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 Simply Unscented Clumping Litter is a good choice for pet owners who prioritize effective odor control without added fragrances or dyes. Utilizing activated charcoal technology, this litter efficiently tackles odors on contact, making it suitable for those sensitive to strong scents. Its veterinarian recommendation underscores its focus on pet health, which can be reassuring for cat owners.

One of the key strengths of this litter is its clumping capability. It forms tight clumps, making the scooping process straightforward and reducing the chances of litter crumbles being left behind. This feature, coupled with rapid liquid absorption, helps maintain a cleaner environment in the litter box and contributes to the comfort of your feline friend.

The low dust formula of this Fresh Step litter is beneficial in minimizing mess around the litter box area, thereby keeping both your floors and air cleaner. This aspect is particularly significant for households where dust might aggravate allergies or cause respiratory issues in either the pets or their human companions.

However, the litter's tracking could be a potential drawback, as some users might find that their cats carry litter granules outside the box. The product is also made from clay, which some environmentally conscious buyers may find less appealing compared to more sustainable materials.

In terms of packaging, a 14-pound box is manageable for handling and storage, though it might not be adequate for multi-cat homes, requiring more frequent purchases. The Fresh Step Simply Unscented Clumping Litter is primarily beneficial for indoor cats, offering a practical solution for those looking for an unscented, easy-to-maintain litter option.