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Best Cat Litter Attractant (2024): Attract Cats to the Litter Box!

Posted in: Cat Litter - Last Updated: January 8, 2024 - Author: Rebekah Carter
Posted in Cat Litter 
Last Updated: October 16, 2023  
Author:  Rebekah Carter

In this group test, we’re going to be reviewing and comparing some of the best cat litter attractant options for pet parents, and their feline companions. Cat litter attractants are specially designed to help draw your kitty towards their litter box, and encourage them to use it. 

cat litter attractant

After all, cats can be pretty fickle creatures at the best of times and cat urine and feces being deposited anywhere else BUT the cat's litter box is really not ideal. Especially if you have multiple cats! EWW!

Even if you’ve already spent months training your kitten how to use the litter box, something as simple as a change in its smell, or placement can suddenly convince your cat to go to the bathroom elsewhere instead. If you want to avoid having to clean up messes around your home, a cat litter attractant can be a good bet. 

Whether you’re training your feline friend to use the litter box for the first time, or you’re trying to break a bad habit (like your cat urinating on your sofa), cat litter attractants are a solid purchase. With a little help from our one million strong cat owning community, our vet advisors and, of course, our own furry friends, we’ve tested the best attractants to see what actually works.

The verdict is in:

Best Cat Litter Attractant

Best Overall

Dr. Elsey's Litter Box Attractant - Ultra Litter Attractant - 20 oz Pouch - Feline Behavior Modification & Training Tool

Dr. Elsey’s Cat Litter Attractant

Best Cat Litter Attractant

Best Overall Choice

Dr. Elsey's Litter Box Attractant - Ultra Litter Attractant - 20 oz Pouch - Feline Behavior Modification & Training Tool

Dr. Elsey’s Cat Litter Attractant

Dr. Elsey's Cat Litter Attractant is widely regarded as one of the best cat litter attractants due to its exceptional effectiveness, natural ingredients, compatibility with different litter types, ease of use, and the reputable brand behind it.

This attractant has been reported by many cat owners to successfully redirect their cats' behavior towards the litter box, making it a reliable solution for cats with litter box aversion or inappropriate elimination issues. 

3 Top Cat Litter Attractant Picks – Best, Value & Premium

Most cat litter attractants are relatively similar in terms of pricing and design. However, some do seem to be more effective at delivering quick and consistent results.

We chose our top three picks for the best cat litter attractant based on their ingredients, performance, effectiveness and pricing.

Our Top 3 Choices

Best Overall

Dr. Elsey's Litter Box Attractant - Ultra Litter Attractant - 20 oz Pouch - Feline Behavior Modification & Training Tool

Dr. Elsey’s Cat Litter Attractant

  • Clinically tested and proven formula
  • Natural herbs
  • Long-lasting bag treats countless boxes

Best Value

Fresh Step Cat Litter Box Attractant Powder for Training Cats | Natural Training Aid for Cats and Kittens | Great Way to Keep Your Home Clean and Train Your Pet | 9 Ounces - 3 Pack

Fresh Step Litter Box Attractant 3 Pack

  • Available in a pack of 3
  • Excellent for cats and kittens of all ages
  • Suitable for any kind of litter

Premium Choice

Litter Magnet, 20 oz.

Litter Magnet Cat Attract

  • Approved by veterinarians
  • All-natural solution with no chemicals
  • Ideal for problem defecation and litter training

Let's take a deeper look at these top 3 and a few others that might just fit your needs.

1. Dr. Elsey’s Cat Litter Attractant - Best Overall

Dr. Elsey's Litter Box Attractant - Ultra Litter Attractant - 20 oz Pouch - Feline Behavior Modification & Training Tool

Made with premium-quality, all-natural ingredients, Dr. Elsey’s Cat Litter Attractant is a safe and effective way to entice your kitty to use their litter box more often.

In our community survey it was the Dr Elsey's brand that came up time and again as something cat owners had tried and found to be effective when other remedies hadn't done the job.

The herbs used in the blend emit a scent designed to naturally capture your cat’s attention, and reduce the risk of inappropriate elimination (going to the bathroom outside of the litter box). 

This clinically tested product comes in a bag of 20 ounces, which can last up to 3 months, and treats up to 100lb of non-scented litter.

The formulated solution even helps to reduce litter odors, and to keep your home smelling fresh and clean.

Pros

  • Clinically tested and proven formula
  • Natural herbs
  • Long-lasting bag treats countless boxes
  • Odor control included
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • May not work for every kitten
  • Can be a little messy

2. Fresh Step Litter Box Attractant 3 Pack - Best Value

Fresh Step Cat Litter Box Attractant Powder for Training Cats | Natural Training Aid for Cats and Kittens | Great Way to Keep Your Home Clean and Train Your Pet | 9 Ounces - 3 Pack

Available in a pack of one or three, the Fresh Step Litter Box Attractant is a budget-friendly way to address your kitty’s bathroom issues. 

The versatile powder can be sprinkled onto a litter box in seconds, and it includes no dangerous additives or chemicals. It’s suitable for cats of any age, as well as any kind of litter, so you’ll have no problem using it anywhere. 

The easy-to-use product is completely herbal and made without any deodorants or perfumes.

Additionally, each package is relatively lightweight, so you can take it with you during trips if necessary. 

Pros

  • Approved by veterinarians
  • All-natural solution with no chemicals
  • Ideal for problem defecation and litter training
  • Reasonably pleasant fragrance
  • Large container for good value

Cons

  • Can make litter boxes look a little messy
  • May not last as long as some alternatives

3. Litter Magnet Cat Attract - Premium Choice

Litter Magnet, 20 oz.

Another all-natural solution for pet parents, the Litter Magnet cat attractant comes in a 20-ounce container, which should be enough to treat a number of litter boxes over the course of a few months (depending on how many cats you have).

Available for sale through licensed veterinarians, the product has been tested and proven as an effective way to manage upsetting litter box problems.

The simple herbal product works like most cat attractants, to encourage kitties to use their intended litter spot more frequently.

The smell itself is a little earthy, but not unpleasant, and may even help to mask some of the scents coming from your litter box. 

Pros

  • Available in a pack of 3
  • Excellent for cats and kittens of all ages
  • Suitable for any kind of litter
  • Easy to use and lightweight
  • No chemicals or additives

Cons

  • Doesn’t come with a particularly secure lid
  • No reduction of odor

The Best Cat Litter Attractant: Alternative Picks

Though the three options mentioned above should work well for a variety of pet parents, there’s always a chance you might find yourself looking for something different.

There are plenty of other great products on the market you can consider and we always test some alternatives. These are some of the other top picks we considered to be an effective solution for cat owners:

4. VetMD Litter Box Attractant

VetMD Litter Box Attractant Powder to Aid in Cat Training, 9 Ounces | Training Aid for Cats and Kittens | Cat Litter Attractant To Keep Your Home Clean And Train your Cat

This simple and natural litter box attractant is designed specifically for showing your kitten where they need to go to the bathroom. 

Suitable for cats of all ages, the attractant is easy to use for beginners. Simply sprinkle a generous amount onto the litter and mix well. 

The herbal blend features absolutely no perfumes or chemicals which could be detrimental to your cat, so you shouldn’t have to worry about any discomfort or allergic reactions. 

The attractant also comes in a handy, portable tub, for transportation. 

Pros

  • Herbal, natural remedy with no chemicals
  • Suitable for cats of all ages
  • Easy to use for beginners
  • Small enough for transportation

Cons

  • Relatively small container
  • Not effective for all cats

5. Cat Attract Multi-Cat

Cat Attract (20 oz

Created by the same experts at Dr. Elsey’s responsible for the Cat Attract formula mentioned above, Cat Attract Multi-Cat is intended specifically for multiple cat households. 

Designed with all-natural ingredients, this product helps to bring problem cats back to their litter box, to reduce the risk of accidents. It’s particularly ideal for training kittens. 

With superior odor control built-in, this additive can improve the smell of your kitty’s litter box, for both them and you.

Additionally, one package will last for about 3 months, treating over 100 lbs of litter, with minimal effort. 

Pros

  • Excellent for multiple cat households
  • Odor control built-in
  • Lasts for over 100lbs of litter
  • Natural and safe formula

Cons

  • Can be quite a large bag to lift
  • A little messy to pour out

6. Precious Cat Cat Attract Problem Cat Training Litter

Precious Cat Cat Attract Problem Cat Training Litter, 20 pound box

Ideal for teaching young cats and kittens how to use the litter box for the first time, the Precious Cat “Cat Attract” litter solution can save you time and effort. Rather than having to mix formula with your existing litter, you can simply use this clay-based solution as an all-in-one product. 

The training litter comes with an herbal attractant built-in, and it’s 99.5% dust-free to help minimize mess. It also comes with superior odor control included, to minimize those unwanted smells. A single box includes 20 pounds of litter, so it’s fantastic value for money. 

Pros

  • Litter and cat attractant in one
  • Easy-to-use box design
  • Herbal and natural products
  • 99.5% dust-free

Cons

  • Can have a slightly unusual smell
  • The litter might be subject to tracking

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best cat litter attractant

Buyers Guide

Few things are worse than discovering your cat has decided to abandon its litter box and go to the bathroom on your rug, clothes, or furniture instead.

If your cat is urinating (or worse) around your home, then the first thing you should do is speak to a vet. Eliminating outside of the litter box can be a sign of a significant problem, such as a urinary infection. 

However, if you’ve ruled out any potential health issues, the next strategy could be to try a cat litter attractant. These simple but effective products are excellent at encouraging cats of all ages and sizes to use their litter more often. Here’s what you need to know. 

What is a Cat Litter Attractant?

Cat litter attractants are simple herbal mixtures, designed to entice cats to use the litter box.

Just like rubbing catnip on a scratching post can encourage your kitty to use it more often and stop your cat scratching your furniture, a cat attractant can draw the attention of your feline friend, and help them discover the benefits of their litter box. 

While these products are still relatively new to today’s cat owners, they’ve been proven to be quite effective by a number of studies. Some vets even recommend using cat attractants with problematic cats who tend to defecate outside of the litter box. 

The majority of cat litter attractants use a combination of enticing herbs, intended to make the litter box as irresistible as possible to your cat.

The soft and earthy scents can also help to make your kitty feel more relaxed and comfortable when they’re using their litter box. 

Choosing a Cat Litter Box Attractant

Most cat litter attractants are relatively similar and will contain a handful of the same ingredients. However, there are some variations between products.

For instance, certain cat litter attractants might come with odor control technology built-in, to reduce smells. When you’re choosing a cat litter attractant for your feline friend, a few points to consider include:

  • Ingredients: One of the most important factors to consider is the actual ingredients used within the attractant. You’ll want the product you choose to be entirely natural and safe for cats. Avoid anything with extra additives and chemicals. If your product says its all-natural but doesn’t list any actual ingredients be wary. You may want to use a very small amount at first to ensure your cat doesn’t have any negative reactions.
  • Litter compatibility: Most cat litter attractants are designed to work with virtually any kind of litter. However, there are certain products that may not last as long, or perform as well with anything other than clay or non-clumping litter. In most cases, you’ll need to avoid using a scented litter with a cat attractant, as the scent on the litter can mask the enticing smell.
  • Volume: While there’s very little variation in the price of most cat attractants, some do come in smaller volumes than others. Most of the time, you’ll need to use around 2 ounces of cat attractant every time you change the litter in your cat’s box. With that in mind, it’s worth looking for a product that will last for as long as possible.

Why do cats avoid their litter box?

While it’s helpful to know there are products out there that can make your cat litter more attractive to your feline friend, it’s important to understand why they’re avoiding their box in the first place. If you’re raising a new kitten, it’s natural to assume it might take a while to get used to using the litter box.

However, if an adult cat suddenly stops using their box, there could be a number of reasons. The most common reasons cats avoid their box include:

  • The litter needs changing: Cats are pretty careful about staying clean and hygienic. If their litter box hasn’t been cleaned in a while, this could be putting them off using it. Make sure you use a litter scoop to clear the box regularly and change the litter fully when required.
  • Stress: Cats can get stressed easily, by changes in their environment, and other factors. If they feel stressed, they may avoid going to the litter box and could eliminate in other places instead. Even changing the litter box or the style of litter you use can lead to stress.
  • Medical issues: Illness is a common reason why cats avoid using the litter box. If a cat has an injury that makes using the litter box uncomfortable, or they have a medical issue like a UTI, their bathroom habits could change. It’s worth speaking to your vet if your cat suddenly stops going to the toilet in their litter box, to rule out any medical problems. 

FAQS

Do cat litter attractants work?

Like most kitty products, cat litter attractants aren’t guaranteed to work for every cat. While some people find these products to be extremely effective, others feel they’re not as reliable. Studies have shown that cat litter attractants can make the litter box more appealing to cats, however. 

What can you put in a litter box to attract cats?

Most cat litter attractants will contain a blend of herbs, such as valerian and catnip, which are designed to both entice cats and keep them relaxed. The mixture of herbs used in each product can vary from one manufacturer to the next, but they should always be natural. 

How do you entice a cat to use a litter box?

When your cat is very young, simply placing them in the litter box from time to time can encourage them to use it. Keeping the litter box clean will also help to make it more appealing. If you’re struggling to encourage your cat to use the litter box, try a cat attractant. 

best cat litter attractants

Best Cat Litter Attractant: The Verdict

Overall, a cat attractant can be a valuable product for pet parents struggling with cats who seem to prefer going to the bathroom outside of the litter box. It can also be an excellent way to make training your kittens a little easier. However, you should always make sure you know the root cause of the problem too, so you can fix it properly. 

Our favorite product from the list above is Dr. Elsey’s Cat Litter Attractant

It’s clinically tested and proven, and it’s made with all-natural ingredients, so it’s totally safe and cool for cats with allergies. Plus, it can last over about 100lb of litter – so you shouldn’t have to buy new bags very often.

Get 30% off and FREE shipping on cat supplies!

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About the author

Rebekah Carter is a dedicated animal lover. Her Savannah cat, Roscoe, has a lot of attitude, while her Maine Coon, Dukino, is full of love. When not writing, she’s looking after her cats and researching ways to help them live their best possible life. Her passion for animals and natural skill for writing led her to pursue pet blogging.

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