One of the biggest perks of an automatic litter box is simple: fewer scooping sessions and less time bent over cleaning up after your cat.
But there’s one question we hear all the time from cat parents:
“Which litter mat sticks the least?”
The honest answer? The material of the litter mat isn't actually the biggest factor when it comes to waste sticking to the bottom of the globe. (We’ll get to what matters most later.) Still, each CATLINK model uses a different liner design, and understanding those differences can help you choose the best fit for your home.
Here's a closer look at every litter mat currently available across the CATLINK lineup.
CATLINK Scoop Robot Pro & CATLINK Scooper Open-X
These two models use the same litter mat material, so it makes sense to talk about them together.
The litter-facing side is made from a water-resistant fabric similar to what you might find on outdoor jackets or umbrellas. Pour a little water on the surface, and you'll notice the droplets stay rounded and glide right off. The back side features a fully waterproof coating that helps prevent moisture from passing through.
Although the materials are the same, the Scoop Robot Pro takes things a step further with a weighted liner designed specifically for larger cats and busy multi-cat homes. Built-in counterweights help heavier clumps release from the bottom more easily as the globe rotates, encouraging waste to drop cleanly into the waste bin.
A Helpful Maintenance Tip
If you notice the mat becoming slightly more prone to sticking after extended use, a waterproof fabric spray can help restore some of its non-stick properties. Simply clean the mat, allow it to dry completely, and apply the spray according to the product instructions.
CATLINK Scooper Pro Series
The Scooper Pro series uses a silicone litter liner that forms a semi-circular structure inside the globe.
Silicone offers several practical advantages:
· Excellent water resistance
· Strong protection against litter leakage
· Easy day-to-day cleaning
· Simple wipe-down maintenance with a damp cloth
One thing to keep in mind: maintaining an adequate litter level is important with this design. A properly filled globe helps protect the liner and ensures the best experience for both cats and owners.
CATLINK Scooper SE Series
The Scooper SE uses a hybrid design that combines fabric and polymer materials. The fabric side faces the litter and provides water resistance, while the polymer backing creates an effective barrier against moisture and litter penetration.
One of its standout strengths is durability. Because the surface doesn't rely on a special coating, it holds up exceptionally well to everyday scratching and digging.
Like the Open-X, the litter mat is fully removable, making routine cleaning quick and convenient.
What Actually Helps Prevent Waste from Sticking?
If you're chasing that "almost never sticks" experience, litter selection and cleaning settings matter far more than liner material alone.
1. Choose the Right Litter
For automatic litter boxes, clumping clay litter is often the easiest match.
Fine particles tend to form dense, dry clumps that separate cleanly from the liner surface. When paired with a high-quality clumping formula, sticking issues are often dramatically reduced.
Tofu litter and many mixed formulas can also clump well, but they generally retain more moisture and create softer clumps, which may increase the likelihood of sticking.
That said, every cat household is different. If your current tofu, cassava, or blended litter is working well, there's no reason to switch just for the sake of switching.
2. Use Soft Stool Mode or enable a Continuous Clean Mode
We generally find that sodium bentonite clay litter is the most compatible litter type for automatic litter boxes.
The feature works by allowing waste additional time to be covered by litter before the full cleaning cycle begins. This extra waiting period gives clumps more time to dry and harden, making them less likely to adhere to the globe surface.
For the best results, keep the litter level close to the max fill line without exceeding it. A fuller litter bed provides better coverage and stronger clumping performance. Going above the MAX line, however, can reduce filtering efficiency and allow excess clean litter to enter the waste bin during cleaning cycles.
How to Deep Clean Any CATLINK Litter Mat
No matter which CATLINK model you use, deep cleaning follows the same basic process.
1. Empty the litter completely.
2. Remove the litter mat according to the user guide.
3. Rinse thoroughly with water.
4. If desired, use a cat-safe cleaner or disinfectant.
5. Allow the mat to air dry completely before reinstalling.
For the longest lifespan, we recommend drying the mat in a shaded, well-ventilated area rather than in direct sunlight.
The Bottom Line
While every CATLINK litter mat has its own design advantages, the secret to minimizing sticking isn't a magic material; It's the combination of good litter, proper litter depth, and the right cleaning settings.
Think of the liner as one piece of the puzzle. When everything works together, you'll spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying life with your cats, which is exactly what an automatic litter box is meant to do.
