Best Cat Litter of 2026

Janie Foster Avatar
Janie Foster
Last Updated: Jan 15, 2026

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Cat litter is a must-have item for any cat owner. It's a type of absorbent material that's placed inside a litter box or tray to absorb your cat's waste. There are many types of cat litter available in the market, including clay, silica gel, recycled paper, and natural materials like wood chips or corn. Some litters are scented to help mask odors, while others are unscented for more sensitive cats. It's important to choose a litter that your cat will feel comfortable using and that works well with your lifestyle. With so many options available, finding the right cat litter for you and your furry friend is easy.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat Ultra Cat Litter Cover #TOP 1
Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat Ultra Cat Litter
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Fresh Step Multi-Cat Clumping Cat Litter, 14 lbs Cover #TOP 2
Fresh Step Multi-Cat Clumping Cat Litter, 14 lbs
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Cat's Pride Max Power Multi-Cat Scented Litter Cover #TOP 3
Cat's Pride Max Power Multi-Cat Scented Litter
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Cat Litter

Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat Ultra Cat Litter

235U
Ultra Blue
18 lb
Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat Ultra Cat Litter Cover
Dr. Elsey's Ultra Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter 18 lb Bag

Dr. Elsey's Ultra Cat Litter is a premium quality cat litter made with 100% bentonite clay. Its granule size and texture are specially designed for maximum clumping, making it easier to clean your cat's litter box. This low dust litter is ideal for cats and owners who suffer from allergies, as it is 99.9% dust-free and hypoallergenic. The hard clumping medium grain clay helps prevent moisture from reaching the bottom of the tray and forms hard clumps that won't break down, allowing for easy scooping. With its superior odor control, this litter keeps your home smelling clean and fresh between litter box cleanings. The unique formulation of medium grain clay also helps minimize tracking, keeping the litter in the box where it belongs.

What We Like
Excellent odor control
Superior clumping ability
Very low dust
Long-lasting usage
Minimal tracking
What We Don't Like
Some tracking for a few users
Heavy clumps when full
#TOP 2

Fresh Step Multi-Cat Clumping Cat Litter, 14 lbs

02049
14 lb
14 lb
Fresh Step Multi-Cat Clumping Cat Litter, 14 lbs Cover
Fresh Step Clumping Cat Litter, Multi-Cat, Long Lasting Odor Control Kitty Litter with Activated Charcoal, Low Dust Formula, 14 lb

Fresh Step Multi-Cat Clumping Cat Litter is perfect for multi-cat households and busy litter boxes. Its ClumpLock technology helps to lock in liquid and odors instantly, making cleaning up easier. Its tight clumping formula ensures that cleaning up after your cats is a breeze.

What We Like
Strong odor control
Fast, solid clumping
Low dust formula
Long-lasting freshness
Minimal litter tracking
What We Don't Like
Noticeable dust when pouring
Can be expensive

Cat's Pride Max Power Multi-Cat Scented Litter

C47115C40
No Color
15 lbs
Cat's Pride Max Power Multi-Cat Scented Litter Cover
Cat's Pride Max Power: Total Odor Control - Up to 10 Days of Powerful Odor Control - Strong Clumping - 99% Dust Free - Multi-Cat Litter, Scented, 15 Pounds

Cat's Pride Max Power Litter is designed to keep your home fresh and clean. It quickly neutralizes odors, so you don’t have to worry about unpleasant smells. The litter forms very strong clumps, making scooping easier and less messy. You will also appreciate that it produces very little dust, which helps keep the air cleaner and is better for your cat’s respiratory health. Plus, this litter controls odors effectively for up to 10 days, giving you longer-lasting freshness and reducing how often you need to change it. Overall, it’s a convenient choice for multi-cat households.

What We Like
Strong odor control
Good clumping action
Low dust
Affordable price
Easy to carry jug
What We Don't Like
Minor litter tracking
Occasional clumps stick to box
#TOP 4

Arm & Hammer Platinum SLIDE Easy Clean, Clumping Litter, Multi-Cat, 37 Lbs

20505679
37 Lbs
Arm & Hammer Platinum SLIDE Easy Clean, Clumping Litter, Multi-Cat, 37 Lbs Cover
ARM & HAMMER Clump & Seal SLIDE Platinum Multi-Cat Clumping Cat Litter, 14-Day Odor Control, EZ Clean Technology, 37 lbs – No Scrubbing, Powerful Odor Eliminator

Arm & Hammer Platinum SLIDE Litter is a revolutionary clumping cat litter that takes the dread out of kitty litter box cleanup. With its patented EZ Clean Technology, this litter slides right out of the litter box, saving you from scraping and scrubbing. It also features complete odor-sealing capabilities, destroying sealed-in odors on contact. The powerful odor eliminators and ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda ensure that your home stays odor-free for 7 days. The rock-hard clumps formed by the Clump & Seal technology make scooping easy, while the tight odor control seal around waste keeps your home smelling fresh. With 10% more odor eliminators than the Slide Non-Stop Odor Control Cat Litter, this multi-cat formula is perfect for households with multiple feline friends. Say goodbye to litter box odors and enjoy a hassle-free cleaning experience with Arm & Hammer Platinum SLIDE Litter.

What We Like
Excellent odor control
Minimal dust
Strong, easy clumping
Low tracking
Gentle scent
What We Don't Like
Higher price
May track slightly
#TOP 5

Cat's Pride Premium Lightweight Clumping Litter: Pure & Fresh

C47710
Scented
Cat's Pride Premium Lightweight Clumping Litter: Pure & Fresh Cover
Cat's Pride Premium Lightweight Clumping Litter: Pure & Fresh - Up to 10 Days of Powerful Odor Control - Multi-Cat, Scented, 10 Pounds

Cat's Pride Lightweight Litter is a high-quality cat litter that offers a range of benefits for both you and your furry friend. With its 40% lighter formula, you no longer have to struggle with heavy litter when pouring or storing. This lightweight litter is not only convenient but also effective in trapping and eliminating odors for up to 10 days. The porous and absorbent nature of this litter ensures that liquids are soaked up, keeping the surrounding litter clean and dry. Additionally, by purchasing a Cat's Pride jug, you are supporting animal welfare organizations as one pound of cat litter is donated for every jug sold. Suitable for cats of all ages and breeds, this litter provides a cost-effective option without compromising on quality.

What We Like
Strong odor control
Excellent clumping ability
Low dust
Lightweight packaging
Minimal tracking
What We Don't Like
Clumps may break during scooping
Slight mess from tracking
#TOP 6

Fresh Step Clumping Cat Litter

4334692629
14 lb
14 lb
Fresh Step Clumping Cat Litter Cover
Fresh Step Extreme Clumping Litter With Febreze Freshness, Mountain Spring Scent Clumping Cat Litter With Guaranteed Odor Control, 14 lb. Box

Fresh Step Odor Control Litter is a clumping cat litter that fights litter box odors with the strength of Fresh Step litter partnered with the power of Febreze. Specially formulated for multi-cat litter boxes, this cat litter has a 10-day odor control with ammonia block technology and activated charcoal that traps and eliminates kitty litter odor. Its low dust formula helps keep surfaces cleaner and air clearer, and the paw activated fragrance is released every time your cats use the litter box. With the clump lock technology, this scoopable kitty litter absorbs liquid and forms tight clumps, making cleaning easy and leaving behind no stinky crumbles. Fresh Step Odor Control Litter is the perfect choice for extreme litter box odors, as it is created with your cats' health and happiness in mind.

What We Like
Excellent clumping action
Long-lasting odor control
Fresh pleasant scent
Low dust formula
Minimal litter tracking
What We Don't Like
Slightly noticeable dust
Higher price point

Arm & Hammer Forever Fresh Lavender Clumping Cat Litter

033200975472
288 OZ
Arm & Hammer Forever Fresh Lavender Clumping Cat Litter Cover
Arm & Hammer Forever Fresh Clumping Cat Litter Lavender, MultiCat Cat Litter Odor Control 18lb With 20% More Lavender Freshness, With Essential Oils

Arm & Hammer Forever Fresh Lavender Clumping Cat Litter is an online exclusive 18lb cat litter with 20% more lavender freshness. It is pet-friendly with essential oils and features a 99% dust-free formulation to help maintain litter box freshness. The scent of wild lavender flowers provides long-lasting freshness and odor control, while the hard clumps and easy scooping make it ideal for multi-cat households. The formula contains baking soda-coated granules combined with special odor neutralizers for long-lasting odor control.

What We Like
Excellent odor control
Strong clumping action
Good value for price
Low dust
Pleasant fragrance options
What We Don't Like
Heavier than some litters
Fragrance may be strong for some
#TOP 8

Purina Tidy Cats Multi Cat Litter

00070230100184
Other
Purina Tidy Cats Multi Cat Litter Cover
Purina Tidy Cats Clumping Multi Cat Litter, Glade Clear Springs - 38 lb. Box

Tidy Cats Multi Cat Litter offers a powerful solution for keeping your home fresh and clean. It forms strong clumps, making it easy for you to scoop and maintain your litter box. With a 10-day odor control guarantee, you can enjoy a pleasant environment for both you and your cats. The low dust formula ensures a clean pour, minimizing mess during refills. Additionally, the Glade Clear Springs scent adds a delightful fragrance, making your litter area more inviting. This litter is especially designed for homes with multiple cats, ensuring comfort and dryness for your furry friends.

What We Like
Excellent odor control
Strong clumping ability
Low dust formula
Good value for money
Widely available
What We Don't Like
Container can be heavy
Some tracking outside box
#TOP 9

Arm & Hammer Cloud Control Platinum Cat Litter

033200975762
Black
27.5 Lbs
Arm & Hammer Cloud Control Platinum Cat Litter Cover
ARM & Hammer Cloud Control Platinum Clumping Cat Litter Odor Control, 27.5 lbs.

Arm & Hammer Cat Litter provides an effective solution for odor control in multi-cat households. It features moisture-activated odor eliminators combined with baking soda, ensuring that waste odors are neutralized on contact for up to 14 days. The innovative Dander Shield Technology helps minimize airborne dander while you scoop, keeping your environment cleaner. With a light hypoallergenic scent, this litter is perfect for those who prefer a gentle aroma without strong fragrances. Additionally, the powerful formula offers 10% more odor-fighting ingredients than regular options, making it a reliable choice for pet owners.

What We Like
Low dust formula
Excellent odor control
Strong clumping action
Minimal tracking
Soft sand-like texture
What We Don't Like
Higher price point
May track slightly
#TOP 10

Arm & Hammer SLIDE Platinum Multi-Cat Easy Clean-Up Clumping Cat Litter

033200975168
18 Lbs
Arm & Hammer SLIDE Platinum Multi-Cat Easy Clean-Up Clumping Cat Litter Cover
ARM & HAMMER Clump & Seal SLIDE Platinum Multi-Cat Clumping Cat Litter, 14-Day Odor Control, EZ Clean Technology, 18 lbs – No Scrubbing, Powerful Odor Eliminator

Arm & Hammer SLIDE Platinum Cat Litter is a multi-cat litter that guarantees 14-day odor control. Its easy-clean technology allows the litter to slide out of the litter box effortlessly without scraping or scrubbing. This clumping cat litter forms rock-hard clumps for easy scooping, and its powerful platinum formula has 10% more odor eliminators than the Non-Stop Odor-Control Cat Litter. The litter is 99.9% dust-free, making it perfect for multi-cat homes. With Arm & Hammer SLIDE Platinum Cat Litter, you can have an odor-free home and make litter-box cleanup day a breeze.

What We Like
Excellent odor control
Minimal dust
Strong clumping
Low tracking
Gentle scent
What We Don't Like
Higher price
Occasional tracking
Buying Guide Image

How to Select Cat Litter: The Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Cats are wonderful companions, and choosing the right litter for them is an important part of being a responsible pet owner. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to decide which litter will be best for your furry friend. In this article, we'll provide some tips and guidance on how to choose the right cat litter for your feline companion.

Consider Your Cat's Preferences

When it comes to choosing cat litter, it's important to consider your cat's individual preferences. Some cats may prefer clumping litter, while others may prefer non-clumping litters. Additionally, some cats may have sensitivities to certain types of litter, such as those made with fragrances or other chemicals. It's a good idea to experiment with different types of litter to see which ones your cat likes best.

Consider Your Own Preferences

In addition to considering your cat's preferences, it's also important to consider your own preferences when choosing cat litter. For example, if you're someone who values convenience, you may prefer a litter that are easy to clean and maintain. On the other hand, if you're concerned about the environmental impact of your litter, you may prefer a biodegradable option.

Consider the Litter's Absorbency and Clumping Ability

When choosing cat litters, it's important to consider the litter' absorbency and clumping ability. A litter with good absorbency will be able to effectively contain moisture and odor, while a litter with good clumping ability will be easy to clean and maintain. It's a good idea to look for litters that have high ratings in both of these categories.

Consider the Litter's Ingredients

Another important factor to consider when choosing cat litters is the ingredients used in the litter. Some litters are made with fragrances or other chemicals that can be harmful to cats, so it's important to read the labels carefully and choose a litter that is made with safe, natural ingredients.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right cat litters is an important part of being a responsible pet owner. By considering your cat's preferences, your own preferences, the litter' absorbency and clumping ability, and the ingredients used in the litter, you can make an informed decision that will be best for both you and your feline companion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is cat litter healthy for cats?

Many mass market cat litters contain significant amounts of silica dust which has been linked to upper respiratory issues in cats and even humans. Likewise, the chemical fragrances in many cat litters can also be toxic to cats. Yet another issue is the sodium bentonite clay in “clumping” cat litters.

2. How often should you change a cat's litter?

Twice a week is a general guideline for replacing clay litter, but depending on your circumstances, you may need to replace it every other day or only once a week. If you clean the litter box daily, you might only need to change clumping litter every two to three weeks.

Editor's Notes

During our cat litter research, we found 24 cat litter products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 1,978,734 customer reviews through our big data system to write the cat litter list. We found that most customers choose cat litter with an average price of $16.08.

The cat litter are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of cat litter, including Dr. Elsey's, Fresh Step, Cat's Pride, Arm & Hammer, Tidy Cats. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Janie Foster Avatar

Janie Foster is a writer & pet blogger from Los Angeles, she enjoys living with her two cats and three dogs. She owned her first dog 10 years ago and then started her personal blog to record her dog's daily life. Throughout her personal life, she has developed specialized knowledge in pet care, pet nutrition, feeding habits, and more.

Cat Litter Comparison Table

#TOP1
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#TOP5
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#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Dr. Elsey's Fresh Step Cat's Pride Arm & Hammer Cat's Pride Fresh Step Arm & Hammer Tidy Cats Arm & Hammer Arm & Hammer
Item Weight 17.6 pounds 14.8 pounds 15 pounds 38.7 pounds 10 pounds 14.8 pounds 18 pounds 38 pounds 27.5 pounds 18 pounds
Item Package Dimensions L x W x H 15.91 x 11.97 x 3.85 inches 11.54 x 10.12 x 4.09 inches 13.47 x 8.88 x 5.48 inches 13.5 x 12 x 7.1 inches 13.5 x 8.87 x 5.48 inches 10.2 x 10.12 x 4.13 inches 12.05 x 11.57 x 2.64 inches 13 x 12.6 x 9.34 inches 13 x 11.81 x 6 inches 12.09 x 11.57 x 4.37 inches
Brand Name Dr. Elsey's Fresh Step Cat's Pride Arm & Hammer Cat's Pride Fresh Step Arm & Hammer Tidy Cats Arm & Hammer Arm & Hammer
Target Audience Keyword cat, house-cats house-cats amphibians, house-cats house-cats Cats, house-cats house-cats house-cats Cats, house-cats house-cats cats, house-cats
Model Name Dr. Elsey's Ultra 18 Fresh Step-Multi Cat Cat's Pride Max Power Clumping Multi-Cat Litter 15 Pounds CLUMP & SEAL SLIDE PLATINUM 37LB Cat's Pride Fresh & Light Ultimate Care Scented Multi-Cat Litter, 10 Pound, Single Pack Clumping Cat Litter, Extreme Odor Control, Mountai Forever Fresh TDCT GLD Cler Spr Scp SPB ARM & HAMMER Clump & Seal AbsorbX Platinum Lightweight Quick Absorbing Scented Multi-Cat Clumping Cat Litter with 10 Days of Odor Control, 18 lbs. 033200975168
Size 18 lb 14 lb 15 lbs 37 Lbs 10 Pound (Pack of 1) 14 lb 288 OZ 38 Pound (Pack of 1) 27.5 Lbs 18 Lbs
Material Clay Fiber Plastic Platinum Clay Clay Clay Clay Platinum Clay
Age Range Description All Life Stages Adult All Life Stages All Life Stages All Stages Adult All Life Stages All Life Stages All Life Stages All Life Stages
Specific Uses for Product Behavior, Indoor, Urinary Indoor Urinary Urinary Teeth Indoor Urinary Indoor Indoor Behavior
Scent Unscented Febreze Freshness Fresh Scent Fresh Scent Fresh Scent Mountain Spring Lavender Unscented Light Hypoallergenic Scent Fresh Scent
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.8
ftb score rating icon 8.7
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