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10 Best Clay-Based Cat Litters 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat Ultra Premium Cat Litter, 20-Pound

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,128
Clumping Ability
Odor Control
Dust Levels

Most important from
90460 reviews

Clumping Ability
The clumping ability is outstanding, forming rock-hard clumps that never break apart while scooping.
Odor Control
Remarkable odor control, even without any added perfumes.
Dust Levels
Absolutely no dust at all, making it a healthier choice for both cats and owners.
Texture
Tracks significantly less, keeping the surrounding area cleaner.

Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat Ultra Premium Cat Litter is a clay-based option that excels in several key areas important for cat owners. One of its standout features is its hard clumping ability, which makes cleaning the litter box more convenient and less messy. This product also boasts being 99.9% dust-free, a significant advantage for those concerned about the health implications of dust for both their cats and themselves.

The litter's texture is suitable for most cats, providing a comfortable surface that mimics natural ground, and it is compatible with mechanical litter boxes, offering versatility for different types of setups. However, as an unscented product, its odor control may not be as effective for households with multiple cats or those particularly sensitive to smells.

Its 20-pound weight could be cumbersome for some users to handle. Despite these minor drawbacks, Dr. Elsey's cat litter is a strong contender in the clay-based litter category, particularly for its clumping and low dust features.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,128
Clumping Ability
Odor Control
Dust Levels

Most important from
90460 reviews

Clumping Ability
The clumping ability is outstanding, forming rock-hard clumps that never break apart while scooping.
Odor Control
Remarkable odor control, even without any added perfumes.
Dust Levels
Absolutely no dust at all, making it a healthier choice for both cats and owners.
Texture
Tracks significantly less, keeping the surrounding area cleaner.
#2

Dr. Elsey's Premium Clumping Cat Litter - Cat Attract - 99% Dust-Free, Low Tracking, Hard Clumping, Superior Odor Control, Natural Herbal Attractant, Unscented & Natural Ingredients, 40 lb

Rating
9.1
Clumping Ability
Odor Control
Dust Levels

Most important from
9207 reviews

Clumping Ability
This litter saved my cat from being rehomed. It clumps right, isn't dusty, doesn't smell, and doesn't track.
Odor Control
This litter saved my cat from being rehomed. It clumps right, isn't dusty, doesn't smell, and doesn't track.
Dust Levels
This litter saved my cat from being rehomed. It clumps right, isn't dusty, doesn't smell, and doesn't track.

Dr. Elsey's Premium Clumping Cat Litter ranks highly in several key areas important for cat owners. This litter boasts excellent clumping ability due to its 100% bentonite clay composition, which helps in forming hard clumps that are easy to scoop. This feature prevents moisture from reaching the bottom of the tray, ensuring that the litter box stays cleaner for longer periods. The product also excels in odor control, making it suitable for households with multiple cats. It effectively keeps unpleasant smells at bay using natural ingredients, which is beneficial for maintaining a fresh home environment.

Additionally, the litter is 99% dust-free, which is a major plus for both cats and owners with allergies. The low dust formulation means less mess around the litter box and a healthier breathing environment for everyone in the household. Another notable feature is its low tracking nature—ideal for keeping litter within the box rather than scattered around the home. The litter also includes a natural herbal attractant, which can help solve litter box issues by encouraging cats to use the box regularly.

However, the product is quite heavy, weighing in at 40 pounds, which might make it cumbersome to handle for some users. It is also unscented, which while beneficial for those sensitive to fragrances, may not be to everyone's preference. The natural clay material may not be suitable for every cat, particularly those with specific allergies. In summary, this product is particularly well-suited for households looking for efficient clumping and superior odor control, with minimal dust and tracking issues. It may not be the best option for those who are looking for lightweight or scented alternatives.

Rating
9.1
Clumping Ability
Odor Control
Dust Levels

Most important from
9207 reviews

Clumping Ability
This litter saved my cat from being rehomed. It clumps right, isn't dusty, doesn't smell, and doesn't track.
Odor Control
This litter saved my cat from being rehomed. It clumps right, isn't dusty, doesn't smell, and doesn't track.
Dust Levels
This litter saved my cat from being rehomed. It clumps right, isn't dusty, doesn't smell, and doesn't track.
#3

Scoop Away Cat Spot Litter, Cat Kitty Litter (19 kg)

Rating
7.6
Clumping Ability
Odor Control
Dust Levels

Most important from
3536 reviews

Clumping Ability
Strong clumping ability makes scooping quick and reduces mess effectively.
Odor Control
The litter offers good odor control without added fragrances, ideal for sensitive cats and owners.
Dust Levels
Being 99.9% dust-free helps minimize respiratory irritation and keeps the area cleaner.
Texture
The sandy texture appeals to many cats, though it may be less soft than finer clay granules.

Scoop Away Cat Spot Litter is designed as a clay-based option that uses sand as its main material, which helps it form strong clumps for easy scooping. Its maximum clumping ability means you can remove waste quickly, reducing mess in the litter box. The product is unscented but offers good odor control, which is beneficial if you or your cat are sensitive to added fragrances.

One of its standout features is being 99.9% dust-free, making it less likely to cause respiratory irritation for both cats and owners, and it helps keep the surrounding area cleaner. The texture is sandy, which some cats prefer, but it might be less soft compared to some clay litters that have finer granules. At 19 kilograms (about 41 pounds), this is a large pack, suitable for households with multiple cats or for those wanting to stock up. However, the size and weight might be cumbersome for some to handle.

Users have rated it highly, suggesting satisfaction with its performance. Since it's unscented, it may not mask strong odors as aggressively as scented litters, which could be a consideration for homes with multiple cats or less frequent cleaning. If you want a reliable, dust-free clumping litter with good odor control and don’t mind a sandier texture, Scoop Away Cat Spot Litter is a solid choice.

Rating
7.6
Clumping Ability
Odor Control
Dust Levels

Most important from
3536 reviews

Clumping Ability
Strong clumping ability makes scooping quick and reduces mess effectively.
Odor Control
The litter offers good odor control without added fragrances, ideal for sensitive cats and owners.
Dust Levels
Being 99.9% dust-free helps minimize respiratory irritation and keeps the area cleaner.
Texture
The sandy texture appeals to many cats, though it may be less soft than finer clay granules.

Buying Guide for the Best Clay-Based Cat Litters

Choosing the right clay-based cat litter can make a significant difference in both your cat's comfort and your home environment. Clay-based litters are popular due to their excellent clumping ability and odor control. When selecting a clay-based cat litter, consider factors such as clumping ability, odor control, dust levels, and texture. Understanding these key specifications will help you make an informed decision that suits both you and your feline friend.
Clumping AbilityClumping ability refers to how well the litter forms solid clumps when it comes into contact with moisture. This is important because it makes it easier to scoop out waste, keeping the litter box cleaner for longer. Clumping ability can vary from non-clumping to highly clumping. If you prefer easy maintenance and less frequent complete litter changes, opt for a highly clumping litter. If you don't mind more frequent changes and want to save on cost, a non-clumping or moderately clumping litter might be suitable.
Odor ControlOdor control is the litter's ability to neutralize or mask the smell of cat waste. This is crucial for maintaining a pleasant home environment. Odor control can range from basic to advanced, with some litters containing added fragrances or natural odor-absorbing materials like baking soda. If you have multiple cats or a sensitive nose, look for litters with strong odor control properties. If you or your cat are sensitive to fragrances, choose an unscented option with natural odor control.
Dust LevelsDust levels indicate how much dust is produced when the litter is poured or disturbed. High dust levels can be problematic for both you and your cat, potentially causing respiratory issues. Dust levels can range from high to low. If you or your cat have respiratory sensitivities, opt for a low-dust or dust-free litter. If dust is not a major concern, you may have more flexibility in your choice.
TextureTexture refers to the size and feel of the litter granules. This can affect your cat's comfort and willingness to use the litter box. Texture can range from fine to coarse. Some cats prefer a softer, finer texture that feels more like sand, while others may not be as particular. If your cat is picky about their litter, try a finer texture. If your cat is less sensitive, you can experiment with different textures to find what works best.

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