9 Best Clumping Cat Litters of 2024

Posted in: Cat Litter, Cat Supplies - Last Updated: January 8, 2024 - Author: Rebekah Carter
Last Updated: October 5, 2022  
Author:  Rebekah Carter

Choosing the right cat litter is one of the toughest jobs for any pet parent. Cat urine and feces can kick up a mighty smell so it must be tackled that only the best kitty litter strategy.You’d think that picking a toilet option for your feline friend's cat litter boxes would be a breeze. Surely you could just buy the cheapest option and be done with it, right?

Unfortunately, cats can be very picky about where and how they go to the bathroom. Choose the wrong litter, and you could end up with a grumpy moggy who pees outside of a clean litter tray! 

black and grey kitten using a litter tray

Clumping litters are a big favorite of today’s cat owners because they’re great at reducing smell, adding fragrance, and simplifying the dreaded clean-up. However, not all clumping litters are the same. Here, we’re going to introduce you to some of the best clumping cat litters of 2021.

Who Should Buy Clumping Cat Litter?

First, let’s define the kind of person who should buy clumping cat litter

Clumping litters are appealing because they soak up the smell of urine and making for an easy cleanup. Because everything clumps together in a handy chunk, you can just scoop the debris from time to time, rather than emptying the entire box. 

Most clumping cat litters also come with features that help to reduce the smell too. 

As you remove soiled litter from the cat tray, you top it up with new litter, making clean-up a breeze. If you don’t have an automatic cat litter tray, it’s much easier to keep a litter tray looking neat and tidy with clumping litters. If you do have an electronic box, clumping can make those more efficient too. Just make sure that you’re using something compatible with your box. 

ARM & HAMMER Clump & Seal Platinum Clumping Clay Litter

The best Clumping Litter for your cat!

ARM & HAMMER Clump & Seal Platinum Cat Litter, Multi-Cat, 40 lb

Of course, you still need to empty your litter tray from time to time, but there’s not as much maintenance as you’d get with non-clumping litter.

Clumping cat litter is an excellent option for homes with multiple cats because the texture of the litter makes keeping on top of waste easier. Plus, when you do scoop, you can rest assured that you haven’t left too much behind.

blue scoop in a blue litter tray filled with litter

Important Features to Consider

Clumping cat litters come in a variety of different types. There are options that have scents added to them to balance out the smell of your cat’s bathroom habits. You can also find clumping cat liters that are hypo-allergenic – ideal for sensitive cats. 

Here are some of the valuable features you might want to consider while shopping:

  • Moisture activated formula: Clumping cat litters use natural fibers and clay to clump waste together. The better the clumping mechanics, the less you’re going to suffer from bad smells around your house. Look for an effective moisture-activated formula to get the right results.
  • Scoopability: Although good clumping power is essential, it’s also worth making sure that your litter doesn’t stick to the tray. You need something easy to scoop and replenish whenever your kitty visits the bathroom.
  • Non-tracking: One of the most significant downsides of clumping cat litter is that it comes with a lot of small particles. These small particles can stick to your cat’s paws, meaning that you end up with litter all over your carpet. Look for something that’s as “non-stick” as possible.
  • Hypoallergenic: It’s often best to stick with a non-clumping litter for a cat with respiratory problems. Clumping litters create more dust, which is more likely to agitate conditions. However, hypoallergenic cat litters can reduce some of the risks to your cat.
  • Odor control: Clumping cat litter is naturally good for outstanding odor control because it soaks up moisture that creates smells. However, some litters will have special odor eliminating features too. Go for something that can keep your home smelling fresh.
  • Dust: As mentioned above, clumping cat litters are quite dusty in general. However, some definitely have more of a dust footprint than others. Excessive dust can lead to respiratory problems for you and your cat, so stay away from it.

Ideally, you’ll also want to look at a cat litter that has all-natural ingredients. The more natural the litter, the less likely it is that your cat will be exposed to anything dangerous. Remember, your cat licks himself to get clean – they might accidentally consume some litter from time to time.

tabby cat using clumping cat litter

Clumping Cat Litter FAQ

How does clumping litter work?

Clumping litter forms clumps thanks to its unique ingredients. Using substances like sodium bentonite, the litter reacts to moisture by swelling and binding the litter together. The better the litter, the harder the clumps will be, making them easier to remove.

How often do you need to change clumping litter?

Clumping litter doesn’t need changing as frequently as non-clumping litter. If you scoop on a daily basis, you’ll probably only need to change the litter full box every 2-3 weeks. If you notice that the litter is highly saturated, then clean it out earlier.

How do you use clumping cat litter?

Clumping cat litter works the same as cat litter material. You fill your cat’s tray with enough litter for him to dig through to hide his waste. Once you notice some urine or poop in the tray, you scoop it away. Every few weeks, clean out the full litter tray.

Is clumping cat litter more expensive?

Clumping cat litter can be a little more expensive than non-clumping litter in some cases. However, this kind of litter will also last you longer because you don’t need to switch out the whole tray as often.

Can you mix clumping and non-clumping litter?

You can if you have to, but it won’t work well. Mixing non-clumping and clumping cat litter will dilute the clumping qualities. That means that you’ll just end up with a messier litter tray, and potentially stickier litter.

blue scoop filled with dirty clumping litter

The 9 Best Clumping Cat Litters

Now that you know your way around how clumping cat litters work, and what kind of features they need to have, let’s sort through some of the better options on the market.

1. ARM & HAMMER Clump & Seal Platinum Clumping Clay Litter - Best Overall Option

Arm and Hammer cat litter is a powerful, odor-controlling option for clumping cat litter lovers. The product is excellent for cutting down on dust, thanks to its unique formula. Plus, the litter comes with a clump and seal design that locks away unwanted smells

All you need is a few inches of litter in your cat’s tray, and you’ll have a fresh litter box for a couple of weeks. Just remove the clumps as they appear. Arm and Hammer advise cleaning your full tray at least once per month. This litter is great for anyone who wants odor-managing litter without any artificial perfumes or fake smells. Unfortunately, it’s pretty darn heavy. You might need help to pour it.

ARM & HAMMER Clump & Seal Platinum Cat Litter, Multi-Cat, 40 lb

Pros:

  • Excellent dust-reducing formula
  • Great for reducing odors
  • Lasts for a long time
  • Great value for lots of litter

Cons:

  • Very heavy and awkward to lift

2. Dr. Elsey's Premium Clumping Clay Cat Litter - Best Premium Option

Dr. Elsey’s premium clumping cat litter is a good option for cat parents that are happy to spend a little more. The unique formula combines non-tracking granules with clay, for an excellent litter that eliminates moisture buildup. The fine clay in this litter stops the moisture from spreading to the bottom of your litter tray. 

This is a lovely choice for anyone who wants to control odors naturally and access a high-quality clumping formula. It’s easy to scoop, which means it stays cleaner for longer. Plus, the Dr. Elsey litter also works well with mechanical litter boxes. The biggest issue with this litter is that it comes in a pretty fragile package.

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

Pros:

  • Great clumping
  • Easy to scoop
  • Good for odor control
  • Good moisture absorption

Cons:

  • Fragile bag breaks apart
  • Expensive

3. Purina Tidy Cats 4-in-1 Strength Clumping Cat Litter

Purina’s tidy cats litter is a convenient clumping litter option that comes in a handy jug. Although plastic jar might not be the best for the environment, it does make pouring a bit easier. Plus, you can get a pack of 2 jugs for a great price. The litter neutralizes all feces, waste and bacterial odors quickly, which is excellent for keeping your home fresh

The tidy cat clumping litter also comes with an added scent. The floral smell helps to counteract some of the unwanted odor from your cat. Delivery is pretty quick for this product too.

Tidy Cats Purina Clumping, Lightweight, Multi Cat Litter, Tidy Max 4 in 1 Strength Formula - 17 lb. Box

Pros:

  • Easy to use and pour
  • Good clumping action
  • Lasts a good time
  • Great for odor prevention

Cons:

  • Not environmentally friendly
  • Some inconsistency with delivery quality

4. World's Best Cat Litter, Clumping Litter - Best for Multi-cat Households.

If like me, you have a multi-cat household cats at home, then you’re going to need high-quality litter. Fortunately, World’s Best Cat litter has you covered. This special clumping formula is ideal for protecting your home against horrible spells when you have more than one furry friend. 

The litter clumps quickly, easily soaking up all moisture, so you get less of a nasty smell. Plus, this cat litter is flushable too – which is a convenient extra feature. The lightweight design makes the litter easy to pour, and the ingredients are environmentally friendly. On the downside, it is still quite a bit dustier than most non-clumping litters.

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

Pros:

  • Excellent for multiple cats
  • Flush friendly design
  • Great moisture protection
  • Lightweight enough to lift
  • Amazing odor control

Cons:

  • Pretty dusty – prepare for pawprints everywhere

5. Fresh Step Clean Paws Unscented Low Tracking Clumping Cat Litter - Best Unscented Option

Fresh Step Clean paws litter is a great choice if you don’t like unnaturally a scented type of litter. This non-scented product fights against odors for longer, with a patented formula that soaks up moisture fast. The biggest benefit of this litter is its low-tracking design. The dust doesn’t cling to your cat’s paws like it does with other litters. 

There’s also less dust in this litter overall than some of the other options that we tested. You don’t have to worry about clouds of dust floating up whenever you re-fill the litter tray. It’s pretty impressive that there’s so little dust when you consider the odor control can last for up to 10 days. 

Unfortunately, the clumping power is a little limited here. You might have to scrape through the litter a bit more to get all the waste.

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

Pros:

  • Limited dust
  • Low tracking option
  • Great odor control
  • Easy to use and pour
  • Good longevity

Cons:

  • Not the best at clumping

6. Fresh Step Extreme Scented Litter - Best-Scented Option

This is another top clumping litter option from fresh step. Again, it’s great for those who want litter with low trackability. You shouldn’t end up with silica dust everywhere. However, this litter also comes with a fresh mountain scent included helping reduce the unwanted odors in your home. If you have a particularly smelly cat, or multiple cats using the same box, this might be a good choice. 

The mountain spring scent helps to deodorize the litter box without adding any harmful chemicals to the mix. However, it’s worth noting that the smell is a little strong for some. If your cat has a sensitive nose, they might not want to use it.

Fresh Step Clumping Cat Litter, Extreme Odor Control, Mountain Spring Scent With Febreze, 14 lbs

Pros:

  • Fresh scent for deodorizing
  • Good clumping power
  • Low dust and low tracking
  • Excellent lightweight formula

Cons:

  • Very heavy scent

7. Fresh Step Lightweight Clumping Cat Litter - best lightweight option

Another leading choice from Fresh Step, this lightweight version of the anti-tracking cat litter is a real treat for people who don’t want to heave heavy bags around. This odor-control cat litter is one of the more attractive choices for any pet parent looking for quality on a budget. 

The activated charcoal helps to soak up smells for up to 10 days. Plus, the clumping formula makes scooping and clearing the litter tray much easier. This clumping choice is also designed to leave less dust behind, so you don’t have to worry about too much mess around the house. One downside is that there is more of a smell than you might expect from a non-scented litter.

Fresh Step Lightweight Clumping Cat Litter, Unscented, 15.4 lbs (Package May Vary)

Pros:

  • Minimal tracking (great for cleaner homes)
  • Lightweight and easy to lift / pour
  • Excellent choice for quick scooping
  • Excellent odor control
  • Clump-lock performance

Cons:

  • Quite a significant smell despite being unscented
  •  Doesn’t mix well with wet foods

8. Fresh Step Clumping Cat Litter with Activated Charcoal & Natural Odor Control - best natural option

One final option from the Fresh Step manufacturer is this advanced clumping litter. Designed to fight odor for longer, this litter will help to keep your home smelling great for up to 10 days at a time. The unscented litter is better for cats with sensitive noses, and vets even recommend it. With a 99.99% dust-free formula, you’re not going to aggravate any respiratory issues for you or your feline friend. 

The advanced formula cat litter from Fresh Step is also intended to reduce tracking, so you have less to clean up after your kitty goes to the bathroom. The litter is also very easy to scoop when you’re keeping the litter tray clean. 

One slight problem is that it’s extremely difficult to lift this cat litter and pour it. You might need some help from a couple of extra people.

Fresh Step Clumping Cat Litter, Advanced, Unscented, 18.5 lbs (Package May Vary)

Pros:

  • Good non-scented option
  • Excellent for reducing odors around the house
  • Reduced tracking and very little dust
  • Clumping litter is easy to scoop
  • Good value

Cons:

  • Very difficult to lift and pour
  • May have problems with shipping due to the litter’s size

9. Ökocat Natural Wood Clumping Cat Litter - Best wood clumping option

Finally, let’s look at an option for anyone who wants to give their cat an all-natural cat litter. This next-generation mix from the Okocat brand features a completely plant-based formula. That means no chemicals at all to harm your kitty or your home. 

The Ökocat mix stops odor before it can start to develop, with wooden fibers that prevent smelly enzymes from bonding with waste and liquid to create ammonia blockers. Despite being wood and plant-based, this natural litter still clumps very well, making it great for quick scooping and cleaning. There’s also minimal dust for a healthier and cleaner home. 

You can even flush this litter down the toilet, and rest assured that it will last longer (up to 7 weeks). The biggest downside is the price, which is probably too much for some budget shoppers to handle.

ökocat Natural Wood Cat Litter, 13.2-Pound, Clumping (Packaging May Vary)

Pros:

  • Excellent natural formula
  • Next-generation wood and plant-based litter
  • Clumps quickly for easier scooping
  • 99% dust-free performance
  • Lasts longer thanks to natural design

Cons:

  • Very expensive

Finishing Thoughts on Clumping Cat Litter

There’s no one-size-fits-all choice when it comes to picking the best clumping cat litter. The right litter for you will depend on what your kitty likes most, and what you need. For instance, you might want something that’s low on dust if you’re worried about having to tidy around the litter tray every day. Alternatively, you may be looking for something all-natural.

For a high-performance litter that provides excellent value and performance, I’d recommend the Arm and Hammer clump and Seal litter. This high-performance litter is strong enough to handle multiple cats, which means that it stays in excellent condition for longer. You can even benefit from reduced odors too. What more could you ask for?

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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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