Clumping Cat Litter: The 10 Best Options In 2023

Clumping litter is highly absorbent and designed to cling to cat urine and feces, reducing unpleasant odors and making it easier to clean out the litter box without leaving any waste behind. When the litter comes into contact with moisture, it forms into tight, hard clumps. Cat caretakers are then able to spot and remove those clumps, which leads to a cleaner litter box and extends the lifespan of the litter. Before we reveal the best clumping cat litters, here are a few things you should keep in mind when making a purchase:

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‌Number of Cats:‌ Litter boxes should be scooped at least once a day to keep them clean for your cat, however, if you have multiple cats in your home you may want to consider purchasing litter that's specifically designed for multi-cat households. Multi-cat-specific clumping litter generally has stronger odor control to help keep your house smelling fresh and clean.

‌Health:‌ If your cat has recently had surgery or undergone another medical procedure, you will want to ask your veterinarian whether it's OK for your cat to use clumping litter. After some surgical procedures, your vet may advise against using clumping litter because it can be more likely to stick to an incision. If your cat is having surgery or another procedure in the near future, ask your vet for litter recommendations.

‌Sensitivities:‌ Some clumping litters are made entirely or partially with clay. Clay litters can leave dust in the air, which can then settle on floors and furniture or trigger allergies. For cats and humans with upper respiratory conditions, allergies, or other sensitivities, clay litter can be irritating or exacerbate those conditions. Some people who have asthma may also be bothered by having clay-clumping litter in the house. In these cases, you may want to try a low-dust clumping litter.

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sWheat Scoop Premium+ Unscented Natural Clumping Wheat Cat Litter, 36-lb. Bag

$38.10 at Chewy

Made of biodegradable wheat, this unscented clumping cat litter effectively traps odors while being easy on the environment. It's made without any dyes or perfumes and instead relies on natural enzymes to neutralize ammonia odors from urine. Perhaps best of all, it's dust-free, flushable, and 100% biodegradable. The wheat clumping litter works well for single-cat and multi-cat homes and causes minimal tracking. Because it's unscented, it's ideal for cats and humans who are sensitive to smells or have asthma.

Purina Tidy Cats Instant Action Cat Litter, 20-lb. Jug

$11.48 at Walmart

Intended for multi-cat households, this clumping clay litter has a quick-release deodorizing formula. It forms tight, hard clumps that won't stick to your litter scoop or the sides of the litter box. The litter has a light, fresh scent and does a great job of eliminating ammonia smells and other unpleasant odors. It yields some dust and tracking, so it may not be suitable for those with allergies or asthma. That being said, it's an affordable option for caretakers who change out their cat's litter frequently or are looking to control litter box smells.

Next Gen Green Tea Fresh Cat Litter Bag, 11.5-lb. Bag

$43.39 at Amazo

Made of Hinoki cypress wood and green tea leaves, this clumping cat litter is an environmentally-friendly way to keep your cat's litter box clean. The formula contains natural antioxidant properties from green tea leaves that are anti-bacterial and function as a deodorant. It's made without any artificial fragrances or chemicals and is free of silica dust, which can lead to respiratory problems. The pellets are lightweight and result in minimal tracking. It doesn't clump as well as some other brands but it's a lot less dusty than clay-based litter. The natural green tea scent helps mask litter box odors and leaves your house smelling fresh.

Arm & Hammer Litter Naturals Scented Clumping Corn Cat Litter, 9-lb. Bag

$10.87 at Chewy

This cat litter is made with natural corn fibers, which are plant-based and highly effective at clumping. To eliminate odors caused by urine and feces, the formula includes moisture-activated baking soda and mineral oil. Another benefit is that it weighs about 50% less than traditional clay-clumping litter, making it easier for cat owners to use and delivery drivers to carry. The manufacturer also claims that the corn fibers absorb twice as much moisture as clay. It produces very little dust, making it more comfortable for people and cats to breathe.

World's Best Multi-Cat Unscented Clumping Corn Cat Litter, 28-lb. Bag

$32.15 at Chewy

Bringing together the best qualities of pellet litter and clumping litter, this unique formula clumps on contact with urine or feces. It's all-natural and made from whole-kernel corn, so it's free from silica dust, harmful chemicals, and artificial perfumes. Unlike litters that have to be thrown away in the trash, this lightweight litter is flushable and safe for both sewer systems and septic systems. It's unscented yet manages to provide long-lasting odor control. Plus, the quick-clumping formula prevents stuck-on messes, making litter box cleaning a breeze.

Scoop Away Complete Performance Cat Litter – Clumping, Low Dust, 42-lb. Value Pack

$22.99 at Chewy

A good choice for cat owners on a budget, this low-dust clumping litter delivers powerful odor control. The clay litter has a built-in fresh scent to deodorize waste smells before they spread throughout your home. It's specifically made for busy litter boxes in multi-cat homes and includes natural plant extracts to fight odors for up to 10 days. Every time your cat uses her litter box, a bit of fragrance is released, as it's activated by movement. The litter creates tight clumps, preventing any crumbles from remaining in the litter box after you've scooped. One of the biggest perks is that it comes in a pack of four and each of the 10.5-pound bags of litter is completely resealable, locking in freshness.

Fresh Step Multi-Cat Scented Clumping Clay Cat Litter, 14-lb. Box

$10.49 at Chewy

Intended for multi-cat homes, this clumping cat litter destroys unpleasant cat box smells with the power of Febreeze. Its "ClumpLock ” technology locks in liquid and odors on contact, particularly traces of ammonia. In fact, the ammonia-blocking properties also prevent bacterial growth in the litter box. The clay particles create tight clumps that resist crumbling, making litter boxes easy to clean. The pleasing scent is paw-activated, refreshing each time your cat uses the litter box and scratches. Although it's made of clay, the formula is lightweight, low-dust, and doesn't track very much.

Fresh Step Simply Unscented Lightweight Clumping Cat Litter, 15.4-lb. Box

$17.39 at Amazon

If you and your cat prefer unscented litter, this formula controls odors via activated charcoal. It has no added fragrances or dyes, making it a great choice for sensitive cats and humans. The clay litter creates tight clumps to prevent crumbles from being left behind in the litter box. It's 30% lighter than the brand's regular Fresh Step Simply Unscented Cat Litter, meaning it's easier for cat owners to lift and pour. This cat litter stays fresh for up to 10 days and is a low-dust, low-tracking formula.

ökocat Natural Wood Cat Litter, 13.2-lb. Box

$19.99 at Chewy

This plant-based clumping cat litter controls odors and is easy to scoop. Made with sustainably-sourced, biodegradable wood fiber, the litter prevents enzymes from bonding with liquid and waste inside the litter box to curb ammonia odors. Moisture is absorbed on contact, creating ultra-tight clumps. It's 100% biodegradable and flushable for added convenience. The litter is 99% dust-free for the comfort of cats and people—the wood fiber is "screened and de-dusted" to ensure top quality. It's also made without artificial fragrances, chemicals, dyes, or GMOs.

Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat Ultra Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter, 40-lb. Bag

$20.55 at Chewy

Tired of kitty litter being tracked all over your house? This unscented clumping cat litter mixes heavy, non-tracking granules with medium-grain, premium clay to ensure hard clumps and fewer messes. The low-tracking formula stays put inside the box instead of sticking to your cat's paws. Hint: If you're at your wits' end when it comes to litter tracking, you should also invest in a high-quality cat litter mat. This litter is ideal for multi-cat homes, providing superior odor control. It does create some dust, but it clumps well and is tough on odors despite the unscented formula.