🏆 Complete Buyer's Guide · Cat Care Products

Can a Litter Mat Stop 80% of Tracking? 5 Picks for 2026

Deep honeycomb mats like Gorilla Grip trap up to 80% of tracked litter, but no mat is perfect. See how combining with a top-entry box reduces scatter.

ProPawPicks Editorial Team

ProPawPicks Reviewer

Updated

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★ Top Pick: Gorilla Grip Original Large Cat Litter Mat

35x24 inches

Largest mat size among picks

2.5 lbs

Average weight of a mat

Number of cleaning methods (shake, wipe, rinse)

1/8 inch

Average thickness of mat

⚡ Key takeaways

Best Overall: Gorilla Grip Original Large Cat Litter Mat. This mat features a deep honeycomb design that traps litter effectively, and its large siz.
Best Value: PetFusion ToughGrip Cat Litter Mat. Made from durable, non-toxic silicone, this mat has a unique waffle texture that captures.
Best for Scatter Control: iPrimio Premium Scatter Control Cat Litter Mat. This mat has raised edges and a honeycomb surface that contain kicked litter and trap it i.
Best Budget: Frisco Cat Litter Mat by Chewy. An affordable option with a textured PVC surface that traps litter and a non-slip backing.
Best for Easy Cleaning: Litter-Locker Litter Mat. This mat is made from a flexible, non-porous material that can be wiped clean or rinsed.

Quick answer

The best litter mat for cats that track litter is the Gorilla Grip Original Large Cat Litter Mat, thanks to its honeycomb texture that traps litter deep and its large size that catches scatter. For a budget-friendly option, the PetFusion ToughGrip Mat offers excellent durability and easy cleaning. If you have a cat that kicks litter out, the iPrimio Premium Scatter Control Mat with raised edges is a top choice.

What to consider for Litter Mat For Cats That Track Litter

When choosing a litter mat, consider the mat’s texture and depth of pockets to trap litter effectively. Size matters: a mat that extends at least two feet from the litter box entrance catches more scatter. Material is important: rubber or silicone mats are easy to clean but may not trap fine dust, while fabric mats capture more but require vacuuming. Also consider whether the mat lies flat or has raised edges to contain kicked litter.

What to look for in a cat litter or litter-area product

Look for a mat with a textured surface that scrapes litter from paws. A non-slip backing prevents the mat from sliding. Easy cleaning is key: some mats can be hosed off or wiped, while others are machine washable. For multi-cat homes, a larger mat or multiple mats may be needed. Avoid mats with loose fibers that could be ingested.

How we chose these picks

Evaluated mat texture and depth to trap litter effectively.
Considered size and coverage area to capture scatter.
Assessed ease of cleaning: shake, vacuum, rinse, or machine wash.
Checked non-slip backing for safety and stability.
Read verified customer reviews for real-world performance.
Compared price and durability across brands.
Never ranked a product higher just because it pays a commission.

What to avoid

A mat that is too small to catch scatter from energetic cats.
Mats with sharp edges or rough surfaces that could hurt paws.
Mats that are difficult to clean, leading to odor buildup.
Mats that slide around, creating a tripping hazard.

For more tips, check our cat guides, cat care products, and cat health sections.

Sources and further reading

At a Glance

Quick Comparison

Product	Best For
Gorilla Grip Original Large Cat Litter Mat	Best Overall	Check price →
PetFusion ToughGrip Cat Litter Mat	Best Value	Check price →
iPrimio Premium Scatter Control Cat Litter Mat	Best for Scatter Control	Check price →
Frisco Cat Litter Mat by Chewy	Best Budget	Check price →
Litter-Locker Litter Mat	Best for Easy Cleaning	Check price →

Why this matters

A litter mat with deep honeycomb or waffle texture can trap up to 80% of tracked litter, but no mat eliminates tracking entirely; combining a mat with a top-entry litter box can further reduce scatter.

The Options

Types Explained

Honeycomb Mat

Features a grid of hexagonal cells that trap litter as paws pass over. Effective at capturing granules but may require shaking to empty cells.

Best for: Cats that track moderate amounts of litter and owners who don't mind occasional shaking.

Waffle or Textured Mat

Has a raised pattern that scrapes litter from paws. Often made of silicone or rubber, easy to clean by rinsing.

Best for: Owners who want a low-maintenance mat that can be quickly hosed off.

Tray-Style Mat with Raised Edges

Includes a lip or raised border to contain kicked litter and spills. Often larger and more effective for energetic cats.

Litter-Locker Litter Mat

View on Amazon

This mat is made from a flexible, non-porous material that can be wiped clean or rinsed. It has a textured surface that traps litter and a low profile. A limitation is that it does not have raised edges, so it may not contain kicked litter as well as some other designs.

Check Price on Amazon →

Before You Buy

Key Buying Factors

Texture and Depth

The mat's surface should have pockets or ridges deep enough to trap litter granules but not so deep that they are hard to clean. Honeycomb and waffle patterns work well.

Size and Coverage

A mat should extend at least 2 feet from the litter box entrance to catch scatter. Larger mats are better for multi-cat homes or cats that kick litter.

Non-Slip Backing

A rubber or silicone backing prevents the mat from sliding on hard floors, which is important for safety and to keep the mat in place.

Ease of Cleaning

Consider how the mat is cleaned: some can be shaken, vacuumed, wiped, or rinsed. Machine-washable mats are convenient but may wear out faster.

Durability and Material

Materials like rubber, silicone, or PVC are durable and resist odors. Avoid mats that crack or degrade over time, especially if exposed to moisture.

Living With It

Care, Cost and Maintenance

Daily Maintenance

Shake the mat over a trash can or vacuum it daily to remove trapped litter. This prevents buildup and keeps the mat effective.

Weekly Deep Cleaning

For silicone or rubber mats, rinse with water and mild soap, then air dry. For fabric mats, machine wash on gentle cycle and air dry.

Inspect for Wear

Check for cracks, peeling, or loss of non-slip backing. Replace the mat if it no longer traps litter effectively or becomes a hazard.

Pro tip

Place the litter mat on a hard floor rather than carpet, as it is easier to clean and the mat's non-slip backing works better. If you must use it on carpet, choose a mat with a strong grip or use a rug pad underneath.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I replace my litter mat?

Replace your litter mat when it shows signs of wear, such as cracks, peeling, or loss of non-slip backing. On average, a good quality mat lasts 6 to 12 months with regular cleaning. If the mat no longer traps litter effectively or becomes difficult to clean, it is time for a new one.

Can I use a litter mat with any type of litter?

Yes, litter mats work with all types of litter, but their effectiveness varies. Fine-grained litters like clumping clay may get trapped in deep pockets, while larger pellets may not be caught as well. For best results, choose a mat with a texture that matches your litter type. Honeycomb mats work well with clumping clay, while waffle mats are better for crystal or pine litters.

How do I clean a litter mat?

Cleaning depends on the material. For rubber or silicone mats, shake off loose litter, then rinse with water and mild soap. For fabric mats, vacuum first, then machine wash on a gentle cycle and air dry. Avoid harsh chemicals that could harm your cat. Some mats are dishwasher safe; check the manufacturer's instructions.

Will a litter mat stop all tracking?

No mat can stop 100% of tracking, but a good mat significantly reduces the amount of litter scattered. Cats may still carry a few granules on their paws, especially if the mat is small. For best results, place a large mat that extends at least 2 feet from the box entrance and consider using a mat with raised edges.

Are litter mats safe for kittens?

Yes, most litter mats are safe for kittens, but avoid mats with loose fibers or small parts that could be ingested. Choose a mat with a non-slip backing to prevent sliding. Supervise kittens initially to ensure they do not chew on the mat. If the mat shows damage, replace it immediately.

Can I use two litter mats together?

Yes, using two mats can provide extra coverage. Place one mat directly in front of the litter box and another extending further out. This is especially useful for cats that take a few steps before stopping. Ensure the mats lie flat and do not create a tripping hazard.

Do litter mats help with odor?

Litter mats themselves do not control odor, but they can help by trapping soiled litter that might otherwise be tracked around the house. To reduce odor, clean the mat regularly and use a high-quality litter with odor control. Some mats are made with antimicrobial materials that resist bacterial growth.

What if my cat refuses to walk on the litter mat?

Some cats are hesitant about new textures. Introduce the mat gradually by placing it near the box first, then moving it into position over a few days. You can also place a familiar towel or a thin layer of litter on top to ease the transition. If your cat continues to avoid it, try a different mat material.

How do I choose the right size litter mat?

Measure the area in front of your litter box. The mat should be at least as wide as the box entrance and extend at least 2 feet forward. For multiple cats or a cat that kicks litter, consider a larger mat, such as 36x24 inches. A mat that is too small will not catch all scatter.

A note on advice: This guide is general information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Talk to your vet before changing your dog's diet or care routine, especially if your dog has allergies, kidney disease, pancreatitis, obesity, heart disease or any other medical condition.

Transparency

How we made this guide

How we chose. We compared the options on the factors that matter most for Cat Care Products, using manufacturer specifications, aggregated verified owner reviews and editorial comparison. We rank independently: no brand pays for placement, and affiliate commissions never influence our picks.

How it was written. This guide was researched, reviewed and edited by the ProPawPicks editorial team for accuracy and usefulness. We have not personally tested every product; where we have not, rankings rely on verified specs, owner feedback and expert comparison rather than a hands-on review.

Affiliate disclosure. ProPawPicks is reader-supported. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.

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