How To Stop Maine Coons Tracking Litter Everywhere

The fastest way to stop Maine Coons tracking litter everywhere is to use an extra-large high-sided litter tray, switch to a heavier low-dust litter, and place two or three oversized honeycomb litter mats in a row so the particles fall off your cat’s paws before they reach your floors. Trimming overly long toe tufts, keeping litter at a depth of 3–4 inches, and placing the tray on hard flooring also dramatically reduces tracking in large breeds.

Maine Coons are famously large, confident, and active cats with extra-large paws, long toe tufts, and an energetic digging habit, which means they naturally scatter and track more litter than most domestic breeds.

Owners often describe finding litter on sofas, stairs, bedding, kitchen counters, and places their cat wasn’t even near – because these magnificent cats have a habit of flicking tiny grains across the room and carrying them effortlessly between their toes.

The good news is that you can stop Maine Coon litter tracking, but only when you use a series of strategies designed specifically for a giant breed with oversized paws.

This guide explains why Maine Coons track litter, the exact methods that prevent it, and how to create a complete anti-tracking system in your home using the right tray, litter type, mats, grooming approach, and environmental setup.

Why Do Maine Coons Track So Much Litter? (Breed-Specific Reasons)

Maine Coons track more litter due to their physical build and their instinctive behavior. Understanding this is essential if you want long-lasting results rather than quick fixes that fail after a week.

🔹 Their paws are significantly larger and wider than the average cat’s

These large, cushioned paws act like natural “shovels,” picking up more litter even when walking normally. The wide spacing around the toes provides more opportunities for tiny granules to get trapped.

Their lynx-like toe tufts further trap particles like Velcro.

🔹 They dig more enthusiastically and deeply

Maine Coons dig both before and after toileting, often far more than other breeds, which sends lighter litter flying in all directions unless the tray is oversized and high-sided.

🔹 Regular litter trays are far too small for them

When a Maine Coon can’t turn or dig comfortably, they become frantic in their movements, escalating scatter and litter spray across a wider radius.

🔹 Lightweight litter sticks easily

Cheap or dusty litters cling to paw fur, creating a “sticky” surface that carries particles all over the home.

🔹 They leave the tray with speed

Many Maine Coons have a habit of bounding out of the litter tray proudly, unintentionally throwing even more litter behind them.

13 Most Effective Ways To Stop Maine Coon Litter Tracking

These strategies work even for giant male Maine Coons, extreme diggers, multi-cat households, and kittens learning toileting behaviours.

1. Upgrade To An Extra-Large, High-Sided Litter Tray

A properly sized tray is the most important step. If your Maine Coon’s body or tail brushes the sides, the tray is too small.

✔ Ideal dimensions:

• Length: 30-32 inches
• Width: 18-22 inches
• Height: 10-12 inches

These dimensions allow for:

• Full body extension
• Comfortable turning
• Natural deep digging
• Reduced frantic scratching
• Significantly less litter flick

High sides stop 70% of the scatter created by digging.

👉 Take a look:
Best Litter Trays for Maine Coons
Maine Coon Litter Care Hub

2. Use Multiple XXL Litter Mats

Most owners use small mats that trap almost nothing. Maine Coons require a runway!!

✔ Best setup:

• Place one giant honeycomb mat directly in front of the tray.
• Add a second mat extending outward.
• Add a third for extreme scatterers.

The goal is to get your cat to step on three textured surfaces before reaching soft flooring.

Why this works:

Each step shakes off litter, and the honeycomb structure allows particles to fall through to the bottom layer instead of sticking to paws.

Best Anti-Tracking Litter Mats

3. Switch To Heavier, Low-Dust Litter

Heavier litter falls off paws more easily.

Ideal litter characteristics:

• Unscented
• Low dust
• Medium to large granule size
• Clumping
• Non-static

Lightweight litter is the #1 cause of tracking because it sticks to fur and breaks down into tiny particles.

4. Keep Litter Deep: 3–4 Inches Minimum

Maine Coons dig twice as deeply as smaller cats, so they need more litter to dig comfortably.

Benefits of deeper litter:

• Reduces frantic digging
• Reduces litter spray
• Reduces paw contact with the tray floor
• Decreases “paw shake” behaviour that sends litter flying

5. Trim Toe Tufts Very Slightly (If Tracking Is Extreme)

Tufts are beautiful, but act like hooks for litter.

✔ How to trim safely:

• Use round-tip pet scissors
• Trim 2-3 mm only
• Never remove tufts entirely
• Never use clippers

This doesn’t affect their appearance but stops most litter from embedding in the fur.

👉 Take a look: How to Keep a Maine Coon Clean

6. Move The Litter Tray To A Hard-Floored Area

Carpets are the worst place for a litter tray because particles embed into fibres.

Better choices:

• Tile bathrooms
• Laminate floors
• Hardwood
• Vinyl flooring

This won’t eliminate tracking, but it reduces the spread dramatically.

7. Use A Top-Entry Litter Box For Extreme Diggers

Top-entry trays work for some Maine Coons who tolerate enclosed spaces.

Pros:

• Litter drops off paws as the cat climbs out
• Excellent for high kickers
• Prevents dogs or toddlers from accessing litter

Cons:

• Not ideal for senior cats
• Not ideal for large cats with mobility issues
• Some Maine Coons refuse enclosed spaces

8. Place The Tray Inside A Litter Box Enclosure

These modern, furniture-style enclosures act as litter containment systems.

Inside the enclosure:

• Place a large mat
• Then the tray
• Then another mat outside the entrance

This contains 80-90% of scatter.

9. Switch To A Stainless Steel Litter Tray

Stainless steel reduces litter adhesion because it does not create static electricity like plastic trays.

Benefits:

• Less static cling
• Less odour
• Less residue
• Very easy to clean
• Lasts forever

Perfect for homes wanting premium hygiene.

10. Vacuum Around The Litter Area Daily

A 30-second vacuum prevents litter from accumulating and being transferred around the home.

Use:

• A handheld vacuum
• A robot vacuum set to clean twice daily
• A dustpan for quick spot cleaning

Maine Coons respond extremely well to clean environments.

11. Check For Underlying Stress Behaviours

Stress = excessive digging = more tracking.

Triggers:

• Tension between cats
• Dirty trays
• Sudden routine changes
• Noise
• Moving home

👉 Take a look:
Maine Coon Anxiety
Why Is My Maine Coon So Scared?

12. Ensure The Tray Is Not Too Small

A large Maine Coon in a small tray is guaranteed to:

• Dig frantically
• Kick litter everywhere
• Exit too quickly
• Scrape the sides repeatedly

Size is the single biggest factor that owners underestimate.

13. Use An Entrance Lip Shield Or A Raised Lip Tray

Modern XL trays feature curved entrance lips designed to catch litter as your cat walks out. This small design tweak makes a huge difference.

⭐ Quick-Fix Table For Fast Results

⭐ FAQs

Do Maine Coons track more litter than other breeds?

Yes. Maine Coons track more litter due to their large paws, long toe tufts, and energetic digging behaviour, which naturally trap and scatter more particles.

What type of litter stops tracking best?

Heavier, low-dust, unscented clumping litter with medium to large granules works best because it falls off paws easily and does not cling to fur.

Why does my Maine Coon dig so much in their litter?

Maine Coons have a strong instinct to dig deeply before and after using the litter tray. This is normal, but it can cause excessive scatter if the tray is too small.

Is it safe to trim Maine Coon toe tufts?

Yes, light trimming is safe and often recommended to prevent litter from embedding in the fur. Never shave the area or trim aggressively.

What is the simplest fix for litter tracking?

The biggest improvements come from using a high-sided XL tray, a heavy litter, and two or three large honeycomb mats placed in a row.

⭐ Check out these articles:

You should take a look at:

• Best Litter Trays for Maine Coons
• How to Keep a Maine Coon Clean
• Maine Coon Litter Care Hub
• Why Does My Maine Coon Pee Everywhere?
• 9 Useful Maine Coon Grooming Tips
• Maine Coon Care Guide