Best Cat Litter

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Cat litter is a must-have for cat owners, providing a clean and odor-controlled space for your cat while making cleanup easier. With so many types available, finding the right one can make a big difference in your cat’s comfort and your home’s freshness. When choosing cat litter, key factors include clumping ability for easier scooping, odor control, dust levels, and your cat’s preferences. Clumping litters are great for easy cleaning, while non-clumping options may suit kittens or cats with health concerns. After weeks of testing, we’ve identified the best cat litters that balance performance, value, and cat approval to keep both you and your pet satisfied.

  • Dr. Elsey’s Ultra Clumping Litter

    10

    We think this clay litter is a top choice for most cat owners due to its excellent clumping and odor control.

    10

    We think this clay litter is a top choice for most cat owners due to its excellent clumping and odor control.

    Pros

    • Forms hard clumps for easy scooping
    • Low dust and tracking
    • Great at controlling odors

    Cons

    • Heavy bag can be hard to carry
    • May stick to long-haired cats’ fur
    • Pricier than some budget options

    We’ve tested dozens of cat litters, and Dr. Elsey’s Ultra stands out for its clumping power. The clay forms rock-hard clumps that don’t break apart when scooping. This makes cleanup a breeze.

    The low-dust formula is a big plus for cats and humans with allergies. We found very little dust when pouring and scooping. It also tracks less than other clay litters we’ve tried, keeping floors cleaner.

    Odor control is where this litter really shines. Even in multi-cat homes, it traps smells well. We could go several days between full box changes without any noticeable odors.

    The 40-pound bag lasts a long time, but it’s quite heavy. Seniors or those with mobility issues may struggle with it. While pricier than some litters, we think the performance is worth the cost for most cat owners.

  • World’s Best Multi-Cat Litter

    9.7

    We think this corn-based litter is a top choice for multi-cat homes due to its excellent odor control and easy scooping.

    9.7

    We think this corn-based litter is a top choice for multi-cat homes due to its excellent odor control and easy scooping.

    Pros

    • Great odor control
    • Quick-clumping formula
    • Low dust and tracking

    Cons

    • Pricier than clay options
    • Some cats may not like corn texture
    • Can attract bugs if spilled

    We’ve tested many cat litters, and World’s Best Multi-Cat stands out. Its corn-based formula clumps fast, making scooping a breeze. We found it traps odors well, even with multiple cats using the same box.

    The lightweight texture means less back strain when carrying bags. It’s also 99% dust-free, so both cats and humans can breathe easy. We like that it’s made from natural ingredients with no added perfumes.

    One downside is the cost – it’s more expensive than basic clay litters. But a little goes a long way, and we think the odor control is worth the extra money. Just be careful not to spill any, as the corn base can attract bugs. All in all, we think most multi-cat homes will be happy with this litter’s performance.

  • World’s Best Corn Litter

    9.5

    We think this corn-based litter is a top choice for cat owners who want an eco-friendly, low-dust option with great odor control.

    9.5

    We think this corn-based litter is a top choice for cat owners who want an eco-friendly, low-dust option with great odor control.

    Pros

    • Excellent clumping and odor control
    • Flushable and septic-safe
    • Made from natural corn

    Cons

    • Slightly more expensive than clay litters
    • Some cats may not like the texture
    • Can track more than heavier litters

    We tested World’s Best Cat Litter and were impressed by its clumping ability. The corn-based formula quickly formed tight clumps that were easy to scoop. This made daily cleaning a breeze and helped keep the litter box fresh.

    The odor control was great too. We noticed it trapped smells well, even in a multi-cat household. The unscented version didn’t have a strong smell of its own, which we liked. It let us know when it was time to scoop without being overpowering.

    One thing we really liked was that it’s flushable. This made disposal super easy, especially for those of us in apartments. We just scooped and flushed, no need to bag it up. The dust levels were also very low, which was nice for both us and our cats.

  • World’s Best Lavender Litter

    9.4

    We think this corn-based litter is a great choice for cat owners wanting a natural, flushable option with nice lavender scent.

    9.4

    We think this corn-based litter is a great choice for cat owners wanting a natural, flushable option with nice lavender scent.

    Pros

    • Made from natural corn
    • Flushable and septic-safe
    • Effective odor control

    Cons

    • More expensive than clay litters
    • Some cats dislike scented litter
    • Can track outside the box

    We tested this litter in our multi-cat household and were impressed with its clumping and odor control. The lavender scent is light and pleasant, not overpowering. It forms tight clumps that are easy to scoop.

    One thing we really like is how dust-free it is compared to clay litters. There’s almost no dust when pouring or scooping. It’s also much lighter weight, which makes changing the box easier on our backs.

    The natural corn material is biodegradable and safe to flush in most plumbing systems. We did notice some tracking, but no more than other litters we’ve tried. While pricier upfront, we found we used less over time since it lasts longer than clay. For eco-conscious cat owners, we think it’s worth trying.

  • Arm & Hammer Platinum Clumping Litter

    9.3

    We think this litter is a top choice for cat owners who want powerful odor control and easy cleaning.

    9.3

    We think this litter is a top choice for cat owners who want powerful odor control and easy cleaning.

    Pros

    • Excellent odor control for up to 14 days
    • Forms hard clumps for easy scooping
    • Works well in multi-cat households

    Cons

    • Strong scent may be off-putting to some
    • Slightly more expensive than basic litters
    • Can track outside the box

    We tested this litter in our multi-cat home and were impressed by its odor-fighting power. The patented formula really does seal in smells – we couldn’t detect any unpleasant odors, even after a full week of use.

    The clumping action is top-notch. When we scooped, the litter formed rock-hard clumps that didn’t fall apart. This made cleaning quick and easy. We also liked that we didn’t need to use as much litter as with other brands.

    One downside is the strong scent. While it masks litter box odors well, some of our testers found it a bit overwhelming at first. But most got used to it after a few days. We also noticed some tracking outside the box, though not more than other clumping litters we’ve tried.

    For homes with multiple cats, this litter is a great option. It handled heavy use without getting stinky or saturated. We only needed to do a full litter change once a month. While it costs a bit more upfront, we found we used less over time compared to cheaper litters.

  • World’s Best Low Tracking Cat Litter

    9.1

    We think this corn-based litter is a great choice for cat owners looking for a low-dust, eco-friendly option.

    9.1

    We think this corn-based litter is a great choice for cat owners looking for a low-dust, eco-friendly option.

    Pros

    • Excellent odor control
    • Minimal tracking and dust
    • Flushable and septic-safe

    Cons

    • Higher price point
    • Corn smell may attract bugs
    • Lighter weight can scatter more

    We’ve tested many cat litters, and this one stands out for its low-dust formula. The larger corn granules stay put better than some other natural litters we’ve tried. It clumps fast, making scooping a breeze.

    The odor control amazed us. Even with multiple cats, our home stayed fresh. We noticed less litter scattered around the box too. The dust-free nature meant easier breathing for us and our cats.

    We love that it’s flushable, saving trips to the trash. It’s pricier than clay litters, but we found it lasted longer. The natural corn scent took some getting used to. While it’s eco-friendly, we did spot a few bugs drawn to the corn. Still, for a clean home and happy cats, we think it’s worth trying.

  • Fresh Step Advanced Clumping

    9

    We recommend this cat litter for its excellent odor control and easy scooping.

    9

    We recommend this cat litter for its excellent odor control and easy scooping.

    Pros

    • Strong clumping for easy cleaning
    • Effective odor control with Febreze
    • Low dust formula

    Cons

    • Scent may be too strong for some
    • Slightly pricier than basic litters
    • Clay can track outside the box

    We’ve tested many cat litters, and Fresh Step Advanced Clumping stands out. Its tight clumps make scooping a breeze. We noticed less mess around the box, thanks to its low-dust formula.

    The Febreze Gain scent does a great job masking odors. Our cats’ litter area stayed fresh for days. But some might find the smell too strong. It’s a matter of personal preference.

    This litter absorbs liquids fast. We saw dry, solid clumps form quickly. This helps keep the box clean and odor-free. The 37-pound pack lasts a long time, even with multiple cats. While it costs more than basic options, we think it’s worth it for the performance.

  • Fresh Step Clean Paws Multi-Cat

    8.7

    We recommend this litter for multi-cat households seeking effective odor control and reduced tracking.

    8.7

    We recommend this litter for multi-cat households seeking effective odor control and reduced tracking.

    Pros

    • Excellent odor control
    • Low-tracking formula
    • Easy scooping

    Cons

    • Pricier than some options
    • Scent may be strong for some
    • Clumps can stick to box

    We tried Fresh Step Clean Paws in our multi-cat home and were impressed with its performance. The litter did a great job controlling odors, even with multiple cats using the box. We noticed less litter scattered around the house compared to other brands we’ve used.

    The clumping action is strong, making scooping a breeze. We found it easy to remove waste without the litter breaking apart. This helps keep the box cleaner between full changes.

    While we like the fresh scent, some might find it too strong at first. The price is higher than basic litters, but we think it’s worth it for the odor control and reduced tracking. In our tests, we did notice some clumps sticking to the bottom of the box, but it wasn’t a big issue.

  • Arm & Hammer Slide Platinum

    8.7

    We think this litter is a great choice for multi-cat homes due to its strong odor control and easy cleaning.

    8.7

    We think this litter is a great choice for multi-cat homes due to its strong odor control and easy cleaning.

    Pros

    • Slides out of box easily
    • Forms hard clumps
    • Controls odors well

    Cons

    • Somewhat pricey
    • Can track outside box
    • Scent may be strong for some

    We’ve tested many cat litters, and Arm & Hammer Slide Platinum stands out. Its EZ Clean technology lives up to the hype. When we scooped, clumps slid right out without sticking to the box. This made daily cleaning much faster and less of a chore.

    The odor control impressed us too. Even with multiple cats using the same box, our home stayed fresh-smelling for days. The litter forms tight clumps around waste, trapping smells inside. We noticed far less odor compared to other brands we’ve tried.

    One downside is the price – it costs more than basic litters. We also found it can track a bit, so a mat around the box helps. The scent is noticeable, which some cats or owners might not like. But for us, the pros outweigh the cons. This litter made box maintenance so much easier that we think it’s worth the extra cost for multi-cat households.

  • World’s Best Original Cat Litter

    8.6

    We recommend this eco-friendly, flushable litter for its excellent odor control and easy cleaning.

    8.6

    We recommend this eco-friendly, flushable litter for its excellent odor control and easy cleaning.

    Pros

    • Flushable and septic safe
    • Great odor control
    • Low dust and tracking

    Cons

    • Higher price than clay litters
    • Some cats may not like the texture
    • Can stick to long-haired cats

    We were impressed by how well this corn-based litter clumped. It formed tight balls that were easy to scoop, making daily cleaning a breeze. The natural odor control worked great – our testing area stayed fresh even after several days of use.

    The flushable nature of this litter is a game-changer. We loved being able to flush small amounts instead of filling up trash bags. It’s also lightweight, which made carrying and pouring much easier than heavy clay litters.

    We noticed very little dust when pouring and scooping. Tracking was minimal too, though some still clung to our test cats’ paws. The unscented formula didn’t bother sensitive noses. While pricier than some options, we found it lasted longer since we only needed to add small amounts between full changes.

Buying Guide

When shopping for cat litter, we recommend considering a few key factors. Let’s break them down:

Clumping vs. Non-Clumping

Clumping litter forms solid clumps when wet, making scooping easier. Non-clumping litter absorbs liquid but doesn’t form clumps.

Dust Level

Low-dust options are better for cats and humans with respiratory issues. Look for “dust-free” or “low-dust” on the label.

Odor Control

Some litters have added deodorizers or activated charcoal to mask smells. Natural options like pine or grass seed may have their own scent.

Material

Common materials include clay, silica gel, pine, paper, and corn. Each has pros and cons for absorption, tracking, and environmental impact.

Cost

Prices vary widely. We suggest balancing quality with your budget. Cheaper isn’t always better in the long run.

Texture

Cats can be picky about litter feel. Finer grains are often preferred, but some cats like larger pellets.

Here’s a quick comparison of common litter types:

TypeClumpingDust LevelOdor ControlCost
ClayHighMedium-HighGoodLow-Medium
Silica GelLowLowExcellentHigh
PineLowLowGoodMedium
CornHighLowGoodMedium-High

We recommend trying small amounts of different litters to see what works best for you and your cat.