Yuck! Don’t ya just hate stepping on hard pellets in bare feet or tracking sand through your house? A cat litter mat may be just what you need!
Skye Blake here, with what your cat wants you to know about litter mats.
The information here is for general knowledge… always see your vet with questions about your cat’s individual needs.
Who Is Skye Blake?
Skye Blake, Cat Info Detective, is a curious cat researcher (not a veterinarian) who sniffs out expert, reliable sources about cats, studies their information, then passes it on to you!
Sometimes there’s not enough evidence for easy answers, so Skye gives you all sides, explains the situation as thoroughly and clearly as possible, and links you to experts on each page.
Sources are at the bottom of each page so you can do more snooping.
What’s a Litter Mat?
A litter mat is just like any other mat…
Flat, rectangular, circular or specially shaped, litter mats are made from many different materials, such as foam, coconut fiber, rubber, and bamboo.
They do everything from protecting tables under plates and serving dishes to collecting dirt and debris at the front door.
They also cushion hard surfaces to ease strain when you’re doing yoga or working in a kitchen.
Why You Might Need Litter Mats
The purpose of a litter mat is to help keep litter from tracking through the house, getting on your sofa and in your bed… not pleasant!
Litter mats help clean off messy kitty paws, whether it’s sandy, fine-grained litter or pellets.
This helps keep the mess by the litter box and saves you the pain of stepping on sand or hard pellets with bare feet.
Since cats don’t wipe their feet, this is the next best thing.
Pellets vs. Fine Grain Litter
Most people prefer to use pellet litter because it doesn’t track all over the house like sandy litter.
Sure, you may step painfully on some pellets here or there, but it’s better than your bed feeling like you just came off the beach!
But, as with all things cat, you have to consider the needs and preferences of your buddy.
Most cats prefer softer fine grain litter because it’s more like soil, which they instinctively use outside, and is softer on their paws.
This is especially important if your kitty is declawed or has arthritis.
Some cats will change to bigger pellets, especially if you do it gradually, however there’s no guarantee.
Litter mats can be a good compromise to help make you both happy.
Even though you may still have some tracking, the mats help keep it limited to the area just outside the box.
Mats come in a range of sizes and even a few different shapes.
The larger the mat, the more it will “wipe” his feet as he leaves.
Litter Mat Options
There are a variety of mats available, from basic to cute and decorative.
You can find them in pet stores and online suppliers like Chewy and Amazon.
Here are a few examples of litter mats. These are for your convenience and information only… I make no money from them.
Cat Litter Mats: Kitty Litter Box Mats – Chewy
Litter Catch for the Refined Litter Box
Related Pages of Interest
Curious about litter boxes, litter and other accessories? Check out “Supplies For Cats“.
If you’re having problems with a cat peeing or pooping outside the litter box, take a look at “Behavior” to find out what might be causing this and how to fix it.
Sources
Sources used on this website are either primary or secondary.
Primary sources are always preferable and have the most reliable information because they’re original and directly referenced.
Scientific abstracts and data are good examples of primary sources.
Secondary sources are weaker because they usually consist of opinions or articles that give no sources of their own.
However, sometimes they refer to primary sources.
When I use secondary sources, most are those with some authority, such as veterinarian or cat behaviorist books and articles.
List of Sources
Updated July 14, 2023