The Best Clumping Cat Litter for Your Pet

Written by Kellianne Matthews
Updated: June 30, 2023
© iStock.com/Jay Kumar

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If you are a cat owner, then you know how important it is to have a good litter for your furry felines. Clumping cat litter is one of the most popular options out there because it makes clean-up much easier than other types of litter. It also offers superior odor control.

Clumping cat litter has small particles that absorb moisture and form clumps when your cat uses their litter box. This makes it much easier to scoop out the clumps from your cat’s litter box without having to dump all of the litter out. This clumping action also helps to lock away foul odors for longer than regular clay litter. Some brands even offer scented varieties of clumping cat litter, which can offer an extra layer of odor protection for your home.

Clumping litters often leave less dust in the air (and some are dust-free) than other types of litter. This makes them a great choice if you have a sensitive cat, or if you suffer from allergies. Using a clumping cat litter for your pet can help to keep your home smelling fresh, and keep your kitty comfortable while they are doing their business!

Choosing the right cat litter for your cat has to do with your pet’s preference as well as your own. In this article, we will be talking about the best clumping cat litter for you and your pet. We’ll look at some of the top brands, and what you should look for when buying clumping cat litter.

  1. Arm & Hammer Platinum Slide Clumping Cat Litter
    • Odor control lasts up to 14 days!
    • Clumps instantly
    • Easily slides out of the litter box when you clean it
    • Low tracking
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  2. Fresh Step Multi-Cat Scented Litter
    • Affordable clumping litter.
    • Features Febreeze odor control.
    • The fragrance refreshes every time your cat visits their litter box.
    • Perfect for multiple-cat homes.
    • Traps odors efficiently and effectively.
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  3. Tidy Max Instant Action Scented Clumping Clay Cat Litter
    • Clumps and traps odors instantly
    • Low-dust design
    • Made for multiple-cats
    • The product's fragrance isn't overpowering


    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  4. Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat Ultra Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter
    • This litter is 99.9% dust-free.
    • It uses natural ingredients and is nonscented.
    • The litter particles have extreme clumping capabilities and make it easy to scoop.
    • Great for multi-cat homes.
    Check Chewy Check Amazon

Top Picks: The Best Clumping Cat Litter for Your Pet Today

#1 Overall Best: Arm & Hammer Platinum Easy Clean-Up Litter

Our choice for the best clumping cat litter for your pet is the Arm & Hammer Platinum Easy Clean-Up Litter. This cat litter is made for homes with multiple cats and controls odors for a long time.

The Arm & Hammer Platinum Easy Clean-Up Litter does an excellent job of clumping up the litter instantaneously after your pet uses the bathroom. The litter clumps up like magic, making it easy to scoop up and get rid of your pet’s waste, all while keeping your home smelling fresh. It uses Arm & Hammer baking soda for odor control for up to seven days, leaving a fresh and calm scent behind. Your guests and visitors can enjoy your home without any worries of smelling your litter box!

As soon as your cat uses their litter box, the moisture-activated micro-granules form hard clumps around your pet’s waste, making them easy to remove with a simple scoop. The absorbing power of this litter is fantastic, and it doesn’t stick to the box. The particles are light and easy to vacuum up. However, many customers reported that this litter tracks much less than other brands.

You and your pet will love this clumping cat litter, especially because you won’t need to clean out the entire litter box as often. If you scoop the clumps from the litter box at the end of every day, you won’t need to fully change your entire litter box for up to 14 days.The litter’s EZ Clean Technology also helps it to slide right out of the box, so you don’t have to worry about scraping or scrubbing!

The only downside is that it is more expensive. However, customers reported that it’s worth the cost, and some said that this litter saves them money since they don’t need to replace it as often!

Pros and Cons of the Arm & Hammer Platinum Easy Clean-Up Litter

ProsCons
This litter is well-suited for homes with multiple cats and controls odors for several days.This litter is more expensive than some of the other options.
The litter forms sturdy clumps immediately after your cat uses the litter box, and is easy to scoop up and dispose of.
It uses Arm & Hammer baking soda and a light scent for odor control that can last up to seven days.
This litter uses EZ Clean Technology that helps it to slide right out of the litter box without sticking.
The litter particles are lightweight and easy to vacuum up if any are tracked outside of the box.
Many customers reported that this litter tracks much less than other brands.
With this litter, you can go up to 14 days without replacing the entire litter box.
Some customers reported that since they don’t need to change the litter as often, this product saves them money.
Overall Best
Arm & Hammer Platinum Slide Clumping Cat Litter
  • Odor control lasts up to 14 days!
  • Clumps instantly
  • Easily slides out of the litter box when you clean it
  • Low tracking
Check Chewy Check Amazon

2. Best Budget: Fresh Step Multi-Cat Scented Litter

We found Fresh Step Multi-Cat Litter to be the best clumping litter for your budget. This 14-pound box can be found for under $15 dollars on Amazon and Chewy and is designed for homes with multiple cats.

Fresh Step Litter has an awesome Febreeze odor control system added to this multi-cat litter. If you have multiple cats, the litter clumping technology of trapping odors and the extra Febreeze scent should leave your space fresher than with other litter — for up to ten days!

As soon as your cat visits the litter box, the litter’s ClumpLock technology captures any odors and liquid, making it easy to scoop out. This technology helps trap and eliminate any unwanted odor with its advanced activated charcoal particles, so you won’t have to worry about having stinky litter boxes all around your house. And every time your cat visits the litter box the fresh scent gets reactivated.

This cat litter also uses a low-dust formula designed for cleaner surfaces and cleaner air. Not only that, but it also reduces the amount of litter that gets tracked on your floors. However, customers did report that it can be a little dusty when you first pour it into the litter box.

Pros and Cons of the Fresh Step Multi-Cat Scented Litter

ProsCons
It comes in a 14-pound box that costs less than $15 dollars.Customers reported that this litter is quite dusty when you first pour it out of the box.
This litter is designed for homes with multiple cats.
It uses a Febreeze odor control system that traps odors and leaves behind a nice scent.
Every time your cat visits the litter box the fresh scent gets reactivated, leaving your space fresh for up to ten days.
The ClumpLock technology immediately captures liquids and odors with advanced activated charcoal particles.
The formula is designed for cleaner surfaces and cleaner air with less dust.
Best Budget
Fresh Step Multi-Cat Scented Litter
  • Affordable clumping litter.
  • Features Febreeze odor control.
  • The fragrance refreshes every time your cat visits their litter box.
  • Perfect for multiple-cat homes.
  • Traps odors efficiently and effectively.
Check Chewy Check Amazon

3. Best for Overpowering Odors: Tidy Cats Tidy Max Instant Action Clumping Litter

In our research, the best cat litter for overpowering odors is the Tidy Cats Instant Action Clumping Cat Litter. This cat litter clumps together and helps trap odors instantly after they use the litter box.

The Tidy Cats Instant Action Clumping Cat Litter has a low-dust design that is made for multiple cats. So, whether you have one cat or several, this litter will keep your space smelling fresh and clean without overpowering your senses.

The litter blocks ammonia odors for up to two weeks, leaving you with a pleasant scent in the air. Its moisture-activated power pieces absorb odor and liquids immediately so that you don’t have to worry about your house smelling horrible. It is also 99% dust-free.

The litter comes in a nice large box with 38 pounds of clumping cat litter. However, the downside to this product is the packaging. Customers reported that the box is heavy and hard to handle, especially due to the lack of holes or handles on the box. Many ended up pouring it into a buckle for easier handling.

Pros and Cons of the Tidy Cats Tidy Max Instant Action Clumping Litter

ProsCons
This litter is low-dust and is made for homes with multiple cats.The box this litter comes in does not have handles or straps for carrying, and it is quite heavy.
The scent of this litter is not overpowering.
It clumps together quickly and helps to trap odors.
The litter blocks ammonia odors for up to two weeks.
It uses moisture-activated litter pieces to absorb odor and liquids immediately.
This product contains a whole 38 pounds of clumping cat litter.
Best for Overpowering Odors
Tidy Max Instant Action Scented Clumping Clay Cat Litter
  • Clumps and traps odors instantly
  • Low-dust design
  • Made for multiple-cats
  • The product's fragrance isn't overpowering


Check Chewy Check Amazon

4. Premium Option: Dr. Elsey’s Premium Clumping Clay Cat Litter

If you’re looking for premium cat litter that won’t make a mess, take a look at Dr. Elsey’s Premium Clumping Clay Cat Litter. This litter is 99.9% dust-free, uses natural ingredients, and is unscented, making it easy on the air quality of your home. It is a high-quality litter that comes at an affordable price. Customers reported that this litter completely eliminates odors and is great for multi-cat homes.

It’s specifically formulated with medium-grain clay that helps to keep litter inside the litter box (instead of all over your floor) and prevents moisture from reaching the bottom of the tray. The litter forms into hard clumps for easy scooping. However, a few customers reported that the clumping technology of this litter can be too strong at times. If any moisture does reach the bottom of the litter box, the litter sticks and can be difficult to clean off.

The downside to this litter, however, is that the package it comes in is not super strong and is difficult to carry. Customers reported that the bag is fragile and can break open.

Pros and Cons of Dr. Elsey’s Premium Clumping Clay Cat Litter

ProsCons
This litter is 99.9% dust-free and reduces messes in your home.This litter sticks and can be difficult to clean off the bottom of the litter box.
It uses natural ingredients and is unscented, keeping the air in your home clean and fresh.It comes in a fragile bag and is difficult to carry.
Although it is high-quality, it comes at an affordable price.
Customers reported that this litter eliminated odors in their houses completely.
The medium-grain clay keeps litter in the litter box and off of your floors.
The litter particles have extreme clumping capabilities and keep moisture from reaching the bottom of the box.
This litter works great for homes with multiple cats.
Premium Option
Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat Ultra Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter
  • This litter is 99.9% dust-free.
  • It uses natural ingredients and is nonscented.
  • The litter particles have extreme clumping capabilities and make it easy to scoop.
  • Great for multi-cat homes.
Check Chewy Check Amazon

Choosing the Best Clumping Cat Litter for Your Pet: What to Look For

There are many different types of clumping cat litter available on the market. When choosing a clumping cat litter you should consider its clumping action, odor control, dust, tracking, and whether it is scented or unscented.

Clumping Action

If your clumping cat litter does not clump well then it is simply not doing its job. Some formulas have better clumping action than others, but the better the litter’s clumping capabilities, the less mess you’ll have to suffer from. Look for litter that uses a moisture-activated formula for the best results. In addition, you’ll want to look for litter that is easy to scoop and doesn’t stick to the bottom of your litter box.

Odor Control

One of the greatest things about clumping litter is that it absorbs moisture and seals bad odors as it clumps. So, even if there is no added odor protection in the litter, the clumping action has better odor control than the non-clumping litter. However, some brands also add other additional features for odor protection, such as Febreeze and other scents. If you are especially sensitive to added scents, however, you may want to try an unscented clumping cat litter.

Dust

It is pretty hard to get absolutely no dust in any type of cat litter, especially after your cat starts kicking it around after finishing their business. However, certain materials are lower in dust than others. Excessive dust can cause respiratory issues not only for you but for your cat as well. For cleaner air in your home, look for a low-dust formula.

Tracking

In addition to dust, you probably don’t want little cat litter particles scattered all over your clean floor. Smaller granule litter, which is often in clumping cat litter, tends to stick in your cat’s paws more than non-clumping cat litter. To avoid this, look for litter that has low tracking and is as non-stick as possible.

Scented or Unscented

Scented cat litter can help cover odors, but it can also irritate your cat’s respiratory system, as well as yours. In addition, it can sometimes give humans headaches. If you or your cat are sensitive to strong smells, then you should probably find unscented cat litter. Unscented cat litter can still neutralize odors and help lock them away with clumping technology.

The Different Types of Cat Litter: Pros and Cons Compared

There are two main types of cat litter: clumping cat litter and non-clumping cat litter. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of each type.

Pros and Cons of Clumping Cat Litter

ProsCons
Clumping litter provides excellent odor control.Small litter particles often get stuck to your cat’s paws.
It is easy to scoop and clean up.
It uses safe materials.

Pros and Cons of Non-Clumping Litter

ProsCons
Non-clumping litter is usually less expensive than clumping litter.You’ll need to change out the litter box each week.
You don’t need to scoop it as often.Odors build up quicker than non-clumping litter since the dirty litter stays in the box.
It doesn’t get stuck to the litter box.It’s harder to track your cat’s bathroom habits and urine.

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About the Author

Kellianne Matthews is a writer at A-Z Animals where her primary focus is on anthrozoology, conservation, human-animal relationships, and animal behavior. Kellianne has been writing and researching animals for over ten years and has decades of hands-on experience working with a variety of different animals. She holds a Master’s Degree from Brigham Young University, which she earned in 2017. A resident of Utah, Kellianne enjoys creating, exploring and learning new things, analyzing movies, caring for animals, and playing with her cats.

The Best Clumping Cat Litter for Your Pet FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

How often should you change cat litter?

Ideally, you should be scooping clumps from your cat’s litter box once a day. Then you should clean out the entire box and replace the litter once a month. However, if you have multiple cats, this should be done more often.

What type of litter do cats like the best?

Just like humans, each cat has their own unique personality and individual preferences. As such, there might be some trial and error as you try to discover which litter works best for your cat. However, in general, cats seem to prefer clumping clay litter with fine particles and less scent.

What do you do with dirty cat litter?

Scoop dirty clumps from your cat’s litter box into a trash bag. Then, tie off the trash bag in a secure knot and place it in an outdoor trash can or dumpster. It is best to double-bag the trash bag as well, to prevent leakage, odors, and bacteria from escaping.

Can you flush cat litter down the toilet?

There are some flushable litters on the market. If you wish to flush litter down the toilet, you’ll need to make sure that it clearly states on the package that the litter is flushable. Most litter, however, cannot be flushed down the toilet and will cause serious clogs and damage to your pipes.

Where is the best place to put a cat litter box?

Your cat’s litter box should be placed in an easy-to-reach, and a low-traffic area. If you put the litter box in a busy area with lots of noise, your cat will not be comfortable using the box. If your cat is not using their litter box, try moving it to a better location.

In addition, if you have more than one cat, you will need more than one litter box in your home. The rule of thumb is to have one extra box for the number of cats in your house. For example, if you have two cats, then you’ll need three boxes. If you have three cats, you’ll need four boxes, and so on.

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