Are you trying to find the best kitty litter for your cat?
You’ve come to the right place! I’ve researched options across price ranges to help you find the best litter for your needs. From clumping litter to crystals, natural choices, and odor control, you’re sure to find something perfect for your cat!
These cat litter options are ranked from most expensive to least expensive. However, prices can fluctuate, so they may not be exact!
10 Best Types of Kitty Litter for Cats:
#1. Pretty Litter
I’m sure you’ve seen commercials for this kitty litter for cats!
Their memorable advertising is just one thing that sets Pretty Litter apart from other cat litter brands.
First, you should know that their formula is a silica gel-based crystal instead of clay or other material. This makes it low dust and more aesthetically pleasing than other litter.
In addition, their crystals also have additives that react to different components in your cat’s urine. These additives change color to alert you of potential health problems like urinary tract infections.
This non-clumping litter absorbs liquid waste, so solid waste is removed daily, and then you stir the crystals to distribute the ammonia. The crystals neutralize odor for up to 30 days. Then, you dump the entire litter box and replace it with fresh crystals.
Although it’s more expensive than other brands, Pretty Litter is low-waste, so it can still be cost-effective. The benefits of a “pretty” litter and health screening are also important to consider!
Positives:
- Low-dust crystal formula is good for cats with respiratory problems.
- Health screening additives change color to alert you to potential issues.
Negatives:
- Expensive – this is the priciest cat litter on the market.
- Like other crystal litters, the entire litter box must be changed periodically.
#2. Dr. Elsey’s Cat Attract
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This is the best kitty litter for cats that don’t like using a litter box.
Dr. Elsey’s Cat Attract has herbal ingredients that act like catnip to entice your cat to come around the litter box. Additionally, they’ve created a litter with the best particle size and texture so your cat won’t reject it.
Even though this cat litter is made of clay, it’s a low-dust formula and is good for cats with asthma. Plus, the herbal scent isn’t overpowering, so your cat won’t be overwhelmed by the smell.
Whether you have an older cat that doesn’t like the litter box or a kitten you’re trying to train, this litter will help! However, remember that some cats will avoid a litter box if they’re sick. If you notice your cat won’t use a litter box no matter what, it’s important to take them to the veterinarian and get a checkup.
Positives:
- The herbal blend in this formula attracts felines who dislike using the litter box.
- Their lightly scented, low-dust formula is perfect for most cats, even those with asthma.
Negatives:
- Although the scent isn’t overpowering, some cats may not be attracted to it.
- Sometimes cats avoid a litter box because of health problems, and this litter can mask those issues.
#3. sWheat Scoop
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sWheat Scoop is an all-natural kitty litter made from wheat! Their clumping formula has no harsh chemicals or perfumes and is naturally dust-free.
This is a great option if you’re looking for a “green” alternative to regular kitty litter for your cat. It’s domestically sourced, and its motto is “Better for cats, people, and the planet.” Unlike traditional cat litter, it’s biodegradable and made without dyes or harmful chemicals.
Although sWheat Scoop claims to be a flushable litter, we don’t recommend flushing ANY kitty litter because it isn’t good for septic systems. Instead, you should throw clumps away in the trash and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
Positives:
- This biodegradable, dye-free, and fragrance-free formula is perfect for cats with allergies, asthma, or other sensitivities.
- It’s made of wheat and is naturally dust-free.
Negatives:
- sWheat Scoop doesn’t clump as quickly as other types of litter, so smells can linger a bit longer.
- Although their packaging states that this litter is flushable, we don’t recommend flushing ANY litter down a toilet.
#4. Tidy Cats
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If you’re looking for lightweight litter for your cat, Tidy Cats is one of the best!
This clay-based litter also has activated charcoal, which helps control unpleasant odors without perfumes. It has no fragrance or dyes, and it’s low-dust, so felines with asthma or breathing issues can use it safely.
One of the best things about this litter is how light the package is! 17 lbs of this litter last as long as 35 lbs. of traditional clay litter, meaning you can save your back and your wallet!
The hard clumping formula is easy to scoop and top up, and you only need to replace the entire litter box once per month.
Positives:
- The lightweight formula is more convenient than heavier clay kitty litter.
- This litter is low-dust, fragrance-free, and dye-free, so it’s safe for cats with breathing issues.
Negatives:
- Some users experienced tracking and granules getting stuck in their cat’s paws.
- Tidy Cats Lightweight clumps slower than other clay litter, which can cause odors to linger.
#5. Petsafe Scoop-free Sensitive
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Petsafe’s Scoop-free Kitty Litter for cats is compatible with its automated litter box.
However, it can be used as a non-clumping crystal litter with any litter box. The unscented variety is safe for cats with sensitive noses or asthma and is 99% dust-free. The crystals are also designed to be low-tracking, with a shape that doesn’t readily stick to your cat’s feet.
Unfortunately, one of the top complaints about the Petsafe Scoop-free litter is that you pay more for less product than with other brands. So, it may not be the best option if you aren’t using a Petsafe automated litter box. Instead, try one of the other crystal litter options on our list!
Positives:
- Works with Petsafe’s automated litter boxes.
- The unscented, low-dust formula is good for cats with breathing issues.
Negatives:
- The cost is high for a small amount of litter.
- Some users find this litter less effective than other options like clay.
#6. Okocat Paper Pellets
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Okocat Paper Pellets are an unusual type of kitty litter for cats.
Instead of traditional clay or silica gel, this litter is made of 100% paper sourced from pine trees! The pellets are biodegradable, making them a good choice for the environment. They also produce little to no dust, so they’re good for your cat as well.
Okocat’s paper pellet litter is scent-free, and the paper absorbs odors and moisture from your cat’s urine. You should scoop solid waste once or twice daily and stir the litter to distribute the ammonia. Then, you can top up the litter for four to six weeks before replacing it fully.
Positives:
- This paper litter is biodegradable and scent-free, so it’s good for the planet and your cat.
Negatives:
- Although it has odor-controlling properties, some users report that this litter smells more than other types.
- Since the paper pellets are light, they can get stuck in your cat’s fur or feet and track around the house easily.
#7. Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal
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If you want the best odor control in kitty litter for cats, this is the one for you!
Arm & Hammer Clump and Seal has added baking soda to absorb odors, and its micro-guard formula also kills bacteria-causing odors.
This clay-based litter is unscented and low-dust, so it’s good for cats with breathing issues. Additionally, the clay granules are the right size and shape to discourage tracking.
Finally, this hard clumping litter makes waste disposal easy: remove clumps and solid waste, throw it away, and top up the litter as needed! As with any other litter, you should empty and clean your litter box once per month to avoid lingering odors.
Positives:
- Arm & Hammer’s formula includes baking soda and additives to kill odor-causing bacteria.
- The low-dust, unscented litter is good for cats with asthma.
Negatives:
- Some users find the litter has an unpleasant odor, even though it’s unscented.
#8. Fresh Step Crystals
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Fresh Step Crystals kitty litter for cats is a non-clumping scented formula.
The long-lasting crystals absorb moisture and odors in your cat’s urine, and solid waste can be scooped out. One added benefit is the blue and white crystals are more pleasant to look at than the gray or brown clay litter you might be used to.
Fresh Step is low-dust, but it’s best for cats with no asthma or breathing problems because of its strong smell. However, the fragrance does a good job of masking odors that the silica crystals don’t absorb. So, if you’re particularly sensitive to litter box odors, this is a great choice!
Positives:
- Low dust and minimal tracking are two of the best benefits of this litter.
- The fresh-scent fragrance masks unpleasant litter box odors well.
Negatives:
- The scent may be too strong for some cats, especially ones with breathing problems.
- Although the crystals are long-lasting, you still need to replace the entire litter box once per month.
#9. World’s Best Cat Litter
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World’s Best litter for cats is made with 100% corn!
It may seem hard to believe, but corn is very absorbent and clumps like traditional litter if it’s processed correctly. This variety is unscented, 99% dust free, and made without harsh chemicals. So, it’s perfect for any cat, even one with asthma or another breathing problem.
To use this litter, scoop out clumps and solid waste daily, top up the litter as needed, and empty the litter box completely once per month.
Positives:
- 100% corn litter is fragrance and dye free, low-dust, and made with no harsh chemicals.
- Even though it isn’t clay, this litter clumps quickly for convenient cleanup.
Negatives:
- Although the manufacturer states this is a low-dust product, many users find it dustier than clay or other types of litter.
#10. Scoop Away
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Scoop Away is the least expensive kitty litter for cats!
This basic clay cat litter may be cheap, but it’s effective and friendly on your bank account. The unscented, low-dust granules are good for any cat, even those with breathing problems.
Odor control and quick clumping are two of the most important factors in choosing a kitty litter, and Scoop Away will have both those areas covered. For a less expensive, effective option, this is your best bet!
Positives:
- Price – Scoop Away is the cheapest kitty litter we found!
- The unscented formula is good for felines (and humans) with sensitive noses.
Negatives:
- Although their label says this product is dust-free, clouds of dust can still form when pouring the litter out.
- Some users have noticed this litter doesn’t clump as quickly as other brands.
Why do cats need kitty litter?
Cats have a natural instinct to bury their waste. This is an evolutionary trait that helped their ancestors remain undetected by predators in the wild. It also helps to keep your cats healthy by minimizing the contact your pets have with potential diseases in their waste.
What are the different types of litter for cats?
- Clumping kitty litter has ingredients that clump around moisture (urine) to keep it separate from the rest of the litter. The clumps must be removed daily to make your cat comfortable using the litter box. Clumping litter can be topped up instead of changing it out completely.
- Non-clumping cat litter has ingredients that absorb urine instead of clumping around it. This type of kitty litter must be stirred daily to distribute ammonia in the urine. The entire box needs to be changed out every three to six weeks.
- Clay kitty litter is made with bentonite clay and is the most common type of cat litter. It clumps around urine and produces a moderate amount of dust. The main ingredient is usually sodium bentonite, which is a type of clay. It might not be right for cats with respiratory issues.
- Crystal Silica cat litter is non-clumping. It’s made of silica crystals, which are derived from sand, that absorb urine. It’s low-dust but can stick to your cat’s paws and become uncomfortable or track through your house. Although there is generally less dust than with clay, silica dust can be irritating to cats and humans.
- Alternative Material cat litter, like those made from paper pellets, wheat, and corn, is also becoming more widely available. Depending on your cat’s preference, these can be a good alternative to traditional litter. These are often labeled natural litters or organic litters.
- “Flushable” Litter options are available, but take that label with a grain of salt. Most toilets and sewer systems aren’t designed for litter clumps and can be damaged easily by flushing cat waste.
What kind of kitty litter for cats should you buy?
This question depends almost entirely on your cat. Their preferences are most important because it doesn’t matter what litter you buy if your cat won’t use it! However, there are certain things you can look for to help guide your decision.
- Avoid strong scents. Although it may be pleasant for humans, strong-smelling cat litter will likely overwhelm your cat. They have a keen sense of smell and will avoid heavy perfumes.
- Consider breathing issues. Does your cat often gag or have trouble breathing in dusty environments? If so, you should choose low-dust litter.
- Choose what’s right for you. Although your cat may have a preference for a particular litter, you also want to pick one that fits your lifestyle. For example, maybe your focus is on a low-cost option, or you prefer litter that controls odors. Our list above has something for every priority.
