BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details
Menu
 
Expert Shopper Pets

Best clumping cat litter

Which clumping cat litter is best?

If you have an inside cat, you want it to have a litter that reduces odor and stays in the box. Clumping litter binds together and cleans up easily from your cat's box. It creates lumps in the clay or natural material it's made of when urinated on, allowing quick removal.

However, there are several out there to choose from, and it can be hard to find the right one. If you are looking for an affordable, odor-controlling litter, Fresh Step Advanced Clumping Cat Litter is the top choice. 

What to know before you buy clumping cat litter

Before you decide on which litter you should use, there are a few things to consider.

Natural or clay

These are the two types of clumping litter. 

  • Natural: This is made from grass, pine, corn, wood and other biodegradable materials.
  • Clay: Made from bentonite, clay is not considered natural because it is not biodegradable.

Consistency 

Clumping litter comes in several forms that can be easily used in regular or self-cleaning litter boxes. The consistency of it varies according to the type of litter. Wood litter with larger pieces may jam an auto-sifting box, but clay litter has smaller pieces. Corn litter is fine compared to other litters and can be easily sifted through to remove excrement. 

Clumping ability

Clumping litter minimizes mess and keeps the rest of your cat’s litter fresh between uses. This is why a litter that clumps immediately and holds it together during removal is ideal. 

Multi-cat 

If you have multiple cats in your home, a clumping litter is also ideal. Your cats may require multiple boxes, however, you have the chance to minimize mess with a clumping litter. It keeps their urine intact and prevents it from mixing together, minimizing odor. 

What to look for in a quality clumping cat litter

Odor eliminators

Clumping reduces odor, but many litters that clump also include extra odor eliminators to further reduce unwanted smells. Carbon, baking soda and activated charcoal are blended into many litters to maximize odor control.  

Scent vs. unscented

Cat litter has an assortment of lavender, Febreze and other scents to freshen the air in and around your cat’s box. However, scents often include chemicals that may not be suitable for all people or pets. Many natural litters, without chemicals, are unscented and still reduce the odor in your home. 

Container

Cat litter is packaged in several ways and can be easily stored in its given container. Find it boxed, bagged or in a plastic container with a handle for easy pour. If your brand doesn’t come in a resealable package, use food storage containers to prevent other animals or insects from ruining fresh litter. 

Dust-free

When litter starts to break down, there can be issues with dust. This can give you and your pet unwanted coughing fits or leave behind an unnecessary mess. Look for litter with minimal dust to keep the air in your home clean and fresh. 

Flushable

Certain brands have litter options that can be flushed in the toilet. They are safe for your plumbing and eliminate the need for dumping waste into your trashcan. This type of litter is biodegradable and will break down easily in any environment. 

How much you can expect to spend on clumping cat litter

Enough litter to fill your cat’s box will cost around $10-$30.

Clumping cat litter FAQ

Is clumping litter safe?

A. Yes, it is safe for all, including kittens, adult cats, elderly and declawed cats. 

How often should you replace litter?

A. One of the main benefits of clumping litter is that you can change it less often. To keep it clean and your cat healthy, change out litter once a month. If you have multiple cats, change it once every two weeks. 

Should I train my cat to use the toilet?

A. No. Although it may save you on litter and your cat is likely smart enough to learn, you should not train them to use the toilet. Using the toilet goes against your cat’s natural instincts to bury their excrement and can lead to behavioral issues.  

What’s the best clumping cat litter to buy?

Top clumping cat litter

Fresh Step Advanced Clumping Cat Litter

What you need to know: This is a popular brand’s top-of-the-line litter that clumps together and eliminates odor. 

What you’ll love: Used for single or multi-cat households because of its Febreze-clean scent and clumping ability. It creates small tight clumps that are easy to remove during cleanings and includes activated carbon to help it last 50% longer than other litters. 

What you should consider: A few customers have reported the chemical scent to be too strong for their household. 

Where to buy: Sold by Amazon

Top clumping cat litter for the money

okocat Natural Wood Clumping Litter

What you need to know: This is a natural, healthy litter made from wood that absorbs liquid and immediately clumps together.

What you’ll love: This is a less-mess litter with larger pieces that are difficult to track outside the litter box. It can be used in a multi-cat household and keeps the smell to a minimum. A single small box will last one cat two months before it needs to be replaced. 

What you should consider: The breakdown of the wood causes some dust to build at the bottom of the litter box over time. 

Where to buy: Sold by Amazon

Worth checking out

Smartcat All Natural Clumping Litter

What you need to know: Another natural option, this biodegradable clumping litter is free of harmful chemicals.

What you’ll love: This litter is a natural grass alternative to clumping litter and minimizes odor. Your air and the area around the litter box will stay clean because this brand is 99% dust-free. It is safe for all cats including kittens and declawed cats. 

What you should consider: This is an expensive option compared to other litters, and a few people who used this reported that it attracted insects. 

Where to buy: Sold by Amazon


Want to shop the best products at the best prices? Check out Daily Deals from BestReviews.

Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals. 

Erica Redding writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
 

Share this post: