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.

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.

The Fresh Step Clumping Cat Litter with Febreze Gain Scent is a noteworthy choice for those prioritizing odor control. The litter effectively masks unpleasant smells with its Gain fragrance and Febreze and activated charcoal components, promising up to 10 days of odor control. Additionally, it boasts a 99.9% dust-free formula, which is beneficial for maintaining cleaner surfaces and air quality in your home. The clumping nature of this litter aids in easy cleanup, as it allows for straightforward removal of waste clumps, maintaining a fresh litter box with minimal effort.

However, the product is not without drawbacks. The scented nature, while pleasant for some, may be overpowering for individuals or cats sensitive to strong smells. Moreover, although the claim of low dust levels is attractive, some users may find variations in performance, particularly when the litter is disturbed. The 14 lb size might also be a limitation for households with multiple cats or those seeking a longer-lasting supply.

This litter is best suited for indoor cat owners who are particularly concerned with maintaining a fresh-smelling home and are willing to trade off scent strength for effective odor control. It is a practical option for single-cat households where the litter is unlikely to be depleted rapidly, thus maximizing the benefits of its clumping and odor-blocking properties.