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10 Best Cat Litter Cats 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Dr. Elsey's Ultra Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter 18 lb Bag

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,447
Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
Odor Control
Dust Levels

Most important from
87948 reviews

Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
This litter forms hard clumps that never break apart while scooping, making it incredibly efficient.
Odor Control
Odor control is exceptional; even after forgetting to scoop for a couple of days, there's no noticeable smell.
Dust Levels
Absolutely no dust at all, which is a huge relief for both cats and humans with allergies.
Tracking
Tracks significantly less litter outside the box, keeping floors cleaner.

Dr. Elsey's Premium Clumping Cat Litter is a solid choice for cat owners looking for an effective and high-quality litter option. One of its main strengths lies in its clumping ability, thanks to the 100% bentonite clay. This ensures that the litter forms hard clumps, making it easy to scoop waste without leaving behind messy bits. The litter is also designed to be 99.9% dust-free, which is great for homes with allergy sufferers or those who want to minimize mess throughout the house.

Odor control is another standout feature. This litter uses natural ingredients to manage smells, making it suitable for both single and multi-cat households. Additionally, its low tracking design helps keep litter particles inside the box, reducing the cleanup hassle.

While the litter offers excellent clumping and odor control, some users might find that it can be heavier to handle due to its 18-pound weight. Also, although it is unscented, some people may prefer a lightly scented option for added freshness in their home. For eco-conscious consumers, while the litter is made from natural materials, it does not specifically advertise as biodegradable or environmentally friendly, which might be a concern for some. Dr. Elsey's Premium Clumping Cat Litter is well-suited for most cat owners, particularly those prioritizing clumping efficiency and low dust. It's a good fit for households with multiple cats, although users should consider their preferences regarding weight and environmental impact.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,447
Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
Odor Control
Dust Levels

Most important from
87948 reviews

Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
This litter forms hard clumps that never break apart while scooping, making it incredibly efficient.
Odor Control
Odor control is exceptional; even after forgetting to scoop for a couple of days, there's no noticeable smell.
Dust Levels
Absolutely no dust at all, which is a huge relief for both cats and humans with allergies.
Tracking
Tracks significantly less litter outside the box, keeping floors cleaner.
#2

Fresh Step Clumping Cat Litter, Multi-Cat, Long Lasting Odor Control Kitty Litter with Activated Charcoal, Low Dust Formula, 14 lb

Rating
9.6
Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
Odor Control
Dust Levels

Most important from
86138 reviews

Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
It forms solid clumps, making it easy to scoop and maintain the litter box.
Odor Control
Strong odor control, preventing any unpleasant smells from escaping the litter box.
Dust Levels
No noticeable dust, which helps keep the area clean and reduces respiratory issues.
Tracking
One downside is that it can be very sticky and tends to track all over the floor.
Absorbency
The litter has excellent absorption, making cleaning a breeze.

Fresh Step Clumping Cat Litter is designed with multiple cats in mind, making it a solid option for households with more than one feline. This litter boasts impressive odor control, thanks to its Ammonia Block technology and Febreze freshness. It promises up to 15 days of odor control, which is a notable feature for busy households. The clumping performance is strong, courtesy of the ClumpLock technology, ensuring that liquid and odors are absorbed quickly and form tight clumps for easy scooping. This can help maintain a clean and pleasant litter box environment for your cats.

Additionally, the low dust formula is beneficial for reducing both mess and potential respiratory issues for both cats and humans. However, as it is made from clay, it's not the most eco-friendly option available. The tracking is moderate; while better than some, you might still find some litter scattered around the box area. The 14 lb box is manageable in terms of weight, making it relatively easy to handle.

This litter is excellent for multi-cat households looking for strong odor control and effective clumping, but may not be the best choice for those seeking an environmentally friendly solution.

Rating
9.6
Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
Odor Control
Dust Levels

Most important from
86138 reviews

Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
It forms solid clumps, making it easy to scoop and maintain the litter box.
Odor Control
Strong odor control, preventing any unpleasant smells from escaping the litter box.
Dust Levels
No noticeable dust, which helps keep the area clean and reduces respiratory issues.
Tracking
One downside is that it can be very sticky and tends to track all over the floor.
Absorbency
The litter has excellent absorption, making cleaning a breeze.
#3

Fresh Step Advanced Clumping Litter with Febreze Freshness with Gain Scent, Fights Odor on Contact, 37 lbs. (2 x 18.5 lb. Box) (Package May Vary)

Rating
9.4
Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
Odor Control
Dust Levels

Most important from
29297 reviews

Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
Clumps super well, making scooping a breeze, and the odor control is fantastic—keeps the box smelling fresh even between cleanings.
Odor Control
Clumps super well, making scooping a breeze, and the odor control is fantastic—keeps the box smelling fresh even between cleanings.
Dust Levels
The low-dust formula is great for both me and my cat, maintaining cleaner floors and surfaces around the litter box.

The Fresh Step Advanced Clumping Litter with Febreze Freshness and Gain Scent offers several advantages for cat owners. It is made from clay, which tends to excel in clumping and odor control. The product's strong odor protection formula fights odors on contact and keeps the litter box smelling fresh with the help of Febreze and Gain scent. The rapid liquid absorption feature ensures that the litter box remains clean and comfortable for your cat, while the tight clumps make scooping easier and prevent messes from being left behind.

The low dust formula is beneficial for maintaining cleaner floors and surfaces around the litter box, which is often a concern for cat owners. Another positive aspect is its eco-friendliness, as it does not mix with non-clumping litter and requires minimal maintenance by just adding more litter to refresh the box when scooping.

There are a few potential drawbacks. The scent of Gain might be overwhelming for some cats and their owners who prefer a more neutral smell. Additionally, while the product is designed to reduce dust, some users might still experience minor dust issues. Lastly, as the litter is clay-based, it may not be the most eco-friendly option compared to biodegradable alternatives. The 37-pound packaging could be heavy and cumbersome to handle for some users. This cat litter is well-suited for pet owners who prioritize strong odor control, easy maintenance, and minimal dust, but may not be ideal for those preferring unscented or more eco-friendly options.

Rating
9.4
Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
Odor Control
Dust Levels

Most important from
29297 reviews

Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
Clumps super well, making scooping a breeze, and the odor control is fantastic—keeps the box smelling fresh even between cleanings.
Odor Control
Clumps super well, making scooping a breeze, and the odor control is fantastic—keeps the box smelling fresh even between cleanings.
Dust Levels
The low-dust formula is great for both me and my cat, maintaining cleaner floors and surfaces around the litter box.

Buying Guide for the Best Cat Litter Cats

Choosing the right cat litter is essential for both your cat's comfort and your convenience. The right litter can help control odors, reduce tracking, and make cleaning the litter box easier. When selecting cat litter, consider your cat's preferences, any allergies or sensitivities, and your own priorities in terms of maintenance and odor control. Here are some key specifications to consider when choosing cat litter.
MaterialCat litter comes in various materials such as clay, silica gel, recycled paper, and natural/biodegradable options like corn, wheat, or pine. The material affects factors like absorbency, odor control, and dust levels. Clay is highly absorbent and good at controlling odors but can be dusty. Silica gel is low-dust and long-lasting but can be more expensive. Natural options are eco-friendly and often less dusty but may not control odors as well. Choose a material based on your cat's preferences and any health concerns, such as respiratory issues or allergies.
Clumping vs. Non-ClumpingClumping litter forms solid clumps when wet, making it easier to scoop out urine and feces, which helps keep the litter box cleaner for longer. Non-clumping litter absorbs moisture but doesn't form clumps, so the entire litter box may need to be changed more frequently. Clumping litter is generally more convenient for daily maintenance, while non-clumping may be a better choice for kittens or cats with certain health issues. Consider your cleaning routine and your cat's habits when deciding between clumping and non-clumping litter.
Odor ControlOdor control is crucial for maintaining a pleasant-smelling home. Some litters have added fragrances or baking soda to help mask odors, while others rely on the natural odor-absorbing properties of the material. If you or your cat are sensitive to fragrances, opt for an unscented litter. Strong odor control is especially important if you have multiple cats or if the litter box is in a high-traffic area. Evaluate how well a litter controls odors based on reviews and your own experience.
Dust LevelsDust levels in cat litter can affect both your cat's respiratory health and the cleanliness of your home. High-dust litters can cause respiratory issues for both cats and humans, especially those with asthma or allergies. Low-dust or dust-free litters are better for maintaining air quality and reducing the amount of dust tracked around the house. If dust is a concern, look for litters labeled as low-dust or dust-free and read reviews to see how they perform in real-world use.
TrackingTracking refers to how much litter gets stuck to your cat's paws and is carried out of the litter box. High-tracking litters can create a mess around the house, while low-tracking litters help keep the area cleaner. The size and texture of the litter granules can affect tracking, with larger or heavier granules generally tracking less. If you want to minimize litter mess, look for low-tracking options and consider using a litter mat to catch any stray granules.
AbsorbencyAbsorbency is the litter's ability to soak up moisture and control urine. Highly absorbent litters help keep the litter box dry and reduce odors. Clay and silica gel litters are typically very absorbent, while some natural litters may vary in their absorbency levels. If you have a cat that urinates frequently or if you want to extend the time between litter box cleanings, choose a highly absorbent litter.
Eco-FriendlinessEco-friendliness refers to the environmental impact of the litter. Natural and biodegradable litters made from materials like corn, wheat, or recycled paper are more environmentally friendly than traditional clay litters, which are mined and not biodegradable. If reducing your environmental footprint is important to you, consider choosing an eco-friendly litter. These options are also often flushable, making disposal easier and more sustainable.

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