Six Easy And Practical Ways to Stop Cat Litter From Going Everywhere

What is the solution to stop cat litter from going everywhere? It’s no fun stepping in cat litter, especially with bare feet! It’s not quite as bad as stepping on Lego, but it’s up there!

Cat litter spreads because it sticks to the cat’s fur and paws after the cat has used the litter box. To make matters worse, some cats kick and fling litter everywhere. So much sticking, kicking, and flinging! No wonder we have problems with it!

Six Ways To Stop Cat Litter From Going Everywhere

Contents
1. Use A Decent Litter Mat
2. Take A Good Look At The Litter Box
3. A Cardboard Box
4. Choice of Litter – Some are Low Tracking
5. Invest In A Robust Vacuum Cleaner
6. Grooming
7. Toilet Train The Cat

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1.Use A Decent Litter Mat

A litter mat sounds like an obvious solution, and it is, but there are different types of litter mats.

Ask yourself these questions about the current litter mat you have.

Is the litter mat you are using large enough?

Does it cover enough surface area to really do a good job?

Does it actually stop the litter and trap the litter?

Unless you are protecting the surface of the floor from the litter box, most of the litter mat should be in front of and to the sides of the box and not underneath it.

Some litter mats don’t really stop the spread of litter. You need the best litter mat.

This is also true of the ‘Welcome’ door mats we have at the front door of our home. Some work well, don’t they? Others just don’t.

The litter mat shown below and other brands all have one thing in common. They are effective at trapping litter because they have been designed to solve the “cat getting litter everywhere” problem.

These mats are called litter trappers because there are two layers. The top layer has a honeycomb structure for the litter to fall through. To empty the mat, pick up the mat and empty the litter back into the litter box. Voila! If any litter gets lodged in the top layer, the mat can be rinsed.

It is also worth running the vacuum over the mat when vacuuming in the general area.

This simple change to using a bigger and better litter mat can make a big difference. The incredibly popular Pieviev Litter Mat below comes in two sizes, the largest being 30″ x 24,” which is large.

The table below shows other litter trappers that are currently available.

2. Take A Good Look At The Litter Box

Is the litter box you are currently using an open top litter box? Think about a covered litter box or a top entry litter box.

Whatever type of litter box you have, always go for the biggest litter box that will comfortably fit in the space you have. A big litter box, means a lot of litter.

Go for an option that is good quality but won’t break the bank.

A top-entry box is the best box to cut down on litter tracking. Is it the best choice for your cat?

Top-entry litter boxes are not suitable for kittens and may not be suitable for senior cats.

Many of the top entry boxes have a textured surface on the top designed for the litter to stay on top of the box. Not 100% guaranteed to work, some cats cut out the middleman and fly out of the box without even touching the top. To learn more about top entry boxes, read the article linked above.

You may not think you need a giant litter box, and you don’t want to be tripping over the litter box; however, research shows that larger litter boxes are definitely better for kitty.

Consider the space you have and whether a bigger box could be an option. A bigger litter box will mean less litter on the floor.

Here is a simple method to find the approximate best size litter box for your cat. Measure the cat from the top of his nose to the base of his tail. The box should be one and a half times that measurement.

If your cat is large there is a good chance that litter is going to be difficult to contain. The problem may be that the litter box is too small. This article is about litter boxes for large kitties.

If your cat hasn’t used a covered litter box or a top entry litter box before, the cat may need some transition time. Leave the old box in place for some time so that the cat has time to adjust to the new box.

3. How To reduce Litter Tracking With A Cardboard Box

A cardboard box can help contain the litter with very little extra effort and no cost.

Wait a minute! I may have to order something online to get another brown box – just kidding!

This is a handy tip that doesn’t involve buying a new litter box or anything else.

Often, the litter box we already have is quite adequate, even if something better comes along. It just isn’t always practical or economical to keep updating. Did I say that?

What to do with the carboard box? Using your current litter box, place a larger cardboard box over the litter box. Leave the front open or cut a large front opening if necessary for the cat to enter and exit.

Alternatively, leave the base, the sides, and the back. Cut away the top of the box and the front. Experiment to see what works best for you. This actually makes an enclosed litter box.

You will need to source the right size cardboard box. We know how much cats like boxes so it will work like a charm.

Get the kids to paint the box or decorate the box. When the box starts to look less than stellar, it can easily be replaced. The box could also be covered with paper or contact.

This will help contain the litter with very little extra effort and no cost.

Have you considered making your own cat litter? This may be totally off your radar, but it is a money saver and you could invent your own non-tracking litter.

4.Choice Of Litter Type

Choosing the right litter can make a big difference in reducing litter tracking.

Some litters stick to a cat’s paws and fur , leading to litter being tracked throughout the house.

To get rid of this problem, consider using a low-tracking litter that has larger particles. It will be less likely to stick.

Some examples of low-tracking litter include wood pellets, paper-based litter, or crystal litter.

5. Invest In A Robust Vacuum Cleaner

Not all vacuums are created equal but there are vacuum cleaners that do specifically target pet hair. Choose a vacuum that is going to do the job of picking up litter and cat hair.

Our review choosing a pet vacuum cleaner, a handheld vacuum or a carpet sweeper, explains the functions of the different appliances.

A TIP: Sweep the litter into a corner before you vacuum.
It saves time.
Aren’t we all about saving time?

Do we like vacuuming? There are ways to make the chore easier.

Yes, Mr Dyson I’m talking to you. I’ll admit, I’m a convert. It’s a piece of cake to whip around to vacuum cat litter and cat hair. Done daily, it is not so much of a chore.

I do not have a robot vacuum, but friends who have speak glowingly of them. Borrowing one if possible would be useful to see if it would work in your situation.

6. Grooming

If your cat likes to groom itself after using the litter box, a designated area with a mat or towel may help reduce the litter going too much further. This can help prevent litter from being tracked around the house.

Most cats will not require this, but if you have a long-haired breed, the hair between the toes on the cat’s paws, may need to be trimmed on occasion. It can become excessively long and trap litter. It should then be done sparingly and with a pair of rounded-end scissors.

This is not a practice that is generally advised to help keep scattered litter under control because the tufts are there to cushion and protect the paws from the ground.

Some cats with luxurious paws can find the excess hair on their paws irritating and may lick at the area or try to pull out tufts. If you suspect this may be a problem, get specialist advice from a vet or groomer.

Keeping the cat’s litter box in tip-top shape will ensure that the cat is happy. There’s nothing difficult here, just common sense.

7.Toilet Train The Cat

OK, not quite as ridiculous as it sounds. It can be done. I have not done this, but I would love to hear from cat owners who have done this successfully or tried and kitty wouldn’t cooperate.

I direct you to this article that gives good advice if this is the path you choose to follow.