10 Best Kitty Litters 2026 in the United States

Fresh Step Advanced Multi Cat Clumping Litter with Febreze Freshness is a clay-based litter designed for households with multiple cats. Its key feature is the clumping ability, thanks to ClumpLock technology which ensures tight clumps and easy scooping, reducing the amount of crumbles left behind. This makes maintaining the litter box less tedious. The litter also boasts rapid liquid absorption, which helps to keep the litter box cleaner and more comfortable for cats.

Additionally, it has a 15-day odor control guarantee, with the added benefit of Febreze freshness to seal odors and keep your home smelling clean. This is particularly useful for multi-cat homes where odor control can be a significant issue. Another strength is its low dust formula, which minimizes the mess around the litter box and is better for both cats and owners who might be sensitive to dust. However, being clay-based, this litter might be heavier and harder to handle compared to some lighter alternatives.

The weight may also make it less convenient for frequent changes or if you need to transport it. Tracking, where litter particles end up outside the box, could be a concern though the product does not highlight specific anti-tracking measures. While it offers excellent features for odor control and clumping, the higher price point might be something to consider especially if you have to buy litter frequently. Fresh Step Advanced Multi Cat Clumping Litter with Febreze Freshness is a good choice for those seeking powerful odor control and easy maintenance in a multi-cat household, but may require consideration regarding weight and cost.

Fresh Step Advanced Clumping Litter is a clay-based litter that comes in two 18.5-pound boxes, making it a good option if you want a larger supply at once. It’s clumping, which means it quickly forms tight clumps when your cat urinates, making scooping easier and helping keep the litter box cleaner by preventing crumbly messes. This product excels in odor control; it uses a combination of Febreze freshness, Gain scent, ammonia-blocking technology, and activated charcoal to fight smells right away and keep the area smelling fresh longer. If odor is a major concern, this litter does a strong job in that area. The dust levels are low, which is helpful if you or your cat are sensitive to dust or if you want to keep floors near the box cleaner.

However, like many clay litters, some tracking outside the box may still happen, though the product doesn’t specifically claim to reduce tracking. Absorbency is rapid, so liquid is soaked up quickly, which adds to the comfort for your cat and keeps the box drier. On the downside, this litter is scented, which some cats or owners may not prefer, especially if your cat has allergies or sensitivities. Also, since it’s clay-based, it’s heavier and less eco-friendly compared to some alternatives like plant-based litters.

This litter is well-suited for cat owners who prioritize strong odor control and easy scooping, especially in indoor settings. If you want a fresh-smelling, low-dust, and effective clumping litter, Fresh Step’s Gain-scented option is a solid pick.

The PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Litter Tray Refills use silica gel crystals, which differ from traditional clay litters. These crystal litters are non-clumping but excel at absorbing urine and drying solid waste quickly, helping to control odors much faster than typical clumping clay types. Their low dust formula (99% dust-free) reduces mess in the air, which can be a big plus if you or your cat are sensitive to dust. The litter is designed specifically for use with the ScoopFree self-cleaning litter boxes and comes in disposable trays with leak-proof plastic liners, making cleanup easy and preventing leaks onto your floor. Tracking is minimal thanks to the low-tracking crystals, so less litter tends to stick to your cat’s paws and spread around your home. Each tray lasts for weeks without scooping or refilling, which is convenient for busy pet owners.

Because it’s non-clumping, you won’t be able to scoop out waste yourself or use it in standard litter boxes. Also, the trays are disposable, which means recurring purchases and more waste compared to reusable litter pans. The fresh scent helps maintain a pleasant smell but some cats might be sensitive to perfumes. This product is ideal for cat owners who want a low-maintenance, odor-controlling litter solution paired with an automatic cleaning system, especially if minimizing dust and tracking is important. However, if you prefer clumping litter or a reusable pan, this might not be the best fit.