Cat-Proof Your Floors: Tips to Stop Litter Tracking

Litter tracking is was one of my biggest frustrations after we brought our pet at home, and I didn’t know how to stop my cat from tracking litter everywhere.

It didn’t only create a mess around the house, but there was also a hygiene concern. With a 1 year old crawling around the house and picking up everything from the floor this was one big concern for me.

During the years I compiled a list that we will dive into to make sure the litter tracking is kept to a minimum. Some of these steps are:

Choosing The Right Litter To Prevent Tracking

This should be the first step towards a litter-free home. The type of litter you select can have a huge impact on how effective is in litter tracking. Let’s explore a few factors that we need to consider when choosing the litter and compare different options on the market.

Different types of cat litter have different textures and properties that influence the amount of tracking. Clumping clay litter, for example, is usually heavier, and it can be harder for it to stick to your cat’s paws.

Comparing different litter options:

a. Clumping clay litter: This type of litter as the name suggests forms clumps when wet, making it very easy when you have to clean the litter box. It’s known to be one of the best litters when it comes to tracking, however the disadvantage is that it may result some dust when scattering

b. Silica crystal litter: They are highly absorbent and can control smells very good. While they minimize tracking to a certain point, the lightweight nature of this litter may still result in some scattering around the house

c. Natural litters: Made from materials like corn, wheat, grass, or sawdust, they offer an eco-friendly alternative. They are also generally low in dust and have varying litter tracking control, depending on the brand

d. Paper-Based litter: Paper pellets or shredded paper litter is usually found in homemade cat litter. While they may not track as much as other litters, their larger size can still lead to some displacement

Finding the best litter for minimizing tracking:

To determine the best litter for minimizing tracking we should look at the following factors:

a. Texture and particle size: Smaller litter tends to track less, while larger one may be a bit more easy to stick to the paws. Try to look for litter that has finer texture as that will help

b. Dust levels: High dust litter can lead to a mess in the house and issues for your cat. If you can opt for a low-dust or dust-free litter you can minimize the tracking

c. Trial end error: It may take some time to find the perfect cat litter. You should do some experimentation and buy different types every few months and try them out

By carefully considering all these options we bet you will find the best non-tracking litter. As it depends on your cat’s size aswell and paws, there is no one-size-fits-all. At the moment we are using the Natural Castan Clumping Litter for our pet.

Selecting the Right Litter Box to Prevent Litter Tracking

The litter box itself can play a big role in preventing cat litter tracking. By choosing the most appropriate size and shape for your pet, you can create an environment that can minimize the spread of litter.

Investing in the right litter box is essential for maintaining a clean and tidy living space.

Choosing the appropriate size and shape:

a. Size: The litter box should have enough space for your cat to comfortably move around and dig without feeling cramped. Ideally, it should be around 1.5 times the length of your cat ( measured from nose to tail ). This ensures sufficient room for them to do their business without kicking out excess litter

b. Depth: You can opt for a litter box with sufficient depth to prevent litter from being kicked out when your pet is inside the box.

c. Multiple boxes: If you have multiple cats, it’s important to provide an adequate number of boxes. The general rule should not be forgotten, one litter box per cat, plus an extra box. This will ensure that each cat has their own space and reduces the risk of tracking issues

Covered vs. uncovered litter boxes: Pros and cons:

a. Covered litter boxes:

b. Uncovered litter boxes:

Ultimately, the choice of covered or uncovered depends on your cat preferences and on your budget and cleaning routine. To get rid of litter tracking we would recommend a covered litter box with a good mat at the entrance.

By selecting the right litter box size and shape, as well as having a look over pros and cons of covered and uncovered, you can create a comfortable environment that reduces litter tracking.

Using Litter Mats and Trapping Systems:

Having a litter mat can also considerably help with reducing litter tracking around the house. It provides an additional layer of defence by capturing loose litter before it has the chance to touch the floor.

The benefits of litter mats in capturing tracking:

a. Minimize tracking: They are designed with textured surfaces that help to catch and contain the litter from your pet’s paws as they exit the litter box. This prevents litter from being scattered across the floor and considerably reduces the amount of tracking

b. Easy to clean: Most of the mats have a design that is easy to clean. They can be shaken into the litter box or vacuumed to remove the captured litter, saving time and effort while cleaning the house.

c. They can protect your floors: Accidents will happen around the litter box and having a litter mat can prevent this accidents from reaching the floor. They are especially beneficial for hardwood, tile, or carpeted floors.

What tips do you have for litter tracking?

Let us know!