In this guide
Litter in the hallway, granules stuck to your feet, that crunch on the laundry-room floor. The box can be great and the litter too, but some granules leave stuck to your cat’s paws. That’s where a cat litter mat comes in — a cheap accessory that usually solves a good part of the problem.
Quick answer: choose a mat wider than the front of the box that extends well beyond the exit. Double-layer mats (open top, waterproof bottom) hold more litter and let you pour it back into the box. The Pieviev 24 x 15 in suits most standard boxes; the Gorilla Grip 24 x 17 in is a coiled-mesh alternative; for large boxes, the Amazon Basics 24 x 35 in covers much more floor.
Why use a mat (and what it won’t fix)#
RSPCA Australia recommends putting a mat or towel under the litter tray so it doesn’t slide and so your cat can wipe its paws on the way out. A litter mat does both, with the bonus of holding the litter instead of spreading it.
What it won’t fix:
- A box that’s too small or shallow, which makes your cat kick litter out while digging. International Cat Care recommends a box about 1.5 times your cat’s length — see our litter box for large cats guide.
- Very fine, light litter, which sticks to paws more.
- A dirty box, which can make your cat leave in a hurry and scatter more.
How to choose#
- Size. Measure the width of the box front (or the door, for a hooded box). The mat should be wider than that and extend as far as possible beyond the exit, because litter falls in the first few steps.
- Double layer or single layer. On a double-layer mat, the top is perforated and litter falls inside; an opening lets you empty it and reuse clean granules. Single-layer (e.g. coiled mesh) mats are thinner and simpler to wash, but hold less litter.
- Waterproof bottom. Protects the floor if your cat pees near the edge.
- Texture. EVA is soft on paws. Sensitive cats may dislike hard textures at first.
- Smell. Choose unscented mats. International Cat Care warns that strong smells near the box can put cats off.
The mats we picked#
Chosen based on what the listings say (checked Oct 19, 2026).
Quick comparison (data from the listings cited below, checked Oct 19, 2026):
| Mat | Size | Type | Rating at check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pieviev | 24 x 15 in | Double-layer EVA honeycomb, waterproof bottom | 4.4 (74,140) |
| Gorilla Grip | 24 x 17 in | Coiled mesh, textured backing | 4.5 (51,705) |
| Amazon Basics | 24 x 35 in | PVC coiled mesh, waterproof backing | 4.5 (20,159) |
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
Best double-layer
Pieviev Cat Litter Mat, Double-Layer, 24 x 15 in
Who it’s for: standard-size boxes, owners who want to pour trapped litter back.
What the listing says (checked Oct 19, 2026):
- Double-layer honeycomb design; open the edge to dump collected litter back into the box.
- Waterproof, slip-resistant bottom; soft, washable EVA; can be hosed off.
- 24 x 15 in.
- 4.4 out of 5 from 74,140 ratings, #1 in Cat Litter Mats at the time we checked.
Heads-up: the spec table lists Material “Wood” and Scent “Vanilla,” which contradict the description (EVA). Check the product details before buying, especially if you want it unscented. At 24 in wide, it may be too small for large boxes.
Check current price on Amazon Specs at the source
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Best coiled mesh
Gorilla Grip Cat Litter Mat, Coiled Mesh, 24 x 17 in
Who it’s for: owners who prefer a thin mat that can be vacuumed or shaken out.
What the listing says (checked Oct 19, 2026):
- Thick mesh coils and deep grooves to trap litter; textured backing to help it stay in place.
- Water resistant; wash with mild soap and water, air dry.
- Style “Small (24 x 17 in)”; the description says the mat measures 17 x 24 in.
- 4.5 out of 5 from 51,705 ratings at the time we checked.
Heads-up: one spec field says “11 x 17 inch,” which conflicts with the 24 x 17 in in the title and description. Confirm the size you select.
Check current price on Amazon Specs at the source
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best large mat
Amazon Basics Litter Trapping Mat, 24 x 35 in
Who it’s for: large or hooded boxes and cats that track litter far.
What the listing says (checked Oct 19, 2026):
- 35 x 24 in, long-lasting PVC with mesh coil surface and crisscross litter-trapping grooves plus a deep border.
- Waterproof backing; soft surface for paws.
- One-year limited warranty from Amazon Basics.
- 4.5 out of 5 from 20,159 ratings at the time we checked.
Check current price on Amazon Specs at the source
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Tips#
- Butt the mat against the box exit. If the box has a door, center the mat on it.
- Empty it every few days and wash it periodically with mild soap. International Cat Care warns that disinfectants that turn cloudy in water often contain phenols, which are toxic to cats.
- If litter still scatters a lot, reconsider the box size and litter type.
Related guides#
- Litter box for small apartments: right size, open or hooded, and where to put it.
- Litter box for large cats: when a small box is causing the mess.
- Best cat litter for odor control: litter types and which ones track less.
Bottom line#
A litter mat is one of the best-value accessories for a cat home: it catches litter from paws, keeps the box from sliding and, with double-layer mats, lets you put the litter back. Get the size right first: Pieviev 24 x 15 in or Gorilla Grip 24 x 17 in for standard boxes, and the Amazon Basics 24 x 35 in for large ones.
Frequently asked questions
Do cat litter mats actually work?
They help a lot, but won't eliminate mess. A mat catches some of the granules stuck to paws and those kicked out while digging. RSPCA Australia recommends a mat or towel under the litter tray to stop it sliding and to help the cat wipe its paws.
What size litter mat do I need?
The mat should be wider than the front of the box and extend a few steps beyond the exit, which is where your cat leaves with litter on its paws. For large boxes, look for large mats. Measure the box and the free space before buying.
How do I clean a litter mat?
With double-layer mats, you open the side and pour clean litter back into the box or discard it. Every so often, wash with water and mild soap, as manufacturers suggest, and let it dry before putting it back.
Can I use scented mats or strong disinfectant?
Better not. International Cat Care warns that strong smells near the box can put cats off, and that disinfectants that turn cloudy in water often contain phenols, which are toxic to cats. Wash with mild soap and rinse well.
Sources
- RSPCA Australia — How do I encourage my cat to use a litter tray?
- International Cat Care — Choosing a litter tray for your cat
- International Cat Care — Soiling indoors
- Amazon.com — Pieviev Cat Litter Mat 24 x 15 in (ASIN B07NJ5SR5G)
- Amazon.com — Gorilla Grip Cat Litter Mat 24 x 17 in (ASIN B07GYZPM94)
- Amazon.com — Amazon Basics Litter Trapping Mat 24 x 35 in (ASIN B072569V1L)
Links open in a new tab. Specs, availability and prices can change after publication — always check the product page before you buy.