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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 Premium Clumping Cat Litter, 40 pound bag ( Pack May Vary )

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,134
Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
Odor Control
Dust Levels

Most important from
85993 reviews

Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
This litter clumps as hard as a rock and never breaks apart while being scooped.
Odor Control
The litter's lack of any perfume odor is a huge plus, eliminating the constant cloying smell found in other brands.
Dust Levels
There is absolutely no dust at all, making it a healthier choice for both cats and owners.
Tracking
It tracks significantly less litter out of the box, keeping floors cleaner.

Dr. Elsey's Cat Litter is a premium choice for cat owners looking for an effective and user-friendly product. Made from 100% bentonite clay, it excels in hard clumping, ensuring moisture doesn't reach the bottom of the tray and making it easy to scoop. This is particularly useful for maintaining a clean and manageable litter box in multi-cat households. The litter also performs well in odor control, keeping your home smelling fresh thanks to its natural ingredients, and is suitable for cats of all breeds and ages.

One of its standout features is its low dust formulation, which is hypoallergenic and ideal for those with allergies, maintaining a 99.9% dust-free environment. The medium grain clay helps in minimizing tracking outside the litter box, keeping your home cleaner. However, it is important to note that while the litter offers superior performance in multiple areas, it may not be the most eco-friendly option due to its clay material. Additionally, at 40 pounds, the package might be heavy for some users to handle. Despite these minor drawbacks, Dr. Elsey's Cat Litter is a reliable and efficient choice for most cat owners.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,134
Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
Odor Control
Dust Levels

Most important from
85993 reviews

Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
This litter clumps as hard as a rock and never breaks apart while being scooped.
Odor Control
The litter's lack of any perfume odor is a huge plus, eliminating the constant cloying smell found in other brands.
Dust Levels
There is absolutely no dust at all, making it a healthier choice for both cats and owners.
Tracking
It tracks significantly less litter out of the box, keeping floors cleaner.
#2

Fresh Step Clumping Cat Litter with Febreze Gain Scent, Long Lasting Odor Control Kitty Litter with Activated Charcoal, Low Dust Formula, 14 lb

Rating
9.8
Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
Odor Control
Dust Levels

Most important from
84391 reviews

Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
This litter clumps extremely well with urine, forming solid clumps that make scooping quick and easy, eliminating crumbling or sticky messes.
Odor Control
The odor control is impressive, effectively hiding smells even with multiple cats, while maintaining a clean, neutral scent.
Dust Levels
Low dust levels are a standout feature, with users noting a dust-free environment around the litter area.

Fresh Step Clumping Cat Litter with Febreze Gain Scent offers several strong features for cat owners. Made from clay, this litter is designed for indoor use and boasts excellent clumping ability, making it easy to clean and manage. Its most notable strength is the powerful odor control provided by Febreze with Ammonia Block Technology and activated charcoal, which promises up to 10 days of odor-free use. Additionally, the Gain scent adds a pleasant fragrance that helps keep your home smelling fresh.

The litter is also 99.9% dust-free, meaning it generates minimal dust, which is beneficial for keeping surfaces clean and air clear, especially helpful for cats and owners with respiratory sensitivities. However, being made of clay, it might not be the most eco-friendly option as it is not biodegradable. Tracking might also be an issue, as it could stick to your cat’s paws and be carried around the house.

In terms of absorbency, it performs well by forming solid clumps that are easy to scoop. Fresh Step’s litter is ideal for those prioritizing odor control and low dust levels in their cat litter, though its ecological impact and potential for tracking should be considered.

Rating
9.8
Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
Odor Control
Dust Levels

Most important from
84391 reviews

Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
This litter clumps extremely well with urine, forming solid clumps that make scooping quick and easy, eliminating crumbling or sticky messes.
Odor Control
The odor control is impressive, effectively hiding smells even with multiple cats, while maintaining a clean, neutral scent.
Dust Levels
Low dust levels are a standout feature, with users noting a dust-free environment around the litter area.
#3

Fresh Step Simply Unscented Clumping Litter, Fresh Step Unscented Cat Litter With Activated Charcoal Technology, 14 lb. Box

Rating
9.6
Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
Odor Control

Most important from
84391 reviews

Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
This cat litter keeps the odor down and clumps up very well. My cats will only use this litter.
Odor Control
This cat litter keeps the odor down and clumps up very well. My cats will only use this litter.

Fresh Step Simply Unscented Clumping Cat Litter is a good choice if you prefer a litter without added fragrances or dyes. Its veterinarian-recommended formula is designed with your cat's health in mind. The litter effectively stops odors on contact using activated charcoal, clay, and minerals, ensuring your home stays fresh without artificial scents. The low dust formula is beneficial for both cats and cat owners, reducing mess and making cleanup easier. Additionally, the smooth particles are gentle on your cat's paws, promoting comfort during use.

On the downside, tracking might still be an issue, as is common with many clumping litters, meaning you may find some litter granules outside the box. While it doesn’t emphasize eco-friendliness, the product's use of clay and activated charcoal makes it highly absorbent, quickly clumping to facilitate easy removal of waste. At 14 pounds, the size is manageable and the packaging dimensions suggest it is easy to store. This product is ideal for indoor cats and owners who value effective odor control and lower dust levels. However, if eco-friendliness is a top priority for you, you might want to consider other options.

Rating
9.6
Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
Odor Control

Most important from
84391 reviews

Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
This cat litter keeps the odor down and clumps up very well. My cats will only use this litter.
Odor Control
This cat litter keeps the odor down and clumps up very well. My cats will only use this litter.

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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