Best Cat Litter 2023

Just like people cats need to go on the regular. Unlike us though, they don’t have any control over the cleanliness of their litter box outside of burying their waste.

Without human help litter boxes can quickly turn into a cats worst nightmare. With proper research (which we’ve happily done on your behalf) your choice of litter can help encourage consistent cleaning and proper maintenance.

Selecting the best litter for your cat not only ensures a healthy environment for them to do their business, but also gives you the opportunity to consider alternatives that may be more environmentally friendly and even reduce allergens in your household.

Quick Look : Top 7 Overall Cat Litters

Chewy Online Pet Supplies


35% Off + Free Shipping

on Cat Litter

Shop Now

What To Look For When Buying Cat Litter

Considering your options for cat litter can be just as overwhelming as buying a car. Sure there’s not as much money at stake, but without proper research you can be left feeling like you’ve failed your cat, or worse…actually failing your cat.

The best way to select the right cat litter for you and your feline friend is to consider your circumstances. Here are some questions to ask yourself before digging into the particulars:

How many cats do you have?

If you have multiple cats it’s always a good idea to consider multiple litters boxes, but sometimes there are space restraints that prevent that from being possible. A lot of the best litters take that into consideration and have specific multi-cat formulas that have some of the top odor-control and clumping properties to prevent excess smelliness and litter break-down.

Are you allergic to dust?

If you have allergies or are particularly sensitive to dust you may want to stay away from clay-based litters as they tend to produce more dust. Some pellet based formulas also tend to contain dust particles that get created due to friction and rubbing during packaging and transportation.

In general, although most cat litter have small pebbles, rocks or granules, manufacturers have designed and formulated their litters to prevent fine particles from forming that are tiny enough to circulate through the air.

Are you messy?

If you’re good at upkeep on your home or apartment then it’s likely you’ve got a pretty good handle on regularly cleaning your cat’s litter box.

ALSO READ:  Best Cat Litter Mats - Top 4 Cat Litter Catchers To End Litter Tracking

Most of the issues cat owners run into with litter are because they have a difficult time staying on top of cleaning.

If you’re generally a little lax on tidiness then you’re going to want to get a really good clumping litter or an automated or self-cleaning system that supports the litter you choose.

What’s your budget?

When selecting the “best” of anything it’s never a good idea to be price conscious, but it’s not uncommon for cat owners on a budget to look for the best inexpensive cat litter. Based on our comparison table you’ll get a good idea of the cheapest cat litter that still checks most of the boxes for a top kitty litter.

Do you care about the environment?

Biodegradable litters are important to some owners for their ability to return harmoniously with the environment. If you’re eco-conscious you might consider a litter that is wheat, wood, paper or corn-based as these elements are natural and organic.

Does your cat hate it’s litter box?

If your cat usually does it’s business outdoors or perhaps all over your carpet then getting them into the litter box should be your first priority. To get a cat to return to the litter box you’ll need to consider whether it’s avoidance is fear-based, a health related urinary problem or it simply lacks the training to get it consistently going in the right place. If it’s a matter of better training there are a handful of cat litters that include an attractant (think catnip) that will incentivize your cat to choose the litter box from now on.

Types of Cat Litter

Most cat litter falls into multiple categories, types, or features. The better you understand each the more informed you’ll be when deciding on the best cat litter for your feline friend.

Odor Control

Almost every cat litter on the commercial market has odor-control built into it.

Common sense says that cat owners don’t want their house or apartment to smell like urine all the time. Because of that manufacturers have built in odor-prevention technologies that fall into two categories:

Scented

Scented cat litter is designed to mask the odor of your cat’s waste by including perfumed scents like lavender. In theory an owner might benefit from this as you’re not only buying cat litter, but under the right circumstances you could avoid paying for wall-mounted plug-ins that do the same thing.

If you’re particularly sensitive to smells or prefer to select them based on your preference then you’ll probably want more control. In which case, we’re more prone to recommend an unscented cat litter.

Unscented

Unscented cat litters are specifically designed to trap ammonia-based odors through their absorbent properties. These same products tend to be more environmentally-friendly as they don’t require additional chemicals to eliminate the strong odors produced from cat excretion. In addition, they’re safer for pregnant women for the same reasons.

Best Odor Control Cat Litter

Clumping

Clumping cat litter is probably the greatest invention since sliced bread if you ask anyone with a traditional litter box. As you probably already know the granules in this litter absorb the urine and stick together when liquid is introduced. This makes clean up easy as you can scoop the clumps out of the dry litter with little effort. The best selling litters all tend to also be the best at clumping. As you can imagine not many people are going to want to buy litter that falls apart easily and makes your task of cleaning the litter box more difficult.

ALSO READ:  What is the Best Odor Control Cat Litter? - Top Smell Masking Brands for Multi-Cat Homes

Best Clumping Cat Litter

Non-Clumping

That said, non-clumping litters are available. These types of litter tend to have extreme odor-prevention or are specifically designed to be used in conjunction with automated or self-cleaning litter boxes.

We tend to recommend non-clumping litters for owners of new kittens since young cats won’t fill the litter box as fast and their new owners can have a little extra time to get used to a consistent cleaning schedule.

Best Non-Clumping Cat Litter

Eco-Friendly

Biodegradable

Biodegradable cat litter is made out of compressed natural products like corn or wheat and when composted will break down organically unlike clay or silica-based litters. These products also tend to be unscented.

Best Biodegradable Cat Litter

Flushable

Flushable cat litter is great for a few reasons.

First, it makes mess-prevention less of a concern since you’re emptying it straight into the toilet.

Second, it’s often eco-friendly and the formulas are naturally organic and dissolvable.

Third, odor problems aren’t as much of an issue as you’re likely not storing the scooped litter in an interior garbage. Even the best odor-prevention litters will start to smell eventually and if you’re not using flushable litter or making efforts to remove it from the house regularly then you’ll start to get some unpleasant whiffs.

Best Flushable Cat Litter

Best Cat Litter 2023

NOTE: All of the products below are marketed as having odor-control regardless of whether they’re scented or unscented.

Litter Scented? Multi-Cat? Clumping? Price Rating
Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat Multi-Cat Cat LitterDr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Multi-Cat
Read Reviews Next ArticleWhere To Buy Next Article
Unscented Yes Yes $.43/lb A+
World's Best Scoopable Multi-Cat ClumpingWorld’s Best Scoopable Multi-Cat Clumping
Read Reviews Next ArticleWhere To Buy Next Article
Unscented Yes Yes $.93/lb A+
Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Multi-CatArm & Hammer Clump & Seal Multi-Cat
Read Reviews Next ArticleWhere To Buy Next Article
Scented Yes Yes $.51/lb A
Dr. Elsey's Cat Attract ScoopableDr. Elsey’s Cat Attract Scoopable
Read Reviews Next ArticleWhere To Buy Next Article
Unscented Yes Yes $.57/lb A-
Feline Pine Original Cat LitterFeline Pine Original Cat Litter
Read Reviews Next ArticleWhere To Buy Next Article
Unscented No No $.41/lb A-
Tidy Cats Breeze PelletsTidy Cats Breeze Pellets
Read Reviews Next ArticleWhere To Buy Next Article
Unscented No No $2.21/lb B+

1. Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Multi-Cat Litter

Precious Cat checks most of the boxes for the majority of cat owners. Renowned as the top clumping cat litter by many owners this blend hits the right balance between quality and cost. At just $.33/lb (40 lb bag) Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat comes in amongst the lowest prices while offering all the same features as other more expensive options.

Additionally, you’ll find that this litter has superb odor protection great for multiple cat households, is hypoallergenic, and can be bought in large sizes so that you don’t have to purchase as frequently.

2. PrettyLitter – 20% OFF w/ code BESTLITTER

PrettyLitter environmentally friendly and unscented along with lightweight! Its most amazing benefit is that it changes color when it detects a pH change to alert you to your cat’s possible health issues. PrettyLitter detects health issues such as urinary tract infections, bladder stones, inflammation, kidney issues, and more. You will receive your litter through a convenient once-a-month delivery service, and PrettyLitter costs less than some other typical cat litters. The amount is tailored to suit the number of cats in your home. The absorbent silica gel traps odors and eliminates moisture and is made from natural minerals, which means less dust and allergens and less litter in the landfill.

ALSO READ:  What is the Best Clumping Cat Litter?

3. World’s Best Scoopable Multi-Cat Clumping Litter

World's Best Scoopable Multi-Cat ClumpingThe great thing about World’s Best is that, unlike Dr. Elsey’s which is made from clay, this corn-based formula is completely flushable and environmentally friendly.

It also has top-of-the-line odor control and clumping abilities, is unscented and is 99% dust-free.

Be prepared to pay a little more for this litter as it runs close to double Dr. Elsey’s. It’s not uncommon for eco-safe products to be on the more expensive side though so if that’s important to you then this is the litter to choose.

4. Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Multi-Cat Litter

Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Multi-CatArm & Hammer is well known for it’s odor-fighting baking powder so it makes perfect sense that they’d apply their knowledge to cat litter.

The Clump & Seal litter, as it’s name implies is really good at sealing odors and clumping together. Customer reviews around the web rave about how dust-free it is compared to other options and we think most consumers will be happy with the $.44/lb price it comes in at compared to our second pick.

5. Dr. Elsey’s Cat Attract Scoopable Litter

Cat Attract is high on our list because it employs the special attractant that we mentioned earlier in the article. Many a cat owner has sung this litters praises for it’s ability to get their cat to use the litter box. For them and many others this product is worth it’s weight in gold if it means they don’t have to clean up urine and feces messes all over the floor.

In addition, to it’s magical ability to attract cats to the potty this litter boasts higher than average odor-control and clumping and is available in large sizes for multiple cat families.

6. Feline Pine Original Cat Litter

Feline Pine Original Cat LitterWe covered the bases on traditional clumping litters with our previous picks, but there is also a large contingent of cat owners who prefer a more natural product.

While still scoopable this non-clumping litter delivers a highly absorbent, naturally odor-fighting wood-based concoction that is completely organic. Feline Pine contains no harsh chemicals and comes in as another inexpensive option for cat owners on a budget.

Keep in mind that if you’re transitioning your cat from a clay/granule-based litter that your cat may be finicky about the change or texture and may require a little patience to fully make the switch.

7. Tidy Cats Breeze Pellets

Tidy Cats Breeze PelletsLast, but not least, Tidy Cats Breeze offers another alternative to traditional litters with its pellet shaped litter. The pellets are designed to work hand-in-hand with Breeze Cat Pads which are placed underneath the pellets.

Used in conjunction the pellets are good for a month before needing replacement while the odor-controlling pads can be quickly changed to remove the most offending smells. Solid waste is a breeze to clean up on top of the pellets.

This unique system gets amazing reviews from customers who nearly all chime in with 5-stars and stories of the ease of clean up.

Similar Posts