How to Stop Cat Litter Tracking: Enjoy Clean Floors and a Happy Cat

If you’ve ever stepped barefoot onto gritty cat litter everywhere, scattered across your floor, you know how frustrating cat litter tracking can be. Fortunately, a cleaner home and a happier cat are within reach!  

Let’s explore what causes litter tracking and take a look at the answer to the question, “Why does my cat kick litter out of the box?” We’ll also cover how to stop kitty litter tracking and what a litter mat is.

What Causes Cat Litter Tracking?

Cats are naturally clean animals, but their litter box habits can get messy. Tracking happens when bits of litter stick to your cat’s paws or fur and are carried out of the box and onto your floors. Scratching and digging are natural behaviors in the litter box, which can lead to the cat kicking litter outside of the litter box.

Common causes of cat litter tracking include:

• Dusty litter that clings to paws
• Uncleaned litter boxes, as wet litter can get stuck to paws and tracked through the house
• Small litter boxes that don’t give cats enough room to move
• High-energy digging (especially in young or playful cats)
• Lack of barriers or mats around the litter box

How to Reduce Cat Litter Tracking¹

The good news? You can stop litter tracking with a few simple changes to your cat’s environment:

• Use a larger litter box. Bigger boxes give cats room to dig without scattering litter.
• Try a covered or enclosed cat litter box. A covered litter box or one with a litter box lid can help contain the mess, especially in cats that are aggressive diggers. Look for an XL litter box with lid for large breeds or multi-cat households.
• Switch to a low-dust litter. Low-dust litters are less likely to stick to paws. Tidy Cats® Lightweight 24/7 Performance® Odor Control Multi-Cat Clumping Litter from Purina is a great option – it’s virtually dust-free, locks in odors, and is easy to carry.
• Use a litter mat. Placing a litter mat under and around the box can catch stray litter before it gets spread around. Wondering what to put under a litter box to protect the floor? A litter mat is your best friend.
• Clean the area daily. Regular sweeping or vacuuming helps prevent buildup and reduces what’s tracked.

These strategies are simple yet effective ways to reduce or prevent litter tracking and keep your home clean.

How Choosing the Right Litter Reduces Tracking²

The type of kitty litter you use makes a big difference in how much ends up outside the box. However, it is also important to remember that your cat will have a preference on the litter type.  

So what is the best cat litter to stop tracking? Here are some types of litter to consider:

• Low-dust clumping litter: Like Tidy Cats® Lightweight 24/7 Performance^®, this is great for minimizing dust clouds and paw cling.
• Non-clumping litter: This option may track less but is harder to clean.
• Crystal litter: These cat litters are lightweight, highly absorbent, and provide excellent odor control. Some of these litters are large and rough-textured, which some cats may not like. Other versions have a smaller and softer feel.  
• Natural litter: Corn or wood-based litters track more because of their lightweight texture.
• Paper litter: This type of kitty litter is made from recycled paper processed into pellets.

Training Your Cat to Stop Tracking Kitty Litter¹

Cats are naturally fastidious creatures, and many take to the litter box with little effort. Litter box training typically comes naturally to most cats, as they have an innate instinct to bury their waste.

How to stop cat litter tracking starts by choosing the right litter box. For kittens or senior cats, you’ll want to make sure the box has low sides so they can enter and exit without difficulty. If the sides are too high, they may avoid the box altogether. It’s helpful to offer a few litter box choices in quiet, low-traffic areas so cats can express their preference and feel safe while learning good habits. Improper litter box use in young cats is often more about setup than stubbornness.

How to Reduce Litter Tracking³

To help prevent litter tracking and maintain a cleaner home:

• Use a litter mat underneath the litter box to catch litter before it travels through your house. Wondering what to use for a cat litter mat? Look for ones with textured surfaces that gently pull litter off paws.
• Keep litter at the right depth – at least 1.5 inches.
• Keep the box clean, and scoop daily to avoid rejection. Cats may dig more aggressively in dirty boxes, increasing the chance of litter scatter.
• Place the box in a quiet, accessible spot.

Keeping your home clean doesn’t mean sacrificing your cat’s comfort. The right litter, a proper litter box setup, and tools like litter mats can go a long way in solving the cat litter tracking problem.

For more expert tips on cat behavior, explore our other cat litter behavior articles.

References

1. Calder CD. Choosing the right litterbox for your cat. Veterinary Partner – Veterinary Information Network (VIN). June 14, 2024. Accessed July 21, 2025.

2. Brown J, Bruning H. A complete guide to the different types of cat litter. Cats.com. November 6, 2024. Accessed July 21, 2025.

3. Heath S. Common feline problem behaviours: unacceptable indoor elimination. J Feline Med Surg. 2019;21(3):199-208.