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6 Best Cat Litters For Multiple Cats (2024) – Budget and Premium

Posted in: Cat Litter - Last Updated: January 8, 2024 - Author: Rebekah Carter
Posted in Cat Litter 
Last Updated: October 24, 2022  
Author:  Rebekah Carter

If you have multiple cats or kittens in your home, you probably know how quickly the litter box can become messy, smelly, and just downright unappealing. 

No matter how large or effective your litter box is, multiple cats using the same bathroom often means you need to keep on top of your kitty’s bathroom habits. 

cat-litter-for-multiple-cats

While getting the right litter won’t necessarily deal with all the challenges of a multi-cat household, it can help.

Cat litters designed specifically for multiple cats are often better than most at odor control and bacteria management. 

This could mean you don’t need to change the litter box fully several times each week. 

Here are some of the best cat litter for multiple cats.

Our Top 3 Choices

Best Overall

WORLD'S BEST CAT LITTER Multiple Cat Unscented, 32-Pounds - Natural Ingredients, Quick Clumping, Flushable, 99% Dust Free & Made in USA - Long-Lasting Odor Control & Easy Scooping

World's Best Cat Litter

  • Fantastic odor control qualities
  • Lightweight for easy pouring
  • Quick clumping for rapid scooping

Best Value

Fresh Step Clumping Cat Litter, Advanced, Clean Paws Multi-Cat, Extra Large, 37 Pounds total (2 Pack of 18.5lb Boxes)

Fresh Step Clean Paws Multi-Cat Scented Clumping

  • Lightweight device they can easily fold away and store when not in use
  • Includes useful retractable bowl holder
  • Comfortable, safe and easy to wash

Premium Choice

pretty litter

Pretty Litter

  • Excellent odor control with activated charcoal
  • Built-in fresh scent
  • Scoopable thanks to quick clumping

Our Top 3 Picks

Our top three choices for the best cat litter for multiple cats are excellent at managing horrible smells, soaking up moisture, and reducing the amount of time you spend cleaning the litter tray. 

We chose these products based specifically on their benefits for multi-cat households.

1. World's Best Cat Litter (Best Overall)

WORLD'S BEST CAT LITTER Multiple Cat Unscented, 32-Pounds - Natural Ingredients, Quick Clumping, Flushable, 99% Dust Free & Made in USA - Long-Lasting Odor Control & Easy Scooping

The world’s best cat litter lives up to its name in a multitude of different ways. This natural and sustainable litter is made primarily from corn, so it’s not problematic for the environment. 

It also comes with long-lasting odor control, to keep smells to a minimum. 

This cat litter is quick clumping, for easy scooping, and it’s safe to flush down the toilet if necessary. 

The lightweight litter also happens to be 99% dust-free, so you can continue to use it in a home with people or cats who have respiratory issues. 

The pet, planet, and people-friendly formula includes no harmful chemicals, artificial perfumes, or any unwanted extras.

Pros

  • Fantastic odor control qualities
  • Lightweight for easy pouring
  • Quick clumping for rapid scooping
  • Flushable and septic-tank friendly
  • Pet, people, and planet-friendly, with no chemicals

Cons

  • Can have some tracking issues due to small grains

2. Fresh Step Clean Paws Multi-Cat Scented Clumping (Value Pick)

Fresh Step Clumping Cat Litter, Advanced, Clean Paws Multi-Cat, Extra Large, 37 Pounds total (2 Pack of 18.5lb Boxes)

Specially designed for multi-cat households, Fresh Step is a state-of-the-art litter with minimal tracking and larger particles to keep floors clean. The product comes with Febreze freshness built-in, which helps with odor control

There’s also ammonia blocking technology included, with activated charcoal to minimize those nasty smells. 

The low-dust kitty litter is easy to scoop, thanks to a clumping design. What’s more, there are no dangerous chemicals included either. 

The convenient litter even releases bursts of fresh scent every time your cat enters the litter box.

Pros

  • Excellent odor control with activated charcoal
  • Built-in fresh scent
  • Scoopable thanks to quick clumping
  • Free from dangerous chemicals
  • Can prevent bacteria growth for up to 10 days

Cons

  • Not as environmentally friendly as some solutions
  • The clumps can break apart easily

3. Pretty Litter (Premium Pick)

pretty litter

When managing multiple cats, it’s often difficult to keep track of any urinary issues or common health problems. 

Fortunately, Pretty Litter could be the solution. This scientific cat litter is designed to showcase possible health issues with color-coded changes in the litter. This means you can easily determine when one of your cats has a problem.

Outside of being able to track urinary problems, Pretty Litter also has a number of other benefits for multi-cat households. 

It can maintain a fresh scent for up to 30 days, so you don’t have to refill as often. 

The pretty litter also traps moisture easily, so you can simply scoop the cat's feces when cleaning. This product is also up to 80% lighter than other litter.

Pros

  • Lightweight and easy to pour
  • Excellent for trapping moisture and odors
  • Maintains a fresh scent for up to 30 days
  • Helps to track urinary health problems
  • Minimal dust

Cons

  • The gel can cling to cat paws
  • It can be hard to know which cat has the unhealthy urine

Additional Picks for the Best Multi-cat Litter

If the three options above don’t work well with your cat, there are still various great options to choose from. 

The following three additional picks were chosen for their phenomenal performance in multi-cat households, using the same criteria for our top three choices.

4. Arm & Hammer Litter Clump & Seal Multi-Cat

Arm Hammer Clump Seal Litter Multi-Cat Complete Odor Sealing Clumping Clay Cat Litter, 28lb

Designed to ensure an odor-free home for at least 7 days, the Arm & Hammer clump and seal cat litter is an excellent choice for multiple cats. 

This product comes with a natural fresh scent and uses moisture-activated micro granules to trap bacteria and odor. The heavy-duty product also has baking soda included to eliminate ammonia. 

This 100% dust-free formula provides excellent clumping results, so you can easily scoop waste from the litter tray in between big changes. 

The particles are also derived from plants so you can reduce your impact on the planet.

Pros

  • 7-day odor control guarantee
  • Free from dust
  • Seals and eliminates odor with baking soda
  • Strong clumping for easy cleanup

Cons

  • The smell might be too much for sensitive noses
  • The litter can track easily

5. Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat Ultra Unscented Clumping

Dr. Elsey’s Premium Clumping Cat Litter - Ultra - 99.9% Dust-Free, Low Tracking, Hard Clumping, Superior Odor Control, Unscented & Natural Ingredients

Dr. Elsey’s Premium unscented litter is a fragrance-free choice for sensitive cats. This high-quality product comes with a soft texture, so it’s not harsh on your cat’s paws. 

What’s more, it promises a low-dust performance, so you don’t have to worry about cats with respiratory issues. 

The formula provides exceptional odor control too, specifically created for multi-cat households. 

This clumping litter uses mid-grain clay litter to prevent moisture from sinking to the bottom of the tray. The clumps formed are extra tough, so you can easily scoop and remove them throughout the week.

Pros

  • Excellent clumping performance
  • Minimal tracking for cleaner homes
  • Excellent texture for sensitive paws
  • Great odor control for multiple cats
  • Fragrance-free

Cons

  • Clay might not be the ideal litter for all cats
  • Can create some dust

6. Tidy Cats 4-in-1 Scented Clumping Clay Cat Litter

Purina Tidy Cats Multi Cat, Low Dust, Clumping Cat Litter, LightWeight 4-in-1 Strength - 17 lb. Box

The 4-in-1 scented cat litter from Purina Tidy Cats is a great pick for anyone who has a hard time controlling smells in a multi-cat household. This product comes in a convenient jug, so it’s easier to lift and pour. 

What’s more, the unique formula attacks and removes odors and ammonia instantly. 

This clumping cat litter locks in moisture quickly, so it’s easier to clean out your trays between full washing sessions. 

This product is also 99% dust free, so it’s less likely to cause messes and respiratory issues around your home.

Pros

  • Easy to lift, pour, and store
  • Unique formula for trapping odors
  • Locks in moisture rapidly
  • Strong clumping performance
  • Minimal dust

Cons

  • Can have some tracking issues
  • The scent can be overwhelming for some users

Type of Cat Litter for Multiple Cats

As multi-cat households become increasingly common around the world, companies responsible for creating high-performance litter are popping up everywhere. 

Today, consumers have access to a wide range of litter options, ranging from clumping to non-clumping formulas, in a range of different materials. 

However, choosing the right type of cat litter can be challenging. 

best-cat-litter-for-multiple-cats

One of the most dangerous things about a dirty litter box is fecal matter. It can also have serious side effects. 

Toxoplasmosis is a disease from parasites that can be transmitted to humans through cat poop.

In most cases, pet owners will want to avoid high levels of dust from their cat litter, as well as tracking issues that can create more messes. 

Some of the most common types of cat litter to consider for multiple cats include:

  • Clay: Clay is one of the most common cat litter for any pet parent, as it’s highly absorbent and excellent for clumping. However, it’s not always the most eco-friendly, or healthy option. Clay can let off a lot of dust when it’s not correctly formulated, which can be a problem for people and pets with respiratory problems. However, it is good at reducing odors.
  • Corn: For homeowners in search of a more natural solution for their cat litter, ground corn is an excellent choice. This product is naturally good at absorbing moisture, and it can be fantastic at reducing odors too. However, this form of cat litter can sometimes create rather crumbly lumps, which can make cleaning tough.
  • Grains: Grains are similar to corn in their performance as cat litter. Wheat grounds and other products are usually a good way to reduce odor naturally. However, these products aren’t the best at clumping, so they can sometimes leave users with a bigger mess than intended. Grains may also have limited absorbing properties.
  • Shells: Some companies use walnut shells and similar products ground up into a fine texture for litter. This formula is a good option if you’re looking for natural and chemical-free litter. However, it can be quite rough on your kitty’s paws. It’s also lacking in terms of clumping and absorbing abilities.
  • Pine: Pellets of pine or similar wood products are a great option for reducing odors. They don’t clump as well as other litter products, and they have a harder time absorbing liquid. However, they do offer an effective natural option for people with multiple cats to care for.

What Makes a Good Cat Litter for Multiple Cats

There’s no one-size-fits-all strategy for choosing the perfect cat litter. The product that works best for you will depend on a number of factors, including your cat’s preference. 

If you’re struggling to narrow down your options in today’s growing marketplace, consider the following factors:

  • Cost: Some cat litters are a lot more expensive than others. For instance, Pretty Litter cat litter is often more expensive than most other clumping products. However, it does come with additional features, like the ability to track urinary health.
  • Clumping: Clumping cat litter is often the easiest choice for multi-cat households, as they allow you to remove pieces of waste from the tray throughout the week, without having to fully change the litterbox. Good clumping performance is crucial to an odor-free home.
  • Dust: Heavy amounts of dust in cat litter can cause a number of problems. It can harm your cat’s respiratory health, as well as yours. Not to mention, dust often creates messes around the litter tray, and can make tracking more of an issue.
  • Odor control: If you’re caring for multiple cats, you’re going to end up with a smelly litter box a lot faster. Excellent odor control components within a cat litter will help to neutralize scents like urine, feces, and ammonia.
  • Tracking: Cleaning up after multiple cats can be a time-consuming task. When litter clings to the paws of your kitty, it can end up all over your home. A cat litter with larger granules will generally cause less tracking.

Other Things To Consider Before Buying Cat Litter Products

Alongside the points above, there are a few other things you might want to consider when purchasing cat litter for multiple cats. 

First, it’s worth paying attention to any allergies or sensitivities your cats have. Some cats are allergic to common ingredients in cat litter, which can cause a range of problems and discomfort. 

Check in with your vet if you’re not sure!

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It’s also a good idea to consider your cat’s preferences. Some cats prefer a certain texture from their litter tray, while others avoid litter boxes with specific kinds of litter. Adhering to the likes and dislikes of your feline friend should reduce the risk of them going outside of the litter box. 

Finally, keep in mind you may need more than one litter box for a multi-cat household.

Some cats can be territorial and don’t like to share their box with others. You should generally have one box in your home for every cat you have, plus an extra just in case.

best-clumping-cat-litter-for-multiple-cats

FAQs

Is clumping litter better for multiple cats?

Clumping cat litter is usually the best option for households with multiple cats, because it’s easier to scoop the litter tray between full cleaning sessions. A clumping litter should ensure you don’t have to clean out the tray as often.

What is the best litter for multiple cats?

Our preferred choice for the best cat litter for multiple cats is the World’s Best Cat litter, with an eco-friendly and sustainable formula. This litter is fantastic for reducing odors, and it’s easy to dispose of. However, your preferred cat litter will depend on a number of factors.

Can 2 cats share 1 litter?

It’s certainly possible for more than one cat to share a litter box. However, some cats are territorial about their bathroom habits. In general, it’s best to give your kitties the option to use different litter trays.

Should you have 2 litter boxes with 2 cats?

Most experts would recommend having at least 2 cat litter boxes if you have 2 cats. However, it’s usually a good idea to have an extra litter tray available just in case. This means you’d have 3 litter boxes for a two-cat household.

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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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