Does it stop water from reaching the floor?

The PVC itself is waterproof, so nothing soaks through. But it has no raised rim, so a bowl knocked over can still spill past the edge.

Can I put a crate on top of it?

Yes. It is meant to sit under crates and cages. Measure the crate footprint first, since the mat needs to extend past the edges to catch drips.

Rinse it with a hose or in the shower and wipe it down. PVC does not absorb odors, but dried food and hair can cling to the frosted texture, so scrub with a brush.

Will it slide on tile or hardwood?

The non-slip backing is designed to hold it in place during normal use. Very smooth, wet floors are the hardest case, so check it stays put after mopping.

No. It resists claws and scratching, but a determined chewer can bite through PVC. Keep it away from puppies that chew.

How does it compare with a silicone mat?

Silicone mats grip better and often have raised lips to contain spills. This PVC mat is larger, stiffer and easier to hose off, which suits crate floors and big messes.