Waterproof Pet Feeding Mat: Protect Floors From Dog & Cat Mess

Estimated read time: 5 minutes

In this article: What the mess does to floors · Why a mat helps · What to look for · Cats and dogs · Keeping it in place · Cleaning · What a mat can't do · FAQ

What a messy bowl does to your floor

A little water here, a few crumbs there. Over weeks it adds up: swollen edges on laminate, dull patches on hardwood, grout that never quite comes clean beside the bowl, and a sticky spot where wet food dries. A pet's feeding area takes more punishment than almost any other square foot in the house, because it gets wet and food-splattered every single day.

Why a feeding mat is worth having

• It defines a clean zone. Everything lands in one place, so you wipe one thing rather than the whole floor.
• It protects the surface. Waterproof silicone keeps drips off the floor underneath.
• It reduces sliding. A textured underside helps the bowl and mat stay put.
• It rolls up. Handy for travel or when you need the floor clear.

Customer before-and-after photos show the effect on a cat feeding area:

What to look for in a feeding mat

1. A raised edge. A flat mat lets spills run off the side. A raised lip holds liquid on the mat.
2. Waterproof, non-porous material. Food-grade silicone wipes clean and doesn't soak anything up.
3. A grippy underside. Without it, the mat becomes one more thing your pet pushes around.
4. The right size. A mat that's too small leaves splash zones. The MessMate mat is 21.7" x 15", enough room for one or two bowls.
5. Easy cleaning. Wipe it, rinse it, or put it on the top rack of the dishwasher.

The mat comes in four colors: Light Gray, Sky Blue, Ink Green and Cherry Pink.

Cats and dogs: who benefits most?

Dogs that drink noisily, drip from their muzzle or push food around the bowl are the obvious candidates, and so are multi-dog homes where two bowls sit side by side. Cats benefit too: kibble fishing, dribbled water and wet-food smears all land on the mat. It's suitable for dogs and cats.

How to stop a feeding mat from sliding

The underside is textured silicone, which grips smooth hard floors like tile, hardwood and laminate through friction and its own weight. It isn't adhesive. A few things help it stay put:

• Wipe the floor dry first. Even a light film of water or grease reduces grip.
• Be careful on freshly waxed or highly polished floors. The mat may slide more easily.
• Set it against a wall or cabinet. If your cat or dog pushes it around while eating, a fixed edge gives it something to press against.
• Use a bowl with a non-slip base. A heavier bowl on top adds the downward pressure that keeps the mat settled.

Cleaning a silicone feeding mat

Wipe it, rinse it, or put it on the top rack of the dishwasher, away from the heating element. Standard cycles are fine; skipping the heated dry setting now and then is gentler on the silicone over time. Daily wipe-downs are enough for most homes; wash it properly whenever it's sticky.

What a mat can't do

Honestly: a mat catches mess after it happens. It's a great safety net, but you're still picking kibble up off it. To stop food and water leaving the bowl in the first place, add a splash guard. The Complete Mealtime Set includes a guard, a matched stainless steel bowl and this mat, so the guard stops the mess at the source and the mat catches what's left. MessMate is designed for medium to extra-large dogs and large cats.

Frequently asked questions

What size is the MessMate feeding mat?

21.7 x 15 inches (55 x 38 cm).

Is the mat waterproof?

Yes. It's food-grade silicone with a raised outer lip to hold spills.

Will it slide on hardwood or tile?

The textured underside grips smooth hard floors. Wipe the floor dry first, and set the mat against a wall or cabinet if your pet pushes it.

Is it dishwasher safe?

Yes, on the top rack. You can also wipe or rinse it.

Is it suitable for cats?

Yes, for dogs and cats.

A portion of every MessMate sale goes to dog rescue organizations, in memory of Spud.