The 10 Best Litter Trapping Mats
This wiki has been updated 20 times since it was first published in July of 2020. Those who own cats are familiar with their tendency to scatter litter from far and wide. It's not just unpleasant to step on - it can also pose a health risk by spreading bacteria around the home. Litter catching mats, like those we've listed here, help brush paws clean and keep the residue in one place. Our selections include several styles, covering a range of different needs. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
Editor's Notes
July 29, 2020:
Choosing the ideal mat for containing kitty litter means knowing the habits and temperament of your feline pals. If they're finicky about textures, the Gorilla Grip Original Premium or the Easyology Premium Large may be good picks; both are made with padded mesh designed to be soft on paws. However, some find that tightly-woven coils can present a challenge when cleaning liquid messes, so those with accident-prone cats might find the smooth silicone of the PetFusion ToughGrip PF-LMD1 to be preferable.
Made of waterproof material with a cushioned surface, The Moonshuttle BlackHole offers both comfort and leak protection, and incorporates a secondary layer to corral debris away from view. The iPrimio Large has a similar concealing design, with wider dirt-trapping holes but less odor resistance. Those with environmental concerns should check out the Drymate Premium, which uses recycled materials and is manufactured domestically, while thrift-minded shoppers may want to consider the inexpensive Royal Pet Fresh Kitty 9035.
One important note for care and maintenance: to avoid the risk of bacterial contamination, never wash these products in the kitchen sink, and don't place feeding dishes on the same mat used for catching waste. If you want to cut down on the work of tidying up after your companions, take a look at our list of self-cleaning litter boxes.
Special Honors
The Cat Behavior Clinic Some problems with the litter box are really issues of psychology, since many stressed pets act out by creating messes. If you need help teaching your animal to be a better housemate, The Cat Behavior Clinic can provide a phone, video, or in-home consultation. Its creator, Mieshelle Nagelschneider, is an award-wining feline science author who has worked for National Geographic and been featured in the New York Times. thecatbehaviorclinic.com