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.
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.
