Trying to find the perfect litter that meets your needs and your cat’s is a common problem pet parents face. No matter how much you love your kitty, taking care of the litter box is no fun.
There are many factors to consider such as odor, dust, any allergies your cat may have, and more. I personally was stuck between getting a litter with Febreze or some other odor blocker and natural litter.
Then there’s clumping litter.
I decided to go this route, and these are the best clumping cat litters I came up with.
1. Dr. Elsey’s Ultra-Premium Clumping Cat Litter
Natural and Best Clumping Action
Dr. Elsey’s cat litter is number 1 on many pet owner’s lists. The reason probably is because it’s hypo-allergenic and therefore contains no perfumes, deodorants, or plant proteins. The litter is for multiple cats and does incredibly well at masking odors without added scents. This cat litter helps keep your home smelling fresh and clean between litter box cleanings.
It uses all-natural materials for its clumping action and prevents moisture from getting to the bottom of the litter tray or box. Keep in mind that it’s not for internal use or use as a traction or compost aid. Its 99 percent dust free and creates a clump that doesn’t break down.
Dr. Elsey’s Ultra-Premium litter is a great price for the value it provides compared to other hypo-allergenic litters. It utilizes unique, non-tracking granules with a medium clay, so your kitty drags less litter out of the box on her paws.
Anyone who has cats and litter boxes knows that this is a wonderful aspect of Dr. Elsey’s litter. It leaves less mess to clean up. Its also great litter for the mechanical or sifting litter boxes that have become more popular today.
Cat owners love that this is a natural litter but still keeps their house free of waste odors. One problem it has is that if your cat’s paw gets wet, the litter will solidify to her foot like concrete. It can be challenging to chisel off.
Pros.
- Hypo-allergenic
- Superior odor masking
- Unique, non-tracking ganules
- Can use for multiple cats
- Excellent price
Cons.
- Cements to your pet's paws if they get wet
- Some buyers complained that it's not the same recipe as it used to be
2. Fresh Step with Febreze Odor Shield
Febreze Odor Blockers
This economical, fresh-smelling litter is a favorite for may cat owners. It uses the mighty odor-blocking power of Febreze and smells amazing. This clay clumping litter is easy to scoop and formulated for the smelliest litter boxes. Fresh Step guarantees a 10-day odor control that traps odors using activated charcoal.
This clumping litter absorbs liquid and forms non-smelly, tight clumps that don’t crumble when you try to remove them from the litter box. Fresh Step makes it simple to clean the litter box with less mess. It is for extreme odors and created to make life easier and less smelly for you and your pets. I’m personally a fan of any litter that smells great and makes clean-up easy. They also considered your cat’s health when developing this litter.
Another benefit is that this is a low-dust litter. Fresh Step developed a unique, low-dust formula that’s activated by your cat’s paws every time she uses the litter box. Some boxes have four convenient and compact, resealable packs that make it easier for you to store, carry, and pour.
This litter is not flushable. You simply remove the solids and clumps every day and put them in a trash can or a Litter Genie if you have one. Add more litter every time that you scoop. Maintain about 3 to 4 inches of litter in the box at all times.
Pros.
- Febreze odor blocking technology
- Low-dust formula that's activated when your pet steps on the litter
- 10-day odor controlled
- Controls odors in the smelliest of litter boxes
- Convenient resealable packages
Cons.
- Dust may still be a problem
- The febreze smell was overwhelming to some
3. Purina Tidy Cats Clumping Cat Litter
No Sticking or Crumbling
Purina Tidy Cats Clumping litter advertises that it has 24/7 performance. It seals in those strong urine, ammonia, and fecal smells. The 24/7 odor control keeps your home smelling clean and fresh. It’s great for households with more than 1 cat.
This moisture-absorbing litter is comfortable for your cat. It forms tight clumps that make scooping the litter box easy. It’s hassle-free cleanup. Cleaning the litter box isn’t a hard task with clumping litter. It allows you to spend less time tidying up after the cat and more time playing with your pets.
Cat litter boxes don’t have to be unappealing, and this litter makes your cat’s private area more inviting. Some buyers said that they’ve gotten busy and haven’t been able to clean the litter box for 2 days and there was still no smell.
One of its best qualities is that it’s easy to pick up out of the box with no sticking or crumbling. Purina Tidy Cats makes it easy to change out the entire litter box. There isn’t nasty residue or sludge left behind. It may be a little dusty though, and it’s about average as far as tracking.
Purina Tidy Cat Clumping litter won’t break the bank. You can pick it up at an economical price at most stores.
Pros.
- Excellent for multiple cat homes
- 24/7 performance
- Clumps well and doesn't leave residue behind
- Light weight
- Leaves no sludge on the bottom of the litter box
Cons.
- Still strong-scented instead of fragrance free
- Cats with an aversion to strong smells may not use it
4. Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Platinum Litter
Little To No Tracking
Arm & Hammer is a well-known and successful brand, and they’ve certainly succeeded with this clumping litter for households with multiple cats. This version has 10 percent more odor eliminators than their fresh scent litter. They guarantee a 7-day odor-free home.
This litter comes in multiple sizes, so you have options. Its patented formula decimates odors and seals them away immediately. The clumps are rock hard, and this platinum formula is 100 percent dust-free, so there is less mess when your cat kicks up litter. Arm & Hammer Platinum Clump & Seal makes clean-up simple.
Just scoop up the clumps and dispose of them in the trash. Customers said that there was little to no dust which any cat owner will agree is a wonderful attribute.
This litter may cost a bit more than some other litters on this list but it’s well worth the price and still economical. The company claims that no other litter destroys those nasty waste odors like their product. Arm & Hammer’s powerful and unique stench eliminators save you from gross litter box smells.
There is a subtle, light and fresh scent. Many people found that this Arm & Hammer litter is exceptionally effective at fighting off odors and clumping well. They found that it tracks much less than other premium litters on the market.
Pros.
- Patented odor-blocking formula
- 100 percent dust free
- Rock hard clumps that are easy to scoop up
- For multi-cat homes
- 7 day odor free home guarantee
Cons.
- Possible strong chemical smell
- Somewhat pricey
5. World’s Best Cat Litter, Multiple Cat Clumping Formula
Natural Lavender Oil Scented
The name of this litter says it all. While it is the most expensive on the list, much thought went into the creation of this product. This litter has incredible odor control. The manufacturers note that you should keep it in a sealed bag or bin.
The great thing about this cat litter is that it’s flushable, septic-safe, and eco-friendly. World’s Best Cat Litter has a reputation of being people, pet, and Earth-friendly. Their care for people and the environment reflects the higher price for their litter.
You can take those clumps and flush them right down the toilet which is as close as many of us will get to training our cats to use a human toilet. It still may be best to use a trashcan to dispose of the litter if you’re not sure how well your pipes will handle it.
The litter lasts an extended amount of time and is 99 percent dust free. It’s also lightweight.
The World’s Best Cat Litter comes in other versions as well. They have their regular clumping litter, and Lavender Scented Multiple Cat Clumping Litter. The manufacturer didn’t use artificial scents to perfume the litter. The company used gentle, all-natural lavender oil. Whatever version you pick, its an excellent choice for your feline pal.
Pros.
- Incredible odor control
- Flushable and septic safe
- 99 percent dust free
Cons.
- Most expensive on the list
What Types of Cat Litter are Available?
Besides clumping versus non-clumping, there are several types of litter. Remember to keep your pet’s preference in mind when choosing one. These are some of the specific types of cat litter:
Litter for Multiple Cats
Many experts advise that its best to have one litter box for every cat that you have, but this may be difficult if you have many cats. Multi-cat litter is for people that have more than one kitty sharing a litter box. It helps mask the odor of waste since most cats may not like using a litter box that smells like other cats.
Scented
Scented litter masks the smell of your cat’s waste. It helps keep your house smelling clean in between litter box cleanings. Just beware, some cats don’t like using scented litter.
Natural
Natural cat litters consist of natural materials and fibers that cause litter to clump once it gets wet. If you want to use environmentally, green litter; natural litter is right for you. This type of may not clump as well as litter made from other materials.
What is Clumping Litter?
In the world of kitty litter, there are two primary varieties: non-clumping and clumping. As the name suggests, clumping litter forms solid clumps for easy clean up and non-clumping doesn’t.
Litter manufacturers create most clumping litter from bentonite which is a type of clay that’s incredibly absorbent. When your cat uses the litter box, clumping litter absorbs the liquid. As a result, it forms a solid clump that’s easy to scoop out of the litter and throw away.
Clumping litter makes cleaning the litter box much more manageable. Its easier to see your pet’s waste in the litter pan and dispose of it. It also means that you have to clean out the whole litter box less frequently because once the clump is gone, it leaves behind clean litter.
There are some negative aspects to clumping litter. For one, it’s a bit dustier than traditional litter, so it’s not good for cats with respiratory problems or allergies. It’s also heavier. However, most cat parents agree that the benefits far outweigh the negatives.
Things You Should Consider When Purchasing Clumping Litter
Some cat litters are superior over others, and there are essential differences that set them apart. Here are some things to consider:
Cost
Cost is a significant factor. If you’re looking for the best prices, litters with average clumping action and no scent are less expensive. The price difference between excellent clumping action and moderate is not substantial, so it’s best to go with litter that clumps better.
Clumping Action
All clumping litters aren’t equal as we mentioned above. Some brands have better clumping performance. It’s a matter of preference, and like me, you may have to try several litters until you find one that you prefer.
Dust
Those of us that use cat litter know to expect some dust. There are many options available that have less dust for cats with respiratory issues or allergies. Some cats are simply more sensitive to dust from litter than others. Your cat will let you know their preference, trust me.
Odor
Smelly odors are probably one of the most significant problems that cat parents deal with regarding the litter box. No one wants to smell their cat’s litter, and that ammonia smell lingers. Clumping litter controls odor better than non-clumping and is a preference for many people. Some offer more odor control than others.
One of the first things I learned as a new cat owner was that most cats won’t use scented litter. This revelation traumatized me at first, but if it’s true, I’m lucky that my cat isn’t picky. So, its odor-blocking litter for me.
Biodegradable
Some people never consider this option and not all litter is biodegradable. It’s also crucial to know that most litters are not safe to pour down the toilet.
I learned this first hand when I bought a house that had all new plumbing because one owner thought it was okay to flush litter down the toilet. It essentially turns to cement in your pipes. So, if you don’t want to replace your plumbing, I recommend that you don’t flush your cat’s litter. Most clumping litter is not biodegradable or flushable.
How Often Should You Change Your Cat’s Litter Box?
Some of this will be dependent on the type of litter that you use and how often you scoop your cat’s litter box. You must also factor in how many cats you have.
People often mistakenly think that with clumping cat litter they don’t have to change the litter box. However, this is not true. Even if you use clumping litter, you need to change your cat’s litter box regularly. You should scoop the litter at least once a day, if not more. I clean mine at least twice a day. Place the kitty waste in sealed bags before placing in the trashcan.
Once a week, completely clean out the litter box by removing the old litter. Then clean it with mild, unscented liquid soap. Some cats don’t like smells like scented dish soap and won’t use the litter pan if you wash it or fill it with anything smelly fresh or perfumey. Finally, fill it up with the new litter of your choice, or your cat’s choice, that is. The amount of litter you use weekly depends on the size of your cat and the litter box.
Remember the Diaper Genie for babies? Well, there is a Litter Genie too, and it works well. I can personally attest to that.
The Advantages of Using Clumping Litter
Cat owners everywhere find it easier to clean up when utilizing clumping litter. There’s no more meticulous sifting through the litter box. You can see the clumps and just scoop them up, adding a little fresh litter each time. It reduces the amount of time that you have to spend cleaning the litter box each day. It couldn’t be any simpler.
Clumping litter saves money over time since it lasts longer than traditional litter. No matter what litter you choose, just remember to scoop it daily. You wouldn’t want to use the bathroom in an unflushed toilet. Well, neither does kitty.
Best Clumping Cat Litter Reviews
- Dr. Elsey’s Ultra Premium Clumping Cat Litter
- Fresh Step with Febreze Odor Shield
- Purina Tidy Cats Clumping Cat Litter
- Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Platinum Litter
- World’s Best Cat Litter, Multiple Cat Clumping Formula
Conclusion
The litters on this list all have excellent clumping action. One was a clear winner for me though, and that was Dr. Elsey’s Ultra-Premium Clumping Cat Litter (formerly Precious Cat).
I chose Dr. Elsey’s for several reasons. First, it appeals to the broadest range of cat and personal preferences. It’s hypo-allergenic so almost any cat can use it. This litter doesn’t contain any artificial perfumes, plant proteins, or deodorants. Dr. Elsey’s is also for multiple cats and keeps your home fresh with no litter or ammonia smells.
It relies on natural materials for the clumping action and keeps the bottom of the litter box moisture-free. With special, non-tracking granules, your cat leaves less of a mess for you to clean up.
At a great price, the value you get is excellent. It’s works in mechanical and sifting litter boxes, so it appeals to the most people.
The other litters on this list will make you happy too. Try a few and see which one your cat gravitates to and you’ll know you’ve found the right litter.