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10 Best Cat Litter 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.9  score

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

Material: Clay
Clumping vs. Non-Clumping: Clumping
Odor Control: Superior odor control, natural ingredients
Dust Levels: 99.9% dust-free
Tracking: Low tracking, medium grain size

Chosen by 1134 this week

ARM & HAMMER Clump & Seal SLIDE Platinum Multi-Cat Clumping Litter, Easy Clean, Superior Odor Control, 37 Lbs

Material: Clay
Clumping vs. Non-Clumping: Clumping
Odor Control: Strong odor control with baking soda
Dust Levels: Quite dusty
Tracking: Tracks easily
Absorbency: Excellent absorbency
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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

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

Most important from
88184 reviews

Material
The medium grain size effectively balances low tracking and easy clumping, suitable for cats preferring a non-fine texture.
Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
Clumping is rock solid and reliable, forming hard clumps that don’t crumble when scooped, though larger clumps can be heavy to handle.
Odor Control
Odor control is exceptional—there's no lingering smell even in multi-cat households, making it easy to forget about scooping sometimes.
Dust Levels
This litter produces virtually no dust, eliminating coughing and irritation during cleaning and keeping the surrounding area clean.
Tracking
Tracking is minimal, with very little litter scattered outside the box, helping maintain cleaner floors and carpets.

Dr. Elsey's Ultra Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter is made from 100% bentonite clay, known for its strong clumping ability. This helps create hard, solid clumps that are easy to scoop and prevent moisture from settling at the bottom of the box, making maintenance simpler. The litter is unscented, which is great for cats or owners sensitive to fragrances. It offers superior odor control with natural ingredients, keeping your home smelling fresh even in multi-cat households.

A major plus is its very low dust formula—99.9% dust-free—making it suitable for allergy sufferers and helping to keep your home cleaner. Additionally, it has low tracking due to its medium grain size, so less litter gets scattered outside the box. On the downside, like many clay-based litters, it’s heavier than alternatives, which might be a consideration if you carry litter bags frequently. Also, while the medium granule size helps with tracking, some very particular cats might prefer finer or different textures.

This litter presents a strong option for cat owners seeking effective clumping and odor control without added scents. It is especially suitable for indoor cats across all breeds and life stages.

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

Most important from
88184 reviews

Material
The medium grain size effectively balances low tracking and easy clumping, suitable for cats preferring a non-fine texture.
Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
Clumping is rock solid and reliable, forming hard clumps that don’t crumble when scooped, though larger clumps can be heavy to handle.
Odor Control
Odor control is exceptional—there's no lingering smell even in multi-cat households, making it easy to forget about scooping sometimes.
Dust Levels
This litter produces virtually no dust, eliminating coughing and irritation during cleaning and keeping the surrounding area clean.
Tracking
Tracking is minimal, with very little litter scattered outside the box, helping maintain cleaner floors and carpets.
#2

PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Cat Litter & Refill Tray with Lid, Fresh Scent, 4.3 Lb Bag with Each Tray, Pack of 3

Rating
9.8
Material
Odor Control
Dust Levels

Most important from
41253 reviews

Material
Cats tend to prefer this crystal litter over previous versions, showing less scattering and more acceptance of the texture.
Odor Control
The system virtually eliminates cat odor, leaving no smell after the automatic rake finishes its cycle.
Dust Levels
The low dust and minimal tracking reduce mess around the house, though some crystals may stick to cats' paws.
Tracking
The low dust and minimal tracking reduce mess around the house, though some crystals may stick to cats' paws.
Absorbency
Disposable trays with absorbent bottoms help trap smells and extend litter life compared to reusable trays that require cleaning.

The PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Cat Litter and Refill Tray is designed to work with self-cleaning litter boxes, offering a mostly hands-off experience for cat owners. Its silica gel crystals are non-clumping but highly absorbent, quickly drying urine and solid waste to help control odors much better than traditional clay litters. This litter’s fresh scent adds an extra layer of odor control, which is great for indoor use. Because it’s made from crystals, the dust levels are very low—99% dust-free—making it a good choice for cats and owners sensitive to dust. Tracking, or litter being carried outside the box, is also minimized due to the weight and texture of the crystals, reducing mess around your home.

One of its biggest conveniences is the disposable tray system: no scooping is needed, and when it’s time to clean, you simply throw away the entire tray, which includes a leak-proof plastic liner to protect floors. This saves time and effort but means you need to keep buying replacement trays. Since the litter doesn’t clump, it might take some getting used to if you prefer to scoop waste. Also, some cats may not immediately like the different texture compared to clumping clay litter.

The trays come in a 3-pack with lids for easy disposal and are sized for house cats of all life stages. If you want a low-maintenance, odor-controlling option that keeps dust and tracking low and don’t mind disposable trays instead of scooping, this product is a solid pick. If you prefer clumping litter or want a more traditional scooping routine, this might not be the ideal choice.

Rating
9.8
Material
Odor Control
Dust Levels

Most important from
41253 reviews

Material
Cats tend to prefer this crystal litter over previous versions, showing less scattering and more acceptance of the texture.
Odor Control
The system virtually eliminates cat odor, leaving no smell after the automatic rake finishes its cycle.
Dust Levels
The low dust and minimal tracking reduce mess around the house, though some crystals may stick to cats' paws.
Tracking
The low dust and minimal tracking reduce mess around the house, though some crystals may stick to cats' paws.
Absorbency
Disposable trays with absorbent bottoms help trap smells and extend litter life compared to reusable trays that require cleaning.
#3

ARM & HAMMER Clump & Seal SLIDE Platinum Multi-Cat Clumping Litter, Easy Clean, Superior Odor Control, 37 Lbs

Rating
9.6
Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
Odor Control
Tracking

Most important from
36686 reviews

Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
Investing in this litter truly saves you in the end. The fine granules filter waste easily and clump neatly, reducing sticky messes and clumpy bits.
Odor Control
The baking soda effectively neutralizes smells without any strong perfume or stink.
Tracking
There's significantly less tracking around the litter box, keeping the floors tidier and reducing the need for frequent sweeping.

The Arm & Hammer Platinum SLIDE Easy Clean Clumping Litter is a popular choice for multi-cat households. One of its standout features is the patented EZ Clean Technology, which ensures that the litter slides out of the box without any scraping or scrubbing required. This is a major plus for ease of cleaning. The litter is made from clay, known for its excellent absorbency and ability to form tight, rock-hard clumps, making scooping easier.

The product boasts a strong odor control system, combining powerful odor eliminators with ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda, aiming to keep your home odor-free for up to 7 days. Additionally, it contains 10% more odor eliminators than the previous version, which further enhances its effectiveness in neutralizing smells. However, the litter can be quite dusty, which may not be ideal for cats with respiratory issues or for households looking to minimize dust. It also tends to track easily, meaning litter granules may get scattered outside the box, requiring more frequent sweeping.

At 37 pounds, the product is relatively heavy, which may be cumbersome for some users to handle. Despite these drawbacks, the Arm & Hammer Platinum SLIDE Easy Clean Clumping Litter remains a solid option for those prioritizing odor control and easy maintenance in a multi-cat environment.

Rating
9.6
Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
Odor Control
Tracking

Most important from
36686 reviews

Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
Investing in this litter truly saves you in the end. The fine granules filter waste easily and clump neatly, reducing sticky messes and clumpy bits.
Odor Control
The baking soda effectively neutralizes smells without any strong perfume or stink.
Tracking
There's significantly less tracking around the litter box, keeping the floors tidier and reducing the need for frequent sweeping.

Buying Guide for the Best Cat Litter

Choosing the right cat litter is essential for both your cat's comfort and your convenience. The right litter can help control odors, reduce mess, and make cleaning easier. When selecting cat litter, consider your cat's preferences, any allergies or sensitivities, and your own needs for 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 absorbency, odor control, and dust levels. Clay is highly absorbent and good at controlling odors but can be dusty. Silica gel is excellent for odor control and low dust 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 sensitivity to dust, your preference for eco-friendly products, and the level of odor control you need.
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 does not 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 better for cats with respiratory issues or if you prefer a simpler, less expensive option. Consider how often you want to clean the litter box and your cat's health needs when choosing between clumping and non-clumping.
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 with good natural odor control. If odor is a significant concern, look for litters specifically designed for maximum odor control. Your choice should balance your tolerance for scents and your need for effective odor management.
Dust LevelsDust from cat litter can be a problem for both cats and humans, especially those with allergies or respiratory issues. Low-dust or dust-free litters are available and can help reduce the amount of dust kicked up during use. Clay litters tend to be dustier, while silica gel and natural litters are often lower in dust. If dust is a concern, look for litters labeled as low-dust or dust-free. Consider your and your cat's sensitivity to dust when making your choice.
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 your home. Some litters are designed to minimize tracking with larger granules or special coatings. If you want to keep your floors cleaner, look for low-tracking litters. Consider your tolerance for cleaning up stray litter and your cat's behavior when choosing a litter with minimal tracking.
AbsorbencyAbsorbency is the litter's ability to soak up moisture. 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 want a litter that keeps the box dry and controls odors well, choose a highly absorbent option. Consider how often you want to change the litter and your need for moisture control when selecting a litter based on absorbency.

FAQ