7 best cat litters for 2023, approved by vets

Outside of love and affection, the right cat litter is one of the most important things a cat owner can provide for their pet. Not only is it a frequent purchase, but it often affects the smell of your home, which means you will want the absolute best. We’re here to help you find the best cat litter for your beloved four-legged friend based on criteria such as cost, odor control, tracking level, and clumping ability.

Naturally Fresh’s Unscented Walnut Cat Litter is a clumping litter known for its superior odor control and low dustiness. Available in a 14- or 26-pound bag, this litter stands out for its lack of added fragrance, making it an ideal choice for sensitive cats and scent-averse households. Its dark color helps to hide the gross appearance of solid waste, and as a natural litter, it doesn’t aggravate allergies, so long as you don’t have a walnut allergy.

One of the most attractive qualities of this cat litter is its ability to absorb odor. With minimal tracking, the larger granules tend to stay contained in the litter box area, reducing mess around the house. While not recommended for automatic litter boxes, this is a great option for manual litter boxes. (Read more about our picks for the best cat litter box here).

Tidy Cats Lemongrass Scented Cat Litter, available in a 20-pound plastic bin, features a clay type of litter known for its efficiency in clumping and easy cleanup. The lemongrass fragrance masks bad odors and adds a pleasant aroma to the litter box area. However, some users note a moderate amount of dust, which may pose concerns for cats and their owners with sensitivity to dust particles.

In terms of tracking, the litter shows average performance, with some granules being carried out of the box, but not excessively. As a natural alternative to the more chemical litters, it’s easy on a cat’s paws and does not seem to affect sensitive lungs. Unlike other natural cat litter made out of edible products like corn or walnuts, cats tend to avoid eating this clay.

World’s Best Unscented Clumping Corn Cat Litter stands out as a clumping corn-based litter that provides an eco-friendly and biodegradable option for cat parents. One of its most praised features is its exceptionally low dustiness, which reduces respiratory concerns Trusted Source Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Veterinary school. Go to source and keeps the environment cleaner.

Although it’s unscented, this litter is recognized for its top-notch odor control, effectively trapping and neutralizing unwanted smells. It also has minimal tracking, as the larger granules tend to stay contained in the litter box area, reducing mess around the house. This cat litter comes in 8-pound, 15-pound, and 28-pound bags.

Available in 7.5-pound, 20-pound, and 40-pound bags, Dr. Elsey’s Respiratory Relief Clay Cat Litter is specially designed to control respiratory issues in cats and humans. Despite being unscented, this cat litter is exceptional at preventing litter box odor. It’s low tracking and has a hard-clumping texture, making for easy cleanup.

While Dr. Elsey’s litter typically produces little dust, some reviewers have noted that it can depend on the bag — and others didn’t love the heavy weight of this litter. Overall, Dr. Elsey’s Respiratory Relief Clay Cat Litter offers a potential solution for cats with respiratory sensitivities, making it a great choice for both feline health and a cleaner living space.

Arm & Hammer Litter Clump & Seal Multi-Cat Scented Clumping Clay Cat Litter offers a comprehensive odor-fighting solution to maintain a fresh-smelling litter box. Utilizing odor-neutralizing plant-based micro granules and Arm & Hammer baking soda crystals, this litter swiftly reduces and holds odors for up to a week.

Despite its 99% dust-free and low-tracking properties, some reviewers have pointed out a strong perfume, excessive weight, and higher tracking issues. However, its exceptional clumping capability simplifies cleanup, especially beneficial for multi-cat households. Choose from 14-pound, 19-pound, and 28-pound bags.

Frisco Unscented, Non-Clumping Recycled Paper Pellet Cat Litter offers an eco-friendly and odor-fighting solution for cat owners seeking a chemical-free litter option. Crafted from 95% post-consumer recycled paper, these non-clumping pellets absorb liquid efficiently and contain added baking soda for outstanding odor control.

The low-dust formula facilitates easy scooping and cleaning, contributing to a cleaner environment while safeguarding against lingering odors. However, some reviewers have mentioned concerns about pellet crumbling and tracking, which could lead to minor messes beyond the litter box. This cat litter product comes in a 25-pound bag.

Arm & Hammer Feline Pine Original Non-Clumping Wood Cat Litter offers a natural and odor-fighting solution with its sustainably sourced pine shavings. This low-dust, natural pine-scented litter immediately absorbs liquids and odors upon contact, ensuring a fresh-smelling environment for cat owners and their furry companions.

However, some reviewers have noted challenges with scooping as it doesn’t form solid clumps, requiring a larger scoop due to the size of the pellets. This can make it difficult to separate dust litter from larger pellets. Despite these drawbacks, the litter’s natural, pine-based formula provides a gentle and eco-friendly option for sensitive cats and conscientious pet parents. This cat litter is available in 7-pound, 20-pound, and 40-pound bags.

While Pretty Litter garners positive attention for its color-changing feature designed to monitor a cat’s health, there are notable drawbacks that might render it less worthwhile. Despite its appeal, many users have expressed concerns about the litter’s use of silica or crystal material, which proved to be problematic for some cats by causing paw irritation.

It’s also been reported as dustier compared to other litters, potentially causing respiratory discomfort for both felines and their owners. These drawbacks raise questions about the overall comfort and well-being of cats, making Pretty Litter less appealing for pet owners seeking a more cat-friendly litter option.

When considering the best cat litter for your feline friend, several critical factors need attention. Litter material, dust control, tracking, fragrance, and the type of litter box are all things cat owners should consider when choosing cat litter.

The right material for you and your cat

Cats are known for their discerning nature and might have preferences when it comes to litter material. Some might be sensitive or allergic to certain materials, so understanding your cat’s needs and behaviors is crucial. This can help guide you in choosing between clumping clay, silica, and crystal, or natural and biodegradable options like corn, wheat, paper, and pine-based litters.

Dust control and low-tracking

Dust control and low tracking are key considerations for a cleaner environment and to reduce potential respiratory discomfort. Opting for litters with minimal dust and reduced tracking helps maintain a tidy home while keeping your cat comfortable during their litter box routine.

Fragrance vs fragrance-free

The decision between fragrance or fragrance-free litter often depends on personal preferences. While some cat owners appreciate the added scent to mask odors, others prefer fragrance-free options to avoid potential irritations or sensitivities, especially for cats with allergies or aversions to scents.

Odor control

An important factor in selecting cat litter is its ability to control and neutralize odors effectively. A good litter should trap and minimize odors, keeping your living space smelling fresh and pleasant for both you and your feline companion.

Type of litter box

The type of litter box is an often overlooked but critical factor. Sifting, automatic, and other specialty litter boxes have unique requirements, some needing specific litter types for optimal performance. Compatibility issues — like fine crystal litters causing problems in certain automatic litter boxes — can lead to maintenance challenges and unexpected expenses. It’s important to choose a litter that works well with your preferred litter box.