As every cat parent knows, cleaning the litter box is one of the least rewarding aspects of the job. However, the right cat litter for your and your pet’s needs can make all the difference.
There are a wide range of litters available today, each offering unique benefits to cats and cat parents. Which one you choose can impact how easy it is to keep your space clean, your home smelling fresh and your cat happy.
Bathroom business is serious business, so there’s quite a bit to consider before selecting a litter. Read on for everything you need to know about the best cat litter on the market today, including expert tips and product picks from pet parents like you.
-
1
Best Cat Litter OverallWorld's Best Multi-Cat Unscented Clumping Corn Cat Litter, 28-lb bag $34 on Chewy
-
2
Best Cat Litter for Odor ControlFresh Step Premium Crystals Scented Non-Clumping Crystal Cat Litter, 8-lb bag $20 on Chewy
-
3
Best Clumping Cat LitterDr. Elsey's Ultra Multi-Cat Clumping Clay Cat Litter, 40-lb bag $21 on Chewy
-
4
Best Dust-Free Cat LitterArm & Hammer Slide Multi-Cat Clumping Clay Cat Litter, 38-lb box $27 on Chewy
-
5
Best Flushable Cat LittersWheat Scoop Multi-Cat Natural Clumping Wheat Cat Litter, 14-lb bag $17 on Chewy
How to Find the Best Cat Litter
At first glance, the amount of cat litters available today can be overwhelming. Where to start? First, consider these important factors:
- Materials: Cat litter is made from a variety of materials—from clay to silica gel to corn—with each offering its own benefits and drawbacks (more on that below).
- Clumping vs. non-clumping: To clump or not to clump, that is the age-old question. While there is no correct answer here, many cats (and cat parents) have strong preferences.
- Your litter box: If you have an automatic litter box, it’s important to use the type of litter suggested by the manufacturer. Many automatic litter boxes can use standard clumping litters, while others require specific litters.
- Your number of pets: If multiple cats will be using the litter, you might consider a multi-cat formula, which has additional odor neutralizers.
- Your cat’s health: If your cat has certain health conditions, your veterinarian may advise you to use specific litters. For example, cats with respiratory issues may benefit from low-dust litters. Some even change color to indicate potential health problems.
- Your lifestyle: Are you able to transport a heavy clay litter, or do you need a more lightweight option? Is non-tracking litter (litter that doesn’t stick to your cat and travel out of the box with them) important to you? How sensitive are you to fragrance or lack of fragrance? While your cat’s preferences are important, your litter also needs to work for your household.
- Your disposable method: How do you plan to dispose of litter? If you plan to scoop and flush, it’s important to use a flushable variety that’s safe for your plumbing.
- Your veterinarian’s advice: Using the litter box is an important part of your cat’s day, so consult your veterinarian before making changes to your litter, and ask for trusted product recommendations.
10 Best Cat Litters
To help you choose, we’ve rounded up the best cat litters as tested and approved by Chewy customers. These top-selling, top-rated cat litter brands get two paws up from cat parents like you.
Best Cat Litter Overall
-
World's Best
My cats have been using this litter for years and like the fact that it is natural and not scented. Plus Chewy's price is lower than elsewhere.
-
World's Best Multi-Cat Unscented Clumping Corn Cat Litter lives up to its name.
A basic cat litter that lasts a month, easy to pick out the clumps, and my cat doesn't leave a huge tracking mess outside the box.
-
Great clumping & odor control
This is our favorite litter by far. Great for the environment and your cat’s health. Low dust. Great odor control. Clumps solid with no clay. Works great in our Litter Robot, too!
Best Cat Litter for Odor Control
-
The best, paws down
This is the best cat litter I have ever used. Although people know I have cats they have told me many times how nice to come into a house where they have never been able to tell I have cats as there is never a urine smell. No odor, no dust, easy to clean long lasting
-
Ease of supplies
I order supplies for my birds from Chewy because of the wide variety. Otherwise, I would have to drive 25 miles to pet store.
-
GREAT LITTER
USE TO USE CLAY LITTER. AND IT GO EVERYWHERE AND ALOT OF DUST. SO WE SWITCHED TO CRYSTAL LITTER AND LOVE IT NO MORE DUST. ALOT CLEANER.
Best Clumping Cat Litter
-
Very best!
I love this litter! It has no scent, low tracking & clumps hard. I also like comes in a bag - less waste than the big plastic tubs
-
the no scent
having your cats constantly stepping on scented litter is absorbed through their feet and these chemicals/perfumes are detrimental to their health
-
Best cat litter
I’ve been using this litter for years, I love it. I feel it’s the best that there’s no cat odor, it’s not dusty. I give it definitely five stars.
Best Dust-Free Cat Litter
-
So happy this was invented!!
This litter is very lightweight unlike scooping out clay. The only drawback that I have found is that it has a different smell. Somewhat chemically but it doesn't invade my house like clay litter did.
-
Best clumping litter
I love it because of the clumping, making it easier for me to scoop and my cats like using it.
-
Great litter
I have been using this litter for years and love it. It does as says and basically slides out of the box. No digging or scraping needed. It’s great.
Best Flushable Cat Litter
-
Great litter!
This litter performs very well, and the best part is that there is NO clay in it. Safe for the cats, easy to clean out and clean up, I call it a win-win.
-
rapid delivery which is almost always the case
I did have most of the Lickables cardboard outer boxes crushed by the Swheatscoop litter which weighs so much. None of the plastic packs burst so did not lose any but had to repackage them.
-
We love this cat litter!
After trying many different cat litters over the years, we landed on sWheat Scoop as the best option for our multi-cat family. We have happily used it for years. It clumps well, is easy to dispose of and keeps odors to a minimum.
Best Litter for Kittens
-
Kittens
My kittens were getting into the plants as a litter box until I switched to this litter All 3 immediately used the litter box no more issues with the plants
-
litter search over
This is the best clumping litter. The clay pebbles are small so it sifts through the scooper easily and quickly. There is no smell and very little tracking. My kitten went for it right away.
-
Good quality
My kitten was going outside the box so I mix this is with the original litter. This has helped with training. Clumps good too!
Best Non-Tracking Cat Litter
-
Love this litter box set up
I really like this litter box set up. Really reduces the litter box smell and is much cleaner to use than litter
-
Great Litter system
Large Breeze Pan for 3 adult cats. Pellets last about 2 weeks. Easiest litter I have ever had. No clay tracking all over the place. One does find pellets but they are easy to pick up. Best litter!
-
Easy, Breezy Litter
All my litter boxes are Breeze boxes. It's so much easier to clean the box because the poop is separated from the urine. The box doesn't smell and lasts longer than traditional litter. No more sandy grit on the floor and rug.
Best Natural Cat Litter
-
Great litter
Cats like it better than some other litter we've tried. Corn-based, plain litter. It does track a little but not too badly.
-
Great cat litter
This litter doesn't track across my floor as much as some of the other ones. And it's healthier for my cat who has skin allergies. The large size lasted me months.
-
"Worlds Best"
This is the greatest cat litter!! Flushable, no dust, no perfume!! You will never regret using this for your fur baby !!!
Best for Multiple Cat Households
-
Best litter
I find this has been the best litter to cover scents and soft enough that my cats like it. I've tried other litters that they refuse to use because it's too hard/rock like. This is an easy clumping clean up. I won't use any other brand!
-
convenience
The qualityof the item is great, but what I really like is the convenience of the ten pound bags. Even those of us with limited lifting abilities can handle these bags.
-
What my 2 cats love!
Only litter my cats like. Nice that there is 2 packs in each case. Makes it a lot easier changing the two litter boxes. Excellent price and fast shipping!
Best Budget Cat Litter
-
Timely delivery
My auto ship was delivered promptly. I was notified by email when it was packaged and shipped, which is very helpful.
-
Great price
This a a great quality litter for a fraction of others’ price. It’s a smaller, easier to handle size to move around. Works well.
-
The clumping is exceptional
I have recently used litter that became sticky when wet. It made a mess in the box and a worse mess on the litter shovel. Frisco doesn’t become sticky when wet. Or at least, not as sticky. Cleanup is much easier with Frisco than with many other Brands.
Types of Cat Litter
Cat litters are available in a wide range of materials and offer a number of features. Here, Joey Lusvardi, CCBC, a Minneapolis-based certified cat behavior consultant and founder of Class Act Cats, helps us break it down.
Clay
The most common types of cat litters are made from clay—specifically bentonite clay, which is highly absorbent, although other types of clay may be present depending on the type of litter. Clay litters can be clumping or non-clumping, and with a consistency reminiscent of sand or dirt, offer an alluring, natural texture.
“For most cats, a basic unscented clay clumping litter will work great, as it is easy to scoop; controls odor well if you scoop regularly; and it meets the preferences of most cats,” says Lusvardi.
Best for: most cats without special litter needs; budget-conscious pet parents
Silica Gel
Also known as crystal litter, silica gel litter is a mineral-based litter made from silica gel granules. The lightweight granules trap odors and absorb urine without clumping, and produce minimal dust. Some brands, such as PrettyLitter, change colors to help monitor the cat’s urine content.
While many cats happily use crystal litter, others may not like the texture. “Crystal litter tends to have sharp edges, and may not be very comfortable for cats to walk on,” Lusvardi says.
Best for: pet parents who prefer a lighter litter; cats with respiratory and urinary health concerns; households concerned about litter dust and tracking
Natural
Natural cat litters are made from sustainable, biodegradable materials including paper, corn, tofu, cedar, walnuts and grass. Natural litters rely on their fiber-heavy compositions to absorb urine.
Because natural cat litter is made with renewable materials, it’s one of the most eco-friendly options you can choose, says Lusvardi. “I often recommend clients try a grass litter if they are thinking of switching to a natural litter. It has qualities that are pretty close to a typical clay litter but is less dusty.”
Best for: ingredient-conscious and environmentally friendly pet parents; cats who do not like the texture of more traditional litters; cats who are sensitive to chemicals and fragrances
Multi-Cat
Multi-cat litters typically contain extra odor neutralizers and fragrances, making them effective at keeping households with multiple pets smelling fresh. Multi-cat litters can be made from a variety of materials, and many cats tolerate them. However, if your cat is sensitive to fragrance, these litters may not be appropriate.
“If your cat has a sensitivity, try to find as boring a litter as possible,” says Lusvardi. “Unscented litters are going to have fewer chemicals than scented litters.”
Best for: households with multiple cats; pet parents concerned about odors
Flushable
Flushable litter is made with 100% biodegradable ingredients, meaning that—unlike clay or silica litters—clumps and soiled portions can be flushed down the toilet. Not every toilet or septic tank can effectively manage flushable litter, though, so it’s important to research your system before selecting a litter.
Best for: pet parents who don’t want solid waste in the trash can
Clumping
Clumping cat litter is a popular variety of clay litter that is extra absorbent, causing the clay to form firm clumps when it comes into contact with liquid. A clumping formula makes it easy to scoop out urine, meaning the box smells fresher and has to be emptied less frequently.
While most pet parents who purchase clay litter would prefer the clumping variety, non-clumping can be better for some cats. “For long-haired or even some medium-haired cats, clumping litter may get stuck in their fur,” Lusvardi says. “This is incredibly uncomfortable, so they may prefer a non-clumping litter that won’t try to tag along after they use the litter box.”
Best for: pet parents who want to easily scoop and conserve litter; short-haired cats
Low-Tracking
While no litter is 100% non-tracking, low-tracking varieties are typically made from larger, heavier granules that are more likely to stay in the box instead of clinging to kitty’s feet or fur. Low-tracking litters are great for keeping the house tidy, but not all cats enjoy the texture.
Best for: pet parents concerned about stray litter
How to Litter Train a Cat or Kitten
Litter-training a cat or kitten doesn’t have to stink! Follow these easy steps for bathroom success:
- Choose the right equipment. Set your cat up for success with a shallow box that’s easy to get into, as well as a kitten-friendly litter, such as Dr. Elsey’s Kitten Attract Clumping Clay Cat Litter.
- Place the box in a safe space. Cats like privacy and easy access, so put the litter box in a low-traffic area that’s effortless to find.
- Show your cat the boxes. Almost immediately after bringing a new cat or kitten home, show them the litter box. As they get acclimated to their new home, continue to place them in the box a few times a day.
- Scoop the box daily for feces and urine. Cleaning litter boxes isn’t a glamorous chore, but it’s an important one. A dirty litter box is stressful to cats, and many will refuse to use it.
- Be patient. Your new pet may have a few accidents, and that’s OK. Never scold your cat; instead, calmly and thoroughly clean up the mess to avoid your cat going in the same place again.
For more litter-training tips, check out our comprehensive Chewtorial guide.
Cat Litter Troubleshooting
Sometimes, a perfectly trained cat will stop using the litter box. Some common reasons include:
- The box is different. Cats don’t like change. If you recently bought a new box, moved the box or switched to a new litter, your cat might not be comfortable with the new arrangement. If you must change your cat’s bathroom setup, try to make the changes subtle and gradual.
- The litter is dirty. Many cats won’t use a dirty box, even if it contains the greatest cat litter on the planet. Scoop your litter at least once a day, and replace it at least once a week.
- The box is too small. Your cat should be able to comfortably turn around in the litter box. If it’s the same box you purchased when your cat was a kitten, it might be time to buy something bigger.
- You have a kitty bully. In multi-cat households, one cat might “claim” the litter box. Make sure you have separate boxes for each cat, and place them in separate parts of the house.
- Stress. Cats can sense household stress, so a change in the family dynamic (such as a new baby or home renovations) can cause litter box issues. Try to stick to daily routines, and consult your veterinarian about ways to reduce your pet’s stress.
- Underlying medical issues. If your cat is sick, they may have trouble using the litter box. Always contact your veterinarian about any abrupt changes to litter box habits.
For more troubleshooting tips, check out our handy guide on solving cat litter problems.
How We Chose These Products
The right kitty litter can make all the difference for both cats and cat parents. That’s why we rounded up these top-selling, top-rated products, as chosen by satisfied Chewy customers. Backed by thousands of ratings and stellar cat litter reviews, these best-in-class litters are kitty-tested and pet-parent approved.
Talk to Your Veterinarian
The litter box is an important part of your cat’s routine and health, so before making changes, discuss them with your veterinarian. They can make suggestions about the best litter for your cat.
It’s also important to consult your veterinarian if you notice changes to your cat’s litter box habits, including accidents outside the box or straining to go. “The occasional lapse in litter-box usage may not be cause for concern, but recurrent or abrupt issues require immediate veterinary attention,” says Dr. Bethany Hsia, DVM, a Clovis, California-based veterinarian and co-founder of CodaPet.
Cat Litter FAQs
Q: What is the least messy cat litter?
A: The least messy cat litters are clumping, low-tracking litters made from heavier granules, which are less likely to stick to a cat’s feet or fur. If dust is a concern, silica litters are virtually dust-free.
Q: How often should you change cat litter?
A: Cats prefer clean boxes, so plan to scoop your box at least once a day (and twice when possible). Once a week, empty the litter pan completely; clean it with unscented dish soap; and refill with new litter.
Q: Why did my cat stop using the litter box?
A: Cats may stop using the litter box for a variety of reasons, including a change to the litter box, litter or location; dirty litter; an uncomfortably small box; intimidation from another cat; stress; or an underlying health issue. If you notice a change in your cat’s litter box habits, consult your veterinarian.
Cat Litter: Next Steps
Cats bring immeasurable joy, comfort and companionship to our lives, enriching every corner of our homes—except, perhaps, the litter box corner. Fortunately, we’ve come a long way since messy, one-size-fits-all litters.
Next order of business? Finding the perfect litter box for your feline friend. Read our guide on everything you need to know about buying litter boxes, from the latest high-tech options to tried-and-true favorites.
Expert input provided by Dr. Bethany Hsia, DVM, a Clovis, California-based veterinarian and co-founder of CodaPet, and Joey Lusvardi, CCBC, a Minneapolis-based certified cat behavior consultant and founder of Class Act Cats.
Learn more about cat bathroom behavior:
Share: