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10 Best Vacuum For Cat Litters 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum Cleaner, HEPA, White, NV356E​

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,343
Suction Power
Filtration System
Bin Capacity

Most important from
42391 reviews

Suction Power
The suction on this vacuum is amazing, especially compared to older models like the Bissell 2999.
Filtration System
Great for people with allergies; it doesn't kick up dust like other vacuums.
Bin Capacity
The dual latch on the dustbin offers a better seal, preventing dust leakage.
Weight and Maneuverability
It glides on carpet and laminated floors like going down a butter slide.
Noise Level
A bit loud, but the power and suction make up for it.
Attachments and Accessories
The attachments are very functional, especially for cleaning stairs and upholstery.

The Shark Upright Vacuum, Navigator Lift-Away (NV356E) is a robust choice for dealing with cat litter and pet hair. It offers strong suction power, making it effective at picking up pet hair and debris. The standout feature is its Lift-Away functionality, which allows the pod to detach for cleaning above-floor areas like stairs and furniture, adding versatility. Additionally, the HEPA filter combined with an anti-allergen complete seal traps 99.9% of dust and allergens, which is particularly beneficial for users with allergies or asthma.

The vacuum's large 0.87-liter dust cup is suitable for longer cleaning sessions without frequent emptying. The brush roll shutoff feature allows for easy transition between carpet and hard floors, enhancing its adaptability across different surfaces. Swivel steering provides excellent maneuverability, making it easy to navigate around tight spaces and furniture. The vacuum weighs 13.7 pounds, which is relatively lightweight for an upright model, but might still be a bit heavy for some users to carry up and down stairs frequently.

Noise levels are moderate at 80 dB, which is typical for vacuums but could be a concern for noise-sensitive individuals or pets. The included attachments, such as the Pet Power Brush, Dusting Brush, and Crevice Tool, are useful for targeting pet hair, cleaning delicate surfaces, and reaching tight spaces. However, since it is not cordless, the vacuum's range is limited by the cord length, and it may require manual relocation of outlets for larger cleaning areas. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away is a highly effective vacuum for pet owners, particularly those dealing with cat litter and pet hair on various surfaces.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,343
Suction Power
Filtration System
Bin Capacity

Most important from
42391 reviews

Suction Power
The suction on this vacuum is amazing, especially compared to older models like the Bissell 2999.
Filtration System
Great for people with allergies; it doesn't kick up dust like other vacuums.
Bin Capacity
The dual latch on the dustbin offers a better seal, preventing dust leakage.
Weight and Maneuverability
It glides on carpet and laminated floors like going down a butter slide.
Noise Level
A bit loud, but the power and suction make up for it.
Attachments and Accessories
The attachments are very functional, especially for cleaning stairs and upholstery.
#2

Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum, HEPA Filter, Teal, ZU503AMZ

Rating
9.4
Suction Power
Weight and Maneuverability
Noise Level

Most important from
7594 reviews

Suction Power
Shark's suction power is impressive, leaving the floor very clean and even making the air feel fresher.
Weight and Maneuverability
The Shark is heavier and bulkier than the Dyson D40, but it glides on the floor like butter, making it much easier to maneuver.
Noise Level
The vacuum is quieter than expected, making it a more comfortable choice for households.
Attachments and Accessories
The versatility of the Shark, with its multiple attachments and lift-away feature, provides numerous options for different cleaning needs.

The Shark Upright Vacuum, Navigator Lift-Away, is a versatile choice for tackling cat litter and pet hair, thanks to its self-cleaning brushroll that prevents hair wrap and its dedicated pet tools. The strong suction power (1200 watts) ensures effective cleaning of cat litter from various surfaces. Its anti-allergen complete seal technology with a HEPA filter is a big plus for those sensitive to dust and allergens, ensuring that particles are trapped inside the vacuum.

With a 5.3-liter bin capacity, it can hold a considerable amount of debris before needing to be emptied, which is convenient for pet owners. The lift-away functionality allows you to detach the pod for easier access to hard-to-reach areas like under furniture, and the included pet crevice tool helps remove pet hair from tight spaces. While it’s slightly on the heavier side at 14.99 pounds, the swivel steering aids maneuverability around furniture and tight spots.

At 80 dB, it is not the quietest vacuum, which may be a consideration if you have noise-sensitive pets. Additionally, it’s not cordless, which could limit its portability. However, the 5-year warranty offers peace of mind regarding its durability. It is well-equipped with features specifically useful for pet owners dealing with cat litter and pet hair.

Rating
9.4
Suction Power
Weight and Maneuverability
Noise Level

Most important from
7594 reviews

Suction Power
Shark's suction power is impressive, leaving the floor very clean and even making the air feel fresher.
Weight and Maneuverability
The Shark is heavier and bulkier than the Dyson D40, but it glides on the floor like butter, making it much easier to maneuver.
Noise Level
The vacuum is quieter than expected, making it a more comfortable choice for households.
Attachments and Accessories
The versatility of the Shark, with its multiple attachments and lift-away feature, provides numerous options for different cleaning needs.
#3

Shark Navigator Lift-Away Vacuum, HEPA, Carpet and Pet Hair, Blue, NV360

Rating
9.1
Suction Power
Filtration System
Brush Roll

Most important from
55081 reviews

Suction Power
The vacuum delivers powerful suction that effortlessly lifts dirt, pet hair, and even deeply embedded debris, revealing surprising levels of cleanliness after just a few passes.
Filtration System
The combination of HEPA filtration and anti-allergen technology ensures dust and allergens stirred up by cat litter are thoroughly trapped, promoting a cleaner, healthier home environment.
Brush Roll
Swivel steering and a brushroll that can be turned off provide excellent maneuverability and protect delicate floors while tackling scattered litter patches.
Bin Capacity
The dust cup holds a decent amount of debris, enabling longer cleaning sessions, though very heavy litter spills might require more frequent emptying.
Weight and Maneuverability
Its lift-away canister is a game-changer for reaching stairs, upholstery, and tight corners where cat litter often hides, making multi-surface cleaning straightforward and efficient.
Attachments and Accessories
The long power cord and onboard hose attachments enhance flexibility, allowing effortless transition from floors to baseboards and hard-to-reach areas.

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe is a strong contender for cleaning up cat litter thanks to its powerful suction that works well on both carpets and hard floors. It uses a HEPA filtration system combined with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology, which is great for trapping dust and allergens—important if you have a cat litter mess that often stirs up fine dust. The vacuum’s brushroll can be turned off to protect delicate floors, and the swivel steering makes it easier to maneuver around furniture and tight spots where litter tends to scatter.

Its lift-away feature is handy for cleaning stairs, upholstery, or under furniture where litter can hide. With a decent 0.9-quart dust cup, you can clean longer without frequent emptying, though very heavy litter spills might require emptying more often. At nearly 16 pounds, it’s on the heavier side, which could be a bit challenging if you need to carry it up stairs frequently. The noise level is typical for an upright vacuum—noticeable but not overly loud.

Included are useful attachments like an upholstery tool and crevice tool, which help target litter stuck in corners or on furniture. While it doesn’t have specialized cat litter-specific features, its combination of suction, filtration, and versatility makes it a solid choice for pet owners needing to tackle litter messes along with regular vacuuming tasks.

Rating
9.1
Suction Power
Filtration System
Brush Roll

Most important from
55081 reviews

Suction Power
The vacuum delivers powerful suction that effortlessly lifts dirt, pet hair, and even deeply embedded debris, revealing surprising levels of cleanliness after just a few passes.
Filtration System
The combination of HEPA filtration and anti-allergen technology ensures dust and allergens stirred up by cat litter are thoroughly trapped, promoting a cleaner, healthier home environment.
Brush Roll
Swivel steering and a brushroll that can be turned off provide excellent maneuverability and protect delicate floors while tackling scattered litter patches.
Bin Capacity
The dust cup holds a decent amount of debris, enabling longer cleaning sessions, though very heavy litter spills might require more frequent emptying.
Weight and Maneuverability
Its lift-away canister is a game-changer for reaching stairs, upholstery, and tight corners where cat litter often hides, making multi-surface cleaning straightforward and efficient.
Attachments and Accessories
The long power cord and onboard hose attachments enhance flexibility, allowing effortless transition from floors to baseboards and hard-to-reach areas.

Buying Guide for the Best Vacuum For Cat Litters

Choosing the right vacuum for cleaning up cat litter can make a significant difference in maintaining a clean and healthy home environment. When selecting a vacuum, it's important to consider various specifications that will ensure the vacuum is effective, easy to use, and durable. Here are some key specs to look out for and how to navigate them to find the best fit for your needs.
Suction PowerSuction power is the measure of how effectively a vacuum can pick up debris, including cat litter. This is important because cat litter can be heavy and granular, requiring strong suction to be effectively cleaned. Suction power is often measured in air watts (AW) or pascals (Pa). For cat litter, a vacuum with higher suction power (above 200 AW or 20,000 Pa) is generally more effective. If you have multiple cats or a large area to clean, opt for a vacuum with higher suction power to ensure thorough cleaning.
Filtration SystemThe filtration system in a vacuum helps trap dust, allergens, and fine particles, which is crucial for maintaining indoor air quality. This is especially important for cat owners, as cat litter can produce dust that may trigger allergies. Look for vacuums with HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, which can capture 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. If you or anyone in your household has allergies, a vacuum with a HEPA filter is highly recommended.
Brush RollThe brush roll is the rotating brush that helps lift dirt and debris from carpets and floors. For cat litter, a vacuum with a motorized brush roll can be more effective in agitating and lifting the litter from surfaces. Some vacuums offer the option to turn off the brush roll, which is useful for hard floors to prevent scattering the litter. If you have a mix of carpet and hard floors, look for a vacuum with an adjustable or switchable brush roll.
Bin CapacityBin capacity refers to the size of the dustbin or bag that collects the debris. A larger bin capacity means you can clean for longer without needing to empty the bin frequently. This is particularly useful if you have multiple cats or a large area to clean. For cat litter, a bin capacity of at least 0.5 liters is recommended. If you prefer less frequent emptying, opt for a vacuum with a larger bin capacity.
Weight and ManeuverabilityThe weight and maneuverability of a vacuum determine how easy it is to use, especially when cleaning around furniture and tight spaces. Lightweight vacuums (under 10 pounds) are easier to carry and maneuver, making them ideal for quick clean-ups and multi-level homes. If you have a large home or need to clean stairs, consider a lightweight and highly maneuverable vacuum to make the task less strenuous.
Noise LevelThe noise level of a vacuum can be an important consideration, especially if you have pets that are sensitive to loud noises. Noise level is measured in decibels (dB), and vacuums typically range from 60 to 80 dB. For a quieter cleaning experience, look for vacuums that operate at 70 dB or lower. If your cats are easily startled, a quieter vacuum can help reduce their stress during cleaning.
Attachments and AccessoriesAttachments and accessories can enhance the versatility of your vacuum, making it easier to clean different surfaces and hard-to-reach areas. Common attachments include crevice tools, dusting brushes, and upholstery tools. For cat litter, a crevice tool can be particularly useful for cleaning along baseboards and in tight corners. Consider what attachments are included and how they can help with your specific cleaning needs.

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