The reason you don't like paper towels is exactly the reason I love them. I immediately know there's stool, urate, urine, whatever and I can get it cleaned up. I think if you make yourself do this you'll get over the feeling that your about to hurl. I mean ya know, up to you but great way to keep a nice clean cage in my opinion and FARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR easier to clean that bedding. It's also Much much much cheaper