10 Best Kitty Litters 2025 in the United States

Dr. Elsey's Cat Litter stands out as a top choice for cat owners seeking a premium litter option. Made from 100% bentonite clay, this unscented litter excels in several key areas. One of its main strengths is its hard clumping ability, which makes cleanup a breeze by forming solid clumps that are easy to scoop. Its superior odor control is another highlight, ensuring that your home stays fresh even with multiple cats.

The low dust formulation is particularly beneficial for cats and owners with allergies, reducing airborne particles to a minimum. Additionally, the medium grain size helps to minimize tracking, keeping litter contained within the box rather than scattered around your home. However, at 40 pounds, the bag can be quite heavy to handle, which may be a drawback for some users.

While the litter is highly absorbent, it should be noted that it’s made from clay, which isn't biodegradable and may not be the best option for environmentally conscious consumers. Despite these minor drawbacks, Dr. Elsey's Cat Litter is a reliable and effective choice for keeping your cat's litter box clean and your home smelling fresh.

ARM & HAMMER Cloud Control Platinum Clumping Cat Litter is a heavy-duty clay-based litter designed for indoor cats of all ages. Its main strength lies in strong odor control: it uses moisture-activated odor eliminators combined with baking soda to neutralize smells, promising up to 14 days of odor protection. This makes it a good choice if keeping the litter box smelling fresh is a priority.

The litter forms firm, rock-hard clumps, which help with easy scooping and removing waste quickly. It’s virtually dust-free (99.9% dust-free), which reduces airborne particles and makes cleaning less messy, also benefiting cats and owners with allergies. The hypoallergenic light scent is subtle and avoids common allergens, appealing if you prefer a gentle fragrance rather than a strong perfume.

Being a clay-based litter, it may be heavier compared to some newer natural alternatives like plant-based litters. With a large 37-pound size, it’s suited for households with multiple cats or those who prefer less frequent changing. While not flushable and requiring regular maintenance, this litter offers a reliable and effective option for those focused on odor control and easy cleanup in a traditional clumping litter format.

Fresh Step Extreme Clumping Litter is a clay-based cat litter designed to clump tightly, making scooping straightforward and reducing mess left behind. It features ClumpLock technology for strong clumps and rapid liquid absorption, which helps keep the litter box cleaner and more comfortable for your cat. One of its key strengths is the powerful odor control, combining Ammonia Block technology with Febreze freshness, which promises to neutralize bad smells for up to 15 days. This makes it a great option for indoor cats and households looking to maintain a fresher-smelling environment.

The litter has a mountain spring scent, which adds a pleasant, clean smell but might not suit those who prefer unscented options. Dust levels are generally low, reducing irritation for both cats and owners, and the product’s moderate weight (14 pounds) is manageable for regular use. However, like many clay litters, some tracking outside the box can occur, so regular cleaning around the litter area is recommended. Also, it’s important to use it as directed without mixing with non-clumping litters to maintain its effectiveness.

This product is well suited for cat owners who want strong odor control with easy cleanup and don’t mind a scented litter. Those looking for dust-free or unscented options might want to consider other types, but for a reliable, everyday clumping litter, Fresh Step Extreme is a solid choice.