Having a cat means enjoying their unconditional love and the joy they bring, but dealing with litter boxes can be a challenge. From the smell to scooping and litter tracking, there are various issues to tackle. Even self-cleaning litter boxes have their limitations. Additionally, not all cats accept every type of litter, which can lead to concerns and hissing.
To address these concerns, we have compiled a list of our favorite cat litters based on their ease of scooping, odor control, and minimal tracking. While all litters can be a bit messy, our testers have acknowledged this unavoidable aspect. The recommendations provided are based on the performance of the brands, home testing, and positive feedback from online reviewers.
Our top picks:
Dr. Elsey’s Ultra Premium Clumping Cat Litter
Scented:No
Weight/packaging:18-lb bag or 40-lb bag (shown)
Special Kitty Odor Control Tight Clumping Cat Litter
Scented:Yes
Weight/packaging:20-lb jug (shown) or 40-lb box
Arm & Hammer Fragrance-Free Super Scoop Clumping Cat Litter
Scented:No
Weight/packaging:40-lb box
Towards the end of this guide, you will find more information about how we select the best cat litter and what factors to consider when shopping for the ideal litter for your feline companion. We also offer advice from a veterinarian on how to ensure your cat is content with its bathroom arrangement.
11 Best Cat Litters
Best Overall Cat Litter – Dr. Elsey’s Ultra Premium Clumping Cat Litter
According to our Lab experts and numerous positive reviews from online users, the best overall cat litter is Dr. Elsey’s Ultra Premium litter, which has received over 48,000 five-star ratings on Amazon.
During our testing, we found that some other brands had either fine-grained litter that caused clumps to break apart during scooping or large grains that didn’t clump at all. However, Dr. Elsey’s Ultra Premium litter, with its medium-size clay granules, forms hard clumps that are easy to scoop out. In our at-home tests, cleaning the litter box became a quick 20-second task with this litter. It also works exceptionally well with the Litter-Robot 4, a self-cleaning litter box.
This litter does not contain added scents but effectively controls odor, even in households with multiple cats. While the 40-pound bag may be challenging to lift and carry without handles, this litter can be conveniently delivered to your doorstep (excluding Alaska and Hawaii). With one cat, the large bag can last up to two months. Alternatively, you have the option of ordering a smaller 18-pound bag, which is designed to last for a month.
Pros:
- Medium-size clay granules clump easily and control odor
- Suitable for multiple cats and self-cleaning litter boxes
- Over 48,000 five-star Amazon ratings
Cons:
- The 40-pound bag can be difficult to carry and pour out
Best Value Cat Litter – Special Kitty Odor Control Tight Clumping Cat Litter
If you’re looking for a more affordable option and don’t mind occasionally sweeping up a few tracked granules, Special Kitty litter offers a cost-effective choice compared to most other litters. It quickly absorbs messes and forms tight clumps, which helps minimize odor and reduces scooping time.
This particular litter has a strong fragrance, marketed as “fresh scent,” so it’s best suited for cats and owners who are less sensitive to scented products. Many online reviewers who have multiple cats find this budget-friendly brand attractive, as frequent cleaning is necessary in such households. Each 20-pound plastic jug is easy to pour and lasts at least a month for one cat, and the jug is recyclable.
Alternatively, you can opt for the 40-pound box for just a slightly higher cost, which will save you a few bucks in the long run if you know you’ll use it all eventually.
Pros:
- Great price
- Clumps well
Cons:
- Tracks and produces some dust
Best Unscented Cat Litter for Odor Control – Arm & Hammer Fragrance-Free Super Scoop Clumping Cat Litter
Vets typically recommend unscented litter for finicky cats and kittens, although cat owners understandably want to eliminate any unpleasant litter box odors. Arm & Hammer addresses this issue by incorporating baking soda into their litter formula. In our testing, we placed an open-top litter box in the kitchen and found that there was no noticeable smell, even after several days of not scooping.
One advantage of this brand is its wide availability in supermarkets, big-box stores, and online. The 40-pound box comes with a handle, pours easily from a side hole, and should last around two months for one cat. Arm & Hammer emphasizes that it is “low tracking,” but during our testing, we did have to sweep regularly around the litter box. However, our tester noted that any tracking or litter being kicked out of the box was the cat’s behavior rather than a fault of the litter itself. The tester believed that the litter’s odor control made it worth it despite the tracking.
Pros:
- Baking soda formula effectively controls odor
- Helps minimize cat-box smell in small living spaces
- Fast-absorbing granules trap moisture, keeping the litter box cleaner
Cons:
- Some tracking may occur
Best Cat Litter for Multiple Cats – Scoop Away Multi-Cat Scented Cat Litter
When you have multiple cats, it can sometimes feel like they produce three times as much waste in the litter box, almost like they’re in a competition. In such cases, daily scooping becomes necessary. This scented litter is designed to mask odors effectively, and its quick-clumping clay makes cleaning up after multiple cats quicker and easier.
Reviewers have also praised the packaging of this litter. It comes in vacuum-packed individual bags that are banded together. While the total package weight is 42 pounds, you can remove the compact 10.5-pound bags one at a time and use each bag to fill one litter box. This feature makes the task of changing the entire litter box much easier on your arms and back. However, it’s worth noting that this packaging style generates a significant amount of plastic waste.
Pros:
- Strong clumping and odor control for multiple cats
- Lightweight bags are easier to handle
Cons:
- Overpackaged with plastic film
Best Scented Cat Litter for Odor Control – Fresh Step Outstretch Concentrated Clumping Litter with Febreze Freshness
If your litter box is located in a high-traffic area, it becomes crucial to find a litter that effectively controls odors. In our home testing, we placed this litter in a family’s hallway, and its pleasant scent made litter-box maintenance an odor-free task. Stirring up the litter while scooping released the Febreze scent, leaving the area smelling good, according to our tester.
This litter utilizes a concentrated clay formula called the Outstretch formula, which the brand claims lasts 50% longer than its previous versions. This means you can go a few days without scooping (for households with one cat) and up to a month and a half without completely changing the litter box. The litter pours easily from a hole in the side of the box. Although it’s not completely dust-free, if odor control is your primary concern, this litter is a good option.
Pros:
- Activated carbon helps conceal odors
- Lasts longer before requiring a litter box change
- Also available in an unscented version
Cons:
- The Febreze scent may be polarizing
Best Non-Tracking Cat Litter – Tidy Cats Naturally Strong Multi-Cat Litter
During testing, the standout feature of this brand was its impressive lack of dust and its non-tracking formula, which helped keep hardwood floors relatively clean. This is uncommon for a clumping litter with a sand-like texture.
According to our tester, while some vacuuming and sweeping were still necessary once a week, this litter didn’t stick to their cats’ paws as much as other brands. However, due to the larger texture, the clumping may not pack as tightly as with other clumping litters.
The brand has made efforts to improve the eco-friendliness of its packaging by using more sustainable materials. Online, you have the option to order three paper bags packed in a recyclable box, with each bag perfectly filling a litter box for a month when used with one cat.
Pros:
- Reduced litter tracking outside the box
- Low to no dust formula
- Convenient three-pack box
- Also available in a scented version
Cons:
- Clumping is not very tight
Best Clumping Cat Litter – World’s Best Cat Litter Unscented Clumping Corn Cat Litter
World’s Best Cat Litter is a unique option as it is made from corn instead of clay, resulting in a much lighter litter compared to others. This lightweight nature makes it convenient for daily cleaning, as it won’t weigh down your trash bag. The brand claims that the litter is flushable and septic safe, as long as you flush no more than two clumps at a time.
The litter has a malty scent due to its plant-based composition, and it may have some naturally occurring dust. However, it compensates for this with its excellent clumping ability, which minimizes litter waste during cleaning. Even with two cats, the 28-pound bag can last approximately two months.
Pros:
- Forms quick-clumps for easier cleaning
- Lightweight formula doesn’t make the trash too heavy
- Easy to pour
- Suitable for kittens
Cons:
- Small particles may get tracked around
- Some dust may be present
Best Plant-Based Cat Litter – ökocat Unscented Featherweight Clumping Wood Cat Litter
This shredded-wood litter appeals to finicky cats due to its soft, natural texture and lack of added scent. The absence of perfumy smells and pebbly textures can be a turnoff for some cats.
According to online reviewers, this litter forms clumps, allowing for less frequent scooping while maintaining odor control. Some cat parents opt to use this litter with a sifting litter box, using the sifting method to remove solid waste instead of traditional scooping.
Due to its lightweight nature, a large box of this plant-based litter weighs only 16.4 pounds and can last a month or more for a single cat. The pellets are made from a blend of spruce, fir, and pine and were originally developed in Germany but are now produced domestically in Georgia.
Pros:
- Shredded-wood fiber is extremely lightweight
- Soft texture is gentle on cats’ paws
- No added scent, with only a faint wood smell
Cons:
- Some natural wood dust may be present
Best Flushable Cat Litter – sWheat Scoop Premium+ Wheat-Based Natural Clumping Cat Litter
This soft, unscented litter made of wheat granules is favored by online reviewers who have older cats with sensitive paws, picky cats, or cats with scent sensitivities or dust allergies. sWheat Scoop is designed without any added ingredients and claims to be biodegradable and safe to flush (although we did not test the flushing aspect). During a complete box changeover, you have the option to compost the litter, excluding the cat feces, as it is derived from wheat.
Environmentally conscious users will appreciate that wheat is a more easily harvested and renewable resource compared to clay, which is the primary component of most clumping litters. The 25-pound bag comes with an easy-open top for convenience.
Pros:
- Claimed to be flushable and septic-safe
- No added dyes or perfumes
- Excess litter can be composted during box changes
Cons:
- Some natural wheat dust may be present
Best Non-Clumping Cat Litter Pellets – So Phresh Odor Control Paper Pellet Cat Litter
This litter claims to be made of recycled paper pellets, which offer the benefits of being dust-free and non-tracking. Additionally, during home testing, it was observed that this So Phresh paper formula is silent, making it an excellent choice for cats that tend to kick around regular litter. According to online reviewers, using this litter with a sifting litter box makes cleaning particularly easy as it allows for the separation of solid waste between box changes.
The formula incorporates baking soda and a scent, effectively masking most odors. It is exclusively available through Petco in 25-pound bags. However, it’s important to note that since urine can trickle down through the non-clumping pellets, it is recommended to empty and clean the entire litter box every week or two.
Pros:
- Non-clumping pellets effectively hide odors without requiring daily scooping
- Claims to be made from 95% recycled paper
Cons:
- The entire litter box needs to be swapped out weekly or every two weeks
Best Litter for Cats With Health Issues – Pretty Litter Health Monitoring Cat Litter
Pretty Litter stands out for its unique feature: the silica gel crystals change color to indicate potential health issues in cats. Regular and healthy cat urine should turn the crystals yellow or olive green, while any other color, such as red or blue, may suggest a visit to the vet is necessary. This feature can be particularly useful for cats with health concerns and provides peace of mind to cat owners. It’s worth noting that cats are often stoic and may not show obvious signs of illness.
However, for regular use with healthy cats, the non-clumping crystals may present some challenges. They can be more difficult to scoop compared to clay litter, and tester cats in the review did not bury their waste, necessitating frequent scooping to prevent odors.
The brand recommends thoroughly mixing the litter every day to prevent cats from saturating the same crystals repeatedly. A six-pound bag, if properly managed, should last one month for one cat. The lightweight nature of the litter is an advantage, with each bag weighing only six pounds.
It’s important to mention that Martha Stewart is a paid spokesperson for Pretty Litter, and the brand offers subscription-based services and also sells cat food.
Pros:
- Litter changes color to potentially indicate health issues
- Lightweight silica gel crystals
Cons:
- Requires daily attention and maintenance
Read Also:Top 6 Outdoor Cat Shelters to Keep Cats Cozy During the Winter Season
What to look for when shopping for the best cat litter
Cat litter can be composed of different materials, sometimes with added scents or baking soda. Finding the right litter for you and your cat may require some trial and error.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, when evaluating different types of cat litter, it is essential to consider the factors that are most important to you (although your cat may have the final say in the matter).
✔️ Material: Most litters are made from economical bentonite clay, which forms clumps when it comes into contact with urine, making scooping easier. However, there are various alternatives available, including gel crystals, as well as wood, wheat, tofu, corn, and paper, which are processed into fine granules or chunky particles. Litters without clay or silica dust are considered more natural options and may offer advantages such as flushability, reduced dust for cats with allergies, and less stickiness, resulting in less litter being tracked around the house. Litters come in different scents and grain sizes, and most cats seem to prefer a texture resembling soil.
✔️ Odor control: Some litters contain baking soda or activated charcoal, which can help minimize urine and fecal odors. However, these odor-masking ingredients might not be appealing to your cat, so finding the right odor control solution may require some experimentation to satisfy both you and your feline friend.
✔️ Clumping ability: Clumping litter tends to minimize mess and simplify scooping for effortless cleanup. Non-clumping litter is usually more affordable but can make it challenging to remove urine or feces without replacing the entire litter box.
✔️ Dust level: Dust is not only important for maintaining cleanliness on your floors and furniture but also for preventing sneezing in both you and your cat. However, individuals vary in their sensitivity to dust. In our selection of recommendations, we have indicated litters that, based on our testing, produce less dust.
✔️ Tracking: The goal is to keep your cat’s litter contained within the litter box and prevent tracking around the house. Clay litters tend to track more than other materials such as paper or wood, and fine particles from sandy clay litter are more likely to track than larger pieces. Placing a mat outside the litter box, such as the cat litter mat available on Amazon, can help remove particles from your cat’s paws.
Should I get clumping or non-clumping cat litter?
Non-clumping litters are available in various materials such as recycled paper pellets, wood pellets, and crystals. Some non-clumping litters are flushable, but it’s important to consider the plumbing system in your home before doing so.
On the other hand, clumping litter is typically made from clay, which can be dusty and cannot be flushed. It is more prone to sticking to a cat’s paws and being tracked outside of the litter box. However, clumping litter offers several advantages for owners. It allows for daily waste removal without completely emptying the litter box, and the litter generally lasts longer, offsetting the higher initial cost as it only needs to be completely replaced once a month.
When it comes to cats’ preferences, research suggests that most cats prefer unscented litter with a fine texture. However, some cats may not be as picky and will use whatever litter you provide, while others may avoid the litter box if they don’t like the litter. It may require some experimentation or creating a lineup of different litters to find one that your cat will consistently use and that suits your lifestyle.
To summarize, here are key features to consider for clumping and non-clumping cat litters:
CLUMPING LITTER
- Scoop daily; change monthly
- Potential cost savings
- Cannot be flushed
- Can be dusty
- May be heavy to lift and pour if made of large clay granules
NON-CLUMPING LITTER
- No need to scoop every day; change weekly
- Some materials are flushable
- Lightweight and fine-grained, making it easier to lift and pour
- May result in more dust and tracking issues
