Hey there, fellow cat moms! If you’re anything like me, you absolutely adore your cats, but you probably don’t feel the same way about the little messes they leave behind. I get it; cat litter tracking can be a real headache! But fear not, because I’m here to help you with some tips to prevent cat litter tracking. So, let’s dive in!

The Annoyance of Cat Litter Tracking

Oh, the joy of finding litter scattered around the house like confetti! It’s like our cats are celebrating their bathroom break in style. But before we get frustrated, let’s try to understand why this happens.

When your cat exits the litter box, they may have some pesky litter particles stuck to their paws, which they then track all over the place. Now, you might think, “Why don’t they just shake it off ?” Well, it all comes down to their wild instincts. In the wild, cats bury their waste to avoid attracting predators or rivals. This instinct is still very much alive in our domestic cats, leading them to try and “cover-up” their waste in the litter box. However, sometimes their covering-up ritual can be a little too enthusiastic, resulting in cat litter tracking. There are three main factors contributing to litter tracking, let’s see what they are.

The Causes of Cat Litter Tracking

1. Cat Instincts and Behavior

Did you know that our little domestic cats still have some wild instincts left in them? Back in the wild, their ancestors would cover their waste to avoid attracting predators. And guess what? Our indoor cats are just following that age-old tradition. They step out of the litter box, feeling proud of their masterpiece, but then… tada! Litter stuck to their paws and ready to be transported throughout your home.

While we can’t change their instincts, we can take steps to minimize cat litter tracking. One way is to provide a deeper litter box. When the litter is deeper, there’s less chance of litter splashing out of the litter box when they’re trying to bury their waste. So, opt for a litter box that allows your cat to dig to their heart’s content without making a mess.

2. Litter Texture and Type

Now, let’s talk about the type of litter we use. Different textures can have varying degrees of stickiness. For instance, clumping litters are notorious for sticking to paws, while some silica-based litters can be a bit more forgiving. And let’s not forget about the scented litters; they might smell nice to us, but some cats find them off-putting and might kick the litter with extra enthusiasm, leading to more litter tracking.

So, the key here is to experiment with different litter types and textures to find what works best for your cat. Keep an eye on their behavior after switching litters. If you notice a reduction in tracking, you might have found the winning formula.

3. Litter Box Placement and Size

Now, let’s discuss the classic case of “wrong place, wrong size.” If your litter box is too small, your cat might have trouble keeping all the litter inside. On the other hand, if it’s too close to their food or water bowls, they might be tempted to kick litter around as a form of territory marking (or maybe they just like being messy!). So, finding the right spot and size for the litter box is crucial.

Place the litter box in a quiet and accessible area, away from high-traffic zones. Cats appreciate their privacy when using the litter box, just like we do in the restroom. If you have multiple cats, consider having multiple litter boxes to prevent any territorial disputes and ensure all cats have easy access.

My sweet baby Mr. Romeo is very particular about covering his poop. He makes a tiny mountain of litter over his poop, so I have to use deep litter boxes to contain his mountains within the box.

Practical Solutions to Minimize Cat Litter Tracking

Now that we know what’s causing the problem, it’s time to tackle it head-on with some tips to prevent cat litter tracking.

1. Selecting the Right Litter

Choosing the right litter is like finding the perfect pair of shoes – it has to be a good fit! Look for low-tracking litters that won’t stick like glue to your cat’s paws. Opt for unscented varieties if your feline friend seems bothered by strong fragrances.

I personally use unscented fine-grain bentonite litter because I have multiple cats household and not all of my cats love the idea of wood pallets and other natural litter substitutes. My senior cat, Kattu, used to be a feral cat, so it is more natural for her to use a litter that resembles the sand texture. Using the mentioned litter in combination with litter mats, I have been able to reduce the litter tracking issue to a bare minimal level.

2. Use of Litter Mats

The humble litter mat – the unsung hero in the battle against litter tracking. These little mats catch those pesky litter particles that escape your cat’s paws, saving your floors from becoming a litter minefield.

Litter mats come in various shapes and sizes, but the best ones have a textured surface that captures litter as your cat walks over it. Place the mat right outside the litter box to create a litter-catching zone, ensuring that any stray litter gets trapped on the mat instead of spreading across your floors.

My cat, Mr. Romeo (yes, the same Romeo from before!), has a habit of sprinting out of the litter box as if he’s competing in the feline Olympics. Thanks to the litter mat, though, his sprinting shenanigans are now confined to a tiny, easy-to-clean area. I personally use the Black Hole Litter Mat.

3. Regular Cleaning Routine

Now, I know cleaning the litter box isn’t the most glamorous job, but it’s essential for keeping litter tracking at bay. Make a habit of scooping the litter box daily, and don’t forget to do a thorough cleaning at least once a week.

Keeping the litter box clean not only prevents litter tracking but also promotes good litter box habits in your cat. Cats prefer a clean and odor-free litter box, so keeping it fresh will encourage them to use it consistently.

Cleaning the litter box is one of those chores I used to dread, but once I made it part of my daily routine, I noticed a significant reduction in litter tracking. Plus, my cat seems to appreciate the fresh digs! I have written an entire article on how often you should change cat litter for a clean and odor-free home.

Additional Measures to Prevent Cat Litter Tracking

Now that we’ve covered the practical solutions, let’s explore some additional measures you can take to keep the litter area tidy and minimize cat litter tracking in case you have a furry tracking champion at home.

4. High-sided Litter Boxes

Consider using a high-sided litter box. These types of litter boxes have taller walls that can prevent litter tracking when your cat buries their waste. The higher walls also provide more privacy for your cat, which can encourage them to use the litter box more consistently.

5. Invest in a Top-Entry Litter Box

A top-entry litter box can be a great investment to further prevent cat litter tracking. With the entrance on the top, it becomes harder for litter to escape as your cat exits the box. Top-entry litter boxes are especially useful if you have an enthusiastic litter kicker or a cat who loves to dig vigorously. If you think your cat will be comfortable using such a litter box, it can be an effective solution for minimizing litter tracking.

6. Litter Box Enclosures

For those seeking a more elegant solution, consider using a litter box enclosure. These stylish and functional enclosures not only hide the litter box from view but also come with built-in mats to catch any litter stuck to your cat’s paws as they exit the box. It’s a win-win situation if your cat is comfortable using the litter in such an enclosure, as it significantly reduces cat litter tracking throughout your home.

7. Trim Your Cat’s Claws

Regularly trimming your cat’s claws can make a significant difference in reducing cat litter tracking. Overly long claws can pick up more litter as your cat walks, contributing to the mess. By keeping their claws neatly trimmed, you’ll minimize the litter they carry around and lessen the chances of litter particles spreading throughout the house.

Litter-Tracking Solutions for Multi-Cat Homes

If you have multiple cats, cat litter tracking can become even more challenging to manage. Here are some additional tips to prevent cat litter tracking for multi-cat households:

8. Separate Litter Boxes

Ensure that each cat has its own litter box to prevent territorial disputes and encourage proper litter box usage. Cats are naturally territorial, and having separate litter boxes gives them their private space to do their business.

9. Spacious Litter Area

Create a dedicated litter area with multiple litter boxes placed side by side. This provides your cats with plenty of options and reduces the chances of litter being flung outside the boxes. Remember to use litter mats in this area to further minimize cat litter tracking by capturing stray litter particles.

With a combination of understanding your cat’s instincts and behavior, choosing the right litter, using litter mats, maintaining a regular cleaning routine, and considering additional measures such as high-sided litter boxes and top-entry litter boxes, you can significantly reduce cat litter tracking in your home. These tips to prevent cat litter tracking will help you create a cleaner and more enjoyable living space for both you and your feline companions.

Remember, every cat is unique, and finding the perfect solution might require a bit of trial and error. Be patient, and you’ll soon discover the best combination of strategies to keep cat litter tracking to a minimum. Here’s to a happy and litter-free home for you and your beloved cat!

Cat litter tracking may be a persistent challenge, but with the right approach and a little extra effort, you can successfully conquer it. Implement these tips to prevent cat litter tracking, and your home will be a cleaner and happier place for both you and your furry friends. Happy tracking – or should I say, happy minimizing litter tracking!