Pathclear or Glysophate (or is there a kinder option?)

[Curlykale]

I have a large area of block-paved patio and paths running round my house. I am fighting a losing battle against the weeds - huge dandelions and thistles between every single block, and also between the edge of the paving and the house wall.

I have tried power washing, scrubbing, pouring boiling water and salt on, scraping them out with a knife etc, but its like painting the Forth bridge - I don't even get to the end before the ones at the beginning have reappeared laughing at me.

When I've been working hard at the lottie I just want to be able to sit on my (weed free) patio and relax with a glass of something.

I really don't like using chemicals but I must admit the Pathclear/Glysophate option is tempting me.

Can anyone recommend either of these and are they safe for cats? (I have an old boy whom I would hate to poison in his twilight years).

Or is there a kinder (but effective) option?

All suggestions/recommendations/comments welcome.

[rustylady]

I was going to suggest boiling water, but you've already tried that. Also if you have a large area it will take you ages. Glyphosate works well, but only on weeds that are growing and have a fairly large leaf area to absorb the chemical. Pathclear I have tried, but wasn't impressed. My landlord decided it would be a good idea to lay pea shingle in the front garden, and it's a cross between a cats toilet and a weedpatch. He suggested spraying it, but I usually hand weed and rake.

[Two_Sheds]

Can you fill up the gaps in the paving? A few weeds will still grow (I've got dandelions growing through cement at the mo) but it will knock a few back.

I use boiling water for my paths but then I don't have a huge area to cover: 2 patios and 2 paths. I trot out with the kettle when I've made a cuppa, keeps on top of things

[Madasafish]

We have a large cobbled area and an interface with the adjoining field - about 130 metres long. We have a cast iron fence so weeds invade.

I have used Pathclear for the past 28 years with no ill effects or spread into either the pond in the cobbles or the fruit garden beside the field.
No spread, no die off and when I don't Pathclear the bits I did for the past 27 years, weeds grow up!