The Best Litter Mat

As a cat owner, you've probably experienced your cat tracking litter around the house. Litter mats are a convenient solution to the gritty mess your pet often leaves behind. These mats trap debris, and keep it in one place, make clean-up easier, and minimize the chances you'll step on the sandy granules. To help you find one that fits your needs, we've rounded up some of the best mats the internet has to offer.

What to Look For

We asked ourselves the following three questions to find the best litter mats on the market: Does the material effectively capture loose litter? Is it easy to clean? Does it control odors and moisture? Our top pick was the litter mat from Pieviev, which has a honeycomb design that traps litter and is easy to clean. The litter mat from Gorilla Grip also impressed us because it traps even the tiny litter granules and has an attractive carpet-like appearance. Read on to learn more about our favorites and find the right litter mat for your cat.

Pieviev Cat Litter Mat

Minimize the mess

Litter is no match for this pick-up and dump double-layer mat that makes cleaning a snap.
Best Overall

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Cleaning up litter is a breeze with this double-layer cat mat from Pieviev. When your kitty exits the cat box, excess litter falls through the holes on the mat and remains trapped between the two layers until you’re ready to empty it into the trash can. The mat’s cushioned foam is soft and gentle on a cat’s paws. That’s not all; it’s also durable, so it should stand up to your cat’s digging and scratching.

Pros:

  •  We love that the bottom layer of this cat mat is waterproof, protecting surfaces from stains if cats have an accident.
  •  The mat has enough space to store a good amount of litter, so you won’t have to worry about emptying it daily. 

Cons:

  • It can be awkward to dump the mat’s contents into the trash. 

Gorilla Grip Cat Litter Trapping Mat

Tidy up

Keep litter in place with this mesh mat designed to trap litter stuck in your cat's paws.
Runner Up

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Whether you’re looking for a mat that’s big enough for two litter boxes or one that blends into your decor, this litter mat from Gorilla Grip has got you covered. It comes in sizes ranging from small to jumbo and is available in various colors, making it easy to find one that matches your home’s style and your cat’s needs. That’s not all; the mat’s deep grooves and mesh allow it to capture litter from your feline friend’s feet effectively.

Pros:

  • We were impressed by this mat’s slip-resistant backing that keeps it from sliding around the floor when wet.
  • This mat has a rug-like appearance with a soft feel that’s gentle on cats’ paws.

Cons:

  • That mat’s design makes it challenging to clean.

Drymate Original Cat Litter Mat

Keeping it clean

Reach for this litter mat when you need to keep your floors clean and dry.
Most Absorbent

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If your cat is prone to making wet messes around the litter box, this litter mat from Drymate might be able to help. They’re large, making them an excellent option for homes with multiple cats and litter training. They’re also easy to move from room to room and fold easily, so it’s a breeze to dump accumulated litter into the trash. 

Pros:

  • We especially liked that this mat stays in place even with multiple cats running, kicking, scratching, and pulling at it.
  • Since the mat has no grooves or ridges, you won’t have to worry about your cat’s nails getting stuck in it.

Cons:

  • The lack of holes and coils makes it less effective at trapping litter.

Mighty Monkey Litter Trapper Mat

Control the scatter

You can control the spread of kitty litter with this mat designed to keep litter in its place.
Most Durable

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Whether your cat likes to dig, scratch, or pull, this durable litter mat from Mighty Monkey can withstand almost anything that comes it’s way. The mat is made from a high-quality mesh and features deep grooves and thick coils designed to trap loose litter, helping to keep your feline friend’s paws clean and your home litter free.

Pros:

  • We were thrilled by how easy it is to clean this mat using a vacuum or soap and water.
  • This mat is slip-resistant and doesn’t move easily, even if your pet has an accident.

Cons:

  • It’s not available in smaller sizes. 

WePet Jumbo Cat Litter Mat

Built to last

Kitty litter is no match for this jumbo-size mat.
Best For Multiple Cats

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This extra-large litter mat from WePet is the perfect addition to households with multiple cats. The mat’s generous size means you can place more than one litter box on it, and there’s enough room for several cats to move around it without bumping into each other. What’s more, it’s waterproof, helping to keep your floor clean and stain-free if your cats have an accident.

Pros:

  • We found that this mat effectively traps litter below its surface, so it feels smooth and clean when cats walk on it.
  • Since kitty litter doesn’t get stuck in the mat’s grooves easily, it’s simple to clean with a vacuum or backyard hose.

Cons:

  • It’s heavy than smaller mats, making it difficult to move around.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to clean a litter mat?

How you clean your cat’s litter mat will depend on its design. If you’re using a dual-layer litter mat, all you’ll need to do is pick it up and empty it into the trash can. You can also vacuum litter mats to keep them clean. Occasionally you’ll want to thoroughly wash the mat by hand or in a washing machine.

Is it normal for my cat to pee on the litter mat?

When cats relieve themselves outside their litter box, there’s usually an underlying behavioral problem. They may want to assert dominance if a new cat is using the box, or they may not like the current setup. Cleaning the litter box is the first step in determining if there’s a problem. If your cat refuses to use a clean litter box, you can try moving it to another location or purchasing a larger box.

About the Author

Lynnae grew up with pets all her life, so she has firsthand experience on how to best take care of your favorite companions. This teacher by day and writer by night has a mission to make sure all pets have what they need to live long and healthy lives.

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