Is it mandatory to include the google_product_category in my feed?

No, it is an optional attribute. However, providing it ensures Google classifies your items correctly, as automatic assignment can sometimes be inaccurate.

Can I use product_type instead of the google_product_category ID?

No, product_type is a separate, free-form field for your internal categorization. It does not replace the required Google Product Taxonomy classification.

Should I use the numeric ID or the full category path?

Both are acceptable. The numeric ID is preferred as it is language-independent and less prone to errors during bulk updates to your data feed.

Google product category

Incontinence Aids

Category ID517

Full path for the feedHealth & Beauty > Health Care > Incontinence Aids

Product examples in this category (US market)

Real products found in Google Shopping, shown as examples.

Equate Options Incontinence Pads
Poise Ultra Thin Incontinence Pads
Always Discreet Incontinence Pads
Walgreens Certainty Women's Bladder Control Pads
Tena Ultimate Pad
Because Premium Incontinence Pads
The Honey Pot Organic Cotton Incontinence Pads
Assurance Unisex Premium Quilted Underpad
NorthShore DynaDry Supreme Liners
Medline FitRight Bladder Control Pads
Nexwear Maximum Regular Bladder Control Pads

Understanding the Incontinence Aids Category

The Incontinence Aids category, identified by ID 517, is located under Health & Beauty > Health Care. This classification is designed for products specifically engineered to assist individuals managing bladder or bowel control issues. Accurate categorization is essential to ensure your products are correctly indexed within the Google Shopping ecosystem.

Products included in this category

This category encompasses various absorbent supplies and bladder control products designed for personal care. Based on examples from the US market, this includes items such as:

Absorbent incontinence pads for women and men
Bladder control liners and premium incontinence liners
Absorbent underpads designed for surface protection
Adult bladder control pads with varying levels of absorbency

What does not belong here

Avoid placing items that fit into neighbouring Health Care categories here. Medical devices or items for other conditions belong elsewhere. Specifically:

If you are selling medical hardware such as bed pans or specimen cups, place them in those respective categories.
Mobility aids, supports, and braces should be classified under Mobility & Accessibility or Supports & Braces.
General medicine and pills belong in the Medicine & Drugs category.
Surgical lubricants or conductivity gels belong in their own specific medical categories.

Always verify if your product serves a general medical purpose before selecting this category, as generic health items often belong to broader classifications.

Implementation in your feed

You can use either the numeric ID 517 or the full string: Health & Beauty > Health Care > Incontinence Aids. Providing this category helps Google apply the correct policies to your items, although the attribute remains optional in your feed file.

Frequently asked questions

Is it mandatory to include the google_product_category in my feed?: No, it is an optional attribute. However, providing it ensures Google classifies your items correctly, as automatic assignment can sometimes be inaccurate.
Can I use product_type instead of the google_product_category ID?: No, product_type is a separate, free-form field for your internal categorization. It does not replace the required Google Product Taxonomy classification.
Should I use the numeric ID or the full category path?: Both are acceptable. The numeric ID is preferred as it is language-independent and less prone to errors during bulk updates to your data feed.

This category in other languages

ru: Красота и здоровье > Медицинские средства > Препараты для лечения недержания
uk: Краса та здоров'я > Медичні засоби > Препарати для лікування нетримання