The 10 Best Cat Litter Mats to Buy in 2024
It is fairly straightforward to teach your cat how to use a litter box. However, even if your kitten is a pro at always going potty where it should, you have another problem to contend with. Even the best-behaved cats tend to kick up a little bit of litter onto the floor. You will be in for a nasty surprise the next time you walk next to the litter barefoot—unless you’ve purchased a cat litter mat to catch any debris that spills over its sides.
- What to Consider Before Purchasing a Cat Litter Mat
- Top 10 Best Cat Litter Mats 2024
- 1. Best Overall Litter Mat: Gorilla Grip Original Premium Durable Cat Litter Mat
- 2. Best Premium Litter Mat: BlackHole Litter Mat
- 3. Easiest Litter Mat to Clean: Pieviev Cat Litter Mat
- 4. Best Multi-Cat Litter Mat: LittleTiger Cat Litter Mat
- 5. Best Budget Litter Mat: ANDALUS Cat Litter Mat
- 6. Best Waterproof Litter Mat: PetFusion ToughGrip Cat Litter Mat
- 7. Best Leak-Proof Litter Mat: Smiling Paws Pets Cat Litter Mat
- 8. Most Stylish Litter Mat: MIGHTY MONKEY Premium Cat Litter Trapping Mat
- 9. Cutest Litter Mat: Fresh Step Litter Trapper Keeper Mat
- 10. Petlinks Purr-FECT Paws Cat Litter Mat
- Guide to Buying the Best Cat Litter Mat
- Final Words
What to Consider Before Purchasing a Cat Litter Mat
To figure out which cat litter mat is going to work best for your feline companion, you need to bear in mind a few key details. There are plenty of great litter mats on the market, but only one will be perfect for you and your needs.
Size and Shape
Cat litter mats are available in a wide range of styles and sizes. To find the best one for your needs, you need to consider how big your litter box is and where in your house it will be placed. In the event you have several litter boxes for multiple cats, then you’ll want to look into a large or even an extra-large mat.
Ease of Cleaning
After making sure your mat will fit where you need it to, you need to know in advance how easy it will be to clean up the mat. Some mats require you to rinse them off with water and mild soap. Others simply need to be vacuumed. Keep in mind how much work you’re willing to put in to keep your home neat and tidy.
Performance
Most litter mats are designed to be comfortable for your kitty to step on, so you don’t have to worry about that. Instead, you’ll need to look at litter-catching grooves or holes that catch the stray litter, non-slip backings, waterproof materials, and more.
Materials
The big decision here is whether you want a foam litter mat or one that’s made of some type of hard plastic. Foam mats are typically nicer on paws, but as a trade-off they don’t tend to be as waterproof. On the other hand, waterproof silicone and plastic mats usually don’t trap litter was well as foam mats, which often incorporate clever designs to keep solid materials on the mat and off the floor.
There are a lot of high-quality mats out there, but they’re all suited for different families. To find the perfect mat for you and your four-legged friend, read on.
Top 10 Best Cat Litter Mats 2024
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: The Gorilla Grip Premium Cat Litter Mat is soft to the touch and gentle enough for your kitty. The soft material is gentle on your cat’s little paws, and it’s completely free of phthalates.
At a Glance
- Material: Water-resistant non-slip plastic
- Colors: Beige, black, brown, gray, green, blue, pink, navy, purple
- Sizes: Jumbo (47” x 35”), extra large (35” x 23”), half circle (30” x 20”), corner (32” x 32” x 45”)
Performance
The Gorilla Grip mat is made out of 1/3” thick plastic. It’s common knowledge that cats love scratching pretty much anything they can get their paws on. If yours decides to go to town on this mat, there’s still plenty of padding to support your cat. Plus, it comes with a non-slip backing, so your cat will not slip and slide around your floor—even though that would make for a hilarious YouTube video.
The Gorilla Grip cat litter mat features superior mesh and deeper grooves to capture every little bit of litter your kitty kicks up. Additionally, the thick coils on top capture anything your cat may drag out of the box with it.
It’s described as water-resistant, not waterproof. So, while it won’t get ruined by a little bit of damp litter spilling over the sides of your box, it might not hold up for long if your cat has particularly poor aim.
Ease of Cleaning
There are several ways to clean this litter mat. You can wash it with soap and water for a quick rinse down, or also vacuum or shake it off in the backyard. No matter how much time you have, your cat litter mat will look as good as new in a matter of minutes.
Pros
- Soft to the touch
- Incredibly durable
- Large size
- Non-slip backing
Cons
- May be too big for some spaces
- Water-resistant, not waterproof
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: You buy your cat the most expensive cat food and get it every toy it desires. Your feline deserves the best even when it comes to a litter mat, and this product from BlackHole really fits the bill. It may cost a little more than others on the market, but you get what you pay for with an extremely durable and comfortable mat.
At a Glance
- Material: Waterproof EVA foam
- Colors: Beige, dark gray, green, pink
- Size: 30” x 23”
Performance
This mat is made out of heavy-duty EVA foam. It’s safe and entirely pet friendly. It’s also extremely soft on your furry friend’s feet, so it will be able to get in and out with ease. Additionally, the holes you find on the surface are large enough to accommodate any kind of litter, including pellets, wheat, clumping, corn, crystal, and clay.
Ease of Cleaning
You may not always want to see a mound of kitty litter outside of the box. Luckily, this mat hides all of the granules, so your left with a sleek addition to your home that’s good for your cat, too. However, if something happens to the surface, then clean-up there is a breeze as well. You can easily wash the rubber with water and soap.
The BlackHole litter mat comes with an innovative dual-layer design. The toy layer consists of honeycomb-shaped holes that allow litter to slide through onto a rubber bottom. When it’s time to empty it, you just gently spread the two layers apart and let the litter fall out.
Be careful, though: this easy-to-clean design can be a double-edged sword, as it’s fairly easy to spill the litter before you make it to the garbage can.
Pros
- Dual-layer design
- Good for multiple cats
- Waterproof
- Several colors available
Cons
- Both sides open, so litter may spill
3. Easiest Litter Mat to Clean: Pieviev Cat Litter Mat
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: The mat is covered with large, honeycomb-shaped holes that capture litter. That litter is trapped underneath, and you can easily open up the mat to clean off the litter later at your convenience.
At a Glance
- Material: Waterproof EVA foam
- Colors: Black, brown, gray
- Size: 30” x 24”
Performance
The Pieviev cat litter mat is made out of washable and durable EVA plastic. This makes it soft to the touch, so your cat will be comfortable walking across it. But while it may be soft, it’s also hardy enough to withstand scratching in case your feline wants to use it as another scratching post.
Ease of Cleaning
It’s paramount to clean your cat litter mat often enough. After all, you don’t want guests to come over and see a mat covered with litter and who knows what else. This mat from Pieviev keeps litter hidden, so the mat itself looks perfectly clean until you have time to deal with it.
This mat features a double-layer, honeycomb design that captures litter through the holes. When it’s time to clean, you simply pick up the mat and all the litter will fall into the trash receptacle. No longer will you have to worry about stepping on the mat barefoot and have every granule stick to your feet.
Keep in mind, though, that urine will also fall through these holes, so if your cat often misses the box entirely, you’re probably better off with a mat that will prevent liquids from reaching your floor like the PetFusion ToughGrip Cat Litter Mat.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Easy maintenance
- Made from long-lasting materials
- Unique aesthetic
Cons
- Urine can also go through the holes
- Only one size option
4. Best Multi-Cat Litter Mat: LittleTiger Cat Litter Mat
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: Your cat’s new favorite spot in the house may just become the cat litter mat you place under its box. The LittleTiger cat litter mat is huge, giving your cat ample space to call its own.
At a Glance
- Material: Waterproof non-slip PVC
- Colors: Black, brown, gray
- Size: 47” x 36”
Performance
Your cat can take advantage of its phthalate-free, non-toxic materials on the surface. It’s made out of environmentally friendly PVC materials on the surface. It’s incredibly soft for your feline to walk across. On the backside, you benefit from a non-slip, water-resistant material. No matter how many times your cat walks across it, the mat stays in place, so you won’t find the litter box in a completely different area every time you walk into the room.
Ease of Cleaning
Clean-up is simple when you have the LittleTiger cat litter mat. You just need to use a vacuum cleaner or brush to clean off any excess kitty litter. It’s even washable, so if you need to clean up a big mess that ended up on the mat, you can throw it in the washing machine or hose it down. Give it time to dry, and it’s ready for your cat’s use once again.
It does, however, tend to get scratched up fairly easily. This won’t harm the mat’s usefulness, but it will make the mat look less attractive over time.
Pros
- Non-slip
- Leakproof
- Made from non-toxic materials
- Easy to clean
Cons
- May be too big for some rooms
- Easy to get scratched up
5. Best Budget Litter Mat: ANDALUS Cat Litter Mat
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: The ANDALUS cat litter mat is a great pick that gives you everything you expect out of a mat at a fraction of the cost.
At a Glance
- Material: Waterproof non-slip PVC
- Color: Gray
- Sizes: Small (15.75” x 11.75”), Large (23.5” x 15.75”), Extra Large (35” x 23”)
Performance
This is a premium mat designed for cats with sensitive paws. Your cat will be utterly content getting in and out of its litter box. It’s made out of high-quality PVC materials that are odor-, phthalate-, and BPA-free. It also comes with an anti-slip backing, so even if your cat gets a little restless in the litter box, it won’t move around the space.
This mat not only does a great job of picking up any litter that may fall from the litter box. It also looks paws-itively adorable in your home with its cat-print design. You also have the option to order a two-pack, so you can place one under the litter box and another underneath your cat’s food and water bowls.
Ease of Cleaning
Clean-up is a breeze with the ANDALUS cat litter mat. You can simply take it to the backyard and shake it off if you wish. You can also vacuum any loose granules or rinse it off if there are any large messes present—though, occasionally, a few pieces will get trapped in the wiring, which may be a bit harder to remove. After a quick wash, the mat will look as good as new.
Pros
- Low price
- Soft materials
- Anti-slip, liquid-proof backing
- Made from non-toxic materials
Cons
- Some pieces may get trapped in the wiring
6. Best Waterproof Litter Mat: PetFusion ToughGrip Cat Litter Mat
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: If you’re worried about your cat missing the litterbox and urine soaking through to the floor, this cat litter mat from PetFusion will let you rest easy.
At a Glance
- Material: Waterproof silicone
- Color: Gray
- Sizes: Large (30” x 23”), Extra Large (38” x 26”)
Performance
The PetFusion cat litter mat stands apart from the rest by coming with elevated inner ridges as well as an outer lip. This makes it incredibly effective at trapping litter, so your cat doesn’t drag out anything with it. It is made out of high-quality, FDA-grade silicone, making it waterproof, hypoallergenic, and non-toxic.
Keep in mind, though, that this heavy-duty mat weighs a lot more than most. While this means its unlikely to skid around when being used by even the most excited cats, it’ll also be harder to move from room to room.
Ease of Cleaning
It’s your choice as far as cleaning. You can easily fold the mat in on itself to pour the litter back into the box. However, you can also clean it with a sponge, vacuum, or broom if you so desire. It comes with water-resistant and anti-microbial properties, so it stays clean and resilient for many years to come.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Anti-microbial
- Non-skidding
- Soft materials
Cons
- Pretty heavy
7. Best Leak-Proof Litter Mat: Smiling Paws Pets Cat Litter Mat
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: The Smiling Paws cat litter mat comes with a laminated bottom to stop urine from soaking onto the floor and making the mat slippery.
At a Glance
- Material: Waterproof non-slip plastic
- Colors: Beige, brown, gray
- Sizes: 35” x 23.5”
Performance
This cat litter mat is completely BPA- and phthalate-free. It’s soft to the touch while remaining exceptionally durable. You can tell based on the weight that this mat is made tougher than most, weighing 3.6 pounds compared to just one pound you’ll find with other mats. The loofah fibers and backing have been strengthening with tougher materials, so you can be confident it will last the test of time.
It measures 0.45” in thickness, allowing it to stand up to your cat’s claws, which will definitely come in handy if your feline tends to scratch up everything it comes in contact with. That extra thickness also gives you peace of mind when you need to shake it clean because you don’t have to worry about it cracking due to flimsiness—at the trade-off of being very heavy. Plus, it comes with an adorable design of a kitty in the corner, making it a cute addition to your home.
Ease of Cleaning
You have your choice of maintenance options when it comes to the Smiling Paws Pets mat. You can shake it in the yard, scrub it, or vacuum it. It’s not machine-washable, though. There’s a possibility it could come out deformed, and you could end up damaging the non-slip backing.
Pros
- Urine-proof backing
- Odor-resistant
- Zero harmful chemicals
- Non-skidding bottom
Cons
- Heavier than most mats
- Non-machine washable
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: If you’re one of those people that watches HGTV religiously to figure out how to decorate your home, then you want every single object to complement one another. Fortunately, you have a bevy of options when you order the stylish MIGHTY MONKEY litter mat.
At a Glance
- Material: Non-slip plastic
- Colors: Chocolate, graphite, latte, light blue, navy, purple, slate gray, taupe
- Sizes: Extra Large (35” x 23”), Large (24” x 17”)
Performance
The unique mesh design present on the mat is soft to the touch. What’s even better is that the mat is phthalate-free, so you don’t have to worry if you cat has a tendency on chewing on its litter mats. The backing is slip-resistant: you just need to make sure you don’t place it on any wet surface, or it won’t adhere as well to the floor.
Its light weight does mean that the mat can bunch up fairly easily, and the thin edges might even curl over time.
Ease of Cleaning
The MIGHTY MONKEY premium cat litter mat comes with deep grooves that are 1/3” thick. This makes it specially equipped to collect any granules your cat may drag out of the box and onto the mat. To clean it, you just need to wash or vacuum the product. It will look fantastic before you know it.
Pros
- Variety in styles
- Soft materials
- Slip-resistant backing
- Thick coils and deep grooves
Cons
- Tendency to bunch up
- Edges may curl over time
9. Cutest Litter Mat: Fresh Step Litter Trapper Keeper Mat
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: This little litter mat is shaped like a cute kitty’s face, but it’s more than a pretty face—it’s lightweight, effective at trapping litter, and easy to clean.
At a Glance
- Material: Plastic
- Color: Blue
- Size: 23.5 x 17.5”
Performance
This litter mat is a lot of fun. It’s in the shape of a cat’s head, complete with a delightful smile, making it a cute addition to any home. Depending on the type of litter box you own, it may be more prudent to keep the mat near the entrance of the box instead of placing the box directly on the mat. That way, if your cat is a kicker, the mat still captures every last granule.
The mat itself is made out of plastic fibers that allow for easy maintenance. You could clean the mat every day if you wanted to in order to make sure your home remains fresh and sanitary at all times.
It’s soft to the touch, and even if your cat is unaware of the fun design, you and guests will get a kick out of it—but it’s not built to last, and the light weight combined with its lack of a non-slip backing means that you and your cat might kick it around a little too easily.
Ease of Cleaning
The litter mat is easy to keep looking fresh out of the box. To clean, you just need to shake the trapped litter off in the yard. For any stains or bigger messes, you should spot clean or run the mat under cold water. Do not put the mat in the dryer. Instead, let it air dry until it’s ready for your feline to use again.
Pros
- Cute design
- Simple maintenance
- Good size for most rooms
Cons
- No non-slip backing
- Not particularly durable
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: When you want something that gives you the biggest bang for your buck at a reasonable price, you need to opt for the Petlinks Purr-FECT Paws cat litter mat.
At a Glance
- Material: Plastic
- Colors: Gray, blue, tan
- Sizes: Medium (23.25” x 14.9”), Large (30” x 24”), Extra Large (36” x 27”)
Performance
This particular mat comes with a patented design that spreads out a cat’s paw pads. In this process, it removes and captures litters as they walk across it. No longer will you have to deal with litter ending up on the other side of the room. Plus, it comes at a great price. You get all the advantages of some of the more premium mats but at a fraction of the price.
Petlinks always has a strong commitment to using environmentally responsible materials in its products. This cat litter mat is no exception. It’s soft for your cat and lightweight enough for you to pick up and clean when you need to—though we should not that some find the odor it gives off for the first few days offputting.
Unfortunately, it’s not very durable. While the mat will work very well for the price, it won’t hold up for as long as a more premium-priced product like the BlackHole Litter Mat.
Ease of Cleaning
This mat is made out of flexible materials. You can easily fold it up and dump the litter where you want it. The litter collects in the tiny holes located throughout the mat. Since it doesn’t remain directly on the surface, you don’t have to worry about your cat picking up the litter at a later time and creating more work for you in the long run.
Pros
- Great design for catching all litter
- Soft materials
- Easy maintenance
- Works as a cat litter mat or dish mat
Cons
- Easy for cats to tear up
- Funky smell when you first get it
Guide to Buying the Best Cat Litter Mat
What Pet Owners Love About Cat Litter Mats
When first-time pet owners get a new cat, they know they’ll need a litter box. However, a lot of people don’t realize that the litter inside the box doesn’t always stay there. Plus, some cats are extremely exuberant about kicking up as much litter as they can. Any time you step into the room, it may feel as though you just step foot at the beach.
While a cat litter mat may seem like an unnecessary expense, it actually saves you a lot of hassle in the long run. Instead of having to sweep up kitty litter off the floor, you can just pick up the mat and get rid of the pieces that way.
Even if your cat isn’t a kicker, there’s a good chance it will drag some litter with it on its paws. The right mat can take these pieces off, so when your cat reaches the floor, its paws are clean. It’s easier on both you and your cat, making a purchase a no-brainer. Hopefully, you have a better idea of what mats would work for your household, but if not, here are some common questions to helpfully narrow it down.
What Is My Budget?
The good part is that you’re probably not going to break the bank with any cat litter mat. Most of them range in price from between $10 and $40. However, before you go for the most affordable option available, make sure you know what kind of materials it’s made out of.
A cheap cat litter mat like the Petlinks Purr-FECT Paws Cat Litter Mat may get torn up after a few months, but a high-quality one your cat can’t scratch up like the Gorilla Grip Original Premium Durable Cat Litter Mat cost a little more right now, but it could last you for years.
How Effective Is It at Catching Litter?
The whole point of having a mat under the litter box is to catch anything your cat may kick or drag onto it. Some materials simply aren’t that great at catching tiny granules. A lot of households may just stick a towel under the litter box and call it a day.
But you need something specialized. Otherwise, there’s no point in having anything under the box. Whether it’s holes, mesh, or grooves, there should be something in place for litter to fall into.
All of the litter mats on our list do an above-average job trapping kicked-out litter, but the deep grooves of the Gorilla Grip Original Premium Durable Cat Litter Mat make it the best-in-class when it comes to keeping your floor free from debris.
Will My Cat Actually Walk on It?
After owning a cat for five seconds, you realize how fussy they can be. If the mat is made out of the wrong material, then your cat may try to leap from the box to the regular floor, defeating the purpose. While all cats are different, most will prefer walking on something soft that doesn’t irritate their paw pads— like the foam used in the BlackHole Litter Mat.
But, there is no one-size-fits all solution to kitty comfort. If possible, see if your cat will walk on the same material on an object you already own before purchasing any litter mat.
How Many Mats Do I Need?
For households with several cats, there are some considerations to make. You may want to get one large mat or perhaps several small ones. It comes down to you and how much space you have in a single room. Keep in mind that it’s recommended to have at least one and a half litter boxes per cat, and you’ll also want to consider how comfortable your cats are having their litter boxes next to each other.
If they tend to get in fights, then you may want to separate them, meaning two mats are preferable—though one very large mat like the LittleTiger Cat Litter Mat can be enough, too.
How Often Will I Clean the Mat?
Some mats require cleaning more than others. If you get one with honeycomb-shaped holes, then the litter can’t be seen. These can often go longer periods of time without cleaning, provided it doesn’t begin to stink too much. Most of them don’t take any longer than a few minutes to clean, but you should know what your schedule is like and how much time you can commit to maintenance.
If you’re the type that wants all of their cleaning tasks to be as quick as possible, it might be worth investing in an easy-to-clean mat like the Pieviev Cat Litter Mat.
No matter which litter mat you choose, you should fully clean both the mat and your litter box at least once per week, with vinegar or an unscented soap.
Final Words
Your cat is part of the family. Not only should you invest in the best litter box you can, but you also want the right mat to go along with it. Before making any purchase, consider how big the mat can be and where exactly in your home you’re going to keep the litter box. As long as you keep those important points in mind, you can find the perfect litter box to suit your household.
