The best drawstring litter box liners in this roundup are the Jonny Cat heavy-duty liners: 2 mil, 3 ft x 18 in, 15 to a box, unscented. They aren’t the thickest or the cheapest per liner, but they’re the safest fit for a standard pan, and the drawstring lets you cinch the bag shut and lift it out without touching the litter.
I compared five drawstring liners across size (from 26″ x 11.8″ for automatic boxes up to 37″ x 17″), thickness (2 to 2.5 mil, plus two with no mil rating), scent and pack count (7 to 150). The right pick depends on your box, so check the fit guide before you click anything. For every liner type side by side, see our best litter box liners roundup.
⚡ Quick Verdict
Using an automatic litter box? Skip to the 150-count bags at 26″ x 11.8″. They’re the only automatic-box liner in this group.
List of Drawstring Litter Box Liners
| Image | Product | Score | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Jonny Cat Litter Box Liners Heavy Duty, Tear & Leak Resistant (15 Count) 🏆 Editor’s Pick |
9.2/10 | View on Amazon Free Shipping & 30-Day Returns |
 |
Cat Litter Box Liners Disposal Bags with Tie Handles, Large, 3 Pack (36 Count) 💵 Budget Pick |
8.5/10 | View on Amazon Free Shipping & 30-Day Returns |
 |
Cat Litter Liners Large, Jumbo Drawstring, Extra Durable (24 Count) 💰 Best Value |
8.3/10 | View on Amazon Free Shipping & 30-Day Returns |
 |
150 Count Cat Litter Box Bags for Automatic Cat Litter Box with Drawstring 👑 Premium Pick |
8.0/10 | View on Amazon Free Shipping & 30-Day Returns |
 |
Fresh Step Drawstring Cat Litter Box Liners, Scented, 2.5 ft 🌸 Best Scented |
7.8/10 | View on Amazon Free Shipping & 30-Day Returns |
Drawstring Liner Specs Side by Side
Check the fit columns first. Size and box type rule out more products than price does.
| Liner | Size | Thickness | Count | Drawstring type | Scent | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jonny Cat | 3 ft x 18 in | 2 mil | 15 | Drawstring | None | Standard manual pans |
| Tie Handles 3-Pack | 37″ x 17″ | 2.5 mil | 36 | Drawstring | None | Multi-cat, heavy diggers |
| Large Jumbo 24 ct | 36″ x 18″ | 2 mil | 24 | Drawstring handles | None | Moderate to heavy use |
| Automatic Box 150 ct | 26″ x 11.8″ | Not rated (LDPE) | 150 | Reinforced drawstring | None | Self-cleaning boxes |
| Fresh Step | 2.5 ft x 17 in | Not rated (heavy duty film) | 7 | Side drawstring | Light | Odor-conscious, small packs |
📋 How We Evaluated
I scored each liner on thickness, size against common pan types, drawstring design, scent, and pack count against price. Amazon rating signals helped with close calls. I haven’t lab-tested tear strength or cord strength, so durability notes come from listing specs and buyer feedback patterns. [Add your own hands-on notes: your box type, which liner you used, whether the cord held.]
Detailed Reviews
Jonny Cat Litter Box Liners Heavy Duty, Tear & Leak Resistant (15 Count)🏆 Editor’s Pick
| Count | 15 ct |
| Size | 3ft x 18in |
| Material Thickness | 2 Mil |
| Closure Type | Drawstring |
| Scent | Unscented |
What We Found
Two mil is 0.002 inches of film, which is enough for most cats and most litter loads. The drawstring closes the bag around the used litter, so you can lift and tie it without touching anything. These are unscented, which matters if your cat is picky about fragrance.
They fit most traditional manual pans. At 3 ft x 18 in they sit at the smaller end of “jumbo,” so measure a wide or deep pan first. For bigger bags, see our jumbo litter box liners guide.
💬 My Take
The one I’d start with. It’s plain, predictable and fits the most pans. If your cat tears liners, move up to 2.5 mil.
Who It’s For
Single-cat homes with a standard pan, and anyone who wants a no-fuss liner with easy, hygienic cleanup. The unscented film also suits sensitive cats and people.
✅ Pros
- 2 mil film resists claws and digging
- Drawstring close for lift-and-tie removal
- Fits most traditional manual pans
- Unscented
❌ Cons
- 15 per box means frequent reorders
- Standard plastic, not compostable
- No odor control built in
Cat Litter Box Liners Disposal Bags with Tie Handles, Large, 3 Pack (36 Count)💵 Budget Pick
| Count | 36 ct (3 Pack) |
| Size | 37″ x 17″ |
| Material Thickness | 2.5 Mil |
| Closure Type | Drawstring |
| Scent | Unscented |
What We Found
At 2.5 mil, this is the thickest film in the group, and it comes as three packs totaling 36 liners. That’s 25% more material per bag than a 2 mil liner. The 37″ x 17″ size is the longest of the manual-pan options, though a full inch narrower than the 36″ x 18″ liner below.
One naming quirk: the product title says “tie handles,” but the listing spec says drawstring. Confirm which closure you’re getting on the Amazon page.
💬 My Take
The best choice for multi-cat homes and hard diggers. It’s thicker, it comes in bulk, and it’s a lesser-known brand, which is the only real knock.
Who It’s For
Households with several cats, people who change litter often, and anyone who’d rather buy in bulk than reorder every few weeks. It runs about 8 months at one liner per week.
✅ Pros
- 36 liners across a 3-pack
- 2.5 mil, the thickest here
- 37″ x 17″ fits a wide range of boxes
❌ Cons
- Title says “tie handles,” spec says drawstring
- 17 in width is the narrowest of the manual-pan liners
- Less established brand than Jonny Cat or Fresh Step
Cat Litter Liners Large, Jumbo Drawstring, Extra Durable (24 Count)💰 Best Value
| Count | 24 ct |
| Size | 36″ x 18″ |
| Material Thickness | 2 Mil |
| Closure Type | Drawstring Handles |
| Scent | Unscented |
What We Found
Twenty-four 36″ x 18″ liners at 2 mil, with drawstring handles that make lifting easier. The bags are separated individually, which cuts down on seams tearing when you pull one free. The listing describes the film as waterproof and claw-resistant.
It’s the same 2 mil as the Jonny Cat but with 9 more liners and an inch more length.
💬 My Take
A good middle path. More liners than the top pick, a bigger bag, and no jump in thickness.
Who It’s For
Owners with one or two cats who change litter regularly and want a bigger bag without buying 36. At one liner per week, 24 count lasts about 5 months.
✅ Pros
- 24 liners at a mid-range count
- Individually separated bags avoid seam tears
- Drawstring handles make lifting easier
❌ Cons
- 2 mil, thinner than the 2.5 mil option
- Unscented only
- May not fit extra-large or oddly shaped boxes
150 Count Cat Litter Box Bags for Automatic Cat Litter Box with Drawstring👑 Premium Pick
| Count | 150 ct |
| Size | 26″ x 11.8″ |
| Material | Extra-Tough LDPE |
| Closure Type | Reinforced Drawstring |
| Scent | Unscented |
What We Found
These aren’t pan liners. At 26″ x 11.8″, they’re cut for the waste drawer of an automatic litter box, and the listing says the reinforced drawstring holds 10 to 12 gallons. They’re LDPE with double-sealed edges, pre-separated, and the listing says they’re compatible with various automatic box brands. No mil rating is given.
“Various brands” isn’t a fit guarantee. Check your exact model before ordering.
💬 My Take
Right category for automatic box owners, wrong one for everyone else. Confirm compatibility first, then the 150 count is hard to beat on volume.
Who It’s For
Self-cleaning litter box owners, especially in multi-cat homes or catteries where the drawer fills fast. A single-cat home may find 150 bags more than it needs.
✅ Pros
- 150 bags is a long-term supply
- Pre-separated, so bags don’t tear in storage
- LDPE with double-sealed edges
❌ Cons
- Custom size may not fit every automatic box
- Too small for manual litter pans
- No mil rating, so thickness is unconfirmed
Fresh Step Drawstring Cat Litter Box Liners, Scented, 2.5 ft🌸 Best Scented
| Count | 7 ct |
| Size | 2.5 ft x 17 in |
| Material Thickness | Heavy Duty Thick Film |
| Closure Type | Side Drawstring |
| Scent | Lightly Scented |
What We Found
This is the only scented liner here, and the light scent is the whole pitch. The side drawstrings gather the bag edges for a tight seal, and the listing describes the film as heavy-duty and rip-resistant. There’s no mil rating, so I can’t tell you how it compares to the 2 and 2.5 mil options. At 2.5 ft x 17 in, it’s the shortest manual-pan liner of the group.
The 7-count box is small.
💬 My Take
Worth trying only if your cat is fine with fragrance. For a first box, I’d stay unscented.
Who It’s For
Owners in small apartments or multi-cat homes who want a little odor help and have a cat that tolerates scent. Introduce it slowly. If your cat starts avoiding the box, switch back. Another brand worth comparing is covered in our Tidy Cats litter box liners guide.
✅ Pros
- Light scent for odor control
- Heavy-duty film resists punctures
- Side drawstring for a tight seal
❌ Cons
- 7 liners per box, the fewest here
- Scent may put off sensitive cats
- No mil rating, and the shortest bag at 2.5 ft
Drawstring vs Other Litter Box Liner Closures
A drawstring liner has a cord threaded through a hem around the opening. Pull the cord and the bag closes like a purse, with the used litter inside. That’s the main reason to choose one over a plain bag. If you’d rather have a band than a cord, see our elastic litter box liners guide.
| Closure | Upside | Downside |
|---|---|---|
| Drawstring | Cinches shut and holds the bag to the rim while in use | Cord can snap if you lift a heavy bag by it alone |
| Elastic edge | Stays on the pan without a cord | Can slip or snap under heavy litter, and you still need to tie it shut |
| Plain bag, no closure | Cheapest per bag | Slides into the pan, and you have to knot it yourself |
Drawstring Types You’ll See in Listings
- Standard drawstring: A cord through the hem (Jonny Cat).
- Drawstring handles: The cord forms handles when pulled (the 24-count).
- Side drawstring: Cords run along the sides to gather the edges (Fresh Step).
- Reinforced drawstring: A beefed-up cord for heavier loads (the 150-count automatic bags).
How to Choose and Use Drawstring Litter Box Liners?
Four checks cover most of the decision. Do them in this order.
Check Fit First
Measure your pan’s length, width and depth, then compare them to the liner’s listed size. Look for extra material to drape over the rim. A liner that’s too small slides into the pan, and a slightly oversized one just folds over. Automatic boxes are a separate case: they use drawer-sized bags, not pan liners, and fit depends on your exact model. Our guide on what size litter box liner you need covers measuring in more detail.
Pick a Thickness
A mil is 0.001 inch. Two mil handles most cats. Go to 2.5 mil for multi-cat homes, hard diggers or heavy clumping litter. If a listing gives no mil rating, treat its durability claims as unconfirmed. For an eco-friendly option, see our compostable litter box liners guide.
Decide on Scent
Unscented is the safer default. Cats have a far stronger sense of smell than we do, and a fragranced box can put one off. If you try a scented liner, watch your cat’s behavior for a few days.
Match the Pack Count to How Often You Change
Divide the pack price by the count to get cost per liner. Then check how long it lasts. These figures assume one liner per week for a single box.
| Pack | Count | Lasts at 1 per week |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Step | 7 | 7 weeks |
| Jonny Cat | 15 | 15 weeks (about 3.5 months) |
| 24-count jumbo | 24 | 24 weeks (about 5.5 months) |
| Tie handles 3-pack | 36 | 36 weeks (about 8 months) |
| Automatic box bags | 150 | 150 weeks (about 2.9 years) |
How to Use a Drawstring Litter Box Liner?
- Empty the pan and wipe it dry.
- Open the liner fully and drape it over the pan, with a few inches hanging over each side.
- Press it into the corners and smooth out folds, because claws catch on wrinkles.
- Loop the drawstring around the outside of the rim without pulling it tight. That holds the liner in place.
- Add litter. Most clumping litter works at about 2 to 3 inches deep.
- To change it, pull the drawstring closed, lift the bag from underneath with both hands, tie it off and bin it.
Common Drawstring Problems and Fixes
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Cord snaps when lifting | Support the bag from the bottom, and stay under the weight the listing allows |
| Liner slides into the pan | Size up and loop the cord around the rim |
| Bag tears at the seam | Smooth out wrinkles, trim claws, or step up to 2.5 mil |
| Cat avoids the box | Remove the liner, especially a scented one, and see if the behavior stops |
One safety note. If your cat chews plastic or tugs on the cord, skip liners. Store unused liners out of reach too. A cat that stops using its box after you change something needs a closer look, and a vet visit if it continues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are drawstring litter box liners?
They’re plastic liners with a cord threaded through the opening. You line the pan with one, then pull the cord to close the bag around the used litter for disposal.
Are drawstring litter box liners better than regular ones?
For most people, yes. The cord closes the bag and helps hold it on the rim, which a plain bag can’t do. A plain bag is cheaper, and if you never lift a heavy load by the cord, the difference shrinks. If you’re thinking of using kitchen bags, read can you use trash bags as litter box liners first.
What size drawstring liner do I need?
Measure your pan’s length, width and depth and compare them to the listed size. Liners in this roundup run from 2.5 ft x 17 in to 37″ x 17″ for manual pans. Leave overhang to fold over the rim.
Do drawstring liners work in automatic litter boxes?
Only the ones cut for them. Standard pan liners are usually too big for a self-cleaning drawer. The 150-count bags here are 26″ x 11.8″, and the listing says they fit various brands. Verify your exact model before ordering, and check your manufacturer’s guidance on third-party bags and warranty.
How thick should a drawstring litter box liner be?
Two mil works for most cats. Choose 2.5 mil for multi-cat homes or hard diggers. Don’t trust “heavy duty” alone. Look for the mil rating. Our guide on whether cats scratch through litter box liners explains why thickness matters.
Are drawstring litter box liners safe for all cat litters?
Most work with clay, silica and plant-based litters. Lay the liner flat so claws don’t catch on folds, and don’t overfill. Check the manufacturer’s notes if you use an unusual litter.
How often should I change drawstring litter box liners?
You change the liner whenever you do a full litter swap. With clumping litter and daily scooping, that’s often every two to four weeks for one cat, and sooner for several cats or non-clumping litter. Replace early if the box smells even after scooping.
Do scented liners interfere with litter box habits?
They can. Strong fragrance sometimes puts cats off the box. If you try one, watch for avoidance over a few days and switch back to unscented if you see it.
Are larger drawstring liners more durable?
No. Durability comes from thickness, not size. A bigger bag just gives you more to drape over the rim. A thick small liner will outlast a thin large one.
Why does my drawstring keep snapping?
Usually from lifting a heavy bag by the cord alone. Support it from underneath with your other hand, and keep the load under the listed capacity.
🎯 Final Verdict
Start with the Jonny Cat 15-count. At 2 mil and 3 ft x 18 in, it fits the most manual pans, and the drawstring does what a drawstring should. If your cat shreds liners or you run several boxes, the 2.5 mil, 36-count 3-pack is the better buy, even though its brand is less known and its title says “tie handles” while the spec says drawstring. Automatic box owners should look at the 150-count bags, after confirming the fit.
Measure your pan, check the mil rating, and lift the bag from underneath. That covers most of what goes wrong.
For the basics, see how to use litter box liners. Still deciding whether to line the box at all? Read are litter box liners worth it, the litter box liners pros and cons and litter box liners vs no liners.
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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