleaner and more absorbent than the strips of newspaper/paper towel (as my vet had me do when she had surgery years ago). Nicer for kitty to stand on and make it much easier cleaning.
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UPDATE:
This morning she did both solid and liquid on the pad. Covered the solid with one corner of the pad (as I said, fastidious). I have a brick on 3 corners to keep it in place so she could only cover with the one corner.
It's been a very good. very easy, very clean, very economical, low stress answer for both of us. I waited to post on the forum about this until I knew for sure she was going to use it repeatedly. It was such a weird idea that I really was not sure would work.
She doesn't need them every day. But when she does, it is ready for her. This morning she watched me replace the pad and rubbed my legs with both head and body seemingly quite content with the situation. She likes the texture of the pad and it stays nice and dry for her feet so that is a plus. Best of all, the throw rug in her room, the linens on her bed and the indoor/outdoor carpeting on the screen porch stay clean..
The pads help to give us some more time together without the major cleaning hassles associated with deterioration of kidneys.
AND SO FAR.... Only the one cat is using it!
The other female that has been her companion for a couple weeks still prefers the litter box (GREAT!) so I have not created a problem long-term.