Top 5 Best Cat Litters

Reviewed By Tom •  Updated: 02/02/22 •  8 min read
The contents of the OurFitPets.com website, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this site (“Content”) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding the medical condition of your pet. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website! Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase this item or service, we will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain our own.

Sad cat face after going to the tray

Online Veterinary 24/7
Chat With A Veterinarian Online

Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.

If you have an indoor cat or a cat that’s both indoor and outdoor, then cat litter is something you can’t do without! You’ll need an excellent cat litter, which is an important part of maintaining a healthy cat. There are many types of cat litter available on the market today, but that hasn’t always been the case. Let’s take a short look at the history of cat litter, and then we’ll take you through a list we’ve created of some of the best cat litter you can buy.

When did we start using cat litter?

Before 1947, people didn’t use cat litter. In those days, most cats were outdoor cats that took care of their “business” outside. If they had to be kept inside for any reason, then people used sand or ash as litter for their cats.

Then in January 1947, cat litter was invented by Edward Lowe. He lived in Michigan and in the midst of one winter, Lowe’s neighbor asked if he had some sand that could be used for cat litter. Lowe had a sand pile, but it was frozen solid. Instead, he gave his neighbor something called Fuller’s Earth. His neighbor was happy with this absorbent clay litter, as it worked much better than sand or ash. Fuller’s Earth, a calcium-based clay, could hold its own weight in water.

Lowe went on to establish his own company—Edward Lowe Industries—and started selling 5lb bags of Fuller’s Earth, calling it “kitty litter.” Kitty Litter was a big success and Lowe eventually sold his company for an estimated $200 million in 1990. Today’s cat litter industry has come a long way from only using clay granules as cat litter. You have many options to choose from for your kitty’s litter box.

How to Choose the Best Cat Litter

It can be difficult to choose the right cat litter for your cat. Some cats can be picky about the type of box and/or cat litter they choose to use. So, how do you choose the best cat litter for your cat? Keep in mind that cats who are declawed may have sensitive paws, so they may prefer a softer-texture cat litter in their box. Clay may work for them. You’ll also need to consider how many cats you have. If you have multiple cats, you’ll need to find a cat litter with good odor control. Next, consider your cat’s health—is she prone to urinary tract or other infections? In that case, look for cat litter made especially for cats with these health issues.

Ultimately, your cat will be the one who chooses which cat litter she prefers

Next, let’s take a look at the 5 best cat litters!

1. Best Cat Litter for Odor Control

The best cat litter for odor control is Arm & Hammer’s Clump and Seal Complete Odor Sealing Litter. This cat litter comes with a 7-day odor-free guarantee! It’s one of the most popular cat litters available, with some cat owners saying they’ll use nothing else for their cats. Reviewers say this is one of the most effective cat litters for odor on the market. Clump and Seal uses baking soda and sodium bentonite clay mixed with limestone.

Clump and Seal’s granules are smaller and soft for those cats with tender paws. Not only that, but the smaller granules mean more surface area than other granules, which effectively coats kitty poop, locking the odor inside. Clump and Seal also includes a biocide to kill bacteria in the litter box, which also helps to control the smell of urine and poo. Arm & Hammer’s Clump and Seal is also low-dust.

It’s also a great option if you have more than one cat and/or live in an apartment

2. Best Clumping Cat Litter

Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Ultra Cat Litter is one of the highest-rated cat litters—not only is it the best clumping cat litter, but it also offers odor control. This litter is dust-free, making it perfect for anyone (human or cat) who is sensitive to dust and/or has lung conditions such as asthma. You’ll find this litter is also perfume- and scent-free. Dr. Elsey’s cat litter is made from hypoallergenic ingredients and works to absorb liquids as well as odors.

You’ll find Dr. Elsey’s is great at odor control even for your small apartment or other small space. This is an effective clumping and odor control litter that works for one or more cats. In addition, the litter’s larger granules are heavy and non-trackable. Not only this, but Dr. Elsey’s Clumping Cat Litter works in traditional litter boxes or even in mechanical litter boxes.

3. Best Natural Cat Litter

Natural cat litter is popular these days. Be sure to check out Blue Buffalo Naturally Fresh Cat Litter if you’re on the market for the best natural cat litter. Blue Buffalo cat litter is made from walnut shells, which are safe for your cat and the environment. This natural cat littler is formulated to absorb three times the liquid of regular clay litters and is 100% biodegradable. One note of caution—if you or a family member are allergic to walnuts or other nuts, it might be better to choose a different cat litter.

Reviewers have said this litter has more dust than other cat litters, but still prefer this brand due to it’s natural ingredients. They also say even finicky cats prefer Blue Buffalo over other types of litter. Blue Buffalo is earth-friendly and efficiently reduces odors—you and your cat will be happy with this natural cat litter option.

4. Healthiest Cat Litter

If you’re looking for litter that keeps your cat healthy, then Dr. Elsey’s Senior Cat Litter may be just right for you and your kitty. Dr. Elsey’s litter for senior cats is dust-free and hypoallergenic. It’s not made from organic ingredients. Instead, you’ll find this cat litter is made from amorphous silica gel. The gel works to wick moisture away from your cat’s fur to keep them clean.

Dr. Elsey’s is for senior cats, but is also helpful for preventing kidney failure, urinary and uterine infections and more. This may be a good choice if your cat regularly suffers from these types of health issues. This cat litter is safe if inhaled or accidently ingested. Reviewers say this is the best litter for their elderly cats, and they love the odor control this cat litter provides. The only downside of this litter is that it seems to track more, due the small size of the crystals. Even so, Dr. Elsey’s is the healthiest cat litter available, especially for senior cats.

5. Healthy Cat Litter Alternatives

Haven’t found the right cat litter yet? Don’t give up! Now we’re going to take a look at healthy cat litter alternatives.

Maybe you’re looking for a cat litter that’s made from recycled material. If so, then check out Purina Yesterday’s News Unscented Cat Litter. This is a non-clumping litter that’s easy to clean—it’s also a natural product. Purina Yesterday’s News is made of 100% recycled paper! This litter is made of paper pellets that are highly absorbent—it’s about three times more absorbent than regular clay cat litter. And the recycled paper pellets are safe for cats with respiratory problems. The paper pellets are also softer on tender kitty toes.

Reviewers are happy the cat litter doesn’t clump and is great for containing little box odors. Not only that, but they’ve said Yesterday’s News cat litter also doesn’t track as much as clay or crystal litter.
Another natural option is Cat’s Pride Natural Unscented cat litter—made from fruit and vegetable extracts, that are safe for cats. This litter is hypoallergenic and low dust, safe for sensitive or allergic cats. You’ll find this clumping formula easy to scoop out of the litter box. In addition, Cat’s Pride offers effective odor control.

Another earth-friendly cat litter is Plant Cat Litter, which is made from tofu, of all things! This is a clumping litter that’s completely environmentally friendly. You can flush the litter—just soak the clumps and dissolve them before flushing. This keeps the clumps from clogging your toilet. Or you can simply compost this kitty litter in your garden. If you’re looking for better odor control, Plant Cat Litter may be just for you. It controls urine smells with no chemicals or artificial additives.

Plant Cat Litter is two times more absorbent than clay granules and is 99% dust-free. It won’t stick to your cat’s paws, which means you won’t find this litter tracked all over the house. There you have it! We’ve taken a look at several different types of cat litter—including those that are more healthy for your cat, along with some that are natural and eco-friendly.

Choosing the right cat litter for you and your cat can be challenging. Don’t give up if your kitty decides she doesn’t like the new litter you bought. Instead, just try another brand and type of cat litter, until you find just the right one. You’ll have a very happy, healthy cat on your hands!

(Visited 901 times, 1 visits today)
Online Veterinary 24/7
Chat With A Veterinarian Online

Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.

Tom

Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!

Keep Reading