How to Stop Cat Litter Tracking Around Your Home

Quick answer: Litter gets tracked because grains catch between your cat's toes and fall off as they walk away, and because some cats kick it over the sides while digging. Put a litter-catching mat right where your cat steps out, check that the box is big enough with high enough sides, use a litter that tracks less, and do a quick daily tidy. You won't get to zero, but most homes can cut it down a lot.

Why litter ends up all over the house

• Paws: grains get stuck between toes and in paw fur, especially on long-haired cats, then drop off a few steps later.
• Digging: cats dig and cover. With low sides, litter goes over the edge.
• Jumping out: many cats leap out of the box, so litter lands further away.
• Fine litter: very fine, dusty litter sticks to paws more than larger granules.

Step 1: Put a mat where your cat lands

The first two or three steps out of the box are where most litter falls. A double-layer honeycomb mat lets grains drop through the top layer and collects them underneath, so you can pour them back into the box or the bin. Choose a mat bigger than the box opening and place it right at the exit.

Step 2: Check the box

• Size: a common rule of thumb is a box about one and a half times your cat's length, nose to base of tail. Cramped cats dig harder and kick more out.
• Sides: higher sides keep kicked litter in. A box with a lower entry and high back and sides suits keen diggers.
• Change slowly: some cats dislike covered or top-entry boxes. If you switch, put the new box next to the old one and only remove the old one once your cat uses the new one.

Step 3: Rethink the litter

• Larger granules or pellets usually track less than very fine clay.
• About 5 to 7 cm (2 to 3 in) of litter is plenty for most cats. Deeper litter just gets kicked out.
• Cats can be fussy about litter, so mix the new one into the old over a week or two.

Step 4: Look at the paws

On long-haired cats, tufts of fur between the pads catch a lot of litter. A groomer or vet can tidy them safely. While you're handling paws, it's a good time to check nails too: here's our guide to trimming your cat's nails at home.

Step 5: A two-minute daily routine

• Scoop the box every day. Cats are more likely to dig and fling in a dirty box.
• Empty the mat every day or two, and wash it when it looks grubby.
• Give the floor around the box a quick vacuum.

If your cat suddenly starts avoiding the box or going outside it, talk to your vet. That's often a health or stress issue, not a tracking issue.

More cat basics are in Everyday Favourites, and if your cat is bored indoors, try our indoor cat enrichment ideas.

FAQ

Why does my cat track so much litter?

Grains stick between toes and in paw fur, then fall off as your cat walks away. Fine litter, a small box, low sides and long paw fur all make it worse.

What kind of litter tracks the least?

Larger granules and pellets generally track less than fine clay. Every cat has preferences, so switch gradually by mixing the new litter into the old.

Do litter mats really work?

They catch a lot of what falls from paws in the first few steps out of the box. They won't stop litter that's kicked over the sides, so pair a mat with a box that has higher sides.

How often should I clean a litter mat?

Empty it every day or two and rinse it when it looks dirty. Let it dry before putting it back.