- This review contains affiliate links. Read more here.
Litter mats are designed to trap small pieces of litter that naturally track out of the box on your cat’s paws. You can think of them as doormats for your cat—a place for them to wipe their feet before walking around the house.
Of course, most cats can’t be trained to intentionally wipe their paws. That’s why most litter mats have a textural element to gently capture litter as cats walk across them. Some are made from silicone or heavy-duty plastic that’s easy to wash in case any non-litter substances make an appearance.
With the help of our experienced cat parents and product testers, we’ve rounded up our favorite cat litter mats to prevent tracking and keep things tidy.
Our picks
Best Large: Gorilla Grip Litter Mat
Looking for a jumbo litter mat for a jumbo box? This waterproof mat from Gorilla Grip comes in multiple sizes, from small to jumbo. The jumbo size is big enough to span two side-by-side litter boxes or surround one like a litter-trapping island. The slip-resistant backing prevents the mat from sliding around on the floor, while the coils and grooves on top of the mat trap litter and debris, so everything stays put right where your cat’s feet fall.
Key Features:
- Easy to clean by shaking, vacuuming, or cleaning with soap and water.
- Gentle on sensitive paws
- Reviewers mentioned the mat also helps to trap urine and prevent it from flowing onto the floor.
Best Small: Catit Litter Mat
The Catit Litter Mat is a popular and very affordable basic that works with many types of litter. We’ve found most cats enjoy the soft, non-slip texture of the mat, so you don’t have to worry about them avoiding the box. The top of the mat features a mix of circle pockets and mesh that helps trap litter and keep it from spilling onto your floor. To dispose of litter caught by the mat, simply vacuum or shake out the mat and rinse. It can also be deep cleaned with a mild detergent and warm water and hung to dry.
Key Features:
- Available in two sizes: small (16 x 24 inches) or large (23 x 35 inches)
- Small size might be best for single-litter houses and with cats who don’t track as much, as it doesn’t cover as much space
- Made of polyester material
Best Silicone: PetFusion Silicone Toughgrip Litter Mat
Made from FDA-grade silicone, this waterproof cat litter mat catches and contains litter scatter. The soft ridged texture is comfortable for cats to walk on and gently cleans their paws, and the elevated outer lip helps keep litter on the mat. You can easily pour collected litter back into the box or trash can or even vacuum it in a jiffy—reviewers say this mat is exceptionally easy to keep clean. Lay it down against the litter box exit or underneath the litter box for maximum protection.
Key Features:
- Available in two sizes: Large (30 by 23 inches) and X-Large (38 by 26 inches)
- Made from non-porous, waterproof silicone material
- Easy to clean with broom and vacuum, or for a deeper clean, with a sponge, soap and water
Best Heavy-Duty: iPrimio Large Cat Litter Trapper
iPrimio Large Cat Litter Trapper Mat
This two-layer mat is great at picking up litter before your cat tracks it all over the house.
The iPrimio folks make a heavy-duty litter scoop, and they make a heavy-duty litter mat as well. This large, double-layered litter mat collects clinging litter through large holes in the top layer. The bottom layer is lined with a urine-repelling plastic film that prevents stains and lingering odors. For extra mess protection, you can insert a puppy pad under the top layer—a good solution for senior cats who sometimes miss the litter box.
Key Features:
- Made from nylon
- Available multiple sizes and two colors: black and brown
- Top surface is gentle and smooth on paws
Best Foam: Fresh Kitty Foam Litter Mat
This lightweight ribbed foam soft mat catches and contains loose litter without irritating delicate feet. To clean, shake out or rinse. Not only do reviewers applaud its durability, but it’s also an affordable option and is sold in quantities of one to four, so you can stock up for multiple litter boxes. It’s even available in different colors and designs to add a pop of color to your kitty’s decor.
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 40 by 25 inches
- Soft, cushiony material
- Many reviewers note it does a great job of staying in place and not moving around
Best Soft: CatGuru Cat Litter Mat
If your kitty has extra sensitive paws that require a gentle litter mat surface, this microfiber mat is an excellent option. Its non-slip back keeps it in place when your cat walks on it, while the top successfully traps litter and keeps it from getting on your floors. Not only does it trap litter, but many reviewers like that it even helps hide it between cleanings. It also works well with all types of cat litter, including clay and crystal.
Key Features:
- Machine washable
- Available in 5 colors and three sizes: medium, large and x-large
- Made from polyester material
Best Anti-Skid: WePet Anti-Skid Litter Mat
WePet Anti-Skid Litter Mat
This anti-skid mat stays in place to keep litter from tracking all over your floors.
This large, durable PVC mat is designed to prevent slipping and skidding with a non-slip backing. The mat’s top features deep grooves and mesh material with flexible coils that help trap litter and debris before your cat can track it all over your house. Reviewers note it’s easy to vacuum or sweep up the litter to clean it, and it even works well to protect floors from urine if your cat is prone to accidents.
Key Features:
- Available in two sizes: 35 by 23 inches and 47 by 36 inches
- Available in 4 colors: grey, beige, dark blue, and brown
- Non-toxic and safe for sensitive paws
Best Dual-Layer: Blackhole Litter Mat
Blackhole Litter Mat
A dual-layer litter mat that works with all types of cat litters.
The Blackhole Litter Mat is a favorite because it makes clean-up so easy. The textured honeycomb top layer collects litter through the holes and traps it on the solid rubber bottom. To empty it, just hold it over the litter box and press on the edges to spread the layers apart. The litter will slide right out. Both layers are 100% waterproof, so no liquid messes will reach the floor, and you can clean the whole thing with soap and water or an enzyme cleaner of your choice.
Key Features:
- Designed to be “universal” and work with clay, crystal, corn, clumping, wheat, or pellet litter
- Easy to empty and clean, and air dries quickly when washed
- At 30 inches x 23 inches, this large litter mat will work with many different types and sizes of litter boxes
Best for Accidents: Waretary Cat Litter Mat
Waretary Cat Litter Mat
This double-layer mat helps trap litter and urine to protect your floors.
Whether you have kittens or an adult cat who tends to have accidents, this double-layer mat helps prevent litter and urine from getting on your floors. It’s made of lightweight EVA material with a honeycomb design that helps trap litter as your cat exits the litter box. The bottom layer is waterproof, and you can even place a disposable potty training pad in between the two layers for extra protection against accidents.
Key Features:
- Available in two colors: black and grey
- Dimensions: 36 by 30 inches
- Nylon border that helps to absorb excess urine
Best for Front-Entry Covered Litter Boxes: Petmate Flex Pet Rubber Cat Litter
This is an excellent choice for front-entry covered litter boxes. The tapered end slides under the litter box, so your cat steps out directly onto the rubber mat. Tiny nubs on the mat capture litter, preventing it from scattering around the house. The litter mat comes in blue and tan, both with a cute paw design. Shake it off and hose it down to clean.
Key Features:
- Durable rubber material is long-lasting and easy to clean
- Flexible mat is soft on cats’ paws
- Litter mat remains securely in place as cats enter and leave the litter box
Best for Multi-Cat Houses: Drymate Jumbo Cat Litter Trapping Mat
If you have a multi-cat household, you need a jumbo litter mat that’s up to the task of trapping litter from lots of paws and litter boxes, and this one is up to the task. Its large size easily fits two litter boxes to protect your floors without buying multiple mats. The top ridged design helps trap litter, while the waterproof and anti-skid backing helps keep the mat from moving. It’s also made in the USA from 80% recycled plastic bottles and is free of phthalates and BPA.
Key Features:
- Made of polyester materials
- Available in four sizes: 20 by 28 inches, 28 by 36 inches, 29 by 29 inches, and 36 by 47 inches
- Clean with a broom, vacuum, soap and water, or toss in the washing machine
Where To Place a Litter Mat
Litter mats work with almost any kind of litter box. The key is size and placement: a litter mat should be big enough in relation to the box and placed close enough to it that your cat naturally has to step on the mat when exiting their litter box.
For front-entry litter boxes, a mat situated right at the entry point will do. For open-top litter boxes, you may want a large litter mat that extends around all four sides. And for top-entry litter boxes, it depends on the size of the box and how your cat exits it.
Wondering how often you should clean off the litter mat for best results? In general, clean the mat alongside the box. Shake extra litter back into the box after scooping, and do a full wash and disinfect every two to four weeks.
How We Chose
The products featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing and a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms. We prioritized waterproof, easy-to-clean, and durable qualities. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.