Cats are clean animals, but litter granules have a way of ending up all over the house. A good litter mat sits outside the tray and catches the litter that clings to your cat’s paws, so it stays in one place and you can tip it back into the tray. It is a small purchase that makes a big difference to your floors.
We have compared five litter mats currently available on Amazon UK, covering textured, grid, honeycomb and silicone designs. We explain who each is best for, what we like and what to watch out for.
Quick Comparison Table
Product | Best For | Price Range | Rating |
Amazon Basics Cat Litter Mat | Large, dependable | £9-£11 | 4.4/5 |
Conlun PVC Grid Litter Mat | Cheap and simple | £6-£8 | 4.4/5 |
Petinstinct Honeycomb Litter Mat | Waterproof double layer | £14-£16 | 4.4/5 |
Pieviev Large Silicone Litter Mat | Easy to wipe clean | £20-£22 | 4.5/5 |
ondware Double-Layer Litter Mat | Budget waterproof | £5-£7 | 4.4/5 |
The Best Cat Litter Mats Reviewed
Amazon Basics Cat Litter Mat
Best for: a big, dependable mat with nearly 20,000 ratings
A litter mat catches the granules that stick to your cat’s paws when they leave the tray. The Amazon Basics mat is a large, textured mat that measures 61 x 89cm, big enough to cover the whole area in front of a tray.
The textured surface traps litter as your cat walks across, and you can lift the mat and tip the litter back into the tray. It is soft on paws and easy to wipe clean.
It costs around £10 and averages 4.4 out of 5 across nearly 20,000 ratings.
What we like:
- Large size
- Textured to trap litter
- Great value
Worth knowing:
- Can curl at the corners at first
- Not waterproof for accidents
Specifications:
- Type: textured litter mat
- Size: 61 x 89cm
- Colour: grey
- Brand: Amazon Basics
Conlun Cat Litter Mat (PVC Grid Mesh)
Best for: a cheap, simple grid mat
The Conlun mat has a PVC grid design with holes that let litter fall through and trap it under the surface. It is a simple, effective design that works well with most types of litter.
You lift the mat and tip the litter back into the tray, and it can be washed with water. It is light, and it is easy to cut to fit your space.
It costs around £7 and averages 4.4 out of 5 across more than 8,000 ratings.
What we like:
- Very cheap
- Traps litter in the grid
- Easy to rinse
Worth knowing:
- Not as soft as a textured mat
- Can curl
Specifications:
- Type: PVC grid mat
- Feature: litter-trapping mesh
- Cleaning: lift and rinse
- Brand: Conlun
Petinstinct Double-Layer Honeycomb Litter Mat
Best for: a two-layer design that catches litter and urine
The Petinstinct mat has a honeycomb top layer and a waterproof bottom layer. Litter falls through the honeycomb, and the base stops any liquid from soaking through to your floor.
The mat is 60 x 45cm, which is a good size for most trays. It is a good choice if your cat sometimes misses the tray or tracks damp litter.
It costs around £15 and averages 4.4 out of 5 across more than 4,300 ratings.
What we like:
- Honeycomb traps litter
- Waterproof base
- Good size
Worth knowing:
- More expensive than simple mats
- Needs a wipe-down regularly
Specifications:
- Type: double-layer honeycomb mat
- Size: 60 x 45cm
- Feature: waterproof base
- Brand: Petinstinct
Pieviev Large Silicone Cat Litter Mat
Best for: a large silicone mat that wipes clean
The Pieviev mat is a large silicone mat with a ridged surface that scrapes litter off paws. At 86 x 56cm, it covers a large area, and the silicone is easy to wipe or wash.
Silicone is soft on paws and does not soak up smells, so it stays fresher than fabric mats. It is a good choice for owners who want an easy-clean mat.
It costs around £21 and averages 4.5 out of 5 across more than 630 ratings.
What we like:
- Large size
- Wipes clean
- Soft silicone
Worth knowing:
- Priciest in this comparison
- Fewer ratings than the best sellers
Specifications:
- Type: silicone litter mat
- Size: 86 x 56cm
- Feature: waterproof, easy to clean
- Brand: Pieviev
ondware Cat Litter Mat (58 x 38cm, Double Layer)
Best for: a budget waterproof double-layer mat
The ondware mat is a double-layer mat with a waterproof, non-slip base and a litter-trapping top. At 58 x 38cm it fits neatly under a small or medium litter tray.
It is a very low-cost way to get a waterproof mat. The non-slip base stops it sliding on smooth floors.
It costs around £6 and averages 4.4 out of 5 across more than 300 ratings.
What we like:
- Very cheap
- Waterproof and non-slip
- Neat size
Worth knowing:
- Small for big trays
- Fewer ratings
Specifications:
- Type: double-layer mat
- Size: 58 x 38cm
- Feature: waterproof, non-slip base
- Brand: ondware
Cat Litter Mat Buying Guide
What to look for when buying a litter mat
Choose a mat that is big enough to cover the exit of the tray, with a texture or grid that traps litter. It should be soft on paws, easy to clean and non-slip. A waterproof base is helpful if your cat sometimes has accidents.
Think about the type of litter you use. Fine, clumping litter needs a mat with small holes or a tight texture.
Litter mat types explained
Textured mats trap litter in soft fibres. Grid mats have holes for litter to fall through. Honeycomb mats have a double layer with a waterproof base. Silicone mats scrape the paws and wipe clean.
Silicone and honeycomb mats are the easiest to clean.
Size guide
Choose a mat that is at least as wide as the tray, and preferably long enough for your cat to take several steps on it. A mat of about 60 x 45cm suits most trays, and a larger mat suits a big or covered tray.
If your cat leaps out of a covered tray, put the mat where they land.
How much should you spend?
A good mat costs £6 to £22. A cheap mat is fine for most cats. Pay more for a large silicone mat or a waterproof honeycomb.
Frequently asked questions
Do litter mats work?
Yes. They catch the litter that clings to paws, and cut down on scatter. Most owners notice a big difference within days.
How often should I clean a litter mat?
Tip the litter back into the tray every day or two, and wash the mat every week or two, depending on the type.
What size litter mat do I need?
A mat about 60 x 45cm suits most trays. For a big or covered tray, use a larger mat.
Which type of mat is best for long-haired cats?
A grid or honeycomb mat lets litter fall through, so it does not stick in long fur. A textured mat can hold on to litter.
Will my cat mind a litter mat?
Most cats do not. Choose a soft mat, and place it next to the tray. Some cats need a few days to get used to it.
Conclusion
For most owners, the Amazon Basics mat is a safe choice, with a large size and nearly 20,000 ratings. The Conlun grid mat and the ondware mat are cheap, effective alternatives, and the Petinstinct honeycomb mat has a waterproof base.
If you want a wipe-clean mat and do not mind paying more, the Pieviev silicone mat is a large, easy-care option. Whichever you choose, tip the litter back into the tray regularly.
