Five helpful ways to control cat litter tracking.
How to keep cat litter off the floor.
Keeping cat litter off the floor starts with choosing the right litter. Clumping clay litter is probably the most popular variety, but it's an environmental hazard. Green options such as wood, corn, wheat, grass, paper, walnut shell, and wood all make effective — and affordable — litter choices. But some track more easily than others. In general, wood, walnut, and paper make the best low-tracking litter options from the green litter lineup.
Besides selecting the right litter, you also want to choose a box with high walls and a mat. We designed our original Modkat with walls 15 inches high to keep litter inside the box where it belongs. You'll also want a cat litter mat. Litter box mats aren't an optional accessory for most cat-loving families. Our best cat litter mat model uses the same cushy material you find in the soles of your favorite sneakers. This mat is also easy to clean and handle.
Finally, consider setting up your litter box in an uncarpeted area if you have one. Litter sticks to carpet much more tightly than it does to hard floors. Also, keep a hand-held vacuum nearby. Plug one in close to your cat's main litter box so it's handy when you notice stray pebbles around.
Is there a no-mess litter box?
No single litter box can guarantee that you will never find a stray litter pellet hiding somewhere in your home. But you can keep an eye out for certain litter box features that minimize litter tracking.
First, look for a box with high walls, which gives your cat plenty of room to dig while helping keep litter scatter where it belongs — inside the box. A large litter box is almost always a good choice anyway.
A box with a top will help contain both odors and litter scatter. Legend has it that cats don't like enclosed boxes, but science shows this simply isn't true. In the only scientific study done on the topic, researchers gave cats a choice between an open-top box and a close-top one. 85% of cats went back and forth, and 15% preferred a covered box.
The most effective investment you can make against litter scatter, though, is a mat. The best cat litter mats catch litter spray, urinary misfires, and even the odd hairball. We designed our Modkat litter mats with a slip-resistant landing pad for your cat that can wrangle those stray pebbles that cling to their paws.
Perhaps most important, though, is our regular advice: Keep it clean. Scoop your litter box daily. Refresh the litter as needed. Wash the box weekly. Replace your litter box filter kit every three months. Use your handy vacuum to suck up any bits of stray litter left around the box. That's it. Regular cleaning is the easiest way to keep your cat happy and healthy.
Finally, think twice before investing in complex cat litter products. Robotic solutions or boxes designed to look like furniture rarely pan out (pardon the pun). As with most things, the simple solutions are the best solutions when it comes to your cat's litter box needs.
How to clean a cat litter mat.
Even the best litter mat gets messy over time, and the only way to deal with it is to clean it. The best way to keep a matte clean is to simply vacuum the pebbles off. If things get a little funkier you can spot clean using a mild dish detergent on the mat if you like, but we don't suggest bleaching it or using any other harsh cleanser. Animals can be allergic to these products.
No matter how you wash your mat, be sure to dry it out completely before you replace it in front of the litter box. Air drying your mat, while keeping it out of direct sunlight, is probably the best approach. This helps prevent mold or mildew from accumulating.
Dealing with litter is part of loving a cat. But you don't have to cope with pebbles scattered all over your home. A box with high walls, a regular cleaning schedule, trimmed toe fur, and — most importantly — a suitable mat will help keep litter off your floors and in the box where it belongs.
With all the time you save not having to sweep your house, you can enjoy more games, cuddles, and catnaps. 🖤🐈
Shop Modkat litter box mats and other accessories to keep your kitty happy + healthy!
“It looks nicer than any other hooded or open option we considered.”
Join our email list and get exclusive access to new products, the best cat litter box health articles, and 10% off your first order!
"It looks nicer than any other hooded or open option we considered."
"This litter box keeps everything in, nothing gets out the sides."
"My beautiful ragdoll cat and I both love the new Modkat Litter tray!"