To assist you in discovering the perfect cat litter, we rigorously examined 29 different litter products from various brands, encompassing a wide array of materials, including clumping clay, absorbent crystals, and biodegradable pellets. Each litter underwent testing with real cats and kittens and was evaluated by humans based on crucial factors such as odor control and tracking. We also consulted with a non-profit cat rescue owner and a full-time professional cat sitter—experts intimately familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of different cat litters—to gain insights into their preferred types of cat litter and essential considerations when selecting the Best Cat Sand for your feline companion.
The Top Picks
Overall Best Cat Litter: Boxiecat BoxiePro Self-Cleaning Probiotic Clumping Clay Litter
Best Affordable Cat Litter: Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Multi-Cat Litter
After extensive testing with real cats, these two clay clumping litters distinguished themselves not only with exceptional odor elimination but also with minimal tracking and suitability for all types of litter boxes. Their widespread availability ensures you can easily replenish your supply whenever needed.
Recognizing that clay litter isn’t universally preferred, we’re pleased to present additional top choices to help you find the ideal match for both you and your cats.
Best Biodegradable Cat Litter: Tuft & Paw Really Good Cat Litter
Best Crystal Cat Litter: Fresh Step Crystals Premium Scented Cat Litter
Best Value Cat Litter: Cat’s Pride Antibacterial Scented Litter
Our Top-Rated Cat Litter Choices
Boxiecat BoxiePro Self-Cleaning Probiotic Clumping Clay Litter
PHOTO: Boxie
View on Chewy $30 at Walmart $30 at Petco
Pros: Enhanced with probiotics to combat litter and waste bacteria; hypoallergenic formula for cats and humans, fragrance-free; exceptional clumping and odor control.
Cons: Minor tracking and dust presence.
Our testers and their feline companions were so impressed with this cat litter that they replaced their regular autoship with Boxiecat’s BoxiePro Probiotic Clumping Clay Litter. Boxiecat is a distinguished litter brand offering various litter styles, including probiotic-infused versions that “self-clean” by breaking down bacteria from cat waste. Our feline testers included a 13-year-old domestic shorthair with sensitive paws, a 4.5-year-old Maine Coon, and a 4.5-year-old domestic shorthair preferring gravel-style litters. The litter was tested in three litter box types: a Play On Litter Pan, a plastic underbed storage container, and an automatic litter box.
Immediately, the testers noted the litter’s fine, rounded texture and lack of scent. Two out of three cats used the litter box within an hour of switching to Boxiecat. The cat with sensitive paws seemed to favor its feel compared to previous litters. While slight dust and tracking remained, testers found it significantly reduced. Odor control was highly praised, even after three days without scooping, though odor-controlling strength slightly diminished by month’s end in a three-cat household.
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Jennifer Joanning
A key feature is the probiotic technology, breaking down bacteria in the litter box, minimizing odor and mess. Probiotics activate upon contact with cat waste, consuming bacteria. This is particularly beneficial for reducing tracking, enhancing hygiene. The clumping power of this clay litter was also praised, making scooping effortless. The main drawback was the higher price, almost double the tester’s previous litter, but the superior odor control and soft texture justified the upgrade.
Available in 16-pound and 28-pound bags
Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Multi-Cat Litter: An Economical Cat Litter Choice
Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Multi-Cat Litter
PHOTO: Amazon
$34 at Amazon View on Chewy View on Walmart
Pros: Effectively eliminates odors; easy clumping, remains solid for scooping; minimal dust and tracking, even with tracking-prone cats.
Cons: Part of a confusing product line of Clump & Seal options.
Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Multi-Cat Litter clumps efficiently upon contact with moisture, maintaining its form during scooping. The fine granules, similar to coarse sand, produce very little dust. Tracking is also minimal compared to other tested brands, reducing paw prints and scattered litter.
Clump & Seal Multi-Cat is subtly scented, with a mild baking soda aroma and a hint of floral freshness, barely noticeable unless closely smelled. Despite the light scent, it effectively controls odors, even when left unscooped for a few days.
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Multi-cat households favored the Clump & Seal Multi-Cat formula. However, the Clump & Seal product line can be confusing due to numerous similar products like Clump & Seal Slide and Platinum Clump & Seal. Among six Arm & Hammer formulas tested, Clump & Seal Multi-Cat is the top pick. Professional cat sitter Jessica Cornella also confirms Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal varieties are popular among her clients.
This litter should be trashed, not flushed, and comes in a recyclable cardboard box with a handle. It’s reasonably priced and widely available in 14, 19, 28, and 38-pound boxes.
Available in 14-pound, 19-pound, 28-pound, and 38-pound boxes
How We Selected the Best Cat Sand
Testing Methodology: We evaluated 29 cat litter products, from clumping clay to pellets, with input from numerous feline testers. Each litter was purchased and sent to a volunteer tester’s home, along with a detailed testing methodology for long-term evaluation.
Testers recorded initial impressions from both cats and humans for each assigned litter. Over several weeks, they assessed features like fragrance, odor masking, clumping, dust levels, tracking, and cat acceptance. Finally, they judged the litter’s effectiveness in maintaining a tidy litter box.
Feedback and scores across categories were reviewed to categorize and rank our top selections for best cat sand.
Key Features to Consider When Choosing Cat Sand
Material: Clay, Crystals, and Biodegradable Options
Bentonite clay is traditionally the most common material for cat litter due to its clumping ability upon urine contact. Clay litters are favored for easy scooping and odor control but raise environmental concerns due to their non-biodegradable nature.
Crystal cat litter, made from silica gel, excels in urine and odor absorption. A box typically lasts longer, reducing monthly waste. It’s also lightweight compared to clay. (Note: this is different from silica dust mentioned below.)
Biodegradable litters, such as Tuft and Paws Really Great Cat Litter, Ökocat Dust Free Non-Clumping Paper Pellet Cat Litter, and Sustainably Yours Natural Cat Litter Large Grain, are also available. These use natural, eco-friendly materials like soybeans, paper, and grains that decompose over time. Eco-friendliness is a major advantage, according to cat sitter Jessica Cornella, who uses a sustainably-sourced soft wood clumping litter in her two-cat household. She advises against pee pad systems due to increased waste, time, and expense.
Dust Levels
Clay litters are often dusty, releasing fine particles during pouring, scratching, and scooping. This dust can worsen respiratory issues, allergies, and potentially cause urinary problems or be carcinogenic (if containing silica dust). Our top picks produce minimal to no dust. For dust-free priority, Arm & Hammer Cloud Control Platinum Clumping Cat Litter and Ökocat Dust Free Non-Clumping Paper Pellet Cat Litter are excellent choices.
Odor Control and Scent
Jessica Cornella states, “most litters effectively mask or eliminate odors,” with wood, silica, and clay performing well. Odor control methods include activated charcoal, baking soda, and enzymes to break down bacteria. Effective odor elimination keeps the litter box ready for use and is crucial in multi-cat homes to prevent accidents outside the box. Some litters and deodorizers contain fragrances, which may appeal to humans but not necessarily cats.
Tracking
For cat rescuer Devin Bennett, tracking is a primary concern. Cats instinctively cover waste, leading to litter granules sticking to paws and scattering around the box. While some litters are track-free, our top picks minimize tracking within the litter box area. Bennett recommends tofu litter with top-entry boxes for best tracking control. Litter mats can also effectively prevent tracking.
Texture
Cats can be particular about litter texture, which ranges from fine sand to soft fibers, pellets, or pebbles. Jessica Cornella emphasizes cat comfort, noting sensitive nerve endings in paws, especially in kittens and senior cats. If a cat rejects a litter, texture might be the reason.
Additional Recommended Cat Litters
Tuft & Paw Really Great Cat Litter
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PHOTO: Tuft & Paw
View on Amazon View on Chewy View on Tuftandpaw.com
Pros: Complete odor control; completely dust-free; pellets dissolve in water, biodegradable cat litter.
Cons: Transitioning cats to this pellet litter can be challenging.
Best Biodegradable Cat Litter: Tuft & Paw Really Great Cat Litter is a tofu pellet litter made from soybean byproducts. This fragrance-free, water-soluble litter offers exceptional odor absorption and is completely dust-free. Its pellet shape significantly reduces tracking, as it doesn’t stick to paws like finer litters.
This litter clumps urine for easy scooping but doesn’t cover solid waste, which some cats used to sand-like litter might dislike. Some cats may need time to adjust to the texture and smell. One tester cat protested the texture change by eliminating outside the litter box, a first since kittenhood.
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Taylor Fox
Initially subscription-only via Tuft and Paw, it’s now available for individual purchase from major online retailers in one size. Monthly supply ranges from one to three resealable bags depending on cat numbers.
Available in 9.5-pound resealable bags
Fresh Step Crystals Premium Scented Cat Litter
Fresh Step Crystals Premium Scented Cat Litter
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PHOTO: Target
View on Amazon View on Chewy View on Walmart
Pros: Absorbs all odors from waste; urine absorbent crystal cat litter; dust and tracking-free; longer-lasting than clay litter.
Cons: Large crystals may be uncomfortable for sensitive paws.
Best Crystal Cat Litter: Fresh Step Crystals Premium Scented Cat Litter uses silica gel for exceptional urine and odor absorption. Its larger crystal size, like small pebbles, minimizes tracking, ideal for homes with hard floors. Testing showed zero tracking or dust.
Although not marketed as health monitoring litter (unlike this version), it alerted one tester to urinary issues twice. The clear crystals turning pink/red indicated blood in urine, leading to a vet diagnosis of bladder stones. The larger crystals might be rough on sensitive or kitten paws, but kitten testing was successful, and the tester plans continued use.
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This crystal litter is favored for its affordability and less frequent changes compared to clay litter. Larger crystals effectively absorb urine and odor throughout its use. It’s a great value, widely available, and comes in a convenient 8-pound option. Daily scooping and stirring are recommended, with full replacement every three to four weeks. Crystal litters like Fresh Step generally last longer than clay-based litters.
Available in 8-pound and 14-pound bags
Cat’s Pride Antibacterial Scented Litter: Best Budget-Friendly Cat Litter
Cat’s Pride Antibacterial Scented Litter
PHOTO: Amazon
$10 at Amazon View on Chewy View on Walmart
Pros: Proven antibacterial properties; long-lasting with less litter usage; excellent clumping cat litter.
Cons: Some dust when pouring and cleaning.
Best Value Cat Litter: The 12-pound jug is easy to handle with a twist-off cap and handle. Its clumping strength was highly praised, outperforming previous litters and preventing wet spots. Testing with a litter-kicking cat showed no reduction in mess, despite a covered litter box.
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No odor was detected during testing, likely due to antibacterial properties eliminating 99% of odors. Third-party lab tests confirm it kills three bacteria types and prevents odor formation. Despite its lower price, it lasted longer than regular litter, even with less product used. A 12-pound jug functions like 20 pounds of comparable clay litters, making it a great value.
Available in a 12-pound jug
Other Cat Litters Evaluated
Pretty Litter Cat Litter: Pretty Litter innovated with color-changing silica litter for urinary health monitoring. While praised for health insights and odor control, the non-clumping version can become smelly and yellow, especially in multi-cat homes. Clumping version testing is anticipated.
Arm & Hammer Cloud Control Platinum Multi-Cat Clumping Litter: True to its no-dust claim, this litter uses baking soda for odor control. However, its clumping performance was less reliable compared to other Arm & Hammer litters.
Ökocat Paper Pellet Cat Litter: Originally a top pellet pick, surpassed by newer pellet litters. Good odor control as an absorbent litter, but larger pellets track noticeably and are less hygienic.
Scoop Away Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter: Affordable, fragrance-free clumping litter with anti-ammonia for odor control and low dust, effective in multi-cat homes. Minor tracking observed, mainly near the box.
Purina Tidy Cats Naturally Strong Clumping Clay Litter: Natural clay, fragrance-free clumping litter, a long-time favorite and eco-friendly choice. Activated charcoal for odor control, virtually dust-free, strong clumping, sometimes too strong, requiring extra scooping for side-stuck waste.
Sustainably Yours Natural Cat Litter Large Grain: Eco-friendly cassava litter, good odor masking initially, but diminishes over time. Larger grains reduce tracking but clumping isn’t as firm as desired.
FAQ
Why Trust The Spruce Pets for Cat Litter Reviews?
This review was updated with tested results by K.Alex Beaven, a lifelong cat owner and support human to @hellomisterbo. Alex’s other contributions to The Spruce Pets include articles on Best Kitten Foods, Best Bone Broth for Cats, and Best Lickable Cat Treats.
We also consulted Devin Bennett, owner of Here Have a Kitten non-profit cat rescue, and Jessica Cornella, owner of Such a Treat PDX professional cat sitting service. Jessica’s daily work involves handling various cat litters, while Devin manages litter and odor control in a dynamic multi-cat rescue environment.
Further reading on cat litter boxes: The Best Cat Litter Box Is Simple, With High Sides (We Tested Dozens More Too)
