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How to Stop Litter Tracking

Est. read time: 6 min.

Is your cat’s litter box starting to look like a sandbox exploded? Litter tracking is a common problem for pet parents, but with a few simple adjustments, you can easily minimize the mess. In this article, we’ll break down the causes of litter tracking and provide some pointers for improving your litter box setup.

Keep a clean home with our litter tracking tips: From cat litter that doesn’t track to the best litter mat, here’s how to keep litter off the floor.

What causes litter tracking?

There are a handful of reasons why your cat may be tracking litter out of their box. Here are some of the most common causes of litter tracking.

tuxedo cat next to litter box cat litter on floor

Cats kicking litter outside the box

Some cats love to kick, dig, and bury with enthusiasm, which can lead to litter flying outside the box. It’s especially common with uncovered boxes that give your cat more space to spread the litter around.

Litter getting stuck on cat paws or fur 

Another common culprit is when litter gets caught in your cat’s paws or fur and is carried out of the box. Cats with longer fur or who spend extra time with their litter-covering routine tend to track more litter as they exit the box. 

Litter box design 

The design of the litter box can contribute to tracking. Boxes that are too low to the ground or have wide openings make it easier for your cat to kick litter out as they leave. A well-designed box with higher sides, or a top entry can help contain the mess.

Litter type

Some types of litter are more prone to tracking. Fine-grained litters, for example, easily cling to paws and can get carried out of the box, while larger, heavier granules usually stay put better.

Choosing a low-tracking litter

One way to help minimize litter tracking is by choosing a low-tracking litter. Here are some ways to choose the right one for you and your cat:

Larger granules

Larger granule litters are less likely to stick to your cat’s paws, but they might not clump as well or control odors as effectively. It’s a bit of a trade-off when it comes to performance versus tracking. 

tuxedo cat with GreatLitter low-tracking cat litter

Low-dust clumping clay litter 

Low-dust clumping clay litter offers a balance. It clumps well, controls odors, and reduces tracking compared to finer granule options. Just be sure to choose a brand that truly delivers on its low-dust option. 

Silica litter

Silica litter is another low-tracking option. The crystals are larger and less likely to stick to your cat’s paws, plus they absorb moisture well. That being said, not all cats are fans of the texture, so it might take a bit of trial and error. 

Optimizing your litter box setup to keep cat litter off the floor

While there may not be a sure-fire fix to stop all litter from leaving the box, there are some changes you can make to lessen litter tracking.

Get a covered litter box 

A covered litter box can prevent litter from flying everywhere when your cat digs. It also helps contain odors and offers your cat some privacy while doing their business. 

Choose a location with minimal foot traffic 

Placing the litter box in a low-traffic area not only gives your cat some peace and quiet but can also help reduce the amount of litter tracked through your home. High-traffic zones mean more litter gets scattered when your cat (or you) walks by.

Switch to a low-tracking cat litter 

As we mentioned earlier, choosing a low-tracking litter is key. Experiment with different types like low-dust clumping clay or silica crystals to see which one works best for your home and your cat.

LitterTrap Mat best litter mat

Use a litter mat 

A litter mat placed just outside the box can catch any stray bits of litter stuck to your cat’s paws. Look for mats with a textured surface that helps dislodge litter as your cat steps out. 

You can also go with a double-layer litter mat, which is designed so that litter falls through the top layer and becomes trapped in place on the mat below. This type of mat is made for heavy-duty messes and guaranteed to catch litter granules. 

Keep your cat’s paws clean 

Regularly wiping your cat’s paws with a damp cloth can reduce the amount of litter they carry around the house. It’s also a good idea to trim long fur around their paws if they tend to track litter more frequently.

Clean the litter box regularly 

It may seem obvious, but regularly cleaning your litter box keeps excess litter from building up around it. Scoop the box daily and change the litter as needed to minimize tracking. The less litter there is outside the box, the less your cat will carry it around on their paws.

Litter-Robot 4 with Shield

Get an automatic litter box with a shield 

An automatic litter box like Litter-Robot can help minimize tracking by keeping the area around the box clean. For extra protection, add the Litter-Robot Shield to further reduce litter scatter when your cat leaves the box.

Refill litter in small batches 

Instead of dumping large quantities of litter all at once, refill the box in smaller batches to reduce the amount of loose litter on top. This helps minimize the amount your cat can kick or track out.

Mist new litter to settle any loose dust

After adding fresh litter, lightly mist it with water to settle any loose dust. Be careful not to overdo it, you don’t want to make the litter damp—just enough to control the dust.

If you’ve noticed litter scattered throughout your house rather than staying inside the litter box where it belongs, you aren’t alone. It’s easy for litter to escape when your cat is doing their business. But knowing the reasons behind it (like having a cat with extra furry paws or a shallow litter box) and having the tools and knowledge to fix them, every cat owner can take the right steps to help stop litter tracking in their home.