An absorbent mat includes top and bottom layers of thermoplastic material with absorbent media disposed therebetween. The top and bottom layers are bonded directly together, or to the absorbent media disposed therebetween, in spaced-apart bond sites. One or more perforations are formed as a result of bonding in the top and/or bottom layers in a peripheral portion of each bond. Each perforation is in communication with the absorbent media and provides a pathway through which liquid can pass. The top and bottom layers may be monolithic thermoplastic film with an aperture formed therethrough at each respective bond by stretching the multi-layer absorbent mat. One or more perforations are formed in the peripheral portion of each bond site thereof as a result of stretching. Each perforation is in communication with the absorbent media and provides a pathway through which liquid can pass into the absorbent media.