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10 Best Cat Litters 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box Tray Refills with Premium Blue Non-Clumping Crystals, 3-Pack

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,323
Odor Control

Most important from
40666 reviews

Odor Control
The system delivers near-complete odor elimination, with any smell disappearing almost instantly after the automatic rake cleans the litter.

The PetSafe ScoopFree Disposable Crystal Cat Litter Tray is made of silica gel crystals, which absorb moisture quickly and control odors much better than traditional clumping clay litters. Thanks to its fresh scent crystals, it keeps your home smelling cleaner for longer. Designed specifically for the ScoopFree self-cleaning litter boxes, it offers convenience by eliminating the need for daily scooping — the entire tray is disposable, making cleanup easy and hands-free for weeks.

This litter is low-dust, benefiting both your cat's respiratory health and your home's cleanliness. The trays are leak-proof and lightweight, making them travel-friendly and easy to move around. Since it uses silica crystals rather than clumping clay, it doesn’t form clumps, which may not appeal if you prefer scooping clumps out regularly. Additionally, while silica gel efficiently absorbs moisture, it is not biodegradable and thus less eco-friendly compared to some natural litters like wood or corn-based options.

Tracking, where bits of litter stick to your cat’s paws and get scattered, is generally low with crystal litters, though some users notice a bit of tracking compared to heavier clay-based litters. This product suits busy cat owners or those seeking a low-maintenance, odor-controlling solution effective indoors and especially designed for use with the ScoopFree automatic system. However, if natural materials or clumping litter for manual scooping are priorities, other options may be preferable.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,323
Odor Control

Most important from
40666 reviews

Odor Control
The system delivers near-complete odor elimination, with any smell disappearing almost instantly after the automatic rake cleans the litter.
#2

Fresh Step Advanced Odor Shield Light Weight Multi Cat Clumping Litter with Febreze Freshness, Gain Scent, Ammonia Block Technology, 18.5 lb. Box, Pack of 2

Rating
10.0
Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
Odor Control
Dust Levels

Most important from
141520 reviews

Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
The clumping is excellent, making scooping a breeze and keeping the litter box clean.
Odor Control
Fantastic odor control, keeps the box smelling fresh even between cleanings.
Dust Levels
Low dust formula is great for both cats and owners, though some users noticed dust when pouring.

The Fresh Step Advanced Clumping Litter with Febreze Freshness and Gain Scent is a clay-based litter that provides strong odor control, thanks to its advanced formula that includes Ammonia Block Technology and activated charcoal. This makes it a good choice for households looking for effective odor management. The product's clumping ability is another strength, forming tight clumps that make scooping easy and reduce the likelihood of crumbles being left behind, which maintains a clean environment for your cat.

Additionally, the rapid liquid absorption ensures that the litter box stays dry and comfortable for your pet. The litter also features a low dust formula, which helps keep your floors and surfaces cleaner and reduces the risk of inhaling dust particles, beneficial for both cats and owners who are sensitive to dust. However, being a clay-based litter, it is not the most eco-friendly option available. It may also track slightly outside the litter box as clay litters often do, though the low dust formula helps mitigate this issue to some extent.

The product comes in a sizable 37-pound package, which means less frequent shopping but may be heavy to handle for some users. It is scented with Gain, which most users find pleasant, though it could be too strong for those sensitive to fragrances or for cats with delicate respiratory systems. This litter is best suited for cat owners who prioritize odor control and ease of maintenance, and who are less concerned about eco-friendliness.

Rating
10.0
Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
Odor Control
Dust Levels

Most important from
141520 reviews

Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
The clumping is excellent, making scooping a breeze and keeping the litter box clean.
Odor Control
Fantastic odor control, keeps the box smelling fresh even between cleanings.
Dust Levels
Low dust formula is great for both cats and owners, though some users noticed dust when pouring.
#3

Fresh Step Advanced Simply Unscented Multi Cat Clumping Litter, Formulated With No Added Dyes or Fragrances, Ammonia Block Technology, Low Dust, 18.5 lb. Box, Pack of 2

Rating
9.7
Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
Odor Control
Dust Levels

Most important from
53894 reviews

Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
The litter clumps nicely, helps with odors, and my kitties like it.
Odor Control
The litter clumps nicely, helps with odors, and my kitties like it.
Dust Levels
When pouring it into your litter box, it does produce dust, but it significantly reduces odor.
Tracking
There are barely any tracks outside the box, which is great for keeping hardwood floors clean.

Fresh Step Advanced Simply Unscented Clumping Litter is designed for cat owners looking for effective odor control without added fragrances. This litter uses an advanced formula with Activated Charcoal Technology to neutralize odors on contact, which is excellent for homes sensitive to strong smells. It forms tight clumps quickly, making scooping easier and keeping the litter box clean. The low dust formula helps keep surrounding areas cleaner, which is a big plus for those concerned with dust.

However, being made from clay, this litter may not be the best choice for those seeking eco-friendly options. Additionally, while it claims low dust, some users may still notice minor dust when pouring or scooping. At 37 pounds, the package is quite heavy, which could be cumbersome for some individuals to handle.

Despite these minor drawbacks, its strong odor control and clumping capabilities make it a reliable choice for maintaining a fresh and clean litter box environment.

Rating
9.7
Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
Odor Control
Dust Levels

Most important from
53894 reviews

Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
The litter clumps nicely, helps with odors, and my kitties like it.
Odor Control
The litter clumps nicely, helps with odors, and my kitties like it.
Dust Levels
When pouring it into your litter box, it does produce dust, but it significantly reduces odor.
Tracking
There are barely any tracks outside the box, which is great for keeping hardwood floors clean.

Buying Guide for the Best Cat Litters

Choosing the right cat litter is essential for both your cat's comfort and your convenience. The right litter can help control odors, reduce tracking, and make cleaning easier. When selecting cat litter, consider your cat's preferences, any allergies or sensitivities, and your own needs for maintenance and odor control. Here are some key specifications to consider when choosing cat litter.
MaterialCat litter comes in various materials such as clay, silica gel, recycled paper, and natural/biodegradable options like corn, wheat, or pine. The material affects absorbency, odor control, and dust levels. Clay is highly absorbent and good for clumping, but can be dusty. Silica gel controls odor well and is low-dust, but some cats may not like the texture. Natural options are eco-friendly and often low-dust, but may not clump as well. Choose a material based on your cat's preferences and any health concerns, such as respiratory issues or allergies.
Clumping vs. Non-ClumpingClumping litter forms solid clumps when wet, making it easier to scoop out urine and feces, which helps keep the litter box cleaner for longer. Non-clumping litter absorbs moisture but does not form clumps, so the entire litter box may need to be changed more frequently. Clumping litter is generally more convenient for daily maintenance, while non-clumping may be better for cats with certain health issues or for owners who prefer a simpler, less expensive option.
Odor ControlOdor control is crucial for maintaining a pleasant-smelling home. Some litters have added fragrances or baking soda to help mask odors, while others rely on the natural odor-absorbing properties of the material. If you or your cat are sensitive to fragrances, opt for an unscented litter. Strong odor control is especially important if you have multiple cats or if the litter box is in a high-traffic area of your home.
Dust LevelsDust levels in cat litter can affect both your cat's respiratory health and the cleanliness of your home. High-dust litters can cause respiratory issues for both cats and humans, and can leave a fine layer of dust around the litter box area. Low-dust or dust-free litters are better for sensitive cats and for keeping your home cleaner. If your cat has respiratory issues or if you want to minimize cleaning, choose a low-dust option.
TrackingTracking refers to how much litter gets stuck to your cat's paws and is carried outside the litter box. High-tracking litters can create a mess around your home, while low-tracking litters help keep the area cleaner. The size and texture of the litter granules can affect tracking, with larger or heavier granules generally tracking less. If you want to minimize litter mess, look for a low-tracking formula.
AbsorbencyAbsorbency is the litter's ability to soak up moisture. Highly absorbent litters help keep the litter box dry and reduce odors. Clay and silica gel litters are typically very absorbent, while some natural litters may vary in their absorbency levels. If you want a litter that keeps the box dry and controls odors well, choose a highly absorbent option.
Eco-FriendlinessEco-friendliness refers to the environmental impact of the litter. Natural and biodegradable litters made from materials like corn, wheat, or recycled paper are more environmentally friendly than traditional clay litters, which are mined and not biodegradable. If you are concerned about the environmental impact, choose a natural or biodegradable litter.

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