Yes, some cats scratch right through litter box liners. It’s most common with thin film, long claws, hard diggers and bags with wrinkles. A 2 mil liner pulled smooth over 2 to 3 inches of litter holds up for most cats, though not for every one.
This guide covers why liners tear, which of five liners list a thickness that resists claws, and how to fit a bag so it lasts. If you want a wider look at the field, see our guide to the best litter box liners. If your cat shreds liners anyway, I’ll cover what to do next. This post contains affiliate links, and we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
⚡ Quick Answer
| Situation | Liner tearing risk | What helps |
|---|---|---|
| Thin film, no mil rating | Higher | Switch to 2 mil film |
| Hard digger or long claws | Higher | Trim claws, thicker film, or no liner |
| Wrinkles and folds in the bag | Higher | Smooth the bag, secure the rim |
| Less than 2 inches of litter | Higher | Add litter to 2 to 3 inches |
| 2 mil film, smooth bag, 2 to 3 inches of litter | Lower | Check the bag daily |
Why Cats Scratch Through Litter Box Liners?
Cats dig before and after they go, because burying waste is an instinct. A liner gives claws a surface to grab. The bag fails when the film is thin, when folds give claws something to catch, or when the litter is too shallow to cushion the plastic.
| Cause | What happens | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Digging | Claws drag across the bag and snag | Add litter depth, thicker film |
| Long, sharp claws | Claws puncture thin film | Trim claws |
| Wrinkles and folds | Claws catch on loose plastic | Smooth the bag, tuck the rim |
| Shallow litter | Claws reach the plastic | Fill to 2 to 3 inches |
| Scooping | Hard clumps and sharp scoop edges scrape the film | Scoop gently |
| Overloaded bag | Seams strain on removal | Lift from the bag body, change on schedule |
No test I’m aware of measures how often cats tear liners, so treat this as owner experience, not data. [ADD: your own observations.]
How to Stop Your Cat From Scratching Through Liners?
- Trim your cat’s claws. Sharp claws cause most punctures, whatever the thickness.
- Pick thicker film. Look for a mil rating. The Jonny Cat and 40-count liners here list 2 mil.
- Smooth the bag. Wrinkles give claws a catch point. Press it flat against the floor of the pan. For the full fitting routine, see how to use litter box liners.
- Secure the rim. Tuck the overhang under the lip or clip it so the bag doesn’t shift under the litter.
- Add enough litter. Aim for 2 to 3 inches so claws don’t reach the plastic.
- Pour slowly. Add litter in stages so the bag stays flat.
- Scoop gently. Avoid dragging hard clumps across the bottom, and skip sharp-edged metal scoops.
- Check it daily. Replace the bag as soon as you see a tear.
Quick checklist
- ☐ The liner lists 2 mil or thicker, or I know it doesn’t list a rating.
- ☐ The bag is smooth with no folds.
- ☐ The rim is tucked or clipped.
- ☐ Litter is 2 to 3 inches deep.
- ☐ My cat’s claws are trimmed.
- ☐ I scoop gently.
- ☐ I check the bag every day.
5 Liners Compared
Thickness is the first spec to compare for a cat that scratches. I compared the listed specs below, so check each one on the product page. [ADD: your hands-on testing notes and photos.]
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1
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Jonny Cat Litter Box Liners Heavy Duty, Tear & Leak Resistant Jumbo 15 |
The Jonny Cat 15-count jumbo litter box liners list 2 mil film and a drawstring. That thickness is built to resist tears from digging and sharp claws, and the unscented bag keeps fragrance out of the box.
No liner is claw-proof. If your cat digs hard, pair this with trimmed claws and 2 to 3 inches of litter, and watch the bag for the first week.
Why It Works
- ✓ 2 mil thickness resists claws and digging
- ✓ Drawstring closure for low-contact disposal
- ✓ Jumbo size fits most manual pans
- ✓ Unscented
Important Considerations
- • Needs manual installation at each litter change
- • Unscented, so no odor masking
- • Not compatible with automatic or robotic machines
|
2
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Jonny Cat Litter Box Liners: Heavy Duty, Tear & Leak Resistant, Drawstring Close, Jumbo, 5 Count |
This is the same 2 mil liner in a 5-count box. For this topic it’s the best test: five bags will show you how your cat treats a liner before you buy a bulk pack.
The tradeoff is cost per bag, which is likely higher than in the 15-count.
Why It Works
- ✓ Same 2 mil film as the larger pack
- ✓ Drawstring design for clean disposal
- ✓ Low commitment for a trial
- ✓ Fits most standard manual pans
Important Considerations
- • Higher cost per bag than bulk
- • Frequent reordering for daily users
- • For manual pans only
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3
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Fresh Step Drawstring Cat Litter Box Liners, Scented, 2.5 ft x 17 in |
The Fresh Step liners are scented and 2.5 ft x 17 in. The listing says heavy-duty film that resists scratching and digging, but it doesn’t state a mil rating, so you can’t compare thickness to the 2 mil liners.
The light scent helps with odor, and some cats dislike fragrance in the box. Fit is adjustable for large oval and rectangular pans.
Why It Works
- ✓ Heavy-duty film listed to resist digging
- ✓ Light scent for odor
- ✓ Drawstring closes the bag
- ✓ Adjustable fit for large pans
Important Considerations
- • No mil rating listed
- • Scent may bother some cats
- • Needs adjustment to fit specific pans
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4
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40 Count Cat Litter Box Liners, 36 in x 16 in, Large, Extra Durable, Heavy Duty |
The 40-count liners list 2 mil film and a capacity of up to 40 pounds. They’re pre-separated and have a drawstring, and the 36 in x 16 in size fits high-sided and hooded pans. Not sure of your pan’s measurements? See what size litter box liner you need.
For a heavy digger, the 2 mil rating and the larger count make this the practical pick, since you can swap in a fresh bag at the first tear.
Why It Works
- ✓ 2 mil film resists shredding
- ✓ Listed capacity of up to 40 pounds
- ✓ Pre-separated, one-hand pull
- ✓ Drawstring closure
Important Considerations
- • Check dimensions for a perfect fit
- • Large pack needs storage
- • Unscented, so no odor masking
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5
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ANWA 40 Count Automatic Litter Box Bags, Litter Box Robot 4/5 Waste Bags |
These bags are for robot waste drawers and are listed for Litter Box Robot 4 and 5. Because the bag sits in the drawer and not where your cat digs, the scratching risk is lower, but verify the model before you buy.
A drawstring closes the bag when the drawer is full.
Why It Works
- ✓ Made for specific robot waste drawers
- ✓ Drawstring for clean disposal
- ✓ Durable material for waste weight
- ✓ Bags tear off the roll easily
Important Considerations
- • Only for specific robot models
- • Check dimensions before buying
- • Not for manual pans
Thickness Comparison
| Liner | Count | Size | Thickness | Scent | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jonny Cat Jumbo 15 | 15 | 3 ft x 18 in | 2 mil | Unscented | Manual pans |
| Jonny Cat Jumbo 5 | 5 | Jumbo | 2 mil | Unscented | Trial run |
| Fresh Step Drawstring | See listing | 2.5 ft x 17 in | Not listed | Scented | Large oval or rectangular pans |
| 40-Count Large | 40 | 36 x 16 in | 2 mil | Unscented | Diggers, multi-cat |
| ANWA Automatic | 40 (2 rolls) | Made for robot drawers | See listing | See listing | Automatic boxes |
What to Do if Your Cat Tears the Liner?
- Dump the box and check how far the tear went.
- Wash and fully dry the pan to remove any urine that reached the plastic.
- Check your cat’s claws and trim if they’re long.
- Fit a fresh liner, smooth and secure, with 2 to 3 inches of litter.
- Try thicker film if the same thing happens.
- If the bag shreds again, go without a liner and wash the pan on a schedule.
Go without a liner or keep using one?
The table below gives a quick rule of thumb. For a fuller breakdown, read our comparison of litter box liners vs no liners.
| Go without a liner if | Keep using a liner if |
|---|---|
| You’ve tried thicker film and the bag still shreds. | Your cat leaves the plastic alone. |
| Your cat chews or swallows plastic. | You dump the whole box on a schedule. |
| Your cat avoids the box after you add a liner. | You’d rather skip the scrubbing. |
| Cleanup after a tear costs more time than scrubbing. | A 2 mil liner has held up so far. |
Common Mistakes
- Using thin film for a digger. It tears sooner.
- Leaving wrinkles in the bag. Claws catch on loose plastic.
- Using too little litter. Claws reach the bag.
- Not securing the rim. The bag slides under the litter.
- Overloading the bag. Seams strain when you lift it.
- Letting a damaged bag stay in place. Urine reaches the pan.
- Buying on price alone. The cheapest liners are often the thinnest. If you’re tempted to skip liners altogether, check whether using trash bags as liners is a safe swap first.
Quick Summary
- Jonny Cat Jumbo 15: 2 mil, drawstring, best for manual pans. Get this liner
- Jonny Cat Jumbo 5: the same liner in a trial pack to test your cat. Get this liner
- Fresh Step Drawstring: scented, no mil rating listed. Get this liner
- 40-Count Large: 2 mil, listed to hold up to 40 pounds, pre-separated. Get this liner
- ANWA 40-count: made for robot waste drawers, listed for Litter Box Robot 4 and 5. Get these bags
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cats scratch through litter box liners?
Some do. Thin film, long claws, hard digging and wrinkles in the bag are what make it likely. A 2 mil liner pulled smooth over a pan with 2 to 3 inches of litter holds up for most cats. A determined digger can still tear one.
Will my cat tear a litter box liner?
If your cat digs hard and long before and after going, or already shreds paper and soft plastic, assume yes. Start with a small pack, like the 5-count, and see what the bag looks like after a few days.
How thick should a litter box liner be to resist claws?
Thicker film resists tearing better. The Jonny Cat and 40-count liners here list 2 mil. Some listings, like Fresh Step, don’t state a mil rating, so check before you assume they’re equal.
Do thicker liners stop cats from scratching through them?
They reduce the risk, but they don’t remove it. Claw length, litter depth and wrinkles matter as much as thickness.
Why does my cat dig at the litter box liner?
Cats dig to bury waste, and the plastic gives their claws something to grab. A liner with folds gives claws an easy catch point, and thin litter lets the claws reach the bag.
How deep should the litter be if I use a liner?
A common guideline is 2 to 3 inches. That depth cushions the bag from claws. If your cat reaches the plastic when digging, add more litter.
Can sharp clumps tear a liner?
Hard clumps can scrape or snag the film, especially if you drag the scoop across the bottom. Scoop gently and avoid sharp-edged metal scoops that catch the plastic.
What happens if my cat tears the liner?
Urine can reach the pan underneath and pool under the bag. Dump the box, wash and dry the pan, and fit a fresh liner. If it keeps happening, switch to thicker film or go without a liner.
Should I trim my cat’s claws to protect the liner?
Trimming helps, because sharp, long claws puncture film more easily. Do it gently and stop if your cat gets stressed. A vet or groomer can show you how.
My cat chews the liner. Is that a problem?
Yes. Chewing or swallowing plastic can be dangerous. Remove the liner and call your vet if your cat has eaten any.
Is going without a liner better for diggers?
For a hard digger, yes. If bags shred every time, wash the pan on a schedule instead. Neither choice is wrong, and the pan costs nothing to run bare.
Do cats scratch through liners in automatic litter boxes?
The bag sits in the waste drawer, away from where the cat digs, so the risk is different. The ANWA bags here are listed for Litter Box Robot 4 and 5, so check your model.
Written by Mishu
A passionate cat lover and indoor living enthusiast, Mishu is the founder and voice behind Indoor Living Cat – a go-to resource for cat owners who want to create the happiest, healthiest life for their feline companions indoors.
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