Cat Litter Mat – Washable Matters

Hi! I’m Diane, founder of Americat Company and a cat mom for over 20 years. Thank you for visiting Americat Company and for supporting my small, U.S. business! It means so much to my cats and me.

A cat litter mat that is washable is a must to keep the area around the litter box clean. A litter mat reduces litter tracked throughout the house, keeps urine from soaking into floors, and allows for a quicker cleanup of odors and messes.

Our cat litter mat is very different from typical litter mats. Here's a quick comparison:

	Americat Company	Other Brands
How to Clean?	Machine washable	Spot clean or rinse
Waterproof?	Yes	Sometimes
Country of Origin?	Made in USA	Made overseas
Texture?	Soft fabric	Rough textures and spikes
Safety?	BPA-free, phthalate-free, and PFAS-free	Unknown

Americat Company Litter Mat

Why Washable Matters

I want to focus on one feature in particular that makes a big difference: washability.

And when I say washable, I mean in a washing machine.

Many litter mats are labeled "spot clean only." I tried that years ago, and it doesn't work. Wiping the surface doesn't fully clean the litter mat. And rinsing it outside with a hose or in the shower is messy and inconvenient.

We created a cat litter mat that is washable at home. You simply place it in the washing machine for a full clean with soap and water. That peace of mind matters, especially after an accident.

How to Wash Your Americat Company Litter Mat

The Americat Company cat litter mat is machine washable. This is how to care for it:

Machine wash separately. Wash on a gentle cycle with cool or warm water.
Hang dry. Do not machine dry. Air drying helps preserve the waterproof backing and structure.

Other Tips

Vacuum. Between washings, simply vacuum or shake off the litter mat.

Deep Clean. For a deeper clean after an accident, sprinkle baking soda onto the litter mat, spray it with vinegar, and let it sit for a few hours before washing.

A Note on Detergent

It may be tempting to reach for a detergent that smells “fresh,” especially after a litter box accident. But cats don't like perfumes or fragrances.

Cats have a much stronger sense of smell than we do. The smell of perfumed detergent can be overwhelming or even irritating to them. A strong, unfamiliar smell may make your cat avoid the litter box area. This is the last thing we want!

That's why I always recommend using an unscented detergent for litter mats, bedding, and anything washable that your cat uses.

These are the brands I like:

Liquid Option: Free & Clear, Plant Based, Made in USA

Pod Option: Free & Clear, Plastic-free, EWG Verified, Made in USA

An unscented detergent keeps the litter box area neutral, familiar, and comfortable for your cat.

How Often Should You Wash a Litter Mat?

You don't need to wash your Americat Company litter mat once it arrives.

In my home, I wash Lewie and Nelly's mats when there is an accident. Otherwise, I shake off or vacuum each mat weekly and do a full wash about twice each year.

Locations for Cat Litter Boxes

Pair your new litter mat with the right litter box location. Cats prefer:

Calm, quiet areas
Spaces away from food and water
Locations where they already hang out

We wrote a full guide on this topic if you want more detail: Where to Put the Litter Box.

Summary: Why Machine Washable Cat Litter Mats Are Better

In creating our mats, I felt strongly that a cat litter mat washable in a machine was essential.

A cat litter mat that is washable:

Gets FULLY cleaned with soap, water, and heat (not just surface-level clean)
Helps remove bacteria and odors
Saves time and effort

The litter box area can be prone to bacteria from cat poop or pee, so being able to wash litter mats fully, quickly, and easily helps keep your home tidy. A win-win for both you and your cats!

About Us: Americat Company is where love for cats meets American craftsmanship. Founded in 2016, we are a cat-loving, woman-owned, small business. We make cat products in the USA from safe, durable, U.S. materials. Shop all our made in the USA cat products here.