The 16 Best Cat Litters Available

Reviews

The World’s Best Unscented Clumping Corn Cat Litter – Overall Winner
 

• Material: CornsClumping/Non-Clumping: Clumping
• Bag as a container

The Best Unscented Clumping Corn in the World Cat litter is often regarded as the best litter available. It is reasonably priced, though not the cheapest on our list. It is dust-free, but not completely dust-free, and it clumps easily.

It does everything well, but it is especially good at reducing odors, and its quick clumping nature means that if you scoop the contents out on a regular basis, you do not need to do a full change every day, and a bag of the litter will last you a long time.

World’s Best offers a good selection of litters, including those for multi-cat and single-cat households, as well as a lavender-scented choice.

However, we discovered that regular litter is the best overall cat litter since it avoids the unnatural fragrance added to some litter brands and instead relies on performing an excellent job of removing the smell of pee and excrement.

Because corn is used, it is also an environmentally favorable option. Overall, we believe this is the best cat litter available this year.

Pros

• Produced using environmentally friendly corn
• Removes smells naturally
• There is little dust.

Cons

• There is still some dust produced.
• Tracks for lightweight litter

 

Best Value Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Clumping Clay Cat Litter
 

• Material: Clay
• Clumping/Non-Clumping: Clumping
• Bag as a container

Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Ultra Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter is not only the greatest cat litter for the money, but the traditional clay material clumps fast and makes a long-lasting clump as well.

As a result, it is one of the best cat litters for fussy cats. The dust clouds aren’t too awful for a clay formula, but you should expect some dust and little tracking of the clay pieces.

Also, like other clay litters, it becomes extremely firm when wet, which means you’ll have a lot of work to do when it comes to cleaning the litter tray each week.

There are advantages and disadvantages to using clay litter. It does, however, form solid, long-lasting clumps that are easy to remove from the litter without having to empty it completely. It is also reasonably priced.

It should not, however, be flushed because it produces dust and will track on your cat’s paws. Cleaning the solid clumps from the litter pan is also a bother because they truly do clump solid.

Pros

• Cheap
• Forms stiff clumps quickly.
• It produces less dust than other clay litters.

Cons

• Dust is still produced.
• It does not cover up the odor of pee.
• Dried clumps in the tray are difficult to remove.

 

Premium Choice Fresh Step Scented Crystal Cat Litter
 

• Material: Crystal
• Clumping/Non-Clumping: Non-Clumping
• Bag as a container

Non-Clumping Fresh Step Scented Crystal Cat Litter is more expensive than clay and other materials such as wood. However, crystal cat litter is recognized for sealing in odors, so your cat litter tray will have less stink.

Crystals also emit less dust, making them excellent not only for cats and owners with asthma and bronchial diseases, but also for the environment around the cat litter.

The crystals do not clump and are extremely absorbent. Because the individual crystals expand in size when wet, they may be sifted with a scooper, allowing you to remove soiled litter while leaving clean litter in place without having to empty and replace the entire tray.

Unfortunately, while this crystal litter does a wonderful job of preventing urine odor and does not cause dust, it does not catch all of the urine, thus there will be a puddle at the bottom of the tray and the lightweight litter will track throughout the home.

Pros

• Dust-free
• Removes the odor of urine
• It is possible to sift

Cons

• Expensive
• Tracks
• It does not capture all urine.

 

Tidy Cats Strong Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter by Purina
 

• Material: Clay
• Clumping/Non-Clumping: Clumping
• Bags, Multipack

Another low-cost clay litter option is Purina Tidy Cats Naturally Strong Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter. It employs activated charcoal to trap odors and keep the smell of urine and feces from spreading throughout the house.

The litter quickly forms tight clumps that are easy to scoop out, and the odor control keeps you from needing to do a thorough clean too frequently. Purina also states that the formula is dust-free, so when you fill the tray, you won’t get a face full of clay dust.

It is also helpful for allergic and asthmatic cats. The litter is rather hefty, which is both a blessing and a curse. Heavier litter does not track as easily, but it is more difficult to transport and pour into the tray.

Also, contrary claims, it creates quite a dust cloud when poured into the tray. It also does not clump together as well as other clay formulations when wet.

Pros

• Cheap
• Clumps rapidly
• Activated charcoal eliminates odors.

Cons

• Dusty
• Heavy
• Doesn’t absorb all of the pee

 

Clumping Cat Litter Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Scented
 

• Material: Clay
• Clumping/Non-Clumping: Clumping
• Box as a container

Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Multi-Cat Scented Clumping Clay Cat Litter is a clay litter ideal for multi-cat households.

Such households deal with a lot of pee and solids, and they require a litter that can regulate a lot of odor while not having to be emptied and replaced too frequently.

Arm & Hammer claims that their patented micro-granules instantly establish a very tight seal around urine, reducing odors and eliminating the need to change the entire litter box.

The microparticles are also meant to be gentler on the paws of your cat. If a cat feels uneasy or suffers any discomfort when in the litter box, they may prefer to discharge themselves next to the tray rather than inside it.

The litter is supposed to keep odors at bay for up to 7 days and is one of the more affordable litter solutions on our list. The litter creates very little dust, but it does track around the house.

Baking soda does not do a good job of masking odors, and the litter will not last a week in most multi-cat households.

Pros

• Cheap
• There is little dust.
• Comfortable on your cat’s paws

Cons

• Tracks poorly
• It does not mask all odors.
• Will not last 7 days

 

Tidy Cats Scented Lightweight Clumping Clay Cat Litter
 

• Material: Clay
• Clumping/Non-Clumping: Clumping
• Box as a container

Purina’s Tidy Cats Lightweight Glade Scented Clumping Clay Litter is a reasonably priced, lightweight litter. Glade air freshener is used in the clay litter to conceal the odor of pee and feces.

It weighs less than other clay litters and contains less dust, making it easier to pour into the litter box than competing products. Purina states that the Clear Springs Glade aroma inhibits the odor of ammonia and pee for up to 14 days.

The addition of Glade, on the other hand, is not universally appreciated, with complaints of a strong chemical odor and a price hike.

The strange aroma of perfumes and fresheners may dissuade some cats from using the litter box, and you may notice an increase in the amount of accidents around the litter box in these circumstances.

In addition, the lightweight formula is less effective at collecting urine and might turn into a mushy mess when utilized.

Pros

• Some people will enjoy the Glade aroma.
• Because it is lightweight, it is easier to manage.
• There is little dust.

Cons

• Some cats dislike the Glade scent.
• When wet, it becomes squishy.
• Tracks for lightweight litter

 

Precious Cat by Dr. Elsey Attracts Clumping Clay Cat Litter
 

• Material: Clay
• Clumping/Non-Clumping: Clumping
• Bag as a container

Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Attract Clumping Clay Cat Litter is not like the other litters on this list. It is intended for cats who are having difficulty learning to use the litter tray.

It employs a natural herb said to attract cats, encouraging cats to utilize the litter tray when nature calls. Every bag also includes a book with instructions for educating your cat to use the litter pan properly.

The litter is made of clay, which clumps fast and forms a strong link. It is dust-free and works with motorized litter boxes.

The litter attracts cats well and can help to reduce accidents outside the litter box. It is similarly reasonably priced, although it suffers in certain other ways.

Urine soaks through to the tray’s bottom, and the stench that draws the cats is fairly strong, which may deter you from using it in the first place. Furthermore, it is dustier than stated.

Pros

• Reasonable cost
• Aids in the prevention of accidents outside of the tray

Cons

• It smells strange.
• It does not absorb well.
• Dustier than advertised

 

Scoop of Wheat Clumping Wheat Cat Litter, Unscented
 

• Material: Wheat
• Clumping/Non-Clumping: Clumping
• Bag as a container

sWheat Scoop Multi-Cat Unscented Clumping Wheat Cat Litter is another another odd litter, this time due to the material used.

Litter can be formed from a variety of materials, including crystals and clay. Environmentally friendly materials have grown in popularity, and the sWheat Scoop, as the name suggests, is made of wheat.

The unscented litter employs wheat’s natural odour and qualities to make it ultra-absorbent and suited for multi-cat households.

It can even be flushed, though you should always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations before flushing spent litter, and keep in mind that doing so is illegal in some locations, regardless of whether the company states it is.

It is more expensive than clay litters but less expensive than crystal litters, and it is dust-free by nature. However, it tracks poorly, so you may need to clean up around the tray more frequently.

It also does not clump well, so you will have to work more to clean filthy spots or replace the entire tray more frequently.

Pros

• Natural, environmentally friendly wheat
• Dust-free
• Flushable

Cons

• Tracks poorly
• It does not clump nicely.

 

Original Premium Wood Clumping Cat Litter Okocat
 

• Material: Wood
• Clumping/Non-Clumping: Clumping
• Box as a container

Okocat Original Premium Wood Clumping Cat Litter is created from wood fiber that has been responsibly sourced.

Unlike certain litters, which have a perfumed or even chemical stench, wood litter has a natural odor and does a good job of masking the aromas of cat pee, feces, and ammonia.

Furthermore, if municipal ordinances permit, it is flushable. Okocat claims that the plant-based substance is 99% dust-free after being de-dusted, and that it naturally clumps to avoid odor and make cleanup easier.

For a natural litter, it is moderately priced. Despite the company’s claims, it does produce a lot of dust, which drags through your cat’s claws and fur, making it track poorly.

Furthermore, while the litter smells natural and fresh when it is new, it does not do a good job of masking pee odors.

Pros

• Natural, environmentally beneficial material
• It is possible to flush one scoop at a time.

Cons

• Despite being de-dusted, dusty
• Tracks poorly
• It does not disguise odors.

Choosing the Best Cat Litter: A Buyer's Guide

When it comes to cat litter, there are numerous possibilities.

This means that you can find the right product for your specific needs, but it also makes it more difficult to sift through the options and decide which material is best, whether you want clumping litter or something that is enhanced with a Glade air-freshener to create a better smelling local litter environment.

Some of the most crucial elements to consider while selecting the best cat litter for you and your cat are listed below.

Material

If you wanted kitty litter, you used to lay a pan with newspaper and then cover it with sand.

Nowadays, however, a seemingly limitless variety of materials are utilized as cat litter material, including:

Clay

Clay came after newspaper and sand. Clay litter revolutionized the cat litter industry. When wet, it clumped up, eliminating the need to empty and replenish the litter pan every day.

The clumping structure of the clay granules also prevents at least some of the odour from escaping. Clay litters are widely available and are typically the least expensive alternative.

Unfortunately, they are also dusty and heavy, and when wet and clump, they can form a nearly concrete-like layer surrounding the tray that is difficult to remove.

There are still many supporters of clay litter, however depending on what you search for in a cat litter, there may be better alternatives.

Wood

Wood has a natural odor and absorbs liquids effectively. However, it can be rather dusty, and while wood pellets are said to naturally clump, they do not clump as well as clay.

Some wood litters can be flushed, however the pellets get stuck in a cat’s fur and between their claws, causing the pellets to be trailed about the home.

Wheat

Wheat is another natural item that may normally be flushed, though there are guidelines to follow and some locations prohibit the flushing of cat litter entirely.

Furthermore, while wheat has a natural scent, it does not smell good when mixed with cat urine, and it is lightweight and tracks readily.

Corn

Corn husks are somewhat heavier than wheat husks. They are environmentally friendly and have some natural clumping characteristics, albeit limited.

Newspaper

While recycled newspaper is a tried and true material for cat litter, several current litters go beyond simply coating the bottom of the tray with yesterday’s New York Times.

Recycled newspaper pellets are incredibly absorbent and environmentally friendly, although they tend to fall apart when wet and track.

Crystal

Crystal cat litter is typically the most expensive alternative. The crystals are typically formed by combining silica gel with water and oxygen.

Because the crystals absorb many times their own weight when wet, and because they grow considerably larger when wet, you can still skim the filthy crystals out of the tray while leaving the clean ones behind.

Crystals are also light and do not cause dust. They are, however, prohibitively expensive in comparison to all other materials.

Clumping versus Non-Clumping

Litter has been described as clumping on non-clumping.

When clumping litter becomes wet, it sticks together and forms a ball.

These balls encase odor, keeping urine and ammonia odors from escaping, and they are easier to remove out of the tray with a scooper, eliminating the need to replace the entire tray of litter each time.

Non-clumping litter is typically more absorbent, so it will swell when wet but will not form a clump. Most litters clump due to the convenience and ease of usage, although non-clumping alternatives exist.

Unscented or Scented?

Scented cat litter contains perfume or another scent to help cover the odor of urine and excrement.

Natural aromas such as pine are popular, but an increasing number of litter firms have teamed with air freshener companies such as Glade to integrate chemical fresheners.

Some people enjoy the perfumed scent, which is refreshed every time your automobile scratches, but some cats dislike the strong chemical odor in the tray, which can lead to additional accidents.

Litter that is lightweight

Because clay litter is heavy, it requires effort to transport the bag and can be difficult to pour from the container. It also implies that the litter tray is quite weighty.

Some people don’t mind the weight, but others prefer lightweight litter. Lightweight materials are easy to lift and store, but they get caught in your cat’s fur and claws more quickly, causing the litter to track more easily.

Dust

Some cat litters claim to be dust-free. Dust is a particular issue with clay litters.

The microscopic particles on the outside of the trash amass at the bottom of the bag as the clay sits in it, and when you open the bag and pour the contents out, they can generate a dust cloud.

This cloud can be harmful to cats and people with asthma or respiratory problems, and other people simply dislike the concept of cat litter dust in their home. To prevent these clouds, look for dust-free, minimal-dust, and de-dusted solutions.

Conclusion

The World’s Best Unscented Clumping Corn Cat Litter is a terrific blend of price and high-quality litter that clumps and hides odors, making it our best cat litter overall.

If you want to save money, we found that Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Unscented litter was the best buy.

BestForPets‘ (bestforpets.org) reviews of the best cat litters available on the market should have helped you find the one that best fits your needs, whether you want a light, dust-free litter or something else.