One of the least appealing parts of owning a cat is having to deal with their litter box. Cleaning up after your cat is unpleasant at the best of times, but if your cat has dug their litter up and spread it all over the floor — not to mention trailed it throughout the house — the chore becomes highly frustrating.
This is where a cat litter mat can be helpful, and if you own a cat, we highly recommend investing in one! These mats help catch spilled litter around your cat’s litter box, plus help remove litter from their feet and stop it from spreading all over your home. After all, even the most well-behaved cats are sure to make an occasional mess! A well-made, high-sided litter box is the first step in reducing litter box mess, but a litter mat is still an indispensable tool for cat owners.
It may seem like a simple product, but there are a ton of different cat litter mats available nowadays, and the choices can swiftly become overwhelming. That’s why we put together this list of in-depth reviews, to help you narrow down the options and find the best cat litter mat for your needs.
A Quick Look at Our Winners in 2022
Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
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Best Overall | Hepper Cat Litter Mat |
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Best Value | Petlinks Purrfect Paws Cat Litter Mat |
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Premium Choice | Moonshuttle Blackhole Litter Mat |
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Fresh Kitty The Grate Cat Litter Mat |
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iPrimio Cat Litter Trapper EZ Clean Mat |
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The 11 Best Cat Litter Mats
1. Hepper Cat Litter Mat – Best Overall
- Size: 55cm x 75cm
- Material: EVA
- Colors: Black
If you have a messy cat who tracks litter everywhere, the Hepper Cat Litter Mat is the best overall cat litter mat to contain litter and keep it from going all over the house. The mat features two layers with a honeycomb pattern to catch litter particles and make cleaning a snap. All you have to do is separate the layers and dump the excess litter in the trash—no contact needed!
With its non-slip material, the mat is perfect for older cats with mobility issues. It’s made of sturdy and hygienic EVA foam for quick cleaning. The mat measures 22 inches by 30 inches, so it can fit around most litter box entrances.
- Honeycomb pattern to catch litter
- Dual layers for quick cleaning
- Non-slip surface
- Sturdy EVA foam
- Best used for only one litter box
You might have guessed, this is our own product – but we love it so much we just have to share it, and hope you get to own one too!
2. Petlinks Purrfect Paws Cat Litter Mat — Best Value
- Size: Medium (23.25 x 14.96 x 0.27 inches) Large (30 x 24 x 0.75 inches) jumbo (36 x 27 x 0.75 inches)
- Material: Non-toxic rubber
- Colors: Grey, blue, tan
If you want a litter mat that works well and is reasonably priced, the Petlinks Purrfect Paws litter mat is the best cat litter mat for the money. The mat features a patented pattern design that spreads your cat’s paws as they walk over it, eliminating any litter that may be stuck between their toes. The mat is then easily swept or rinsed with water, and its flexible design makes cleaning a breeze. It is also waterproof and non-slip and made from non-toxic rubber that is 100% safe for your feline.
The flexible, floppy nature of these mats make them an irresistible toy for cats, though, and several customers reported that their cats clawed it to shreds within days.
- Inexpensive
- Unique patented design
- Easy to clean
- Waterproof
- Made from non-toxic rubber
- Easily ripped by cats
3. Moonshuttle Blackhole Litter Mat — Premium Choice
- Size: 30 x 23 x 0.5 inches
- Material: Waterproof EVA foam
- Colors: Dark grey, beige
If you are looking for a premium mat to prevent tracking in your home, the Moonshuttle Blackhole litter mat is a great option. The mat is gentle and soft on your cat’s feet, with a dual-layer design that has a honeycombed top layer with holes for litter to fall through and a waterproof bottom layer to keep the litter off the floor. When you are ready to clean, simply pour the litter out of the opening at the ends, and if needed, wash with warm water. The mat is made from EVA foam that is hard, scratch-proof, and non-toxic.
This mat has openings on both sides, and if you’re not careful, you can easily spill litter while moving it to clean.
When it comes to premium choices, this is our pick for best litter mats for cats this year.
- Gentle and soft design
- Dual-layered
- Waterproof bottom
- Made from EVA foam
- Easy to clean
- Litter is easy to spill while cleaning
- Expensive
4. Fresh Kitty The Grate Cat Litter Mat
- Size: 24 x 16 x 0.5 inches
- Material: Rubber and plastic
- Colors: Grey
The Grate Mate litter mat from Fresh Kitty features deep-pocketed dual layers that make cleaning a breeze. The top layer has large, soft openings that are easy on your cat’s feet and allow the litter to fall into the bottom layer, which can then easily be emptied back into the litter box or bin via the one open side. The bottom layer is made with a waterproof plastic film that helps repel odors and is easy to clean with warm water and soap.
While number four on our best litter mats for cats list may trap litter well, emptying it is quite a challenge because it is flexible, and the litter pours out easily when picking it up.
- Dual layers
- Easy on your cat’s feet
- Waterproof bottom
- Odor repellant
- Flexible and challenging to clean
5. iPrimio Cat Litter Trapper EZ Clean Mat — Best Overall
- Size: Large (30 x 23 x 0.75 inches) jumbo (32 x 30 x 0.75 inches)
- Material: Plastic
- Colors: Black, tan
Made from durable plastic with two separate layers, the iPrimio Cat Litter Trapper EZ Clean is another great option. The top layer has a honeycomb pattern of holes that easily traps loose litter bits, which then fall into the bottom layer, where they stay until you are ready to clean it. Cleaning the mat is a breeze with its book-opening design that makes it easy to empty the contents into the bin and then simply rinse with water. The bottom plastic layer is waterproof, so you don’t need to worry about liquids on your floor, and the top is soft and easy on your cat’s paws.
This mat is difficult to fault, although it does slip easily on tile or wood floors, which may prevent some cats from using it.
- Two separate layers
- Easy-cleaning design
- Waterproof
- Soft on your cat’s paws
- Not 100% non-slip
6. All-Absorb Cat Litter Mat
- Size: 23.5 x 35 x 4 inches
- Material: PVC plastic
- Colors: Grey
The All-Absorb cat litter mat is specially designed to catch loose litter as soon as your cat steps on it, with looped fibers that trap litter on contact. The durable mat is made from non-toxic, phthalate-free PVC plastic that is easy to clean and has a non-slip backing to keep it firmly in place. We love the lightweight, carpet-inspired design that is easy to roll up and store away when not in use.
Unfortunately, this mat works almost too well, as the litter gets trapped in the loops, making it difficult to clean unless you use a powerful vacuum. Also, while it is largely waterproof, if your cat urinates on it, the smell is almost impossible to get rid of from the carpet design.
- Unique looped-fiber design
- Made from non-toxic, phthalate-free PVC plastic
- Lightweight
- Easy to store
- Difficult to clean effectively
- Retains odors
7. PetFusion ToughGrip Gray Cat Litter Mat
- Size: 38 x 26 x 0.4 inches (extra-large) 27 x 22 x 0.8 inches (large)
- Material: Silicone
- Colors: Grey
The ToughGrip cat litter mat from PetFusion is made from FDA-grade hygienic silicone that is a breeze to clean with a broom, sponge and water, or a vacuum. The design has elevated ridges and a raised outer lip that keeps the litter contained until it’s time to clean. When you need to clean the mat, simply fold it in half and empty the litter back into your cat’s box via the convenient side spout, and then rinse with warm water. The silicone is soft and comfortable on your cat’s feet, and the mat has anti-slip traction on the bottom to prevent sliding.
While loose litter is easy to sweep off this mat, it does hold onto finer dust particles, and this is difficult to clean, even with a vacuum. Also, it is large and heavy and difficult to handle.
- Made from FDA-grade hygienic silicone
- Elevated outer lip
- Convenient cleaning spout
- Anti-slip traction
- Heavy
- Difficult to clean thoroughly
8. Petmate Catcher Mat
- Size: 47 x 32 x 0.25 inches (extra-large) 35 x 23.5 x 0.3 inches (large)
- Material: Rubber
- Colors: Grey, blue, stone
The Petmate Catcher Mat is a simple yet effective cat litter mat that is inexpensive and built to last. The mat is made from durable rubber that won’t easily perish or tear, and the looped surface will catch litter on contact. The rubber is soft and gentle on your cat’s feet and is easy to clean with a vacuum or warm water. It is also non-slip, flexible, light, and easy to handle, and it comes in two different shapes and sizes.
Several customers reported that this mat had a strong odor that made their cats avoid it, and it would not lie flat on the ground. The mat is also not waterproof, so urine will soak to the floor if your cat pees on it.
- Inexpensive
- Made from durable rubber
- Soft and gentle on your cat’s feet
- Easy to clean
- Pungent odor
- Not waterproof
- Difficult to keep flat
9. Fresh Kitty Jumbo Foam Circles Cat Litter Mat
- Size: 40 x 25 x 2.75 inches
- Material: Foam
- Colors: Black and white circular patterns
The Fresh Kitty Jumbo Foam Circles cat litter mat looks great and works effectively too. The mat is made from a soft foam that has a ribbed surface that is gentle on your cat’s feet and effectively catches any loose litter on contact. The mat has a large surface area that will catch even more litter than other smaller mats, but since it’s made from soft foam, it’s easy to cut to size too. It is machine washable for easy cleaning.
While this mat catches litter effectively, it is not waterproof at all and urine will soak through. The mat also has a pungent, chemical odor that may put off some cats from using it.
- Made from soft foam
- Large surface area
- Effective ribbed surface
- Machine washable
- Not waterproof
- Pungent odor
10. Omega Paw Cleaning Litter Mat
- Size: 16 x 13 x 0.3 inches
- Material: Hard rubber
- Colors: White/grey
The Omega Paw Cleaning Litter Mat has a unique design that we love and a soft, gentle surface that your cat will love too. The mat is made from hard rubber, with angled ridges that effectively catch litter from your cat’s paws without hurting them. The material is non-slip and easy to clean with warm water or a vacuum. It also has a nifty tab for hanging up when not in use.
If you have a particularly messy cat or multiple cats, this mat is unfortunately too small. Also, the rubber material retains the smell if your cat urinates on it, even after washing, and the ridges aren’t as effective at catching litter as other mats.
- Made from tough rubber
- Non-slip
- Easy to clean
- Nifty hanging tab
- Too small for most cats
- Retains odors
- Not as effective as other mats
11. Drymate Linen-Scented Cat Litter Mat
- Size: 20 x 28 inches (large) 36 x 28 inches (extra-large)
- Material: Recycled polyester
- Colors: Black and grey
The Drymate Linen-Scented cat litter mat has adorable paw patterning that looks great, and the mat is effective at catching litter too. It has a non-slip, waterproof backing to stop urine from leaking to the floor, and the polyester material can easily be cut to custom dimensions. It is also fully machine washable, made in the U.S.A. from recycled materials, and linen scented to help reduce odors.
The scent of this mat is strong and overpowering and may even be enough to make cats avoid it. It is also easy to rip and tear for overly playful cats, and it retains a urine smell even with the scent and after washing.
- Non-slip, waterproof backing
- Machine washable
- Made from recycled materials
- Pungent linen scent
- Tears easily
- Retains odors
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Cat Litter Mat
A cat litter mat is a simple product, so you’d think that choosing one would be simple too. There are several important things to consider, though, as you want to make sure the mat that you purchase does what you need it to do.
What to consider when buying a cat litter mat
Here are important considerations to look into before rushing out and buying a new cat litter mat.
Litter capture
Naturally, you’ll want the litter mat that you buy to be as effective at catching loose litter as possible. All litter mats have various ways of achieving this, with complicated patterns and materials, double layers with mesh holes, and grooves. These designs all have their pros and cons, but they should catch litter that spills over the side and take it off your cat’s paws.
Comfort
If your cat litter mat is not soft and comfortable on your cat’s paws, they’ll simply avoid stepping on it, rendering it useless! Some cats are more sensitive than others, so you may need to try out a couple of mats or slowly introduce your cat to a new one.
Size
The size of your cat litter mat is important too. You ideally want it to cover the area where your cat typically steps out of their box, but also on the sides and back, so they cannot avoid using it.
Cleaning
Some mats are easier to clean than others, but all litter mats will need regular cleaning. Some require a simple vacuum or rinse, while others need to be picked up and emptied. Machine washable mats are great, but they’ll still need to be shaken out first, which is difficult if you live somewhere with no backyard!
Safety
You ideally want the mat that you choose to have a non-slip bottom, to prevent your cat from falling when they enter or exit their litter box. The mat should also be made with non-toxic materials and be phthalate-free and BPA-free to avoid potential harm to your cat.
Conclusion
The Hepper Litter Mat is our favorite choice of cat litter mat overall. It has a dual-layer design that makes it easy to use, soft and easy on your cat’s paws, and made from durable EVA.
If you’re looking for something more reasonably priced, the Petlinks Purrfect Paws litter mat is the best cat litter mat for the money. It has a patented pattern that spreads cat’s paws as they walk over it, has a flexible design that makes cleaning a breeze, is waterproof and non-slip, and is made from non-toxic rubber.
The Moonshuttle Blackhole litter mat is a great choice if you’re looking for a premium option. The mat is gentle and soft on your cat’s feet, with a dual-layer design and a waterproof bottom layer. It is made from EVA foam that is hard, scratch-proof, and non-toxic.
We hope our reviews have helped you find the best litter mat for your kitty’s litter.
Featured Image Credit: Kokorina Mariia, Shutterstock
Contents
- A Quick Look at Our Winners in 2022
- The 11 Best Cat Litter Mats
- 1. Hepper Cat Litter Mat – Best Overall
- 2. Petlinks Purrfect Paws Cat Litter Mat — Best Value
- 3. Moonshuttle Blackhole Litter Mat — Premium Choice
- 4. Fresh Kitty The Grate Cat Litter Mat
- 5. iPrimio Cat Litter Trapper EZ Clean Mat — Best Overall
- 6. All-Absorb Cat Litter Mat
- 7. PetFusion ToughGrip Gray Cat Litter Mat
- 8. Petmate Catcher Mat
- 9. Fresh Kitty Jumbo Foam Circles Cat Litter Mat
- 10. Omega Paw Cleaning Litter Mat
- 11. Drymate Linen-Scented Cat Litter Mat
- Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Cat Litter Mat
- What to consider when buying a cat litter mat
- Conclusion