Cat owners know that no cat litter box provides a 100% protection from mess and tracking. Kitties tend to bury their feces. Some of them do it rather aggressively, which results in the litter scattered around the box. Small particles stick to the paws and the tail of a cat, and it unwillingly leaves traces on the floor. A cat litter tray mat is a simple and inexpensive solution of these hygienic issues.
Table of Contents:
What is a Cat Litter Mat and Where It is Used
The Best Cat Litter Mats: a Comparative Chart
Things to Consider When Buying a Cat Litter Mat
How We Selected the Best Cat Litter Mats
The Best Cat Litter Mats (2024): Our Choice
1. iPrimio Large Cat Litter Trapper Mat
2. BlackHole Litter Mat
3. Smiling Paws Pets Cat Litter Mat
4. Pawkin Cat Litter Mat
5. CleanHouse Premium Cat Litter Mat
6. Gorilla Grip Original Premium Durable Cat Litter Mat
7. Large Litter Mat by Easyology
8. Bulk Buys Quality Gray Cat Litter Trap Mat
9. PetFusion ToughGrip Waterproof Litter Mat
10. PetSafe ScoopFree Anti-Tracking Litter Mat
Five Facts about Cat Litter Mats and Cats’ Toilet Habits
Tips on How to Use Cat Litter Mats
Frequently Asked Questions
Verdict and Recommendations
What is a Cat Litter Mat and Where It is Used
A cat litter trap mat, is a rug that is placed under a litter tray. It serves an additional layer between a box and the floor. A good mat performs several functions. It captures the debris, reduces tracking, absorbs occasional urine drippings, neutralizes odors, and helps to keep the floor clean.
Types of Cat Litter Mats
Despite their simple construction, these mats are not made equal. They come in various sizes, shapes, colors, and materials. Based on the material used and on the principle of action, several cat litter catcher mat types are distinguished.
Loop Style Mats
They are made of woven synthetic wires and resemble a sponge. When a cat walks or jumps on such a mat, it gets compressed under the pet’s weight. The “sponge” removes excessive litter from the paws with every step.
Honeycomb Mats
This is, probably, the best cat litter catcher mat option. Honeycomb mats have an uneven surface covered in holes and ridges. When a cat makes a step, it unwillingly spreads its paws and, at the same time, slightly scrapes the bumps. The litter is removed from the paws. Some rugs have a dual-layer structure: litter and debris fall through the holes inside the mat. Thus, the surface is always clean, and the collected debris is easily poured away when needed.
Spreading Mats
Spreading mats feature large holes that create an uneven surface and make cats spread their paws with each step. As a result, litter falls down. They are not very comfortable to paws, so some cats try to skip over them if possible.
When it comes to the material used, three popular options are commonly distinguished.
- PVC mats are cheap and easy to clean but they don’t absorb liquids.
- EVA/rubberized mats are good for odor control.
- Microfiber mats are soft and comfortable on cats’ paws. They absorb liquids well. But they tend to accumulate odors and are less durable if compared to PVC and EVA options.
The Best Cat Litter Mats: a Comparative Chart
| Image | Product | |
|---|---|---|
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Best Choice
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iPrimio Large Cat Litter Trapper Mat
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Also great
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BlackHole Litter Mat
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Also great
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Smiling Paws Pets Cat Litter Mat
|
|
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Also great
|
Pawkin Cat Litter Mat
|
|
|
Also great
|
CleanHouse Premium Cat Litter Mat
|
|
|
Best Choice
|
Gorilla Grip Original Premium Durable Cat Litter Mat
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|
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Also great
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Large Cat Litter Mat By Easyology
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|
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Also great
|
Bulk buys Quality Gray Cat Litter Trap Mat
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|
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Also great
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PetFusion ToughGrip Waterproof Litter Mat
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|
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Also great
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PetSafe ScoopFree Anti-Tracking Litter Mat
|
Things to Consider When Buying a Cat Litter Mat
As a loving feline parent, you want to make your kitty some happier by making her life more comfortable. No surprise, you want to buy cat accessories of the highest quality. When it comes to choosing a cat litter box mat, there are several things to consider.
Size
You should not cut corners on the size of a cat litter tracking mat. It must be large enough to capture all the spray and litter kicked by your cat out of the box. Ideally, it must be several inches longer and wider than the base of the tray. If there is enough space in your home, buy the largest possible mat – it will pay for itself.
Form
Cat litter boxes come in a variety of forms, and so do the mats. To a large extent, this is a matter of taste – some cat owners choose square or rectangular mats while others opt for round rugs. The choice of the mat’s shape is also determined by the shape of the box itself.
Material
It makes sense to buy EVA or rubberized mats for kittens and elderly cats that tend to urinate on the floor near the box. Comfortable microfiber mats are for well-trained kitties that do their bathroom deeds in the box and don’t kick out the used litter. PVC mats are a cheap and easy-to-clean option for toilet-trained felines.
Safety
It goes without saying that a mat for under cat litter box must not contain any toxic components. Thus, well-established brands today offer BPA-free pet supplies, including the mats. It’s a good idea to check the specifications before buying a mat.
How We Selected the Best Cat Litter Mats
To select the best brands we studied hundreds of cat litter mat reviews on the sites of major online retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, Home Depot, and others. On the second stage, we left it to our furry friends to test the effectiveness of each mat. We placed them under real litter boxes and checked how effective they were for capturing the litter, fighting odors, and absorbing fluids. As a result, top-ten mats have been chosen.
The Best Cat Litter Mats (2024): Our Choice
All the products included in our ranking, have been tested by both experts and real customers. All of them meet safety requirements, which means they do not contain toxic components and are safe for pets and people. Let’s take a closer look at the winners.
iPrimio Large Cat Litter Trapper Mat
Review
This cat litter trapper mat effectively captures fallen litter, thanks to larger holes on its upper EVA-foam layer. Its intermediate layer is a thin plastic film, which is 100% waterproof. It effectively repels urine, which prevents its deeper penetration and helps to keep the floor dry. Thanks to the open-edge construction of the mat, it is possible to insert a standard puppy pad under the upper mesh layer. It will absorb the urine in case your kitty misses the box and reduce the odor.
What we think
Most cats love the soft surface of the mat, and large holes make it unsuitable for scratching. It effectively traps litter fragments of different size and shape. Thanks to the water-repelling film and the open-edge construction, the mat is easy to clean. That being said, it tends to hold urine odors. If your kitty tends to miss the tray, use puppy pads and wash the mat in soapy water in soapy water regularly to reduce the odor.
PROS
- good at litter capturing;
- large; fits most litter boxes;
- an open-edge construction;
- compatible with common puppy pads;
- a moisture-repelling plastic layer;
- easy to clean.
CONS
- it tends to accumulate odors;
- not the cheapest option around.
BlackHole Litter Mat
Review
This BlackHole cat litter mat has an advanced dual-layer construction that helps to trap the litter and urine and simultaneously keep the floor clean and dry. Debris from a cat’s paws and tail falls on the mat’s surface and slide inside it through the large holes. The same is about occasional drops of urine. The mat is open-edged from two sides, so it is very easy to clean it by just shaking out the collected debris.
What we think
It is a very good mat that works great for various types of litter. That said, there are some things to be improved in it. Thus, we don’t like the openings from two sides – there is always a risk of occasional spillage of the urine and debris collected. We’d prefer to see a single opening in it. The holes are effective enough for small fragments collecting but they could be some larger. Finally, there are complaints about the mat’s inability to struggle with odors.
PROS
- a smart double-layer construction;
- effectively collects litter and retains urine.
- it is easy to clean and wash;
- a soft textured surface;
- is 100% non-toxic and BPA-free;
- durable and heavy-duty;
- cats don’t scratch it.
CONS
- there are cheaper options with similar characteristics;
- it does keep some odors.
Smiling Paws Pets Cat Litter Mat
Review
This jumbo cat litter mat made of mesh vinyl is larger and thicker than most counterparts. It makes it extremely soft to touch and effective in terms of mess prevention. The rug is scratch- and tear-resistant, which means it is heavy-duty and durable. The laminated anti-slip bottom protects from leaks and prevents the mat’s moving. The soft mesh layer doesn’t absorb liquids and doesn’t accumulate the odors. If your kitty misses the box, just wash the rug in soapy water and let it dry. It is machine washable but we do not recommend to use machine washing too often, as it can cause deformation of the mat.
What we think
We were surprised of how large and how affordable the mat is. It perfectly suits for large boxes and effectively traps various types of litter. That said, we would not recommend it for clumping clay litter. The problem is that it tends to form small solid fragments when you try to wash it out. They get stuck in the thick PVC fiber, and you’ll have a hard time trying to remove them.
PROS
- affordable;
- larger than most similar rugs;
- soft and comfortable to paws;
- 100% leak protection;
- doesn’t absorb odors;
- BPA-free.
CONS
- some types of litter are hard to clean out;
- doesn’t mask or neutralize odors.
Pawkin Cat Litter Mat
Review
This is another large cat litter mat that will cover most cats’ needs. It is big enough to fit under any box and protect the floor from the mess created by scattered litter and urine leaks. The rug is made of soft mesh vinyl fiber attached to a rubberized waterproof base. The latter reliably protects the floor in cases where your kitty misses the tray. The synthetic material doesn’t absorb odors and is easy to wash. The good news is that it is absolutely safe for health – it contains no BPA, phthalates or other toxic chemicals.
What we think
This rug from Pawkin shares the problem of other mesh PVC mats: it is very practical, affordable, and comfortable but very difficult to clean, especially when it comes to clumping clay litter. We strongly recommend using this mat with wood pellets or dissolvable litter to minimize the hassle of cleaning out the “cakes.”
PROS
- large and comfortable;
- doesn’t accumulate odors;
- leak protection;
- traps debris of various kinds;
- helps to keep the floor clean;
- no toxic ingredients.
CONS
- some kinds of litter are difficult to clean out;
- no odor control.
CleanHouse Premium Cat Litter Mat
Review
This 100% PVC mat is one of the best cat litter box mat options of the entry level. Apart from being cheap (less than $15 as of now), it is really large which makes it suitable for most existing boxes. Its mesh, wire-like surface effectively captures the litter that is stuck of your kitty’s paws and tail. Thanks to its anti-slippery rubberized bottom, the mat stays in its place and protects the floor from occasional urine leakage. The material is free of toxic components of all kinds, including BPA. Finally, the manufacturer provides a lifetime warranty, which adds credibility to the brand.
What we think
The mat does its job well: it captures dust and larger fragments, holds moisture, and protects the floor. Its biggest drawback is that clay clumping litter easily gets stuck to it, and you need much time and effort to clean it out. All in all, you get what you pay for.
PROS
- inexpensive;
- large and comfortable to paws;
- effectively captures litter;
- an anti-slippery bottom;
- BPA-free;
- doesn’t accumulate odors.
CONS
- clay clumping litter is hard to clean out;
- no odor control.
Gorilla Grip Original Premium Durable Cat Litter Mat
Review
This Gorilla Grip cat litter mat is another popular inexpensive option, which is currently promoted as the Amazon’s choice. Though not completely flawless, it has much to be loved for. It has a soft (but durable) surface that is loved by felines and, at the same time, tear-resistant. Thanks to the anti-slippery bottom, it stays in place even when a big cat jumps on it or scratches it. Its PVC “wires” effectively capture and hold debris.
What we think
At first sight, this rug is in no way different from dozens of similar products. That said, we’ve compared it to the previously described options and found some differences. Thus, Gorilla Grip is thinner than the mats from Smiling Paws or Pawkin, and its anti-slippery bottom is neither waterproof nor water-repelling. It means it doesn’t protect from urine leaks. If your kitty tends to miss the box, you’d better use additional puppy pads or something of this kind.
PROS
- a comfortable soft surface;
- large size;
- non-toxic BPA-free materials;
- cats commonly love it;
- captures litter well;
- comes in a variety of colors.
CONS
- not waterproof;
- clumping clay litter is hard to clean out.
Large Litter Mat by Easyology
Review
Those looking for an ideal price/quality ratio should take a closer look at Easyology cat litter mat. This is a thick soft rug with a pleasant-to-touch texture and a rubberized water-resistant bottom. It is large enough to cover the area under and around the litter box and protect the floor from dirt, mess, and moisture. The woven PVC surface works like a magnet – it effectively collects litter and debris from the paw, minimizing tracking. The mat can be washed and cleaned with a vacuum.
What we think
This mat stands out of the crowd thanks to its improved water-resistant bottom and a thicker (and softer) woven layer. It is comfortable and effective for capturing all types of debris. That said, it is not ideal for clumping clay litter. Also, try to avoid it if your feline tends to miss the tray regularly – the mat doesn’t mask the odors and is not completely leak-proof.
PROS
- a thick and soft mat;
- a rubberized waterproof bottom;
- loved by most cats;
- effectively traps most types of litter and debris;
- non-toxic, BPA-free;
- inexpensive.
CONS
- no special odor control;
- some types of litter are hard to clean out.
Bulk Buys Quality Gray Cat Litter Trap Mat
Review
This is a cheap litter trap mat that is commonly placed in front of a box, as it is too small to put it under the tray. It is made of 100% BPA-free PVC and has a rubberized bottom. Thanks to its wire-like surface, it captures and traps most kinds of litter, reducing mess in the home. It can be also placed under the bowl with drinking water.
What we think
This is the case when you get exactly what you pay for. The mat is really cheap but it has several flaws that stop many potential customers from buying it. It is rather thin – thinner than, for example, Easyology premium cat litter mat. Its bottom is neither waterproof nor anti-slippery. Finally, the mat is really small, which makes it suitable for well-trained kitties that don’t kick the litter out of the box and don’t try to scratch the mat.
PROS
- it is cheap;
- doesn’t require any special maintenance;
- rather durable;
- non-toxic BPA-free materials;
- captures various types of litter and debris.
CONS
- it is small and thin;
- the bottom is not anti-slip.
PetFusion ToughGrip Waterproof Litter Mat
Review
If you are looking for an easy-to-clean rubber cat litter mat, consider this rug from PetFusion. Though slightly more expensive than most PVC woven carpets it has some advantages. It is incredibly easy to clean, anti-microbial, non-allergic, and non-toxic. Moreover, it does not accumulate any odors and is completely waterproof. The silicone surface features special ridges that help to capture the litter that is stuck to the paws. Just shake it gently to pour the dry litter back to the litter box.
What we think
The mat is really effective for litter capturing, thanks to its high ledges and ribbed texture. It also prevents liquids from spillage, which is good if your kitty is prone to missing the box. On the minus side, it is not as soft and pleasant to touch as woven or microfiber carpets. Some cats don’t like its texture and try to skip over it.
PROS
- easy to wash, broom, and vacuum;
- waterproof;
- an anti-slip bottom;
- larger than average;
- effectively captures the excessive litter.
CONS
- a bit rigid and not very pleasant to touch.
PetSafe ScoopFree Anti-Tracking Litter Mat
Review
PetSafe is last but not least in our list of litter locker cat mat brands. Its anti-tracking rug is a medium-sized and medium-priced option. It is made of sponge-like woven plastic, which is soft and comfortable and, simultaneously, really good at capturing litter and debris. It can absorb some liquids but it is not completely waterproof, so you should not use it to fight with “mishaps”. The mat comes in beautiful purple color (a taupe t is also available.)
What we think
It is a bargain for the money. The product is really great at tracking prevention; thanks to its spongy texture, it captures even small fragments and dust. Its anti-slip base keeps it in place. That being said, the mat is rather small to ensure a 100% tracking protection. If your cat wants to, it will easily skip over it.
PROS
- nice design;
- soft, comfortable texture;
- effectively captures liter;
- doesn’t accumulate odors;
- an anti-slip bottom;
- inexpensive.
CONS
- medium-sized;
- not waterproof.
Five Facts about Cat Litter Mats and Cats’ Toilet Habits
- If your cat regularly misses its box, try to experiment with the box size and litter type. Chances are, the pet simply feels uncomfortable with its current bathroom.
- A prototype of a cat litter mat is a common doormat. People wipe their feet when they come home and cats wipe their paws after visiting a bathroom for the same purpose.
- If your cat loves to scratch mats, choose a PVC woven option – it is almost impossible to tear.
- A cat litter mat is one of those low-tech inventions that we rarely think of, but it can do our life much easier.
- Some handymen make custom mats from their usual doormats or rubber garage tiles. But the efficiency of such a DIY cat litter mat is commonly lower.
Tips on How to Use Cat Litter Mats
To make the most of a mat use it correctly. Though these mats are very easy to use, there are some rules that you can adhere to in order to increase the effectiveness of the rug. Here are some basic tips for you to consider.
Size Matters
If you have to choose between a larger and a smaller mat, buy the larger one! You should be able to place a litter box on it and have several inches in stock. When a rug is wide and long enough, a cat won’t be able to skip over it, and all the excessive litter will be effectively captured.
Don’t Forget about Cleaning
Cats are cleanly animals: they hate dirt, mess, and strong odors. One of the reasons why a feline can ignore her litter box is a dirty mat that she has to step on. Most mats don’t require any special maintenance: just shake them out to remove debris. If there is a noticeable odor, or a puddle of urine, wash the mat in soapy water and let it dry. Some carpets are machine-washable but we recommend hand-washing as a less harsh method.
Is It Time to Change a Mat?
Most mats are rather durable but even the best cat litter mat can’t last forever. Over the time, it degrades and wears out. For the best result, don’t forget to change your mat regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How to Clean a Cat Litter Mat?
A: Cat litter mats are easy to clean. Most of them allow vacuuming, brooming, and washing. To remove dry litter it is enough to take a rug and shake it out. To remove odors and stains wash it in warm soapy water.
Q: How to Keep My Cat from Tracking Litter Everywhere?
A: There are several ways to reduce tracking. Firstly, buy a closed box or a large box with high walls to prevent kicking the litter out of it. Secondly, choose the right type of litter. Thus, wooden pellets are known to be a low-tracking option. Thirdly, buy a cat litter box mat, large and comfortable. By doing so, you will be able to minimize tracking.
Q: What Kind of Mat to Use for a Cat Litter Box?
A: There are various great options on sale. PVC woven mats are, probably, the most popular ones. They are inexpensive, safe, and effective; moreover, they come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes.
Q: How to Keep a Cat from Peeing on a Litter Mat?
A: Find the litter that your kitty will really love. You may change several options before you find the right one. Next, don’t forget to clean the tray regularly: many cats strain at using a dirty box. Finally, buy a mat that doesn’t suit for scratching, such as Black Hole cat litter mat.
Q: Is a Litter Mat Safe to Use?
A: Before buying a mat, make sure it doesn’t contain toxic ingredients, primarily, phthalates and BPA. For example, chose one of the above-mentioned brands or a Drymate cat litter mat. All of them meet safety requirements and are absolutely harmless for both people and pets.
Q: Do cats prefer open or closed litter boxes?
A: It’s just a matter of habit, as most cats don’t care what type of litter box to use. Conventionally, open litter boxes are more popular, so most cats are used to them. At the same time, closed litter boxes can be appreciated by shy cats, which prefer to do their business in a hidden place. Another benefit of enclosed boxes is mess prevention. Also, they look more aesthetical and keeps unpleasant odors minimal. As for open litter boxes, cat owners choose them for their affordability, simple construction, and ease of cleaning.
Q: Can cats find their litter box if you move it?
A: Cats have a way too developed sense of smell than humans (14 times stronger). They can find their litter box by the smell of their litter. So, if you have moved your cat’s litter box, most probably he will find it easily. However, not to distress your lovely pet, you’d better show him where you have placed the box. Additionally, if you have decided to replace the old litter box and place the new one in a thoroughly new place, do it gradually. First, put the cat into the new box so that he rakes his paws in to and marks it as his territory. Then place the old litter box by the side of the new one for a while time. After several days, remove the old box and leave only the new one.
Verdict and Recommendations
We’ve reviewed top-ten cat litter box mats that are currently available on sale. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. That is why it is difficult to single out the best mat to catch cat litter. But we tried to pick out the winners in several categories.
The cheapest option is currently available at the price of slightly over $5 – this is a classic grey mat from Bulk Buys. It is small, thin, and not waterproof but quite usable. It has a soft texture and effectively captures litter from the paws.
Our top pick is a premium mat by Easyology. It is a medium-price option (under $20) of excellent quality. The rug is thick, large, soft, and it features a waterproof bottom. But the most important is that cats love it!
The best honeycomb option is iPrimio Large Cat Litter Trapper Mat, which is available at the price of slightly over $25. It has a smart dual-layer structure, which helps to keep the surface clean and dry. The mat is large and effectively protects the floor from tracking and moisture.
Sources:
https://the-cat-paradise.com/blogs/cat-blog/why-use-a-cat-litter-mat-today
https://catvills.com/easyology-jumbo-cat-litter-mat-review/
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