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.
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Best Cat Litter OverallWorld's Best Multi-Cat Unscented Clumping Corn Cat Litter, 28-lb bag $34 on Chewy
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Best Cat Litter for Odor ControlFresh Step Premium Crystals Scented Non-Clumping Crystal Cat Litter, 8-lb bag $20 on Chewy
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Best Clumping Cat LitterDr. Elsey's Ultra Multi-Cat Clumping Clay Cat Litter, 40-lb bag $21 on Chewy
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Best Dust-Free Cat LitterArm & Hammer Slide Multi-Cat Clumping Clay Cat Litter, 38-lb box $27 on Chewy
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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
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Best cat litter
We've been using this for ten years or more. It is great. The only thing I would suggest is a resealable bag.
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No smell
This is the best kitty litter I've ever used. I was introduced to it over a year ago and never went back to the old stuff. I did change to the courser version & there is way less tracking out of the box. No ammonia smell. No poop smell. Nothing. Really recommend.
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Truly Great
Best kitty litter I've tried. Tracks less, doesn't discolor grout and tiles like clay litter, easier to vacume up than heavy clay litter. Great odor control.
Best Cat Litter for Odor Control
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Best cat litter made
My cat has allergies to dust in litter. It takes his breath away for a few minutes. So when he was about 8 months old I tried fresh step crystals. It was fantastic and Ive been using it ever since. My cat is now 15and a spoiled brat
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Works for my kitty
I have one cat that uses this litter exclusively. She uses it and never has an accident. As for me, there is some dust but nothing terrible, 1 bag lasts approximately 3-4 wks. The color of the chrystals makes an unpleasant experience much easier on the eyes.
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Best cat litter hands down
I don't buy any others these days unless forced to. Sometimes this can be harder to come by. The other crystal cat litters aren't nearly as good as this is.
Best Clumping Cat Litter
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Best scoopable Litter EVER
This litter is the best that I have found. The scooping power is wonderful- as in it doesn't fall apart as soon as I scoop, there's virtually no dust and it takes care of the odor immediately.
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Stuff was a god send
My cat had some issues remembering to use the litter box I think cuz the moment I got the cat attract he had no other issues. Stuff smells neutral no heavy scent and the dust is very minimal. I feel like it’s the best of the clay litter option.
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Still using after many years
I’ve been using this litter for many years and it is still a great product. It does the job very well.
Best Dust-Free Cat Litter
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Good product
My Sister turned me onto Arm and Hammer clump, seal and glide. I really like the way the product works and freshening the litter box is so much easier there’s people that have told me they did they can’t even tell I have a cat in the house and that is a real compliment for the product as far as I’m concerned.
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No more scraping
I just started using the Arm& Hammer Slide litter. It doesn't stick to the box like other litter, making scooping so much easier. The 32lb box is great because it lasts an entire month (for 3 cats).
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My Litter Choice
I have cats that share 4 litter boxes and this litter works well. People that come in my house always say the house doesn't smell like I have 3 cats.
Best Flushable Cat Litter
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No chemical
Wheat scoop is the only brand I use. I mix it with baking soda which helps with odor. I feel better that there is no chemical lije other brands.
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Clean litter
I love that this litter is a natural product. It's easily scoopable, low dust, no smell and cost effective. We use a stainless steel litter box and scoop. Even the clumps on the bottom and side scoop easily.
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sWheat Scoop Cat Litter
I've used this litter for my little one for over 12 yrs and it never disappoints. Ordering from chewy is so easy, delivery is usually the next day if not just a couple day, and the order is always correct! Thank you Chewy!
Best Litter for Kittens
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Great for kittens
Great for kittens, smaller pieces so they aren’t as apt to eat it. Has a slight scent that kittens are attracted to. Great for when I brought my new kitten home, this is what her foster used. it clumps good It doesn’t get stuck in her paws.
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Love it!
I’ve used this litter for 5 years. I know it says “kitten attract”, but my adult cat has never used anything else. Why change a good thing.
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Kitty litter
I was worried that my new baby would not take to the litter box because he is only 3 weeks old but as soon as he tried running he stopped and went into the litter box and was a very good boy and used the bathroom.
Best Non-Tracking Cat Litter
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Excellent
Loving this new litter and box set up! SO much easier. No dust. NO smell other than feces which I clean out with a dog poop bag. Excellent product!!!
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Great litter system
Very happy with this litter box system. Only the occasional pellet on the floor. Cats took to it quickly. No smell, easy clean up.
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Breeze litter system
I tired this system several years ago with grown cats (since passed) We have two new kittens and started with this system from the beginning. They took to it well. It's much cleaner and less dusty than clay or clumping litter. They do sling some pellets out when the get crazy, but they are easily swept up.
Best Natural Cat Litter
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It's the best cat litter
i Over time I have tried, many different brands. Worlds Best is the best. less dust than any, i mean any other brand. No need to dump the litter box to refresh the box. WB clumps so well that simply cleaning the clumps keeps it fresh. Best of it's qualities is it is better for the health of your cat (s). It does not contain fine airborne clay which will be inhaled by your cat. Try it, you will never go back
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Worlds Best
This litter has been the best I’ve ever used. It definitely is extremely low dust. When I used to use the clay litters everything would be covered with a layer of dust. That can’t be good for our animals.
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It works beautifully & completely non toxic.
One of my nieces who didn't want to help with litter boxes while visiting me in FLORIDA said to me "sorry I'm allergic to every cat litter ever made, so I can't scoop". So I asked if she eats corn, she said yes. I asked white & yellow, on the cob or in a dish? She responded yes. I told her to go scoop the litter boxes because the litter is 100% corn & septic safe. I became the meanie Aunt that day but I call it DISCIPLINE.
Best for Multiple Cat Households
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Good product. Does the job. Smells good
I prefer this "regular" litter above the "light" litter which I have tried. Just my personal preference. Seems less litter is tossed out of the box onto the floor, and it does smell better to me.
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FANTASTIC
I have tried many different kinds of cat litter and nothing compares. Less odor and less mess. Of course we clean litter box often a day. Fragrance is pleasant.
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I've used this before and always been pleased with it. Contains odor and the mess outside the litter box is minimal. Burt doesn't seem to drag this litter as he does the others. The aroma is nice also..
Best Budget Cat Litter
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The very best cat litter
I have multiple kitties. Some with allergies. This cat litter is perfect for all of them. I would highly recommend it.
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Back in stock!
This litter has been in and out of stock a few times. I had to purchase another brand when they were out and never again. I went through 120 pounds of that litter in less than a month for 3 cats. Frisco litter is far better and use way less.
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Good litter
I started using this litter when my regular kind became hard to find due to covid. This is a good litter and a good price. Just wish chewy could put a handle hole in the bag for easier handling.
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:
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