The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. popcorn packaging bag
AP Buyline’s content is created independently of The Associated Press newsroom. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about our policies and terms here.
I am a cat person. Growing up, my family always had at least one and sometimes as many as four or five. Once an adult and living on my own, I also always lived with at least one feline companion, one of which was a goofy, lovable black cat named Chilly who I was lucky enough to spend 22 years with (he passed away about six years ago).
Chilly lived in a few different cities with me until we ended up in New York, where he still insisted on being able to go outside. I’ve tried many cat litters throughout the years and confess that usually, my deciding factor on which to purchase mainly had to do with price, especially since Chilly always preferred to do his business outdoors.
Cat litter has come a long way since I was a kid, though — for one, there are so many more options. To help sift through all the different kinds, I talked to several experts to help figure out what to look for when searching for the best cat litters. The first thing to know is all the iterations litter comes in.
The two main types of litter are clumping and non-clumping. Clumping litters form little solid masses around your cat’s waste, making it easy to scoop. Non-clumping versions do not; instead they just absorb moisture.
“When it comes to litter, most cats prefer the sandy clumping type, but just like humans, they have their idiosyncrasies,” says Dr. Erin Tate, vice president of development at CityVet, a company that offers vet care as well as boarding and grooming at locations in Texas, Colorado and Arizona. She recommends trying a couple of different brands to see which they prefer. “Just make sure it’s something soft on their paws so they can dig around comfortably,” she adds.
The next main unique property of a litter is what it’s made from. When I was young, growing up in a family with cats, I only ever remember litter being available in the clay, clumping version. This was also a time when wet cat foods always emitted a strong, almost overwhelming smell.
These days, though, there are many more options: flushable versions, ones with health-monitoring capabilities and those designed specifically to work with automatic litter boxes. And just as there are things like specific dog foods for allergies (or cat foods), certain litters are better for feline allergies. For instance, according to Tate, cats can be allergic to the sandy kind, so a crystal or clay may be better for them.
Clay litters are generally more affordable and effective at odor control, though they also produce a good amount of dust, making them not as environmentally friendly as other options.
Silica crystals are not environmentally friendly either, but they’re extremely absorbent (that’s what’s in those little packages that manufacturers put in most everything we buy). Silica also lasts longer so you won’t have to clean the box as often. This variety is non-clumping and requires daily stirring.
Pine cat litters are lightweight and eco-friendly while still being quite absorbent. They don’t produce a lot of dust, though some cats (finicky critters that they are) may not like the smell or the pellet shape. These litters also don’t clump very well.
Made from crushed shells, walnut litter provides an eco-conscious choice with good odor control and low dust and tracking. It comes in both clumping and non-clumping versions.
Corn is another popular nontoxic option. It features a soft texture that feels good on the paws while also being low dust and flushable. It possesses good clumping properties as well as decent odor control.
Paper pellet litter is made from (surprise!) paper, usually recycled newspapers. It's natural and biodegradable with a lower price tag than some other eco-friendly options.
Tofu cat litter, while not inexpensive, provides a 100% natural, flushable, clumping, dust-free and non-tracking litter.
Look for litters that contain baking soda and/or activated charcoal as both effectively neutralize smells, recommends Dr. Paola Cuevas, veterinary consultant at Catster, an online community and publication for cat lovers. She advises avoiding scented cat litters because the result is usually just a scent-covered bad smell. “The mix can turn into something similar to when a person tries to hide BO by adding perfume, or when someone puts a fresh forest air freshener in a toilet, which results in the place smelling like a pooped forest,” she explains.
Cat litter boxes produce intense smells that need to be neutralized rather than covered. Cuevas suggests doing a thorough wash and disinfection of your litter box at least once a week for both odor considerations and general hygiene and health reasons. To disinfect and remove scents, try using an enzymatic spray after washing, Cuevas says. Her favorite product for this is the Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray.
“I also like to stay clear of any scented litter simply because while many cats use scented cat litter with no issues, some cats may not like it,” Cuevas says. Cats possess a sense of smell that is about 14 times stronger than ours. If they find the smell of a specific kind of litter offensive, chances are they will go do their necessities elsewhere.
“Although some premium non-clumping litters are better than cheap clumping, as a rule of thumb, clumping typically outshines non-clumping variants for several reasons: ease of scooping, odor control, longevity, hygiene and cost,” says Paul Joly, CEO of Shichic, manufacturers of chic litter box enclosures and litters.
Clumping litter binds liquid waste into clumps which makes it easy to remove. Non-clumping litter, on the other hand, allows liquid waste to accumulate, necessitating more frequent complete changes of the litter pan. You’ll likely go through more litter as a whole with a non-clumping variety. A clumping litter means you’ll have more success maintaining a cleaner litter box. This encourages regular use, “minimizing the likelihood of mishaps elsewhere in the home,” says Joly. Clumps also more effectively trap odors.
Non-clumping litters tend to have a lower upfront cost per bag, but again, you’ll probably need to change out the box completely more often than you will when using a clumping version. The most significant reason for choosing a non-clumping litter is that it eliminates any potential ingestion risks. However, this can be greatly mitigated by choosing natural clumping alternatives that are flushable as they dissolve entirely in water after a few seconds.
When it comes to what your litter is made of, Joly advocates for anything that is not clay or silica. Traditional clay-based litters, particularly the clumping ones made with fine granules, are prone to producing dust due to the nature of clay, says Joly. The small particles of clay litters also track quite easily, meaning you’ll find it everywhere.
Silica gel crystals are typically less dusty than clay. That said, it’s also not a flushable form of litter, nor is it biodegradable.
Manufacturers also make litter from recycled paper, the dustiness of which varies depending on their form and quality. For instance, explains Joly, “finely granulated paper litter might produce some dust, while high-quality pellet forms are generally low-dust.”
Plant-based clumping litters made from things like corn, wheat, tofu, grass or walnut produce less dust than clay and silica options, with the added benefit that their dust is less likely to be harmful if inhaled.
One of the least dusty options, according to Joly, is coarsely milled pine wood litter, particularly in pellet form. This is because the natural resin in pine acts as a dust suppressant.
Finally, consider the container the litter comes in: Will you be able to easily lift it on your own? Is it resealable? In terms of cost, cat litter prices vary greatly depending on what it’s made from. Clay and silica litters tend to be less expensive while all-natural versions may put a strain on your wallet.
Cuevas recommends this clumping, wheat-based litter for its low environmental impact as well as its dust-free, low-tracking and odor-control properties. “The biodegradable all-natural materials make it the perfect mix of convenience and safety while also being eco-friendly,” she says. The natural, domestically sourced wheat contains no added dyes or perfumes and clumps quickly for easy scooping. Plus, it contains odor-neutralizing enzymes that keeps your home smelling fresh, even if yours is a multi-cat one.
sWheat Scoop Natural Unscented Clumping Wheat Cat Litter is an all-natural, fast-clumping, unscented and dust-free litter made from wheat.
Get it here: sWheat Scoop Natural Unscented Clumping Wheat Cat Litter
For those mindful of budget, Ökocat wood pellets offer a great compromise, says Joly. This litter is sustainably sourced from responsibly rescued wood fiber that is de-dusted and screened; in other words, this is a 99% dust-free product. Ökocat pellets absorb moisture on contact, forming sturdy clumps that are easy to scoop while their natural enzymes work to control offensive odors.
This is a lightweight, 99% dust-free, wood pellet litter with great clumping and odor control.
Get it here: Ӧkocat Mini Pellets Wood Cat Litter
Endorsed by renowned cat expert Jackson Galaxy, Sustainably Yours Cat Litter not only earns high marks in absorbency, odor control, dust levels and ingredients but also allows you to monitor your cat's health through their waste, according to Joly. That’s because the corn used to make the litter is white in color, which means it’s easy to spot any difference in your pet’s urine. Plus, the corn and cassava ingredients are rich in starch which produces firm clumps quickly.
Take advantage of a corn-based, clumping litter with great odor control and very low dust.
Get it here: Sustainably Yours Cat Litter
Made with biodegradable walnut shells, Naturally Fresh litter provides a super absorbent formula coupled with the walnut’s natural ability to control ammonia-based odors (i.e., urine). Virtually dust-free and low tracking, this litter is good for both your cat and the planet. “This option really goes a step further in eco-friendliness, as it’s produced in solar-powered facilities,” says Joly.
If you’re eager to avoid dust, check out this biodegradable, walnut-based eco-friendly litter with excellent odor control.
Get it here: Naturally Fresh Quick Clumping Cat Litter
I used this litter for years. It’s made from clay with activated charcoal that absorbs and traps odors, so you’re never met with a litter box smell when coming home, even if you’ve been gone for a few days. While clay dust often irritates allergies in people and felines, the Tidy Cats formula, in my experience, doesn’t emit much dust at all — and I possess a very sensitive nose and sinuses. Plus, it’s also one of the most budget-friendly cat litters available.
This is a budget-friendly, clay-based litter with excellent odor control and low dust.
Get it here: Tidy Cats Unscented Cat Litter
Fashioned into larger pellets than most other litters, Really Great Cat Litter doesn’t stick to paws and fur, making it an extremely low-tracking litter option. It’s also 99% dust-free, odorless and 100% flushable. Made from non-toxic, eco-friendly soybean byproducts that would otherwise end up in a landfill, it provides an especially eco-conscious choice for pet owners. A small amount of liquid triggers quick clumping, while total submersion in liquid causes it to break apart so you can safely flush it.
If an eco-friendly litter is your priority, this low-tracking option is 99% dust-free litter, made from soybean byproduct.
Get it here: Tuft and Paw Really Great Cat Litter
This is one of the litters Cuevas recommends due to its excellent odor control, keeping the smell away for up to a week — “just the right time until the deep clean, wash, disinfect and rechange.” Another advantage Cuevas pointed out: It doesn’t get stuck to the little box and it is dust-free, preventing respiratory issues with cats. And, since it’s a clumping litter, waste is easy to remove. “This is an excellent litter choice for multi-cat households,” she says. “However, I always recommend using at least one litter box per cat, plus an extra one to avoid unnecessary stress between them.” Be aware that this litter is scented and some cats may be averse to that.
Arm & Hammer Slide Platinum Easy Clean-Up Clumping Cat Litter is a clumping, clay-based litter with exceptional odor control.
Get it here: Arm & Hammer Slide Platinum Easy Clean-Up Clumping Cat Litter
According to Shichic CEO Joly, Flushit litter is made from a plant-based recipe with a “unique blend of natural roses petals, chamomile flowers and valerian roots, which provide a calming scent for cats to make their potty time truly divine.” It comes in both a crushed and pellet version, with the former delivering respectable clumping capabilities (especially when compared with other plant-based litters). I also like that it's flushable and compatible with automated litter boxes like the Litter-Robot. However, the potpourri smell is a bit too much for me, though many others may not be bothered by it.
Arm & Hammer Slide Platinum Easy Clean-Up Clumping Cat Litter is a clumping, clay-based litter with exceptional odor control.
Get it here: Shichic Flushit Organic Plant Mix Litter
Made with soft paper pellets, this non-clumping litter from Purina offers a non-toxic alternative for pet parents looking for a healthy litter for their cats, their home and the planet. Yesterday’s News contains no harmful chemicals, perfumes or dyes and is 99.9% dust-free. It also absorbs liquids exceptionally well (if you’ve ever stuffed wet shoes with newspaper, you’re well aware of paper’s water-absorbing capabilities). Cuevas recommended this litter for people who prefer a non-clumping variety.
Purina’s Yesterday’s News Cat Litter is a vet-recommended, low tracking, highly absorbent, non-clumping litter made from non-toxic paper.
Get it here: Purina’s Yesterday’s News Cat Litter
Fresh Step litter combines the fresh scent of Gain detergent with the ammonia-blocking technology and activated charcoal of Febreze for exceptional odor containment. The brand even guarantees 10 days of odor control. It’s 99.9% dust-free with great clumping abilities. And, it features a budget-friendly price.
If you can lift up the box, this clay-based, clumping litter is made with Gain scent and offers excellent odor control.
Get it here: Fresh Step Advanced Cat Litter With Gain
Cuevas recommends this litter because it contains baking soda, which helps neutralize unwanted smells. The clay material clumps quickly and easily, making it simple to remove waste on a daily basis. The “ultra last” in the name refers to its long-lasting odor control, which means it works even when you’re unable to scoop. “Another great thing about this litter is that it’s not dusty, so it doesn’t trigger respiratory issues in cats,” says Cuevas.
This is a budget-friendly, clay-based clumping litter with good odor control and clumping properties.
Get it here: Arm & Hammer Ultra Last Unscented Clumping Cat Litter
Dr. Elsey’s Premium Clumping Litter features excellent odor control and minimal tracking at an affordable price point. It’s a hard clumping litter, which means it forms tight, solid clumps that are easy to scoop without creating dust or the clumps themselves breaking apart. And, if you don’t get to the scooping part for a little while, it contains odors for longer than some other brands.
Dr. Elsey’s Premium Clumping Litter is an unscented, hard clumping, clay litter with excellent odor control and low tracking.
Get it here: Dr. Elsey’s Premium Clumping Cat Litter
This non-clumping, silica-based crystal litter changes color when it detects health problems such as urinary tract infections, kidney stones, bladder inflammation or blood in the urine. The lightweight crystals trap odor while absorbing moisture, making it easy to dispose of. It’s not completely dust-free, but the dust is less harmful than that which comes from clay-based ones. The biggest advantage of this litter is its health monitoring features, which are particularly advantageous if you have a more senior cat.
This lightweight, silica-based gel crystal litter with health monitoring is a good fit for both senior pets and cats with health issues.
Get it here: Pretty Litter Health Monitoring Cat Litter
To choose the best cat litters available I read countless consumer reviews and talked with experts, including a few veterinarians. I also drew from my own experiences as a cat lover and owner for more than 50 years. I considered odor control, absorption and clumping properties as well as cost, ingredients and eco-friendliness to compile this list of the best cat litters for a range of human and feline preferences.
Here’s an unfortunate reality: “If you make the litter box how the human likes it, the cat probably won't like it,” says Tate. While humans tend to gravitate towards litter boxes that are designed to be discrete, cats don’t much care for features like lids and enclosed boxes because, just like a porta potty, they trap the odor inside. “Can't don't like the smell any more than we like the smell,” explains Tate. Additionally, cats like to dig and slosh around in their litter box and a lid can inhibit movement.
Tate also notes that cats need privacy and quiet time, just like humans do. “Often people will place litter boxes in tucked away areas like the washer/dryer room,” she says. This type of space can be too noisy for your feline, possibly scaring them and causing them to go somewhere else. She suggests finding a comfortable, quiet and easy to access spot for the litter box where your cat (or cats) don’t have to deal with a lot of noise and interruptions.
According to Cuevas, it’s especially important to look for odor-neutralizing ingredients. “Also,” she says, “try to get a clumping litter that makes it easy to remove waste every day and keep it clean.” She recommends staying away from any dusty cat litter that might trigger respiratory issues and avoiding scented cat litter since many cats dislike them and will, consequently, end up avoiding the litter box.
If you “remove waste from the litter box at least once a day, wash and disinfect the litter box at least once a week, doing litter rechanges as needed, but you don’t seem to get rid of the smell, you might want to try a different cat litter,” says Cuevas.
All the experts I talked to agreed that if a cat is avoiding their litter box, one of the reasons might be they do not like their litter. The only way to figure out what they do like is to try other brands until you land on one that suits them.
“Generally, the rule of thumb is to maintain about two to three inches of litter in the box,” says Joly. This depth allows cats to dig and cover their waste comfortably, which they are naturally inclined to do. Using too little litter can lead to uncovered waste, while dumping in too much can be wasteful and also make some cats uneasy.
Both clumping and non-clumping litters have pros and cons. Figuring out which is better for you is part personal preference and part determined by your feline companion’s age and tendencies.
For kittens, Cuevas recommends non-clumping natural cat litter. “They are learning and discovering everything and might ingest some of their litter,” she explains. If they do ingest a clumping litter, it may clump inside their stomach or intestines, a potentially dangerous scenario. While it’s more likely for a curious kitten to ingest the clumping litter, Cuevas says that even adult cats can ingest it while grooming. She also warns that some clumping litters are very dusty and the daily exposure to this dust can have a very negative impact on your cat’s respiratory system.
On top of all that, clumping litter has a more significant environmental footprint than non-clumping varieties, especially if it is made from clay. Obtaining bentonite clay raw material involves excavations and destructions of natural habitats and, because it isn’t biodegradable, it ends up staying in landfills for many years. “I prefer to recommend natural, biodegradable litters even if they do not clump,” says Cuevas.
Joly doesn’t recommend this for two main reasons. The first is that most litters already contain an optimized mix formulation. “Many high-quality litters are expertly crafted blends of various ingredients such as tofu, corn, guar gum and other plant materials,” he says. These combinations go through meticulous testing, often with input from veterinarians and feline experts, to ensure optimal performance and safety, as well as earning cat approval. “Altering these balanced mixtures can compromise their effectiveness,” says Joly.
The second reason is that cats are creatures of habit. They value consistency in their environment, especially when it comes to their litter, says Joly, adding that, “mixing litters on your own can result in unpredictable changes in texture and scent, potentially unsettling your cat and disrupting their litter box routine.”
The one exception to the “do not mix” rule would be when you’re transitioning to a new litter brand. “In this case,” says Joly, “gradually mixing the new litter with the old over several weeks can help ease your cat into the change, reducing stress and encouraging acceptance of the new product.”
The healthiest cat litter options are made from natural, biodegradable materials like paper, wood, corn, wheat or other natural ingredients like walnut shells or coconut. “These litters are typically free from chemicals, making them safer for cats and the environment,” says Joly.
aluminum foil sealed bag AP Buyline’s content is created independently of The Associated Press newsroom. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about our policies and terms here.