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10 Best Cat Litter Cats 2026 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Fresh Step Advanced Multi Cat Clumping Litter with Febreze Freshness, Fresh Step Clumping Cat Litter Extra Strength Formula, 37 lbs. (2 x 18.5 lb. Box)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,281
Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
Odor Control
Dust Levels

Most important from
140110 reviews

Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
The litter clumps beautifully, making cleanup so much easier.
Odor Control
It does an excellent job of controlling odors—no strong smells lingering in the house.
Dust Levels
Minimal dust when pouring it out, keeping the area around the litter box cleaner.
Tracking
The low tracking is better than any other low tracking litter tried.

Fresh Step Clumping Cat Litter, Advanced Multi-Cat formula is a solid choice for households with multiple cats. This product excels in odor control, with a 15-day guarantee backed by the inclusion of Febreze for added freshness. It's designed to start tackling odors on contact, which is a significant advantage for multi-cat environments. The litter forms tight clumps thanks to its ClumpLock technology, making it easier to scoop and reducing the likelihood of crumbles left behind. This helps maintain a clean and comfortable litter box for your feline friends.

The litter also boasts rapid liquid absorption, ensuring a dry environment that is essential for cat comfort and hygiene. Additionally, the low dust formula is a plus, keeping your home cleaner by reducing the amount of dust that can settle on surfaces around the litter box. However, one notable downside is the material used – clay – which is not the most eco-friendly option available. While the clumping ability and odor control are impressive, the tracking can still be an issue, with some granules potentially being carried outside the litter box by your cat's paws.

This product comes in two 18.5-pound boxes, making it a convenient bulk option, but also may be heavy to handle for some users. If odor control and clumping strength are top priorities, Fresh Step Clumping Cat Litter is a strong candidate, though eco-conscious consumers may wish to consider alternatives.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,281
Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
Odor Control
Dust Levels

Most important from
140110 reviews

Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
The litter clumps beautifully, making cleanup so much easier.
Odor Control
It does an excellent job of controlling odors—no strong smells lingering in the house.
Dust Levels
Minimal dust when pouring it out, keeping the area around the litter box cleaner.
Tracking
The low tracking is better than any other low tracking litter tried.
#2

Fresh Step Advanced Clumping Litter with Febreze Freshness with Gain Scent, Fights Odor on Contact, 37 lbs. (2 x 18.5 lb. Box) (Package May Vary)

Rating
10.0
Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
Odor Control
Dust Levels

Most important from
140110 reviews

Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
Clumps super well, making scooping a breeze, and the odor control is fantastic—keeps the box smelling fresh even between cleanings.
Odor Control
Clumps super well, making scooping a breeze, and the odor control is fantastic—keeps the box smelling fresh even between cleanings.
Dust Levels
The low-dust formula is great for both me and my cat, maintaining cleaner floors and surfaces around the litter box.

The Fresh Step Advanced Clumping Litter with Febreze Freshness and Gain Scent offers several advantages for cat owners. It is made from clay, which tends to excel in clumping and odor control. The product's strong odor protection formula fights odors on contact and keeps the litter box smelling fresh with the help of Febreze and Gain scent. The rapid liquid absorption feature ensures that the litter box remains clean and comfortable for your cat, while the tight clumps make scooping easier and prevent messes from being left behind.

The low dust formula is beneficial for maintaining cleaner floors and surfaces around the litter box, which is often a concern for cat owners. Another positive aspect is its eco-friendliness, as it does not mix with non-clumping litter and requires minimal maintenance by just adding more litter to refresh the box when scooping.

There are a few potential drawbacks. The scent of Gain might be overwhelming for some cats and their owners who prefer a more neutral smell. Additionally, while the product is designed to reduce dust, some users might still experience minor dust issues. Lastly, as the litter is clay-based, it may not be the most eco-friendly option compared to biodegradable alternatives. The 37-pound packaging could be heavy and cumbersome to handle for some users. This cat litter is well-suited for pet owners who prioritize strong odor control, easy maintenance, and minimal dust, but may not be ideal for those preferring unscented or more eco-friendly options.

Rating
10.0
Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
Odor Control
Dust Levels

Most important from
140110 reviews

Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
Clumps super well, making scooping a breeze, and the odor control is fantastic—keeps the box smelling fresh even between cleanings.
Odor Control
Clumps super well, making scooping a breeze, and the odor control is fantastic—keeps the box smelling fresh even between cleanings.
Dust Levels
The low-dust formula is great for both me and my cat, maintaining cleaner floors and surfaces around the litter box.
#3

Fresh Step Advanced Simply Unscented Clumping Litter, Fresh Step Unscented Cat Litter Fights Odor on Contact, 37 lbs. (2 x 18.5 lb. Box)

Rating
9.4
Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
Odor Control
Dust Levels

Most important from
140110 reviews

Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
The litter clumps nicely and effectively controls odors.
Odor Control
The litter clumps nicely and effectively controls odors.
Dust Levels
Despite producing some dust when pouring, it remains a good choice for odor control.
Tracking
There are barely any tracks outside the box, keeping hardwood floors clean.

The Fresh Step Advanced Simply Unscented Clumping Litter offers several impressive features for cat owners seeking an effective yet unscented option. Its primary strength lies in its advanced odor control, using Activated Charcoal Technology and additional odor fighters to neutralize smells upon contact. This makes it highly effective at keeping unpleasant odors at bay without the use of dyes or fragrances, which is beneficial for sensitive cats and owners alike.

The rapid liquid absorption ensures a dry and clean environment in the litter box, further enhancing comfort and hygiene for your cat. The litter forms tight clumps, making it easier to scoop and reducing the likelihood of crumbles being left behind, maintaining a consistently clean litter box. It also boasts a low dust formula, which helps to keep your home cleaner by minimizing the dust that can settle on floors and surfaces around the litter box.

However, the material is clay, which is not the most eco-friendly option in the market. Clay litter can also be heavier to handle and dispose of. Additionally, while the low dust formulation is a positive aspect, some users might still experience a minimal amount of dust. Tracking may also be a minor issue, as with most clumping litters, requiring regular clean-up around the litter area. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Fresh Step Advanced Simply Unscented Clumping Litter is a strong contender for those prioritizing odor control and ease of maintenance in their cat litter choice.

Rating
9.4
Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
Odor Control
Dust Levels

Most important from
140110 reviews

Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
The litter clumps nicely and effectively controls odors.
Odor Control
The litter clumps nicely and effectively controls odors.
Dust Levels
Despite producing some dust when pouring, it remains a good choice for odor control.
Tracking
There are barely any tracks outside the box, keeping hardwood floors clean.

Buying Guide for the Best Cat Litter Cats

Choosing the right cat litter is essential for both your cat's comfort and your convenience. The right litter can help control odors, reduce tracking, and make cleaning the litter box easier. When selecting cat litter, consider your cat's preferences, any allergies or sensitivities, and your own priorities in terms of maintenance and odor control. Here are some key specifications to consider when choosing cat litter.
MaterialCat litter comes in various materials such as clay, silica gel, recycled paper, and natural/biodegradable options like corn, wheat, or pine. The material affects factors like absorbency, odor control, and dust levels. Clay is highly absorbent and good at controlling odors but can be dusty. Silica gel is low-dust and long-lasting but can be more expensive. Natural options are eco-friendly and often less dusty but may not control odors as well. Choose a material based on your cat's preferences and any health concerns, such as respiratory issues or allergies.
Clumping vs. Non-ClumpingClumping litter forms solid clumps when wet, making it easier to scoop out urine and feces, which helps keep the litter box cleaner for longer. Non-clumping litter absorbs moisture but doesn't form clumps, so the entire litter box may need to be changed more frequently. Clumping litter is generally more convenient for daily maintenance, while non-clumping may be a better choice for kittens or cats with certain health issues. Consider your cleaning routine and your cat's habits when deciding between clumping and non-clumping litter.
Odor ControlOdor control is crucial for maintaining a pleasant-smelling home. Some litters have added fragrances or baking soda to help mask odors, while others rely on the natural odor-absorbing properties of the material. If you or your cat are sensitive to fragrances, opt for an unscented litter. Strong odor control is especially important if you have multiple cats or if the litter box is in a high-traffic area. Evaluate how well a litter controls odors based on reviews and your own experience.
Dust LevelsDust levels in cat litter can affect both your cat's respiratory health and the cleanliness of your home. High-dust litters can cause respiratory issues for both cats and humans, especially those with asthma or allergies. Low-dust or dust-free litters are better for maintaining air quality and reducing the amount of dust tracked around the house. If dust is a concern, look for litters labeled as low-dust or dust-free and read reviews to see how they perform in real-world use.
TrackingTracking refers to how much litter gets stuck to your cat's paws and is carried out of the litter box. High-tracking litters can create a mess around the house, while low-tracking litters help keep the area cleaner. The size and texture of the litter granules can affect tracking, with larger or heavier granules generally tracking less. If you want to minimize litter mess, look for low-tracking options and consider using a litter mat to catch any stray granules.
AbsorbencyAbsorbency is the litter's ability to soak up moisture and control urine. Highly absorbent litters help keep the litter box dry and reduce odors. Clay and silica gel litters are typically very absorbent, while some natural litters may vary in their absorbency levels. If you have a cat that urinates frequently or if you want to extend the time between litter box cleanings, choose a highly absorbent litter.
Eco-FriendlinessEco-friendliness refers to the environmental impact of the litter. Natural and biodegradable litters made from materials like corn, wheat, or recycled paper are more environmentally friendly than traditional clay litters, which are mined and not biodegradable. If reducing your environmental footprint is important to you, consider choosing an eco-friendly litter. These options are also often flushable, making disposal easier and more sustainable.

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