Disclosure: Your support helps keep this site running. We may earn a referral fee for some of the services we recommend on this page.

Best Cat Litter Mats for 2022

A cat litter mat can prevent the area around your feline’s litter tray from being overrun with cat litter. They can also stop it sticking to their paws and being carted through the house as they rush to have a nap on the sofa.

They aren’t a necessity, but if you find your home overcome with litter and it is becoming a big annoyance, then a mat will likely solve most of that frustration. The idea is that they trap any litter that ends up outside of the tray, keeping it in one place. So, when you go to clean, you don’t have to scan the whole house.

There are so many out there depending on your needs and the toilet habits of your kitty. You also have a choice of materials and sizes to the option of designs and colours.

Double layer mats are best, though. The litter falls through to the second layer, which can then be emptied back into the tray to minimise waste. You also need to ensure the tracking mat is soft on paws, so they don’t avoid stepping on it. And it must be non-slip as it is likely to be on a hard floor.

It is just one of the ways to stop litter tracking altogether. We have helped you by picking out some of the best cat litter mats available to buy online.

Navigate this Article
    Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

    Our Top Picks

    Image Product Details
    Trixie Cat Litter Tray Mat
    • Non-slip base
    • Choice of sizes
    Check Price
    Pets at Home Semi-Circle Litter Mat
    • Smaller compact size
    Check Price
    Trap-it! Cat Litter Mat
    • Suitable for fine litter
    • Simple to wash
    Check Price

    The Top Cat Litter Mats Reviewed

    1.
    PetFusion ToughGrip Cat Litter Mat

    With a choice of large and extra-large, this is a fabulous mat for anyone who is at their wit’s end about how those pieces of litter can end up that far away from the tray all the time.

    It is one of the best for anyone who wants to keep everything as clean as can be, made from silicone so it can be wiped down after every tray use. It is also suitable for use with a vacuum or brush. The recesses and outer lip keep all of the litter contained in one place, and it is visible too so there’s no risk of any being left behind when you come to remove it.

    The silicone material is soft, so your cat is more likely to walk on the mat and clear their feet of any litter as opposed to jumping over it due to an uncomfortable texture. Anti-slip traction on the base will ensure it stays in place on hard floors as well.

    Features

    • Outer lip so no litter comes off the mat

    Specifications

    • Dimensions: Large 67 x 55 cm, X Large 96.5 x 66 x 1 cm
    • Colour: Grey
    • Material: Silicone

    2.
    Trixie Cat Litter Tray Mat

    Available in both small and large sizes, this is a helpful mat to keep the mess at bay. The texture is a little rough to provide friction and capture any bits stuck to paws, and the back of the mat is anti-slip so it is good for keeping the tray and your pet safe on hard flooring.

    Other reviewers have said that it washes in the machine just fine on a low wash, which is good if your cat is prone to accidents but is also fussy about having a clean environment. To top it off, it is one of the best budget mats out there. While it won’t capture absolutely every bit of litter, the difference it makes for the price is great.

    Features

    • Non-slip base
    • Choice of sizes

    Specifications

    • Dimensions: Small 37 x 45 cm, Large 40 x 60cm
    • Colour: Grey/Anthracite
    • Material: PVC

    3.
    Pets at Home Litter Mat

    Able to keep the entire area around your cat’s tray clean at all times, this larger mat will capture any litter particles on their paws before they are trudged through your home.

    Just shake the litter off before you vacuum the area to keep it all clean and dust-free for your pet, and the waterproof capabilities mean any dirt can be wiped off and it has the ability to dry thoroughly before use again.

    Features

    • Bigger size

    Specifications

    • Dimensions: 0.5 x 89 x 59cm
    • Colour: Grey
    • Material: PVC

    4.
    Pets at Home Semi-Circle Litter Mat

    You need a mat which will get the litter off Frank’s paws before it ends up all down the stairs, but a lot are just too large and unsightly.

    A semi-circle mat looks a bit less in-your-face and could be great for smaller spaces as well. The small PVC fibres are best at catching smaller particles or dust from the likes of clay litter as opposed to large pieces of woodchip or silica gel which could be better with a rubber mat, and the size is best for cats who only make a tiny bit of mess, but overall it is great for the cost.

    Features

    • Smaller compact size

    Specifications

    • Dimensions: 59 x 39 x 0.5cm
    • Colour: Grey
    • Material: PVC

    5.
    Trap-it! Cat Litter Mat

    With many happy customers describing this mat as the best one they’ve bought, it doesn’t look like it’s going to let you down.

    As a textured mat, it will collect the litter effectively and prevent your feline friend from traipsing it through the house, but what’s especially effective is that the mat has two layers, so litter is trapped in the pores of the top layer and sinks into the second layer. It’s waterproof underneath to provide extra protection, and with a pleasantly soft surface, it will be kind to your kitty’s paws as well.

    The mat is easy to clean as you simply open the side and empty the collected cat litter into the bin, and for added convenience, it’s incredibly washable and will clean easily by being placed under running water.

     

    Features

    • Suitable for fine litter
    • Simple to wash

    Specifications

    • Dimensions: 77 x 46.5 cm
    • Colour: Grey
    • Material: 100% plastic

    Buying Guide

    How we chose the best cat litter tray mats

    One main point was material. The majority are made from either PVC, rubber or silicone. This makes them easy to clean and hygienic, as opposed to using something like cotton or wool.

    The former is often made from the smallest fibres, almost like strings of rubber as opposed to one large flat surface, so could be good for sensitive paws. It essentially means there are smaller holes on the surface. The rubber/silicone mats usually have slightly bigger holes or grooves so can be better at trapping larger litter particles due to the grooves in the surface and can be more hygienic.

    We opted for a range of materials because you need to bear in mind that your cat may be fussy when it comes to what they walk on. Some prefer softer cushioned surfaces while some aren’t fussed. Either way, you don’t want them to just jump over the mat or avoid using the tray altogether.

    The material you choose may also depend on the litter you use. Fibre and soft materials are best for trapping dustier litters such as clay or woodchip, where the particles can be too small to fall into mesh or holes. But if you use silica gel or eco-friendly large particle material, fibres may not be enough to catch them so you could be best opting for the PVC or silicone options with grooves and the ability to hold them.

    You can buy a mat which your tray sits on top of so it surrounds the litter tray, or you can buy one which just sits in front of the tray for when they emerge.

    Either way, measure the size of the tray and the area which you want the mat to cover and try to find the best match possible. Depending on your cat’s habits, you may need one which just captures a few centimetres of scooting or you may need one which comes out quite a way to catch any dust trapped on their paws.

    Very few are 100% waterproof so it isn’t a common word found when looking at cat litter tray mats. In the majority of cases, they don’t need to be waterproof, but your cat may have issues urinating into their tray or could simply prefer to go on the mat.

    If so, look out for one which does explicitly say it’s waterproof. Many dual-layered options are the best at this. It will protect the floor underneath from accidents which is vital particularly if you have wooden flooring. You may also wish to place down newspapers or towels underneath the area if it is a big problem.

    Other Buyers Ask...

    Why do I need a cat litter mat?

    The process of your cat using their litter tray can be a messy one. From them scooting their litter everywhere when trying to cover everything up, to bits of dust and litter sticking to their little paws.

    This can mean that the area around the tray can become dirty and unsightly. Having a mat down can not only keep mess and damage to flooring/carpets at bay, but it also makes it easier to keep the area sanitised and clean for your cat.

    Many mats also trap the litter, so it doesn’t end up spreading all over the floor and is removed from paws as soon as possible. Mats can also capture if your cat has any accidents outside of the box.

    Hooded or lidded cat litter trays go a long way to keeping mess reduced, but the only way to fully prevent any tracking or mess is with a mat.

    Do cat litter mats work?

    No mat will be absolutely perfect, so don’t be disappointed if you still find bits of litter tracked through the house. But for the most part, they catch the majority of litter caught on paws or scooted out of the tray. Vitally, they can catch mess which lands outside of the tray too, protecting flooring.

    Which cat litter tray mat is best for me?

    There are a few options for you. You may want a mat which just sits in a problem area, such as the entrance to your hooded litter tray where those tiny pawprints appear, or you may want one which the tray can sit on and surrounds the area if scooting or accidents are the problem.

    There is also a choice of materials as mentioned above and designs too if you’re fussy about it all looking a certain way, such as a fun twist or wanting everything plain and black.

    Where do I place a cat litter mat?

    The main objective is that the mat is used to capture bits of litter stuck to paws, so place it outside of the tray as your cat would walk away from the tray and ensure all four paws will touch the mat. This will involve a lot of trial and error at first.

    You may also wish to put the tray on top of the mat to capture any scooting, although using a lidded tray will be best to reduce this.

    How do I clean a cat litter mat?

    A huge factor you should consider before buying is how they are cleaned. Cats love clean areas, so it is important to keep their tray and the surrounding area free of dirt.

    Many can simply be vacuumed directly, or you can shake the bits off onto the floor and vacuum as normal. We’d always say to use the hose and nozzle on your vacuum cleaner to prevent any breakages or issues.

    Some rubber materials can be wiped clean, which is good if you want them to be sterilised and bacteria-free. There are a few soft fibre mats which can be popped into the washing machine or hand-washed, but check before you buy as some could be too fragile for excess moisture.

    We like dual-layer mats, where you have to open the mat up like an envelope and you can then pour the litter into a refuse bin. This is one of the best options for anyone who doesn’t like the sound of their vacuum combining with litter.

    Why are there holes in some cat litter mats?

    This is so the excess litter is held safely in place in the mat as opposed to being free to be knocked back onto the floor.

    There are several sizes of holes available. Smaller ones are best at trapping dust or smaller particles from clay litters for example, while larger ones can hold other varieties such as crystal or wood pellet.

    Large holes also offer a second purpose – they encourage your cat to spread their paw pads out, freeing any bits of litter trapped in between toes or the pads. This makes it less likely you will find small bits of litter miles away from the tray, or that they will ingest it when grooming.

    Can I just use a towel as a cat litter mat?

    A dedicated cat litter mat is much better than a towel for catching stray litter. Towels aren’t absorbant or rough enough, so any litter can still be pushed off the towel and onto the floor. There is a chance that the carper could be more appealing to the cat than the litter, too, especially if they’re just training to use the litter tray.