It happened again. You stepped on stray pieces of litter strewn about your carpet. Your delightful furry feline has once again tracked litter in to the living room. What to do about it? You could vacuum. You could sweep it up. And you probably should. But for the future, a cat litter mat is probably what you really need.
Cat litter mats are placed near the litter box so when your precious kitty kicks litter out of it, the litter lands and stays on the mat. Likewise, when she’s done with her delicate business and exits the litter box, the mat grabs on to the litter that might be stuck to her paws. We looked at numerous cat litter mats to find the best ones out there on Amazon. We reviewed features such as mat material, litter collection capabilities, size, shape, cleaning, and maintenance.
We chose the Pawkin Cat Litter Mat as our top choice for cat litter mats. It’s large, durable, effective, and decorative. The large size allows for maximum trapping of litter, so it doesn’t get tracked past the litter box area.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Cat Litter Mats
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Pawkin Cat Litter Mat | 4.6 |
| Best Double Layer Cat Litter Mat | iPrimio Large Cat Litter Trapper Mat | 4.6 |
| Best Budget Buy | Pet Magasin Cat Litter Mat 2-pack | 4.5 |
| Best Corner Cat Litter Mat | Gorilla Grip Original Premium Durable Cat Litter Mat – Corner | 4.5 |
| Best Extra Large Cat Litter Mat | Little Tiger Cat Litter Mat | 4.6 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Cat Litter Mat Overall: Pawkin Cat Litter Mat
The Pawkin Cat Litter Mat comes in two sizes – large and extra large. Our top pick measures 35 inches by 23 inches, which is plenty large for a traditional litter box. The extra large mat measures 47 inches by 35 inches, and is suitable for multiple litter boxes. The cat litter mat is free from phthalate, and features a slip-resistant underside so the mat doesn’t slide all over the place. It’s durable, and able to withstand your kitty’s claws, but it’s also soft so it won’t hurt her paws.
The decorative pattern on the mat is made up of looped mesh. The mesh catches and traps loose litter, which either gets kicked out of the box when she buries her treasures or falls off her paws as she walks over the mat. Just vacuum the mat to pick up the litter. Alternatively, shake the mat out to free the stuck litter, or take a hose to it and spray it down. So sure about its product, Pawkin offers a 100 percent money-back guarantee. More than 90 percent of thousands of customers give this product high reviews.
Pawkin Cat Litter Mat Key Features:
- Large is 35 inches by 23 inches
- 100 percent money-back guarantee
- Suitable for sensitive paws
- Certified free of toxins
- Nonslip backing
Best Double Layer Cat Litter Mat: iPrimio Large Cat Litter Trapper Mat
The best double layer cat litter mat is the iPrimio Large Cat Litter Trapper Mat due to its sandwich-like design, and soft, comfortable padding. Measuring 30 inches by 23 inches, this mat is suitable for a traditional litter box. The top layer is a flexible foam with large honeycomb-shaped holes to catch pieces of litter, even the large ones. Whether your furry feline kicks the litter out of the box or it comes off her paws as she walks across the mat, the litter falls through the holes to the bottom layer. The litter then becomes trapped in between the two layers until you dispose of it. The bottom layer is also covered in a plastic film, which creates a leak-proof mat for the occasional spill of urine.
The outer edge of this cat litter mat is made from nylon, which absorbs excess urine. This keeps urine from leaking out the sides. If your kitty misses the box often or spilled urine is a frequent occurrence, add a puppy training pad in between the layers. The open-edge design of the mat makes it easy to insert or remove the pad. Likewise, the litter mat is easy to clean. Shake it out, or rinse the mat off with a hose. Then, let it air dry. Thousands of happy customers rate this cat litter mat high on the kitty scale.
iPrimio Large Cat Litter Trapper Mat Key Features:
- 30 inches by 23 inches
- Plastic film repels liquid
- Can use with puppy pads
- Easy to clean
- Comfortable on paws
Best Budget Cat Litter Mat: Pet Magasin Cat Litter Mat 2-pack
The best bang for your buck is the Pet Magasin Cat Litter Mat 2-pack, because as the name implies, you get two for a low price. The 2-pack consists of a small paw-shaped mat that measures 21.5 inches by 17.5 inches, and a larger rectangular mat that measures 35.5 inches by 23.5 inches. Made from PVC material, these mats catch and trap loose litter via looped mesh. Free from phthalate, the mesh is also safe and soft on your cat’s paws, but durable enough for his claws.
The PVC material is waterproof, which is good news for the kitties who miss the target. And since it’s a soft, plastic material, the ease of getting rid of excess litter and extra urine messes is good news for you. Vacuum it, rinse it off, or wash the mat with a mild cleanser to keep it fresh. Hundred of customers give this cat litter mat high kitty marks.
Pet Magasin Cat Litter Mat 2-pack Key Features:
- Large mat is 35.5 inches by 23.5 inches
- Small mat is 21.5 inches by 17.5 inches
- Toxin free material
- Easy to take care of
- Waterproof
Best Corner Cat Litter Mat: Gorilla Grip Original Premium Durable Cat Litter Mat
For those who utilize a corner litter box, our favorite corner cat litter mat is the Gorilla Grip Original Premium Durable Cat Litter Mat for corners. It measures 32 inches by 32 inches by 45 inches, making it a large corner mat, suitable for a traditional corner litter box. Made from phthalate-free material, the corner mat features thick, dense looped mesh. Both safe and soft on paws, this mesh design captures loose litter and traps it until it’s purposefully cleaned off. But the mat is easy to clean with a vacuum or quick rinse.
The Gorilla Grip corner mat is durable enough for cat’s with claws, but yet comfortable to walk on. The slip-resistant backing ensures the cat litter mat doesn’t slide around on your floor. And since this mat is available in an array of colors, it’s easy to match your decor as well. Thousands of customers give the corner litter mat four paws up.
Gorilla Grip Original Premium Durable Cat Litter Mat Key Features:
- 32 inches by 32 inches by 45 inches
- Nonslip underside
- Phthalate free, and safe for paws
- Cleans easy with soap and water, or a vacuum
- Available in various colors
Best Extra Large Cat Litter Mat: Little Tiger Cat Litter Mat
A houseful of cats or more than one litter box needs an extra large litter mat. The one we liked the best is the Little Tiger Cat Litter Mat. At nearly 4 feet in length and 3 feet wide, this mat is suitable for multiple litter boxes. And since the litter mat is free of toxins such as phthalate, the mat is safe for your kitty. It’s also comfortable on her paws due to the soft, but durable, PVC material. The PVC is constructed to form a dense looped mesh, which catches and traps the litter.
This cat litter mat is adorned with a decorative pattern, adding character to the litter box area. With a nonslip underside, the mat will stay put and not slide around under the litter boxes. Thanks to the waterproof material, the mat will also catch any stray urine that splashes out of the box. The mat is easy to clean – vacuum the stray litter pieces or rinse off the mat with a hose. The company stands by its product, and offers a 100 percent money-back guarantee.
Little Tiger Cat Litter Mat Key Features:
- 47 inches by 36 inches
- Nonslip backing
- Waterproof
- Easy to clean
Who Should Buy a Cat Litter Mat
If you have a cat who uses a litter box, then you could use a cat litter mat. Likewise, if you find yourself with a new kitty, and are on the hunt for the things you need to give her a good life, don’t overlook the litter mat. Designed to catch stray litter pieces, a litter mat can help save your floors and your bare feet. But it also helps get the litter off her paws after she exits the litter box. This reduces the chances of her ingesting the litter from grooming.
Important Features to Consider
A cat litter mat should have a few important features. Here’s what to consider when selecting a cat litter mat:
- Size and shape. A cat litter mat comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs. Figure out where the mat will be placed, and measure the area. Determine what shape or configuration you need or want, such as a corner, rectangular, or half-moon mat. The size of the mat should be adequate for the size of your litter box. If you have multiple cats, or multiple litter boxes, you’ll need a large or extra large mat.
- What’s the material? Consider what the litter mat is made out of, and how it’s structured to catch the litter. The material used to make a litter mat is comprised of a soft, flexible plastic, foam, or rubber. Not all litter mats catch the stray litter in the same way, though. They have looped mesh, honeycomb holes, curvy grooves, or small bumps to catch the litter before it’s tracked through the rest of the house. Some litter mats even repel liquids, and are leak-proof. Most litter mats are made with your kitty in mind, so they’re typically safe and comfortable on paws.
- Cleaning and maintenance. How easy is it to clean and maintain the litter mat? To pick up loose litter, most mats can be maintained with just a vacuum or by pouring the loose litter back in to the litter box. Many mats can be rinsed off with water and washed with a mild soap.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do cat litter mats work?
A cat litter mat is placed under or very near a litter box. It’s designed to catch the litter that might get tracked out of the box. Whether your cat kicks it out of the box or it’s stuck to his paws, the litter mat is supposed to catch and trap the loose litter, so it doesn’t end up all over your house.
Litter mats work in one of two ways. They have some type of hole on the top layer of the mat for the litter to fall through. This collects the loose litter on the bottom layer of the mat until you dispose of it. Or a mat has a special mesh design that traps the litter in a dense material until you vacuum it up or shake it out. Some litter mats have a waterproof layer for those times urine splashes out of the litter box.
How do you keep kitty litter from tracking?
To help reduce tracking litter throughout your home, consider the type of cat litter that’s in the box. There are many different litters on the market, and some help reduce tracking better than others. Check out our list of best cat litters to help you decide which type is best for you and your cat. At the same time, litter mats also reduce tracking by catching the litter before it makes its way to the rest of the house. Litter mats are placed underneath or near a litter box so when your kitty steps out of the box, the excess litter becomes trapped in the mat.
How do you clean a rubber cat litter mat?
Check with the manufacturer to determine the best way to clean the specific cat litter mat you have. Typically, cleaning a rubber cat litter mat requires very little elbow grease. For dry matter, a simple vacuum will clean it up. Some mats are light enough to take outside and shake out. For a deeper clean, many mats can be rinsed with a hose, or washed down with a mild, pet-friendly cleanser. These mats should be air-dried.
Why does my cat scatter litter everywhere?
Cats kick litter for a variety of reasons. The most common reason for cats to scatter litter everywhere is their enthusiasm for burying their eliminated treasure. The easiest way to resolve this is by providing a litter box with high sides, and placing it on a litter mat. Another common reason for your precious kitty kicking litter is because he doesn’t like his box, the litter, or where it’s located. Consider increasing the size of the litter box, changing locations, or using a different litter.
Other Cat Litter Mats We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other cat litter mats. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best cat litter mats list, they’re still great options for using with your kitty’s litter box. The information you need to compare each one is included with the listing.
- Small and Medium Cat Litter Mats
- Large 30-Inch Cat Litter Mats
- Budget Extra Large Cat Litter Mats
- Other Extra Large Cat Litter Mats
Small and Medium Cat Litter Mats
Andalus Cat Litter Mat – Small
Kitty litter won’t be tracked around the house thanks to the tight mesh on this mat. It measures 16 inches by 12 inches, and features a nonslip backing.
Key Features:
- Free of toxic materials
- Easy on the paws
- 100 percent money-back guarantee
Cost: $7
The Andalus litter mat is adorned with paw prints, but catches excess litter that gets kicked out of the box or falls off your kitty’s paws. It measures 24 inches by 16 inches. The underside is slip resistant, and the mat is easy to clean.
Key Features:
- Toxin free material
- Soft and comfortable for paws
- 100 percent money-back guarantee
Cost: $12
Bull-o Cat Litter Mat Litter Trapper
Two layers of flexible rubber foam create a pocket so the litter can become trapped after it falls through the large holes. Simply bend the mat to open the pocket, and pour out the excess litter.
Key Features:
- 24 inches by 15 inches
- Dual layer design, made with EVA foam rubber
- Bottom layer is waterproof
Cost: $15
Though it’s designed to match the PetSafe automatic litter box, the PetSafe litter mat can still be used with any litter box to reduce litter tracking.
Key Features:
- 21 inches by 19 inches
- Rubber entwined mesh
- Half-moon shape, available in two colors
Cost: $11
Large 30-Inch Cat Litter Mats
BlackHole Litter Mat Blackhole Cat Litter Mat
Keep litter from migrating past the litter box with help from this heavy duty, dual layer litter mat. The litter becomes trapped in between the top and bottom layers of EVA foam.
Key Features:
- 30 inches by 23 inches
- Available in a variety of colors
- Easy to empty and clean
Cost: $35
Gorilla Grip Original Premium Durable Cat Litter Mat – Half Circle
For those areas where a rectangular litter mat just won’t work, Gorilla Grip offers a half-moon litter mat, woven with tight mesh to catch loose litter. The material is phthalate free, and the underside is slip-resistant.
Key Features:
- 30 inches by 20 inches
- Easy to clean
- Wide variety of colors are available
Cost: $21
Catch stray litter from your cat’s litter box with a litter mat that offers two layers. The top layer is outfitted with holes so the litter falls through to the bottom layer, trapped in a pocket until you dispose of it. Made with EVA foam rubber, this mat is waterproof and lightweight, but durable.
Key Features:
- 30 inches by 24 inches
- Easy to clean
- 100 percent money-back guarantee
Cost: $19
Pet Fusion ToughGrip Cat Litter Mat
Save your floors around the litter box using a waterproof silicone mat that holds stray litter. The ridges provide traction for your kitty while keeping the litter from tracking across your floors.
Key Features:
- 30 inches by 23 inches
- Waterproof
- Slip resistant underside
Cost: $26
The Pieviev Cat Litter Mat features a honeycomb pattern to catch stray litter from your cat’s paws or when it flies out of the box. Litter becomes trapped in between the top and bottom layers of the mat, where it pours out for easy cleaning. The mat measures 30 inches by 24 inches, and is made from EVA material, which is free from phthalate.
Key Features:
- Bottom layer is waterproof
- Slip-resistant backing
- Easy to clean, soft, Oxford fabric
Cost: $19
Budget Extra Large Cat Litter Mats
Suitable for sensitive paws, the woven mesh fabric creates a criss-cross pattern to capture stray litter.
Key Features:
- 35 inches by 24 inches
- 1-year limited warranty
- Made from PVC, and available in multiple colors
Cost: $16
Suitable for multiple cat households, this extra large litter mat catches the litter that falls off your kitty’s paws or gets kicked out of the box.
Key Features:
- 35 inches by 24 inches
- 100 percent money-back guarantee
- BPA and phthalate free
Cost: $16
CleanHouse Pets Cat Litter Mat
Decorated with paw prints in each corner, this litter mat is designed to grab the litter that’s stuck to your cat’s paws or catch the litter that flies out of the box. It measures 36 inches by 24 inches, and is BPA and phthalate free.
Key Features:
- 100 percent money-back guarantee
- Anti-slip underside
- Soft, mesh fabric, easy on the paws
Cost: $15
Gorilla Grip Original Premium Durable Cat Litter Mat – XL
Stop your cat from tracking litter around the house with the Gorilla Grip cat litter mat. Place the densely-woven mesh mat under her litter box to trap the litter from your kitty’s paws. The mat measures 35 inches by 23 inches, and offers a nonslip backing.
Key Features:
- Easy on the paws, and easy to clean
- Various colors available
- Free of phthalate
Cost: $15
Mighty Monkey Premium Cat Litter Trapping Mats
The Mighty Monkey litter mat features a patterned design of soft, mesh-woven fibers that catch litter, but are comfortable for your cat’s paws.
Key Features:
- 35 inches by 23 inches
- Various colors available
- Anti-slip backing
Cost: $15
The tight mesh design forms a zig-zag pattern to catch the loose litter. This litter mat measures 35 inches by 23 inches, and is also easy on your cat’s paws.
Key Features:
- Available in a variety of colors
- Slip-resistant backing
- BPA and phthalate free
Cost: $14
Other Extra Large Cat Litter Mats
Easyology Premium Large Cat Litter Mat
Heavy woven fibers create a mat that locks in stray pieces of litter, keeping it from your floors. It’s easy to clean, though, by shaking it out or vacuuming.
Key Features:
- 35 inches by 23 inches
- Extra thick mat
- Available in multiple colors
Cost: $19
Gorilla Grip Original Premium Durable Cat Litter Mat – Jumbo
Effective for multiple cat households, this jumbo cat litter mat fits under two large litter boxes. A deeply entwined mesh covers the mat, and traps cat litter. The mat measures 47 inches by 35 inches, and features a slip-resistant backing.
Key Features:
- Phthalate free
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Available in a variety of colors
Cost: $33
PetFusion SmartGrip Cat Litter Mat
Made from a durable, but soft, PVC material, the PetFusion litter mat traps litter in small, bumpy grooves.
Key Features:
- 35 inches by 24 inches
- Phthalates and vinyl chloride free
- Modern design
Cost: $20
PetFusion ToughGrip Cat Litter Mat – XL
The curved ridges on this extra large litter mat trap stray litter while giving your cat’s paws traction.
Key Features:
- 38 inches by 26 inches
- Waterproof
- Nonslip underside
Cost: $40
Smiling Paws Pets Cat Litter Mat
Smiling Paws litter mat is extra thick with deeply entwined soft fibers that catch loose litter and are durable against your kitty’s clawing. The heavy duty material is easy to clean and maintain.
Key Features:
- 35 inches by 23.5 inches
- Nonslip backing
- Phthalate and BPA free
Cost: $20
