The Best Cat Litter for Odor Control

Key Points

• The #1 Best Overall cat litter for odor control is the Fresh Step Extreme Odor Control Cat Litter.
• There are many different types of cat litter available — including clumping, non-clumping, clay, wood, and paper options.
• When choosing the best cat litter to control odor it’s important to consider the material that it is made from and how absorbent it is.

Having a cat comes with a plethora of benefits. They’re cuddly, they give you endless love, and felines can even help with pesky mice problems.

Aside from all of their incredible qualities, their need for a litter box is less than ideal. That’s why it’s important to find the To help fellow cat owners, we’ve found the best cat litter for odor control!

We get it — no one wants a messy mini pet bathroom in their house that has quite the odor to go along with it. Not all litters on shelves today are alike. In fact, there are many that are drastically different from each other. 

Gone are the days of plugging your nose as you clean the box. Not only are our top picks great for controlling bad smells, but they can also help with common litter problems such as tracking and clump control. 

We’ve included a handy buyer’s guide, honest pros and cons, and plenty of real-life reviews to help you find the perfect cat litter for your furry friend! Let’s jump into it! 

A-Z Animals Top Picks for Odor Control Cat Litter

#1 Best Overall: Fresh Step Extreme Odor Control Cat Litter

Out of all of our research, we’ve found that the Fresh Step Extreme Odor Control Cat Litter stands out from the competition.

This cat litter contains a powerful, yet pleasant scent to keep litter box odors at bay, and it also happens to be our favorite overall. This product isn’t for everyone because it has a mountain spring aroma that some sensitive cats don’t like. Fresh Step employs Febreze’s strength to overcome pee and feces, keeping the box fresher for longer.

This litter has a 99.9% dust-free formula so both you and your pets can breathe easily. It also has ClumpLock technology, which the company has patented. This special technology goes after odors and sticks to the soiled litter right away, helping to eliminate odors for up to ten days.

However, some customers have reported that the litter is quite fine which means that it tracks easily. Plus, the scent is quite strong.

Pros and Cons of the Fresh Step Extreme Odor Control Cat Litter

Overall Best

Fresh Step Extreme Odor Control Cat Litter

• Uses a powerful Mountain Spring scent to mask litter box odors
• Features Fresh Step's patented ClumpLock Technology
• This litter immediately locks odors inside
• Budget-friendly
• Easy to scoop

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2. Best on a Budget: Cat’s Pride Max Power Total Odor Control Cat Litter 

Owning a cat can be expensive, so we found a great budget-friendly option. We believe the Cat’s Pride Max Power Total Odor Control Cat Litter is the greatest cat litter for odor control that won’t break the bank.

With a 99.9% dust-free mix, this best cat litter for odor is suitable for even the most sensitive cats and we think you’ll love it too. This mixture has a low tracking factor and is 25% lighter than typical clumping litters. It includes a unique Max Power component that attaches to waste fast and efficiently, clumping it and neutralizing odors for up to ten days.

Despite the fact that it is odorless, it effectively controls odor. This product is backed by the American Humane Society, and they know a thing or two about cats. Something we do want to mention is that though it saves you money, it does track a bit more than other options on our list. 

Pros and Cons of the Cat’s Pride Max Power Total Odor Control Cat Litter 

Best on a Budget

Cat’s Pride Max Power Total Odor Control Cat Litter

• Effectively controls odor
• 99.9% dust-free
• Suitable for sensitive cats
• Low tracking-factor
• 25% lighter than typical clumping litter

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3. Best for Kittens: Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Ultra Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter

In our opinion the best litter for kittens is Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Ultra Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter.

This cat litter is an excellent odor buster that works wonderfully in the home. This is a very eco-friendly litter that is a great choice for those who are conscious of their earthly footprint.  It is constructed of a high-quality medium-grain thick clay that tracks very little. This solution utilizes a malodor counteractant to mask the odors of pee and feces in your home.  This litter is completely hypoallergenic, making it suitable for all cats, especially those with sensitive skin. 

We love this product because it is also suitable for use in a mechanized litter box. As a result, you may use it with any style of litter box. Something that pet owners may want to note is that this litter is a bit heavier than others. 

Pros and Cons of Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Ultra Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter

Best for Kittens

Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat Ultra Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter

• Eco-friendly
• Made from high-quality medium-grain thick clay
• Low tracking
• Employs a malodor counteractant to mask odors
• Hypoallergenic

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4. Best Clay Alternative: Okocat Original Premium Wood Clumping Cat Litter

If you don’t fancy using a clay-based cat litter then we recommend the Okocat Original Premium Wood Clumping Cat Litter.

This product is devoid of dangerous ingredients and employs absorbent wood fibers to provide a natural solution to your cat’s bathroom problems. 

We think the organic approach was well worth mentioning. It’s ideal for sensitive cats because it doesn’t cause respiratory or skin allergies. Additionally, if you’re allergic to cat litter, this might save you from having a reaction while changing the litter. 

Everything, from the container to the litter, is recyclable. It’s a unique option that you could find really handy. It is, though, a little more costly and more difficult to scoop than other litters. Overall, OKOCAT is a favored brand in the feline community for those looking for an alternative to traditional litter.

Pros and Cons of the Okocat Original Premium Wood Clumping Cat Litter

Best Clay Alternative

Okocat Original Premium Wood Clumping Cat Litter

• Uses absorbent wood fibers
• Organic
• Won't cause respiratory or skin allergies
• Eco-friendly -- even the container is recyclable
• A little more costly and more complicated to scoop

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Choosing the Best: What to Look For

While there are several forms of litter available, there are also various materials from which litter is formed. Finding the proper litter for both you and your pet will almost certainly need some trial and error. 

When examining all of the numerous varieties of cat litter, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AMVA) recommends identifying what you perceive to be the most significant aspects. Here’s everything you need to know to make the next litter choice an easy one! 

Material

The most common type of litter is bentonite clay, which is affordable and creates firm clusters that make scooping simpler. Gel crystals, wood, grain, tofu, corn, and paper, for example, are all innovative options that are milled, sawed, crushed, or sliced into small granules or bulky pieces. 

Those that don’t include clay or silica dust are typically seen to be more environmentally friendly, and all-natural options have a lot of benefits, including the ability to be flushed, less dust for sensitive cats, and less trailing about the home. Cat litters come in a variety of fragrances and grain sizes, with cats preferring the texture closest to dirt.

Absorbency

This refers to the material’s capacity to contain liquid. Since many litters are created from sodium silicate sand that has been treated with air and water, brands say that crystal litter is the most absorbent type of litter available. As a result, a bead-like crystal with microscopic holes forms, permitting more fluids to pass through.

Odor Control

Baking soda and activated charcoal are used in certain litters to help keep feces and urine smells where they belong. Unfortunately, some odor-masking smells may turn your cat off. As a result, it may take some testing to discover an odor treatment that both you and your feline friend can tolerate. 

Dust Levels

This is crucial not only for keeping your flooring and furniture dust-free but also for preserving your and your cat’s lungs healthy. Generally speaking, clumping cat litter produces the most dust. This is something to consider when choosing a new odor control litter for your feline friend. 

Tracking

Your cat’s litter should stay in its box and not be carried about the home. Remember that clay litter tracks more than most other materials we mentioned above. It’s also important to keep in mind that larger particles track less than smaller ones. You can place a mat or rug outside of the litter box to help prevent tracking in the first place! 

Clumping Ability 

Because it is blended with bentonite, clumping litter usually helps decrease messes and makes it even easier to scoop for quick clean-up. Non-clumping is normally less expensive, but it’s difficult to scoop pee or feces without having to replace the entire pan.

The Different Types of Odor-Control Cat Litter: Pros and Cons Compared

We know how important the material you use for the best cat litter for odor can be. To help you know which one may be best for you and your pet, let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of each type. 

Wood

Paper

Walnut

Tofu

Clay

Up Next

• The Best Cat Litter Boxes for Odor Control — Check out the best litter boxes for odor control to go with your new odor control cat litter.
• The Best Sifting Litter Boxes Reviewed — Tired of scooping through the litter box? Take a look at the best sifting litter boxes on the market today.
• Best Litter Boxes for Cats — Find the purr-fect litter box for your feline friend here.