10 Best Cat Litters 2026 in the United States

The ARM & HAMMER Cloud Control Platinum Clumping Cat Litter offers several compelling features for cat owners. Its standout promise is a 14-day odor control guarantee, making it particularly suitable for multi-cat households. The litter uses powerful moisture-activated odor eliminators and ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda to neutralize both liquid and solid waste odors on contact, ensuring a fresher environment for longer periods.

Additionally, the litter incorporates Dander Shield Technology, reducing the amount of airborne dander during scooping, which can be beneficial for people with sensitivities. The hypoallergenic light scent is free from 26 known allergens, catering to those who prefer a lightly scented option without heavy fragrances. The product prides itself on forming rock-hard clumps, making it easier to remove waste and maintain cleanliness in the litter box.

However, being clay-based, it may produce some dust, although the product claims to have low dust levels. The litter's significant weight of 37 pounds could be a downside for some users, especially when handling or storing. Tracking might also be a minor issue, as clay litters tend to stick to cats' paws. This cat litter is ideal for those focusing on odor control, easy waste removal, and hypoallergenic properties, but the weight and potential environmental impact are considerations to keep in mind.

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.

Fresh Step Clumping Cat Litter with Extreme Odor Control and Mountain Spring Scent is designed to keep your cat's litter box fresh and clean. Made from clay, it features Ammonia Block technology and Febreze for up to 15 days of odor control, which is quite effective for those with multiple cats or sensitive noses. The rapid liquid absorption and ClumpLock technology are notable strengths, as they form tight clumps that are easy to scoop and help maintain a clean environment.

The scent is described as 'Extreme Mountain Spring,' which may appeal to those who prefer a strong, fresh fragrance in their living space. However, the intense scent might not be suitable for all cats or owners sensitive to strong perfumes. The product is also noted for its low-dust formula, which helps reduce tracking and keeps the air quality better, thus minimizing respiratory issues for both cats and humans.

One potential drawback is that like most clay-based litters, it's not the most eco-friendly option as it is not biodegradable. Additionally, the 14-pound box might be a bit heavy for some users to handle easily. Despite these minor shortcomings, this cat litter offers strong odor control, easy maintenance, and a pleasant smell, making it a good choice for cat owners looking for convenience and effectiveness.