The 6 Best Cat Litters of 2024, According to Editor’s Tests

The right litter box can make the difference between a smelly corner of your house or an uncomfortable bathroom for your cat and the perfect synergy between a happy cat and a happy owner. But how can you begin to determine which litter is best for your home and feline?

We’ve done the legwork, tested a multitude of cat litters, and determined the best of the best. We also enlisted the input of Dr. Anna Kaufman of Bond Vet in New York to help us discern the differences between litter ingredients, shapes, sizes and uses.

Check out our FAQ section below for Dr. Kaufman’s advice, and read on for our list of the best litters, from pellets to crystals, clumping or non-clumping, flushable or all-natural.

How we tested

When it comes to testing cat litter, it’s 50% about how comfortable your cat is using it and 50% about how easy it is to clean, how well it absorb odors and its quantity. You are comfortable using it in general. We judged each litter based on the following criteria:

• Odor control: How well does litter absorb odors? Is it scented? If so, is the scent pleasant, subtle or strong?
• Possibility of scoop: Is the litter easy to scoop? Does it make a mess while cleaning?
• Chat Approval: Does the cat seem comfortable with the litter box? Were there any accidents outside the litter box during the testing period? Does litter get stuck in cats’ paws?
• Ingredients: Are the ingredients safe for you and your cat? Are they organic or natural?

Each litter has been tested for at least two weeks, unless our cats can’t handle it (in which case, these litters won’t make our list, of course).

The best cat litter

Dr. Elsey’s Ultra Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter excels at odor control and clumping without added fragrances. Its hypoallergenic and dust-free formula ensures a clean and healthy environment for you and your cat, making it our top pick overall.

I’ve tried many cat litters, but Dr. Elsey’s Ultra Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter is by far the best. It controls odors wonderfully and clumps so well that cleaning the litter box is a breeze. Plus, it’s hypoallergenic, which is perfect for my sensitive cat.

Tidy Cats Free & Clean Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter offers great performance at an affordable price. It features powerful odor control and tight clumping action without dyes or fragrances, ensuring a fresh, clean litter box with minimal dust.

It really is a fantastic budget option, in my opinion. It keeps odors away and clumps tightly, making scooping easier. The fact that it is neither scented nor colored is a big plus for my home.

Fresh Step Clean Paws Multi-Cat Scented Clumping Cat Litter provides exceptional clumping and odor control, making it ideal for multi-cat households. Its added Febreze freshness helps keep your home clean, while its low-dust formula reduces messes.

This litter works wonders in my family’s multi-cat household. The binding power is amazing and the added fragrance makes my house smell fresh. I couldn’t ask for a better litter box for multiple cats. I even chose to use this one for my one-cat home.

The world’s best lavender scented corn clumping cat litter offers a natural, flushable solution with the soothing scent of lavender. Its corn-based formula provides excellent clumping and odor control while being safe for septic and sewer systems.

I love this litter because it is natural and disposable. The lavender scent is calming and not overpowering, and it clumps beautifully. It’s great to know it’s safe for my septic tank when I’m in a hurry (or when putting the litter box away in the bathroom).

PrettyLitter Health Monitoring cat litter not only controls odors and absorbs moisture, but also monitors your cat’s health. Its color-changing crystals can alert you to potential health problems, giving you peace of mind and a fresh, clean litter box.

PrettyLitter Health Monitoring cat litter is a game changer. Not only does it control odor well, but it also monitors my cat’s health with color-changing crystals. It gives me peace of mind knowing that I can detect any potential problems quickly. I always use it when he exhibits different behaviors to have more information to share with my veterinarian. A big plus: Louie seems to love this stuff.

Sustainably Yours Small Grain Cat Litter is made from natural, renewable ingredients, providing excellent clumping and odor control without any chemicals. Its small grains reduce streaks and dust, making it a clean, eco-friendly choice for your cat’s litter needs.

This one is my top pick for a natural and eco-friendly option. It clumps tightly and keeps odors under control, with minimal dust and streaks. I feel good knowing it’s made from renewable ingredients.

FAQs

What are the differences between clumping and non-clumping litter?

According to Dr. Kaufman, “Clumping litter is usually made of bentonite clay, which forms solid clumps when wet. Non-clumping litter can be made from a variety of materials such as silica gel crystals, recycled paper, wood shavings, or plant-based materials.

Are there specific litter materials I should avoid due to potential health risks for my cat?

Dr. Kaufman said there is no litter that should “necessarily be avoided, but there are some circumstances in which I might recommend a specific type of litter.” For example, if a cat has a foot injury or a wound is being treated, a veterinarian might recommend using something like Yesterday’s News, which may be gentler on the patient.

How often should I change my cat’s litter box?

Of course, “a cat’s litter box should be cleaned once a day,” advises Dr. Kaufman. But when it comes to cleaning it completely, it is advisable to change the entire litter box once a month.

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