We’ve researched and tested dozens of kitty litters to identify the top performers across key categories. Our recommendations consider clumping ability, dust levels, odor control, tracking resistance, and value—all factors that contribute to a cleaner home and happier cats. Let’s dive into the world of kitty litter to find your perfect match.
Our Top Picks for Best Kitty Litter at a Glance
| Category | Product | Material | Clumping | Tracking | Best For | Price |
| Best Overall | Dr. Elsey’s Ultra Unscented | Clay | Excellent | Low | All households | $ |
| Best Odor Control | Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal | Clay | Very Good | Medium | Odor-sensitive homes | $$ |
| Best Non-Tracking | Tuft + Paw Really Great Cat Litter | Soybean | Good | Very Low | Clean floors | $$$ |
| Best for Multiple Cats | World’s Best Multi-Cat | Corn | Very Good | Medium | Multi-cat households | $$ |
| Best for Kittens | Fresh News Recycled Paper | Paper | No | Medium | Kittens under 4 months | $$ |
| Best Eco-Friendly | Catalyst Pet Multi-Cat | Wood | Yes | Medium | Eco-conscious owners | $$ |
Price Key: $ = Under $0.75/lb | $$ = $0.75-$1.50/lb | $$$ = Over $1.50/lb
How We Selected the Best Kitty Litter
Our recommendations are based on extensive research, hands-on testing with multiple cats, and analysis of thousands of customer reviews. We evaluated each litter based on these key factors:
Performance Factors
- Clumping ability: How well the litter forms solid clumps that are easy to scoop
- Odor control: Effectiveness at neutralizing ammonia and fecal odors
- Dust levels: Amount of dust produced when pouring and scooping
- Tracking: Tendency to stick to paws and spread outside the box
- Absorption: Speed and capacity to absorb moisture
Practical Considerations
- Value: Cost per pound and how long it lasts
- Availability: Ease of finding the product in stores and online
- Cat preference: How readily cats accept and use the litter
- Special needs: Suitability for kittens, multiple cats, or sensitive paws
- Environmental impact: Biodegradability and sourcing practices
We tested each litter for a minimum of two weeks in multi-cat households, monitoring factors like clump integrity, odor development, dust production, and tracking patterns. Our recommendations represent the best balance of performance, value, and cat approval.
Best Overall Kitty Litter: Dr. Elsey’s Ultra Unscented
Dr. Elsey’s Ultra Unscented consistently outperforms other kitty litters in the most important categories: clumping ability, odor control, and value. This clay-based litter forms exceptionally hard clumps that don’t break apart during scooping, making litter box maintenance quick and efficient. The medium-sized granules are gentle on paws while heavy enough to minimize tracking throughout your home.
What truly sets this litter apart is its superior odor control without relying on artificial fragrances. The natural properties of the premium clay effectively trap ammonia odors, keeping your home fresh even in multi-cat households. At approximately $0.50-$0.60 per pound, it’s also one of the most affordable options that doesn’t compromise on performance.
What We Like
- Forms rock-hard clumps that don’t crumble
- Excellent odor control without artificial fragrance
- Low tracking compared to other clay litters
- Affordable price point (around $0.50-$0.60/lb)
- Widely available in stores and online
What We Don’t Like
- Produces moderate dust when pouring
- Heavy bags can be difficult to handle
- Packaging is not resealable
- Clumps may stick to the bottom of the box if not scooped promptly
Ready to Try the Best Overall Kitty Litter?
Dr. Elsey’s Ultra Unscented offers the perfect balance of performance and value for most cat households.
Best Kitty Litter for Odor Control: Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal
If odor control is your top priority, Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal is the clear winner. This clay-based litter combines the natural odor-fighting power of baking soda with moisture-activated microgranules that create an airtight seal around waste. The result is a litter box that stays remarkably fresh, even in multi-cat households.
While the clumps aren’t quite as hard as our top pick, they’re still solid enough for easy scooping. The litter produces minimal dust when pouring and scooping, making it a good choice for cats and humans with respiratory sensitivities. The slightly larger granules help reduce tracking, though no clay litter completely eliminates this issue.
What We Like
- Superior 7-day odor control guarantee
- Very low dust formula
- Baking soda helps neutralize odors naturally
- Comes in a convenient box with handle
- Available in multi-cat formula for extra strength
What We Don’t Like
- Clumps can break apart more easily than our top pick
- Slightly more expensive than basic clay litters
- Some cats may be sensitive to the light scent
- Heavier than some alternative litters
Say Goodbye to Litter Box Odors
Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal provides exceptional odor control for even the busiest litter boxes.
How to Maximize Odor Control
Even the best odor-controlling litter works better with proper maintenance. Scoop waste at least once daily, completely change the litter every 2-3 weeks, and clean the box with mild soap and water during litter changes. Consider using a litter box with a carbon filter in the hood for additional odor absorption.
Best Non-Tracking Kitty Litter: Tuft + Paw Really Great Cat Litter
If you’re tired of finding litter granules throughout your home, Tuft + Paw Really Great Cat Litter offers the best solution. Made from soybean byproduct, this innovative litter forms small, oblong pellets that are significantly less likely to stick to your cat’s paws and fur. The pellet design creates a natural barrier against tracking while still providing a texture most cats readily accept.
Beyond its low-tracking benefits, this litter is virtually dust-free and forms solid clumps that are easy to scoop. It’s also biodegradable, compostable, and flushable (in small amounts), making it an environmentally friendly choice. The lightweight formula is easier to carry and pour than heavy clay alternatives.
What We Like
- Exceptional anti-tracking properties
- Virtually dust-free formula
- Biodegradable and flushable
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Forms solid, scoopable clumps
What We Don’t Like
- Premium price point (around $3/lb)
- Clumps may be more delicate than clay
- Some cats may need time to adjust to the texture
- Limited availability compared to major brands
Keep Your Floors Litter-Free
Tuft + Paw Really Great Cat Litter minimizes tracking while offering excellent performance.
Tips to Further Reduce Litter Tracking
Even with low-tracking litter, using a high-quality litter mat can catch remaining granules. Look for mats with raised patterns or honeycomb designs that trap litter from your cat’s paws. Placing the litter box in a less-trafficked area and using a box with higher sides or a top entry can also significantly reduce tracking.
Best Kitty Litter for Multiple Cats: World’s Best Multi-Cat
Multi-cat households face unique challenges with litter box maintenance, and World’s Best Multi-Cat formula rises to the occasion. Made from whole-kernel corn, this natural litter offers exceptional odor control without synthetic fragrances, making it ideal for busy litter boxes. The quick-clumping formula helps prevent odor development by rapidly encapsulating waste.
What makes this litter particularly suitable for multiple cats is its concentrated performance—you’ll use less litter overall compared to clay alternatives. It’s also significantly lighter than clay, making it easier to handle when maintaining multiple boxes. The natural corn formula produces minimal dust, creating a healthier environment for both cats and humans.
What We Like
- Superior odor control for multi-cat households
- Made from renewable, sustainable corn
- Concentrated formula means you use less litter
- Significantly lighter than clay alternatives
- Very low dust production
What We Don’t Like
- Higher price point than clay litters
- Some tracking due to lighter granules
- Natural corn scent may be noticeable when wet
- Clumps may take longer to fully harden
Perfect for Busy Multi-Cat Households
World’s Best Multi-Cat formula handles heavy use while keeping odors at bay.
Managing Multiple Litter Boxes
The general rule for multi-cat households is one litter box per cat, plus one extra. Place boxes in different locations throughout your home to prevent territorial issues. With multiple cats, daily scooping becomes even more important—consider a schedule where boxes are scooped twice daily to maintain cleanliness and control odors.
Best Kitty Litter for Kittens: Fresh News Recycled Paper
Kittens require special consideration when it comes to litter, as their curious nature may lead them to ingest litter particles. Fresh News Recycled Paper Litter provides a safe, non-toxic alternative that won’t expand or clump in a kitten’s digestive tract if accidentally consumed. Made from 100% recycled paper, this litter is incredibly gentle on sensitive kitten paws.
While this is a non-clumping formula, it’s highly absorbent and contains baking soda to help neutralize odors. The paper pellets are virtually dust-free, making it an excellent choice for kittens with developing respiratory systems. The distinctive blue color also makes it easy to monitor your kitten’s waste for any health concerns.
What We Like
- Safe for kittens if accidentally ingested
- Extremely low dust, great for sensitive respiratory systems
- Made from 100% recycled paper (eco-friendly)
- Soft texture is gentle on delicate kitten paws
- Highly absorbent with baking soda for odor control
What We Don’t Like
- Non-clumping formula requires more frequent changes
- Limited odor control compared to clumping varieties
- May need transition to clumping litter as kitten matures
- Moisture can accumulate at bottom of box
Safe and Gentle for Your Kitten
Fresh News Recycled Paper Litter provides a safe introduction to the litter box for young kittens.
When Can Kittens Use Clumping Litter?
Most veterinarians recommend waiting until kittens are at least 3-4 months old before introducing clumping clay litter. Until then, non-clumping paper, wood, or corn-based litters are safer options. When transitioning to clumping litter, mix it gradually with the kitten’s current litter over 7-10 days to help them adjust to the new texture.
Best Eco-Friendly Kitty Litter: Catalyst Pet Multi-Cat
For environmentally conscious cat owners, Catalyst Pet Multi-Cat offers a sustainable alternative that doesn’t compromise on performance. Made from upcycled softwood fiber that would otherwise go to waste, this innovative litter is biodegradable and significantly reduces your carbon footprint compared to clay options.
Despite its eco-friendly credentials, Catalyst Pet performs impressively well. It forms solid clumps, controls odors effectively, and is remarkably lightweight—one pound of this litter does the work of three pounds of clay. The fine-grained texture is gentle on paws and acceptable to most cats, though it may track slightly more than heavier clay formulas.
What We Like
- Made from renewable, upcycled wood fiber
- Biodegradable and sustainable
- Extremely lightweight (70% lighter than clay)
- Forms solid, scoopable clumps
- Effective odor control for multiple cats
What We Don’t Like
- May be dusty when first poured
- Lightweight texture can increase tracking
- Higher price point than clay alternatives
- May require a transition period for some cats
Eco-Friendly Without Compromise
Catalyst Pet Multi-Cat offers sustainable performance that’s good for your cats and the planet.
Understanding Environmental Impact
Traditional clay litter is sourced through strip mining and doesn’t biodegrade in landfills. Eco-friendly alternatives like wood, paper, corn, and grass decompose naturally and often come from renewable or recycled sources. While they may cost more initially, their concentrated formulas often mean you’ll use less litter overall, potentially offsetting the price difference.
How to Choose the Right Kitty Litter: Buying Guide
With so many options available, choosing the right kitty litter can be overwhelming. Consider these key factors when making your selection:
For Odor Control
- Look for activated carbon or baking soda additives
- Choose clumping formulas that encapsulate waste
- Consider unscented options (artificial fragrances can irritate cats)
- Multi-cat formulas offer enhanced odor fighting
- Clay and corn-based litters typically offer best odor control
For Minimal Tracking
- Choose heavier granules that fall off paws more easily
- Pellet-style litters typically track less than fine granules
- Look for “low-tracking” on the label
- Pair with a quality litter mat for best results
- Consider litter box location and type
For Multiple Cats
- Select formulas specifically designed for multi-cat households
- Prioritize superior clumping and odor control
- Consider value and how quickly litter is used
- Unscented options may be better for multiple cats
- Ensure all cats accept the chosen litter
For Kittens
Kittens under 4 months old should use non-clumping litter to prevent health issues if accidentally ingested. Look for:
- Paper, wood, or corn-based non-clumping formulas
- Dust-free options for developing respiratory systems
- Soft textures gentle on sensitive paws
- Non-toxic, natural materials
- Gradual transition to clumping litter as they mature
Understanding Litter Materials
| Material | Pros | Cons | Best For |
| Clay (Bentonite) | Strong clumping, excellent odor control, affordable | Heavy, dusty, not biodegradable | Most households, odor control |
| Silica Crystals | Highly absorbent, low tracking, long-lasting | Expensive, some cats dislike texture | Low maintenance, sensitive paws |
| Corn | Natural, biodegradable, good clumping | More expensive, may attract insects | Eco-conscious owners, allergies |
| Paper | Dust-free, soft, safe if ingested | Poor odor control, requires frequent changes | Kittens, post-surgery cats |
| Wood | Natural pine scent, biodegradable | Variable clumping, may have strong scent | Eco-conscious owners |
| Walnut Shell | Good clumping, natural, biodegradable | Dark color can hide waste, may stain | Eco-conscious owners |
Frequently Asked Questions About Kitty Litter
Is clumping litter safe for kittens?
Most veterinarians recommend avoiding clumping clay litter for kittens under 3-4 months old. Young kittens may ingest litter while grooming or through curiosity, and clumping clay can expand in their digestive tract, potentially causing blockages. Non-clumping paper, wood, or corn-based litters are safer alternatives for kittens. Once your kitten is older and has established good litter box habits, you can gradually transition to a clumping formula if desired.
How can I reduce litter tracking in my home?
To minimize tracking, try these strategies:
- Choose a litter with larger, heavier granules or pellet formulations
- Use a high-quality litter mat with a textured surface to trap particles
- Consider a litter box with high sides or a top-entry design
- Place the litter box on a large mat or in a dedicated area away from high-traffic zones
- Regularly vacuum or sweep around the litter box area
- Try litter box furniture that contains tracking within a confined space
How often should I completely change the litter?
For clumping litter with regular scooping:
- Single-cat households: Every 2-3 weeks
- Multi-cat households: Every 1-2 weeks
For non-clumping litter:
- Single-cat households: Every 5-7 days
- Multi-cat households: Every 2-3 days
Always clean the litter box with mild soap and water when changing the litter completely. These are general guidelines—adjust based on your specific situation and the litter manufacturer’s recommendations.
What’s the best kitty litter for cats with allergies or respiratory issues?
For cats with allergies or respiratory sensitivities, look for:
- Dust-free formulations (paper, corn, or wood often produce less dust than clay)
- Unscented varieties without artificial fragrances
- Hypoallergenic options specifically designed for sensitive cats
- Natural materials without added chemicals
Paper-based litters like Fresh News or corn-based options like World’s Best are often good choices for sensitive cats. Crystal litters can also be low-dust but verify they’re specifically labeled as dust-free.
How much litter should I put in the litter box?
The ideal depth for most litters is 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm). This provides enough material for cats to dig and bury waste while allowing clumping litters to form solid clumps that don’t stick to the bottom of the box. For non-clumping litters, you might need a slightly deeper layer (3-4 inches) to adequately absorb moisture. Always follow the specific recommendations on your litter’s packaging, as some formulas may require different depths for optimal performance.
What should I do if my cat refuses to use a new litter?
If your cat rejects a new litter:
- Return to the previous litter they accepted
- Try a gradual transition by mixing increasing amounts of the new litter with the old over 1-2 weeks
- Provide a second box with the new litter alongside the familiar one
- Ensure the litter box is clean and placed in a quiet, accessible location
- Consider if the texture, scent, or depth of the new litter might be causing the issue
Cats can be particular about litter texture and scent. If your cat consistently refuses certain types, respect their preference—a used litter box is better than a cat eliminating outside the box.
Kitty Litter Comparison Chart
| Product | Material | Clumping | Odor Control | Dust Level | Tracking | Eco-Friendly | Price Range | Best For |
| Dr. Elsey’s Ultra | Clay | Excellent | Excellent | Medium | Low | No | $ | Overall use, value |
| Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal | Clay | Very Good | Excellent | Low | Medium | No | $$ | Odor control |
| Tuft + Paw Really Great | Soybean | Good | Good | Very Low | Very Low | Yes | $$$ | Low tracking |
| World’s Best Multi-Cat | Corn | Very Good | Very Good | Low | Medium | Yes | $$ | Multiple cats |
| Fresh News Recycled Paper | Paper | No | Good | Very Low | Low | Yes | $$ | Kittens |
| Catalyst Pet Multi-Cat | Wood | Good | Very Good | Medium | Medium | Yes | $$ | Eco-conscious |
Price Range Key: $ = Under $0.75/lb | $$ = $0.75-$1.50/lb | $$$ = Over $1.50/lb
Final Recommendations: Finding Your Perfect Kitty Litter
After extensive testing and research, we’ve found that different households have different needs when it comes to kitty litter. Here are our final recommendations based on specific priorities:
Best Budget Pick
If value is your primary concern without sacrificing performance, Dr. Elsey’s Ultra Unscented offers the best combination of quality and affordability. At around $0.50-$0.60 per pound, it delivers excellent clumping and odor control that rivals more expensive options.
Best Premium Pick
For those willing to invest in superior performance, Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal provides exceptional odor control with minimal dust. Its premium formulation creates a tight seal around waste and keeps your home smelling fresh, even with multiple cats.
Best Eco-Friendly Pick
If environmental impact is your priority, Catalyst Pet Multi-Cat offers the best combination of performance and sustainability. Its innovative wood-based formula is biodegradable while still providing excellent clumping and odor control.
Remember that individual cats may have strong preferences about their litter. If you’re introducing a new litter, do so gradually by mixing it with the current litter over 7-10 days. The best kitty litter is ultimately the one your cat will use consistently—their preference matters most!
Regular litter box maintenance remains the most important factor in odor control and cat satisfaction, regardless of which litter you choose. Scoop daily, change the litter completely according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, and clean the box thoroughly during changes for the best results.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Kitty Litter?
Choose from our top recommendations based on your specific needs and priorities.
Shop Best Overall: Dr. Elsey’s Ultra
Browse All Cat Litter on Chewy
