Last Updated: 15/01/2026
Reduce Litter Tracking
Sick of litter tracking from your cat? Find solutions to prevent the mess and reduce litter tracking for a cleaner home.
Author: Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 2 minutes - short read
Finding kitty litter all over the house? When your cat uses the litter box, bits of litter can get flung out as she digs or just stick to her feet to be tracked far and wide through the house. Here's a few tips to try and reduce litter tracking to keep you, your vacuum cleaner and your cat happy.
What is litter tracking?
Litter tracking is a term used to describe the problem of cats scattering and tracking their litter outside of the designated litter box area. This issue can arise due to several factors, such as the texture and type of litter, the size and placement of the litter box, and the behavior of the cat itself
How to stop cats from tracking litter
1 - Use a Heavier Litter
If your cat uses a light sawdust or corn based litter, consider switching to a heavier litter with larger particles like crystal litter to reduce tracking. When changing your cat to a new litter type, be sure to do so gradually. Some cats will have a strong preference for one litter type over another and changing suddenly could cause them to eliminate outside of the litter box or tray instead.
2 - Use a Different Litter Box
To minimise the amount of scatter while your cat is scratching about, try using a litterbox with higher sides or a covered top like the Paws for Life Front-Opening Stainless Steel Cat Litter Box or the Catsentials Large Enclosed Stainless Steel Cat Litter Box. Less litter getting kicked out of the tray onto the floor means less litter getting tracked through the house!
3 - Clean Up Your Litter Tray Regularly
Regardless of the litter box you use, there is likely to be a little scatter, so to prevent tracking get a dustpan and broom and sweep up daily. Spending a minute or two doing this every day will prevent the litter getting spread far and wide through the house.
The Scream Litter Scoop is a popular option, and there is also the convenient Catmate 3-Piece Litter Kit which includes a dual-layer, sieve litter tray plus a litter scoop.
4 - Use a Mat or Towel
Place a small mat, like the M-Pets Footprint Cat Litter Mat, fluffy towel or shaggy bathmat at the entrance to the litterbox to help catch any pesky pieces of litter stuck to your cat's paws as she exits.
Top litter mats for cats
5 - Trim Between the Toes
For long haired cats, trim the hair between the toes regularly as this can cause them to track more litter. Very carefully use a pair of grooming scissors to trim the hair back level with the foot pads. For more grooming tips check out our guide to Grooming Your Cat.
While nothing is likely to completely stop litter from occasionally getting outside of the litter box, these tips should help stop it from being a fixture of every room in the house. That means less vacuuming for you!
Articles recommended for you
Our vet authored guide to the benefits of feeding your dog fresh food plus tips and advice for introducing it into their regular menu.
See our guide to protecting your pet from parasites from our vet team.
Thinking of getting a fish? Check out our guide for setting up a tank and home care tips!
Looking to understand horse feeds better? This comprehensive guide covers feeding recommendations for horses of all ages and disciplines.
Does your pet suffer from anxiety? Check out our Vet-guide for treatment options to help your pet.
History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Thu Jan 16 2026
Edited by Dr Antonella Virina DVMDr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)
Head Veterinarian, BVSc (Hons)
Pet Circle's Head Veterinarian, Dr Teagan graduated from the University of Queensland in 2010 and went on to work in small animal and mixed practice in various locations around QLD & ACT before joining Pet Circle in early 2016. Dr Teagan has special interests in dermatology, nutrition and preventative health care. She feels privileged to witness the special bond people share with their pets on a daily basis and enjoys forming lasting relationships with pet parents and their fur children.
