The Best Non-Tracking Cat Litter for a Cleaner House

Finding a cat litter that doesn’t track through your house creating dust may feel impossible. But we’ve researched and reviewed the best non-tracking cat litter to keep your home neat and clean. Since cats are also much happier when they have a clean environment, a non-tracking kitty litter is a win-win for your household.

Non-tracking cat litter is often clumping. This means that it gathers into a small ball around solid and liquid waste, sticking together. This makes it easier to clean and results in less litter tracked throughout the house. These options can come in unscented, scented, or with other features like odor-absorption. Non-tracking litter can also be trapped by a good cat litter mat to keep it from getting around your home.

It is important that your cat likes the litter that you choose in order for them to use it. While most cats can adjust to a new litter fairly quickly, if you have a picky pet, you might want to try mixing the new litter into the one they are already using while they adjust. If the texture or scent is a big shift, the transition may take longer.

Choosing a non-tracking cat litter that your cat likes is the perfect way to take care of your pet and keep your house clean at the same time.

Top Picks for the Best Non-Tracking Cat Litter: Ranked and Rated

#1 Best Overall: Arm & Hammer Platinum Clump & Seal Cat Litter

In our review, the best non-tracking cat litter is Arm & Hammer Platinum Clump & Seal Cat Litter. There are a few different options in the Clump & Seal line that work great but the Platinum litter is our top choice for a clean home. It has a dust-free formula that helps keep tracking, dust, and any other debris to a minimum. It absorbs odors using Arm & Hammer baking soda, a tried-and-true trick to keep smells at bay.

This formula is strong enough for households with multiple cats as well. Small granules in the litter form around any waste to create a barrier that keeps smells in. This also helps with clumping and disposal. One of our favorite aspects of this litter is the dust-free pouring. When you first pour the litter into the litter box, you can rest assured knowing that there won’t be any dust kicked up. When your cat digs in the litter, goes, and covers it up, it is still dust-free. This is a major perk to this litter over other top performing Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal choices.

This is a heavy clay litter, which may be hard to lift or carry back from the store. You can order it in bulk of 25.5 or 40 pound boxes. While this can save money, just be ready to pick up the boxes when they arrive. There is a lightweight option available but it does not have the same dust-free formula.

Most reviewers, especially those with multiple cats to clean up after, love the Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal litters. “This product makes cleaning the litter box downright bearable and is hands down the best litter I’ve ever used,” said one reviewer. “Odor control is top notch, it clumps well, and is easy to clean.”

A few reviewers, however, said that this litter is dusty and that it tracks.

Pros and Cons of Arm & Hammer Platinum Clump & Seal Cat Litter

Best Overall

Arm & Hammer Cloud Control Clumping Cat Litter

• Dust-free formula prevents dusty mess
• Arm & Hammer baking soda absorbs odors
• Works great for homes with multiple cats
• Clumping litter makes for easy disposal
• Available in several sizes

Check Chewy Check Amazon

2. Best for Budgets: Fresh Step Extreme Febreeze-Scented Clumping Cat Litter

We have been loyal Fresh Step Extreme Febreeze-Scented Clumping Cat Litter users for years with our own cats and love that it is good for the budget and performs well. Activated charcoal absorbs unpleasant odors and Febreeze scents deodorize to provide a fresh scent. This is a scented litter so make sure that you and your cat are ready for that before purchasing.

This option is a bit dustier than some other litters on our list but still a low-dust option compared to most clay litters. If you pour it slowly, you can drastically reduce the dust that kicks up when you fill the litter box. Depending on how vigorously your cat digs and buries in the litter box, they will create just a small amount of dust that mostly stays in the box itself.

This brand often goes on sale or has discounts. One of the ways you can make the most of your budget is to buy it through a subscription or loyalty program. Not only can you schedule automatic shipments and delivery, you can also save money on your purchase.

Some reviewers said that this litter was “too dusty” or that their cat didn’t like the strong odor.

Pros and Cons of Fresh Step Extreme Febreeze-Scented Clumping Cat Litter

Best for Budgets

Fresh Step Extreme Odor Control Clumping Clay Cat Litter

• Activated charcoal absorbs odors
• Fabreze helps deodorize
• Low-dust pour reduces tracking
• Frequently available at reduced cost

Check Chewy Check Amazon

3. Best Odor-Absorbing: Cat’s Pride Max Power Clumping Cat Litter

Cat’s Pride Max Power Clumping Cat Litter is a great choice for those who want a smaller amount of litter or one that is easy for the budget. It comes in a 15-pound container but works for the same amount of time and uses as a 20-pound container from other companies. This litter works to trap the odors that are caused by bacteria.

This is a scented litter, although there are non-scented options that are a bit more expensive. Odor absorption was one of the top loved features for most reviewers. “After sampling several brands for texture and smell, or should I say, the lack of smell, Cat’s Pride turned out to be the best for us,” wrote one reviewer. “There is NO smell to Cats Pride Odorless litter; there is NO dust, or rather very very little dust when adding litter to her box as we must do on occasion because Cats Pride clumps our cats waste purrrr-fectly.”

Of course, every product receives some negative reviews. Some reviewers reported that this litter didn’t clump well.

Pros and Cons of Cat’s Pride Max Power Clumping Cat Litter

Best Odor-Absorbing

Cat's Pride Max Power Clumping Clay Litter

• Scented litter that is more efficient at odor absorption than larger options
• Great option for those who want a smaller amount
• Available in a 15lb container
• Traps odor-causing bacteria

Check Amazon

4. Best for Kittens: Dr. Elsey’s Kitten Attract Clumping Clay Litter

For kitten-specific litter, try Dr. Elsey’s Kitten Attract Clumping Clay Litter. It clumps into hard clumps when used, making it less likely to be tracked and easier to scoop. It is a low-dust option as well. This helps keep the area around the litter box clean and can improve the overall air quality when your cat or kitten uses the box. This litter is ideal for kittens around eight weeks old and older. Younger kittens may want to try tasting the litter, which can be harmful if they ingest a clumping litter. Some reviewers used it with younger kittens with no issues, but you should always be extra vigilant when they are still learning to use the litter box.

The size and texture of the litter is specially designed for the smaller paws of kittens. It also has an herbal attractant that helps kittens know where to go. Some reviewers said that it has a distinct odor but most still prefer this to other litters. “Low dust, absorption is excellent, the price can’t be beat!” said one reviewer who uses Dr. Elsey’s litters for her adult cats as well. “No other litter for us!”

Some reviewers said that they couldn’t stand the natural odor of this litter.

Pros and Cons of Dr. Elsey’s Kitten Attract Clumping Clay Litter

Best for Kittens

Dr. Elsey's Kitten Litter

• Formulated specifically for use by kittens
• Clumping litter makes clean-up easy and keeps area around the box tidy
• Best for kittens ages 8 weeks and older
• Low-dust litter prevents tracking

Check Chewy Check Amazon

5. Best Pellet Litter: Simply Pine Unscented All-Natural Pellet Cat Litter

For cats and owners who like pellet litter, we recommendimply Pine Unscented All-Natural Pellet Cat Litter. It is more affordable than many other pellet litters, doesn’t have any added scents, and is easy to scoop and clean. The pellets absorb liquid, keeping it from pooling in the litter box or causing a bad smell. Solid waste can be buried by your cat like with traditional clay litter. When you are ready to scoop, you can scoop out the soiled pieces.

This is one of the best litter options to reduce tracking around your home. Because pellets are larger than clay litter granules, they do not stick to your cat’s paws or get kicked out of the litter box much. The few that do get kicked out quickly drop off your cat’s paws and stay right next to the box. These can also help cats who are sensitive to chemicals, scents, or clay litter. “It helped my cat’s allergies so much plus I don’t find litter all over my house now,” said one cat owner.

A few reviewers said that the pellets were too large and uncomfortable for cats to walk on.

Pros and Cons of Simply Pine Unscented All-Natural Pellet Cat Litter

Best Wood Pellets

Simply Pine Natural Cat Litter, 20 lb

• Larger sized pellets
• Free from fragrances and chemicals
• Virtually dust-free
• Pellets absorb waste and odor
• Easy to remove with a conventional kitty litter scoop

Check Amazon

Choosing the Best: What to Look For

When considering different non-tracking cat litter options, most people look for the right cost, smell, and texture that their cat likes. They may be considering the environmental impact as well. Here are each of the factors in more detail.

Cost

Cat litter can be budget-friendly or premium prices. Non-tracking litter is often on the higher end of this spectrum but can still work within a reasonable budget. If you want to take full advantage of every dollar, considering buying a larger quantity or signing up for a subscription that offers a discount.

Smell

Non-tracking litter is available in scented and unscented options. Cats have strong senses of smell and may prefer an unscented option. If you like a scent but your cat doesn’t, you may want to try mixing the unscented and scented option of similar litters to create your own custom mix that suits your needs.

You don’t need to pick a scented non-tracking cat litter to take advantage of odor-absorbing features. Look for a cat litter that has baking soda, activated charcoal, or other ingredients that absorb odors as they happen. You can also sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of the litter pan before filling it to get an added bonus.

Texture

Clumping clay litter is a traditional litter texture that many cats are used to and that works in most households. The litter pieces are very small and feel more like sand on their paws. Pellet-style litter has larger pieces that move a bit more under your cat’s feet as they step in and out of the litter box. Texture is one of the things that cats are the pickiest about when it comes to their litter. If you want to try a litter with a different texture, we recommend starting with a small amount and mixing it in with their current litter. Gradually transition to the new litter as they adjust to it.

Environmental Impact

Clay litter takes some processing to make, which can be harmful to the environment. If being eco-friendly is a top priority for you, look for a litter that is made with natural and sustainable ingredients. Wood pellets are a popular choice that absorb well and are better for the environment. Due to their larger size, they are also not tracked easily from the litter box itself. Some cats are picky about the texture, however, so it’s best to know your cat’s preferences before buying them.

The Different Types of Non-Tracking Cat Litter: Pros and Cons Compared

The two main options that you have for non-tracking cat litter are clumping clay litter and pellet litter. Each has pros and cons, which we’ve reviewed.

Clumping Clay Litter

Pellet Litter

Verified Review: User Experience

The Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal cat litter is a popular choice for its odor-absorption, non-tracking, and general top notch performance. Cats also love it, which makes them more likely to use the litter box when and where they are supposed to. One reviewer said that the texture was very fine, calling it silky. “The benefit to it being silky is that it doesn’t track bad at all,” they wrote. “The litter box is at the bottom of the cellar stairs and I’m finding hardly any litter mess on the stairs anymore. I highly recommend this product.”

Among pellet-style litters, Simply Pine came out on top with many reviewers. They liked that it didn’t track and was easy to use, as well as that it was a great eco-friendly option that didn’t sacrifice performance. One reviewer using a sifting litter box called it “The Best Litter Ever,” writing “Normally i would have to wash the litter box because the urine would make the litter stick to the bottom of the tray. not with this! It literally just turns to saw dust when you sift it. No smell, no mess left behind. I just wipe it down with a paper towel and am good to go.”