The right litter can mean the difference between a stinky corner of your home or an uncomfortable bathroom for your cat and the perfect synergy between a happy kitty and a happy owner. But how does one even begin to determine which litter is the best for their home and their feline?
We did the leg work, tested a multitude of cat litter, and determined the best of the best. We also called in commentary from Dr. Anna Kaufman of Bond Vet in New York City to help us discern the differences between litter ingredients, forms, size and uses.
Check out our FAQ section below for tips from Dr. Kaufman and read on to discover our list of the best litter, from pellets to crystals, clumping to non-clumping, flushable to all-natural.
best cat litter
- Best overall: Dr. Elsey’s Ultra Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter
- Best value:
- Best clumping: Fresh Step Multi-Cat Extra Strength Scented Clumping Cat Litter
- Best flushable: World’s Best Lavender Scented Clumping Corn Cat Litter
- Best crystals: PrettyLitter Health Monitoring Cat Litter
- Best natural: Sustainably Yours Small Grains Cat Litter
How we tested
When it comes to testing cat litter, it’s 50% about how much your cat is comfortable using it and 50% about how easy it is to clean, how well it absorbs odors, and how much you are comfortable using it in general. We judged each litter based on the following criteria:
- Odor control: How well does the litter absorb odors? Is it scented? If so, is the scent pleasant, subtle, or strong?
- Scoopability: How easy is the litter to scoop? Does it make a mess during cleaning?
- Cat approval: Does the cat seem comfortable using the litter? Are there any accidents outside the litter box during the testing period? Does the litter get stuck in cats’ paws?
- Ingredients: Are the ingredients safe for you and your cat? Are they organic or natural?
Each litter was tested for a minimum of two weeks unless our cats couldn’t stand it (in which case, those litters won’t be featured in our list, of course).
The Best Cat Litter
Best overall: Dr. Elsey’s Ultra Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter
Pros:
- Excellent odor control
- Strong clumping action
- Hypoallergenic and dust-free
- No added fragrances
Cons:
- Heavier than some alternatives
- Can be more expensive than other brands
Dr. Elsey’s Ultra Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter excels in odor control and clumping without added fragrances. Its hypoallergenic, dust-free formula ensures a clean and healthy environment for both you and your cat, making it our top overall pick.
I’ve tried numerous cat litters, but Dr. Elsey’s Ultra Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter is by far the best. It controls odors wonderfully and clumps so well that cleaning the litter box is a breeze. Plus, it’s hypoallergenic, which is perfect for my sensitive kitty.
CHEWY $20.56
AMAZON $19.53
Best value:
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Effective odor control
- Tight clumping
- No dyes or fragrances
Cons:
- Dust levels can be higher than some premium brands
- May not control odors as well in multi-cat households
Tidy Cats Free & Clean Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter offers excellent performance at an affordable price. It features powerful odor control and tight clumping action without dyes or fragrances, ensuring a fresh and clean litter box with minimal dust.
It’s truly a fantastic budget-friendly option, in my opinion. It keeps odors at bay and clumps tightly, making scooping easy. The fact that it’s unscented and dye-free is a big plus for my household.
CHEWY $18.38
AMAZON $24.69
Best clumping: Fresh Step Clean Paws Multi-Cat Scented Clumping Cat Litter
Pros:
- Superior clumping ability
- Effective for multi-cat households
- Added Febreze freshness for odor control
- Low dust formula
Cons:
- Strong scent may not be suitable for all cats
- Heavier than some other litter
Fresh Step Clean Paws Multi-Cat Scented Clumping Cat Litter provides exceptional clumping and odor control, making it ideal for multi-cat households. Its added Febreze freshness helps keep your home smelling clean, while its low-dust formula reduces mess.
This litter works wonders in my family’s multi-cat home. The clumping power is incredible, and the added scent keeps my home smelling fresh. I couldn’t ask for a better litter for multiple cats. I even choose to use this one for my single-cat household.
CHEWY $14.95
Best flushable: World’s Best Lavender Scented Clumping Corn Cat Litter
Pros:
- Flushable and septic-safe
- Natural lavender scent
- Good clumping and odor control
- Environmentally friendly
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Lavender scent may not appeal to all cats
World’s Best Lavender Scented Clumping Corn Cat Litter offers a natural, flushable solution with the soothing scent of lavender. Its corn-based formula provides excellent clumping and odor control while being safe for septic and sewer systems.
I love this litter because it’s natural and flushable. The lavender scent is soothing and not overpowering, and it clumps beautifully. It’s great to know it’s safe for my septic system when in a pinch (or when I store the litter box in the bathroom).
CHEWY $18.35
AMAZON $37.19
Best crystals: PrettyLitter Health Monitoring Cat Litter
Pros:
- Excellent odor control
- Moisture-absorbing crystals
- Monitors cat health with color changes
- Low dust and tracking
Cons:
- Higher cost than traditional litters
- Needs regular monitoring and replacement
PrettyLitter Health Monitoring Cat Litter not only controls odors and absorbs moisture but also monitors your cat’s health. Its color-changing crystals can alert you to potential health issues, providing peace of mind along with a fresh, clean litter box.
PrettyLitter Health Monitoring Cat Litter is a game-changer. Not only does it control odors well, but it also monitors my cat’s health with color-changing crystals. It gives me peace of mind knowing I can catch any potential issues early. I always use it when he’s exhibiting different behaviors to have more information to share with my vet. A big plus: Louie seems to love this stuff.
CHEWY $26.99
WALMART $27.48
Best natural: Sustainably Yours Small Grains Cat Litter
Pros:
- Made from natural, renewable ingredients
- Excellent clumping and odor control
- Low tracking and dust
- Eco-friendly and chemical-free
Cons:
- Higher price than conventional litter
- Availability may be limited compared to mainstream brands
Sustainably Yours Small Grains Cat Litter is made from natural, renewable ingredients, providing excellent clumping and odor control without any chemicals. Its small grains reduce tracking and dust, making it a clean and eco-friendly choice for your cat’s litter needs.
This one is my top choice for a natural, eco-friendly option. It clumps tightly and keeps odors under control, with minimal dust and tracking. I feel good knowing it’s made from renewable ingredients.
CHEWY $18.45
AMAZON $17.53
FAQs
What are the differences between clumping and non-clumping litter?
According to Dr. Kaufman, “Clumping litter typically consists of bentonite clay, which forms solid clumps when wet. Non-clumping litter can be made of various materials such as silica gel crystals, recycled paper, wood shavings, or plant-based materials.”
Are there any specific litter materials I should avoid due to potential health risks for my cat?
Dr. Kaufman said there’s not a litter material to “necessarily avoid, but there are certain circ*mstances where I might recommend a specific type of litter. For example, if a cat has an injury to their foot or has a wound that is being treated, a veterinarian might recommend using something like Yesterday’s News which may be more gentle for the patient.”
How often should I change out my cat’s litter box?
Of course, “a cat’s litter box should be cleaned once daily,” Dr. Kaufman advised. But when it comes to cleaning it out fully, it’s advisable to change out the full litter box once a month.
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