Every cat owner is familiar with the odor that’s created by a smelly litter box — it can spread across the room and make things unpleasant. That’s why it’s important for you to choose the best cat litter — it can effortlessly help control bad smells and make it easier to scoop up and clean.
After weeks of testing different brands and their products, we were able to narrow it down to a list of 7 options — all of our picks release minimal to no dust when pouring and scooping, to ensure that the experience is hassle-free.
What Litter Do Vets Recommend?
Veterinarians usually recommend that cat parents use clumping clay litter or natural and biodegradable options since they are easy to clean and effective. Clumping clay litter is generally made from sodium bentonite, an ingredient known for its moisture-absorbing properties. This type of litter makes the scooping process a breeze.
Biodegradable litter is often made from wood, paper, or even corn and is a safe option for the environment. It is also much more gentle on pets and is a great option for cats dealing with sensitivities.
How Often Should I Change My Cat’s Litter?
The frequency at which you should switch out your cat’s litter depends on various factors such as the type of litter, the number of cats, and their potty habits. The following is a general estimation:
Clumping Litter
Here, you need to change the entire litter every one to two weeks; however, it is necessary to scoop out your pet’s waste on a daily basis.
Non-clumping Clay Litter
If you use this type of litter, our expert suggests that you scoop for waste every day and switch out the little completely once every week.
Natural Litter
You’ll need to change this kind of litter more frequently — our editor suggests that you do it at least every week since they tend to break down faster.
Multi-cat Household
If you are a parent to more than one cat, then you’ll most definitely have to change the litter more often to keep it fresh and free from off-putting odors.
The Best Cat Litter to Buy in 2025
Below, we’ve curated a list of the best-selling cat food available in today’s market. Rest assured that these options are both healthy and nutritious.
BEST OVERALL
Dr.Elsey’s Ultra The Litter Cats Love
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Hypoallergenic
Medium-grain clay
Holds up well to heavy usage
Helps the little box smell fresh
Affordable
Suitable for sensitive paws
But…
Not biodegradable
Dr.Elsey’s cat litter features a formula that is 99.9 % dust-free — this makes it the perfect choice for cats or pet owners who have allergies. It is made with 100% bentonite clay that forms hard clumps, making it very easy to scoop while also preventing any moisture from seeping through the bottom of the litter pan.
The premium clumping litter is unscented and contains natural ingredients — you don’t have to worry about nasty odors stinking up your home, even if you house multiple cats. What’s great is that the low-tracking formula contains the litter within the box, ensuring that your space is clean and hygienic.
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT
Cat’s Pride Antibacterial Clumping Litter
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Fresh scent
Fast-acting formula
Easy to scoop
Cost-effective
Non-toxic
Dust-free
But…
Not flushable
This Antibacterial Clumping Litter from Cat’s Pride does a great job at controlling odors — it has the power to eliminate 99.9% of odor-causing bacteria, leaving you with a fresh, hygienic cat litter box. The advanced formula quickly acts on moisture, effectively keeping the area both clean and dry. It’s also 40% lighter than most scoopable options that you’d be able to find in the making — a convenient choice for everyday use!
The best part is that with every jug that you purchase, a pound of litter is donated to animal welfare organizations! Plus, the product is designed to be used for cats of all sizes and ages.
BEST SCENT
Fresh Step Extreme Clumping Cat Litter
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Strong odor control
Low-dust formula
Doesn’t crumble
Adds a fresh aroma
Reduces bacteria growth
Non-irritating
But…
May not be suitable for cats with allergies
As one of the best cat litter for odor control, the Fresh Step Extreme Clumping Cat Litter is equipped with the added power of activated charcoal, making it a great option to purchase online. It features a 99.9% dust-free formula and is crafted with multi-cat households in mind. Additionally, the litter offers a 10-day odor control guarantee with its unique Ammonia Block Technology.
Moreover, the ClumpLock Technology ensures that cleaning is a breeze — it forms firm and tight clumps that make scooping effortless. Plus, the paw-activated fragrance release will keep the environment smelling fresh with every step that your precious kitty takes.
BEST CLUMPING LITTER
Purina Tidy Cats Multi-Cat Clumping Litter
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Easy to pour
Keeps moisture at bay
Long-lasting
Soft on the paws
Makes scooping easy
Convenient packaging
But…
High price point
The Purina Tidy Cats Multi-Cat Clumping Litter is as lightweight as it gets, but don’t let this have you fooled — the 4-in-1 strength offers powder for control by neutralizing urine, fecal, ammonia, and bacterial odors. Additionally, it also has a low-dust formula that makes it easy to pour and clean. And since it’s lightweight, it’s easy to store and carry around, too.
What makes it great is that it’s the best cat litter for multiple cats — it features an ammonia blocker that eliminates the smell of ammonia for up to 14 days. Lastly, the floral scent is a delight, and since it forms firm, tight clumps, it makes it very easy to scoop.
BEST ODOR-CONTROL
Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Slide Clumping Litter
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Keeps the litter box fresh
The clumps don’t break
Comes in different sizes
Safe for septic systems
Lightweight formula
But…
Some cats may dislike the large clumps
With a potent 14-day odor control formula, the Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Slide Clumping Litter works like magic to keep nasty smells at bay. It contains baking soda and 10% more odor eliminators than the regular clumping litter, ensuring that your home remains clean and fresh. Moreover, the easy-clean technology ensures that the litter doesn’t stick to the pan, allowing it to slide out with ease — say goodbye to struggling and scraping.
To add on, the micro-granules get activated when moisture touches them — they form hard clumps that are easy to scoop. What’s more is that the litter is 99.9% dust-free, keeping your home mess-free!
BEST PREMIUM
PetSafe ScoopFree Premium Crystal Cat Litter
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Makes clean-up easier
Very convenient
Leaves a fresh smell
Less frequent litter changes
Lightweight
Safe for cats with dust allergies
But…
Requires manual scooping
The PetSafe ScoopFree Premium Crystal Cat Litter is the best choice for pet parents who lead a busy lifestyle. The litter effectively absorbs moisture and dries out solid waste, getting rid of terrible odors five times faster than most traditional clumping litters do. Each 4.3 lb bag is very long-lasting — if you have one cat, then it will last for around 30 days. Plus, it’s also low-tracking and 99% dust-free!
Moreover, the litter is lightly scented, and it comes in two pre-portioned bags — it’s also compatible with all types of cat litter boxes. Lastly, the brand has a U.S.-based customer care team that’s available to assist customers with any issues or questions that they may have.
BEST UNSCENTED
World’s Best Cat Litter Comfort Care Unscented
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Eco-friendly
Long-lasting odor control
Quick-clumping formula
Convenient disposal
Made in the U.S.A
Great for multi-cat households
But…
May attract insects if not stored properly
The Comfort Care Unscented cat litter comes in a 15-pound bag and offers superior odor control with its natural and unscented formula — your home will smell fresh at all times! Crafted from corn, the litter is lightweight, and it clumps easily, making it easy to scoop without the need to scrape away at the pan. Tested and proven to be flushable, it’s safe for septic tanks and sewers — since it’s disposable, it’s a convenient option to have at hand!
Additionally, the formula is 99% dust-free, making it the best cat litter for tracking — it keeps the air clean! Perfect for cats at every life stage, you can trust that both you and your pet will love this litter.
BEST CRYSTAL
Fresh Step Crystals Premium Scented Cat Litter
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Superior odor control
Lasts up to 30 days with regular scooping and stirring
Minimizes dust and tracking
Lightweight
Soft on paws
Great for multi-cat homes
But…
More expensive than traditional clay litter
For cat parents looking for a low-maintenance alternative to traditional clumping litter, our experts suggest Fresh Step Crystals Premium scented cat litter. Because these lightweight silica crystals absorb moisture on contact, they lock in odors up to five times better than clay litter, and the result? A cleaner, fresher litter box with less frequent changes.
The soft feel is also good for your cat’s paws, so even the pickiest cats will be happy with this choice. It is one of the best cat litter options for odor control and its dust-free performance keeps your home cleaner by reducing the amount of dust and dirt that gets tracked in.
Best Soft for Paws
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Sand-sized crystals are gentle on paws
Quickly traps moisture and odors
Low-dust formula
Unscented
Highly absorbent
Good for multi-cat homes
But…
Doesn’t clump like clay litter
If your cat turns up their nose at rough or gritty litter, this ultra-fine option might be just what they’ve been waiting for. Made with sand-sized silica gel micro crystals, Ultra Micro Crystals Cat Litter feels incredibly soft underfoot—perfect for sensitive paws or picky kitties who want nothing less than luxury in the litter box.
Despite its gentle texture, it doesn’t skimp on performance. These tiny crystals lock in moisture and odors on contact, helping your home stay fresh between cleanings. The low-dust, unscented formula is safe for both cats and humans, and it’s especially great for cats with allergies or sensitivities.
BEST WITH BAKING SODA
Arm & Hammer Super Scoop Clumping Litter
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Powerful odor control
Fragrance-free
Easy scooping
Quickly locks in moisture
Good value
Multi-cat friendly
But…
May produce more dust than expected
When it comes to powerful odor control, Arm & Hammer’s Super Scoop clumping litter delivers results with its signature baking soda formula. This fragrance-free litter is best for scent-sensitive cats and pet parents, yet it still fights odors effectively by neutralizing them on contact. The super-absorbent clay locks in moisture quickly, forming solid clumps that make scooping and cleaning a breeze.
The low-dust formula helps keep your home and your cat’s space cleaner, reducing airborne particles. Whether you have one cat or multiple, Arm & Hammer’s trusted baking soda power makes sure they have a fresher, odor-free litter box without the need for added fragrances.
BEST natural
Okocat Super Soft Wood Litter
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Natural and eco-friendly
Soft texture for sensitive paws
Prevents ammonia formation
Forms solid, easy-to-scoop clumps
99% dust-free
Bio-degradable and flushable
But…
Lightweight particles can scatter
Crafted from sustainably sourced wood fiber, Ökocat Super Soft Wood Litter is a gentle, plant-based solution that’s especially great for cats with sensitive paws or kittens. It is free from artificial fragrances, toxic dyes, and harmful chemicals and its 99% dust-free formula keeps your home cleaner and your cat’s respiratory system happier.
Because its soft texture feels like clay, it is easier for finicky cats to make the transition to this type of litter. The precision-cut wood fibers instantly absorb moisture, forming solid clumps for easy scooping while preventing ammonia from forming for long-lasting odor control. In addition to keeping your floors clean, it minimizes mess outside of the box.
BEST PLANT-BASED
SWheat Scoop Fast Clumping Litter
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Made from natural wheat
Designed to clump quickly
Uses natural starches and enzymes to neutralize odors
Easy to handle and pour
Eco-friendly
Chemical-free
But…
Not flushable
The sWheat Scoop Fast Clumping Litter is a natural and sustainable way to keep your cat’s litter box fresh. Made from domestically sourced wheat, it forms fast, firm clumps that lock in moisture and odors as soon as they come in contact. The natural enzymes in wheat help neutralize urine and ammonia smells without artificial fragrances, dyes, or chemicals. This means a cleaner, fresher-smelling home without exposing your cat to unnecessary additives.
Unlike many other litters, sWheat Scoop is biodegradable and made from renewable, farm-grown resources, making it an eco-friendly choice for pet parents who care about sustainability. It’s naturally lightweight, low-dust, and gentle on sensitive paws, making cleanup hassle-free.
BEST BIODEGRADABLE
SoPhresh Odor Control Paper Litter
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Eco-friendly
Superior absorbency
Soft texture
Low dust
Gentle on paws
Non-clumping
But…
May require more frequent full litter changes
Made from 100% recycled natural paper, this biodegradable litter from SoPhresh is the ideal choice for pet parents who care about their cat’s comfort and the environment. The paper pellets are lightweight and absorb moisture quickly, locking in liquids without clumping or caking at the bottom of the litter box. This ensures a clean and dry space for your pet while keeping maintenance hassle-free at the same time.
Designed with natural odor-control ingredients, it effectively neutralizes ammonia and other odors on contact, thanks to a dash of baking soda. It is also gentle on sensitive paws. With superior absorbency and a sustainable, biodegradable design, it’s a climate-conscious option without sacrificing performance.
BEST FOR AUTOMATIC LITTER BOXES
Boxiecat Self-Cleaning Probiotic Clumping Clay Cat & Kitty Litter
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Continuous odor control
Long-lasting
Probiotics clean the litter after every use
Easy to Scoop
Hypoallergenic
Compatible with automatic litter boxes
But…
Can be heavier than other options
Boxiecat Self-Cleaning Probiotic Clumping Clay Cat Litter is a game-changer for pet parents who want hassle-free litter maintenance. With its probiotic formula, this litter works 24/7 to naturally eliminate odor-causing bacteria. The clumping technology forms tight, easy-to-scoop clumps that sit on top of the litter — making it perfect for automatic litter boxes.
What sets Boxiecat apart is its 40-day odor control guarantee, twice as long as leading competitors. Free from fillers and 99.9% dust-free, it’s a hypoallergenic option that keeps your home clean and your cat comfortable.
BEST FLUSHABLE
WORLD’S BEST CAT LITTER Multiple Cat Unscented
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Superior odor control
Sewer and septic-safe
Made from natural ingredients
Easy to carry and pour
99% dust-free
No artificial perfumes or chemicals
But…
Not ideal for all kinds of litter boxes
For cat parents with multiple felines WORLD’S BEST CAT LITTER multiple cat unscented takes a natural approach to odor control, using the power of whole-kernel corn to create super-absorbent granules. The quick-clumping formula allows for easy scooping, making clean-up faster and more convenient — a real boon if you share your home with multiple cats. Plus, it’s 99% dust-free, reducing tracking and keeping your home cleaner.
One standout feature is its flushable design, making disposal simple. As noted in many World’s Best Cat Litter reviews, it’s septic-safe and can be flushed in well-maintained systems, so you can scoop and flush with ease.
How to Choose the Right Cat Litter for Your Pet?
Selecting the best cat litter isn’t just about convenience — it’s about your cat’s comfort and your home’s cleanliness. According to our experts, here’s what to consider:
Clumping vs. Non-Clumping: Clumping litter makes scooping easier, while non-clumping options may require more frequent changes but offer good odor control.
Odor Control: Some litters include baking soda or activated charcoal to neutralize smells, which is great if you have more than one cat in your household.
Dust and Tracking: Low-dust formulas help reduce irritation in your cat’s respiratory tract, while non-tracking options keep litter from spreading across your floors.
Scented vs. Unscented: Some cats are sensitive to strong fragrances; if yours is, opt for an unscented litter to avoid rejection.
Material Type: Clay, crystal, corn, wood, and paper-based litters all have different benefits. Choose one that suits your cat’s preference and your lifestyle.
Absorption and Moisture Control: High-absorbency litters keep the litter box drier, which in turn prevents bacterial growth and unpleasant smells.
Eco-Friendliness: If sustainability matters to you, biodegradable options like wood or corn-based litter may be the way to go.
How We Chose the Best Cat Litter
At CatTime, our experts curated this list of the best cat litter reviews by assessing factors such as formula, disposal method, odor control features, ease of cleaning, and overall price They further consulted with industry professionals to gain more insight into the top-selling products, using their guidance and experience to bring our readers the very best. When you choose one of our recommended products, you can rest assured that you’re making an informed purchase from the best brands available on the market.
FAQ
What is America’s #1 cat litter brand?
America’s #1 cat litter brand is generally considered to be Purina’s Tidy Cats. The brand is reliable and offers a wide range of litter products for pet parents to choose from.
What is the #1 recommended cat litter?
According to experts and customer reviews, Dr.Elsey’s Precious Cats and Purina’s Tidy Cats are the most recommended cat litter brands. They are praised for both their quality and performance.
What style of cat litter is best?
The best style of cat litter usually depends on your needs and preferences. However, clumping clay litters and crystal litters are very popular in cat households for their odor control and easy cleaning properties.
What is the healthiest cat litter to use?
The healthiest cat litter is generally crafted from natural and biodegradable materials such as wood, corn, or wheat. Oftentimes, they are free from chemicals and dust, making them a good option for your feline’s health.
What cat litter to avoid?
Experts suggest that you avoid cat litter with artificial fragrances, harmful chemicals, and excessive dust — they can irritate your cat’s skin and respiratory system. Additionally, clumping litter that is made from sodium bentonite clay may also be an issue for some cats.
What is the least smelly cat litter?
Crystal cat litters, such as ones that are made from silica gel, are known for their minimal smell. They also absorb moisture and odors effectively.
Which cat litter lasts longer?
Crystal cat litters generally last much longer than clumping or clay litters since they can absorb moisture and odors in a more efficient manner. They also don’t require frequent changes or maintenance.
What litter do cats prefer?
Most cats prefer litters that have a texture similar to sand or soil. They also like clumping litters that are made from natural materials like clay, corn, or wheat.
