The Best Cat Litter Mats [2022]

So it turns out cat litter mats are an actual product.

Now I didn’t even realise these existed several months ago, but it turns out they have a use.

It was of kind of amusing reading other articles rating and ranking ‘the best cat litter mats’ and waxing lyrical about their’ features.

These are mats after all, not space shuttle control decks.

There’s even one site that has mats rated by ‘experts’.

I’m no expert, I’m not sure anyone truly is.

Perhaps it’s a growing field which will one day attract some of our greatest academic minds.

Who knows?

But I am a cat owner who really doesn’t want litter or anything else for that mat-ter (ah?), getting onto the floor or anywhere else beyond the tray or litter box.

So I decided to look it into it, as apparently, quite a few people per month also do.

What do Cat Litter Mats do?

At the very basic level, cat litter mats act as a barrier between the floor and spilt litter as a kind of ‘cat litter trapper’.

The best cat litter mats should trap anything from the tray or box and prevent it from being spread around the home by your cat or cats.

It’s unlikely any mat will be 100% effective but the best ones should help alleviate the problem significantly.

They should also help collect any faecal matter and urine, stopping it from getting to your floors and carpets or being walked around the house by a nonchalant cat.

Some are designed in manner akin to that of a doormat in that they trap litter left by your cat, or material that’s escaped the litter tray until they are suitably cleaned.

Others have essentially a porous top layer which allows litter to collect in a non-porous bottom layer, keeping much material visibly away from the surface.

Generic Features

Waterproof layers are common (although I think they really mean urine proof), as are anti or non-slip backings.

Many state they are easy to clean although I guess that’s subjective and also depends on what substance you’re actually having to clean from and off…

How I did My Research or ‘Method’

In short, in order to determine the best cat litte mat, I’ve looked at products rated 4 stars and above on Amazon and ranked them in order of highest reviews at the time of writing (the ‘wisdom of the crowd‘ theory).

If you can find the same locally however, then do support your local business.

Please read this page for more detail on how I choose products.

Now enough of that. Let’s get going…

Single Layer Mats

How they work

With the majority of this type, debris is trapped in a mesh consisting of dense loops.

Other single layer variants are silicon based with dimples that cause paws to spread and drop any bits of litter held in between the toes.

Removing litter

Mesh types can be shaken or vacuum cleaned.

Silicon mats can simply be folded and the litter poured back into the tray (or bin).

Cleaning

Hand wash or hose down with detergent then rinse and air dry. Silicon/dimple varieties allow for a wipe down with a damp cloth. 

Always remember that there’s a good chance some faeces or urine has made to the mat so take that into account when cleaning.

The Best Cat Litter Mats- Single Layer

Gorilla Grip Thick Cat Litter Trapping Mat

• Ultra deep grooves and superior mesh to capture litter with thick coils to trap litter that has been kicked out and litter stuck to paws
• Durable backing that helps the mat stay in place,
• Pour trapped litter back into the box or tray
• Soft on sensitive paws
• Constructed of high quality, durable materials, to resist scratching and kicking
• Easy to clean- shake off or vacuum, or rinse with a gentle soap

Notes: A wealth of options available including half-circle and corner mats. Prices vary according to size and style.

Pawkin Cat Litter Mat

• Lock mesh technology keeps litter off the floor
• Easy to vacuum or can be cleaned by shaking out litter or by rinsing it off your mat
• Designed for sensitive paws
• Free of phthalates and other toxins
• Big enough for even two litter boxes.
• Non-slip backing to keep the mat in place,
• Our high quality PVC material is resistant to liquids
• Can also be used as a pet feeding mat

Notes: I guess they can all double up as a pet feeding mat comes with a 100% money back guarantee.

Quality Gray Cat Litter Trap Mat

• Reduce litter scatter and keep paws clean with this cat/pet litter catcher mat featuring soft, rubberized material that traps dirt and litter and brushes against paws to remove litter
• Made of non-toxic, safe, high quality PVC material that is BPA-free and Phthalate-free
• Mat is easy to clean with a non-slip back, also suitable to place under feeding bowls to catch spill

Notes: A paw print pattern and a decent price (at the time of writing at least…)

The Best Silicone Cat Litter Mat

PetFusion ToughGrip Cat Litter Mat

• Anti-microbial
• Inner lip to prevent litter escaped
• Easy to clean

Notes: Although this didn’t come up as one of the best cat litter mats when using the search criteria I mentioned, this is a noteworthy inclusion for those considering a single layer, wipeable silicone version.

Double Layer Mats

How they work

They essentially have an upper layer with holes or pores which allow litter to collect in a non-porous lower layer, keeping much material visibly away from the surface.

Removing litter

Any bits of large litter can be vacuumed up. Those that collect in the lower layer can simply be poured back into the tray or bin.

Cleaning

As with single layer mats, hand wash or hose down with detergent then rinse and air dry. It’s also possible to clean the upper surface with a damp cloth taking into account any faeces that may be present.

The Best Double Layer Cat Litter Mats

Pieviev Cat Litter Mat

• Double-layer honeycomb design with large holes to catch and trap litter
• Suitable for a variety of litter types and litter boxes
• Waterproof and slip resistant bottom layer to protect hardwood floors and carpets from urine stains
• Made from soft durable, washable EVA material
• Shake gently to empty

Notes: A popular, large double-layered litter mat. Colour availability may depend on the size you pick.

Bull-o Cat Litter Mat Litter Trapper

• The two-layer sifting system to dispose of debris
• Super smooth surface
• Easy pick up and pour out process.
• Honeycomb Double-Layer design with 10mm diameter holes.
• Waterproof, urine proof material.
• Durable and eco-friendly EVA foam rubber- soft on paws
• Non- toxic and Phthalate free
• Suitable for a variety of litterbox types

Notes: Very similar to the #1 double-layer mat.

Kaxionage Cat Litter Mat

• Made of light weight, durable, eco-friendly EVA foam rubber, which is soft and non-toxic (Phthalate Free)
• Double-layer honeycomb structure
• Bottom layer is waterproof, urine proof and slip-resistant
• Easy to clean with water or use a vacuum cleaner
• Works great with any cat litter box, cat box, and most litters

Notes: The top 3 seem to be much of muchness, unless you’re after a brown mat in which case this offering along with the Pieviev mat may be preferential.

I’m getting a cat. Do I need a cat litter mat?

For those who have house cats (like our Bengal) that use or will use litter trays then the answer is ‘possibly.’

It really depends on a combination of the type of litter and tray you use and your cat’s behaviour.

If getting a cat, you won’t know if litter overspill (or worse…) is a problem until it settles in.

It’s a case of suck it and see.

That’s a metaphor.

Points to Remember

Type of litter: A double-layer mat may allow small litter pieces to pass through to the lower layer, but not those that are larger. A mat that’s good for fine litter may not be the best litter mat for pellets say.

Mat size: Ideally something that can be laid to cover all possible exit points from the tray.

Cat behaviour: Knowing how your cat acts with its tray and its contents can aid you with selecting an appropriate mat. If it routinely flicks out faeces then something easy to clean/wipeable may be preferential.

Cleaning: Depends on mat and litter type and whether there are faeces issue or ‘liquid messes.’ Faeces on a mesh mat will be harder to clean than on a silicone one, for example.

Which one did I buy?

I opted for a double layer mat similar to those listed above, but bought elsewhere.

I’ve found it does indeed trap much of the litter that would normally end up on the floor, but not all of it.

This, however, could be partly due to litter volume and type.

Since reducing the volume, far less litter has escaped both the tray and mat.

The plan now is to change from wood pellets (which break down into dust) to clumping litter to see if that improves the situation further.

It’s a case of trial and error really.

Further Reading:

Please note, Amazon links on this page are affiliate links from which I’ll receive a small percentage if you purchase at no extra cost to you. It all helps. Thanks.