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Best Cat Litter Mats in 2026
By PetReviewLab Editors
Updated April 2026
CAT
Cats track litter out of the box on their paws with every exit. Without a mat, that litter spreads across your floor within minutes. A good litter mat traps litter in a surface texture that dislodges it from paw pads and holds it until you shake the mat out.
We tested litter mats for how much litter they captured, whether cats tolerated walking on them, and how easy they were to clean.
Best Overall
Gorilla Grip Original Premium Durable Cat Litter Mat
★★★★★
Gorilla Grip's litter mat has a dual-surface design: the top layer is a soft phthalate-free pebble surface that cats walk across comfortably, and the cells trap litter. The bottom layer is non-slip rubber that stays in place on any floor. The mat traps significantly more litter than flat-surface mats because the pebble cells hold litter on all sides rather than just having a textured surface. Machine washable. Available in sizes up to 47x35 inches.
Pros
- Dual-layer pebble design traps more litter
- Non-slip backing
- Machine washable
- Cats walk on it comfortably
Cons
- Pebble cells can hold litter that requires shaking to release
- Large sizes are expensive
Best XL Size
iPrimio Cat Litter Trapper EZ Clean Mat
★★★★
The iPrimio EZ Clean uses a two-piece design: the top honeycomb layer traps litter, and the bottom tray collects it so you can dump and rinse without shaking. For households with multiple cats that use the same box, the collection tray makes cleanup significantly easier than shaking out a single-piece mat. The honeycomb cell size is effective for most litter types including clumping clay and crystal. Available in large enough sizes for most litter box setups.
Pros
- Two-piece design: top traps, bottom collects
- Easy dump-and-rinse cleaning
- Large honeycomb cells
- Good for multi-cat households
Cons
- Two pieces can shift unless positioned against a wall
- Firmer surface some cats avoid initially
Best Budget
Mighty Monkey Premium Cat Litter Mat
★★★★
Mighty Monkey's litter mat is a soft EVA foam microfiber mat that traps litter in its textured surface. It is the most comfortable mat to walk on for sensitive-pawed cats and the least expensive option that still captures a meaningful amount of litter. Shake it out over the trash every few days and rinse occasionally. Does not trap as much litter as the Gorilla Grip pebble design but costs a fraction of the price.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Softest surface — good for sensitive cats
- Easy to clean
- Non-slip backing
Cons
- Captures less litter than pebble or honeycomb designs
- Microfiber holds litter deeper in fibers with clay
What size litter mat do you actually need
The mat should be at least twice the length of your litter box opening on each side a cat would exit. Most cats make 3 to 5 steps before litter falls from their paws, so a mat that extends 18 to 24 inches from the box opening captures the bulk of tracked litter. Many owners undersize their mat — go larger.
Mat placement for maximum capture
Place the mat with the longest dimension perpendicular to the litter box opening. This way cats walk the full length of the mat rather than stepping off to the side after two paces. For covered litter boxes with a front door, place the mat immediately at the door exit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you clean a litter mat?
Shake over trash every 2 to 3 days to release trapped litter. Rinse with water and mild dish soap every 1 to 2 weeks. Allow to fully dry before replacing. Most mats can go in a washing machine on gentle cycle — check the specific product instructions. Do not put rubber-backed mats in the dryer.
Do cats avoid litter mats?
Some cats avoid mats that are too textured, unstable, or have a smell the cat dislikes. If your cat is stepping around the mat, try a softer surface mat. Place the mat flush against the litter box so there is no gap — cats will find the gap and use it to step off onto bare floor.
Bottom Line
Gorilla Grip captures more litter than any other mat tested with a design cats consistently walk on without avoidance. The iPrimio two-piece design makes cleanup easier if multiple cats are using the same box area. The Mighty Monkey is the right budget choice for single cats or cats with sensitive paws who avoid textured surfaces.
More guides you might like:
→ Best Cat Litter Box → Best Cat Litter for Odor Control
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