Cat Litters Uncategorized @en-us

Best Clumping Cat Litter: Natural, Scented, and Dust-Free Options for Every Cat

Written by Laura Hall

Want the best clumping litter for your cat? It’s no secret that clumping cat litter is a frequent feline favorite when it comes to lining litter boxes. It’s soft, affordable, low-dust, and low-tracking, but not all clumping cat litter is created equal! 

Choosing the right cat litter is crucial for good litter box habits and household cleanliness. Taking absorbency, odor control, dust, and convenience into consideration, we’ve made a list of the best clumping cat litter on the market, with natural options, scented options, and dust-control options to choose from, plus some non-clumping alternatives. 

If you’re also looking for a new litter box, check out our list of the best cat litter boxes for every home. 

Best Natural Litter
Best Scented
Best Dust Control

 A natural, compressed corn formula is completely free of silica dust, so you and your family can breathe easy. This 99% dust-free litter won't disturb your pouring with a dusty cloud! Plus, this formula is environmentally friendly—totally flushable, and safe for both septic and sewer systems.

It's time to end scraping and scrubbing with Arm & Hammer SLIDE Easy Clean-Up Clumping Litter. This revolutionary formula means the litter slides right out of the litter box, making cleanup easy. Plus, Clump & Seal technology seals and destroys odor for a 7-Day Odor-Free Home, Guaranteed.

Formulated for single or multi-cat households with natural ingredients to keep your home smelling clean and fresh between litter box cleanings, Dr. Elsey's Premium Clumping Cat Litter features a combination of premium texture and granule size made with 100% bentonite clay for maximum clumping creates litter particles that are just the right size.

Best Natural Litter

 A natural, compressed corn formula is completely free of silica dust, so you and your family can breathe easy. This 99% dust-free litter won't disturb your pouring with a dusty cloud! Plus, this formula is environmentally friendly—totally flushable, and safe for both septic and sewer systems.

Best Scented

It's time to end scraping and scrubbing with Arm & Hammer SLIDE Easy Clean-Up Clumping Litter. This revolutionary formula means the litter slides right out of the litter box, making cleanup easy. Plus, Clump & Seal technology seals and destroys odor for a 7-Day Odor-Free Home, Guaranteed.

Best Dust Control

Formulated for single or multi-cat households with natural ingredients to keep your home smelling clean and fresh between litter box cleanings, Dr. Elsey's Premium Clumping Cat Litter features a combination of premium texture and granule size made with 100% bentonite clay for maximum clumping creates litter particles that are just the right size.

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Best Natural Clumping Cat Litter

Natural cat litter is made from 100% natural, biodegradable materials like wood and corn. It’s better for your cat’s paws and lungs, as well as the environment, with no manmade materials or chemicals.

It’s also better for sensitive kitties and cats with allergies, but it does require sealed storage and a strict litter box routine, as it molds much faster than manmade litter. 

World’s Best Multi-Cat Unscented Clumping Corn Cat Litter 

The World’s Best Multi-Cat Unscented Clumping Corn Cat Litter is a great natural pick; a corn-based formula that’s sustainable, chemical-free, and flushable for convenient cleanup! 

Key features:

  • Corn-based litter 
  • Natural and sustainable
  • Lightweight 
  • 99% dust-free
  • Superior odor control
  • Easy-scoop 
  • Flushable
  • Unscented 
  • Lasts twice as long
  • No added chemicals 

What we like:

It’s lightweight and easy to scoop, with superior odor control and no added scent. It’s also 99% dust-free and lasts up to two times longer than other litters for better value and multi-cat homes. 

What to consider:

It can work inconsistently if it’s not stored properly, so be sure to keep it sealed and secure. 

World s Best Cat Litter Clumping Corn Litter

 A natural, compressed corn formula is completely free of silica dust, so you and your family can breathe easy. This 99% dust-free litter won't disturb your pouring with a dusty cloud! Plus, this formula is environmentally friendly—totally flushable, and safe for both septic and sewer systems.

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Okocat Original Premium Wood Clumping Cat Litter 

Okocat Original Premium Wood Clumping Cat Litter is a wood-based cat litter, made with responsibly and sustainably sourced wood and no added synthetics. 

Key features:

  • Wood-based litter
  • Responsibly and sustainably sourced
  • 99% dust-free
  • Soft texture
  • Highly absorbent
  • Stops odors  
  • Easy scooping 
  • Recyclable packaging 
  • No artificial chemicals 

What we like:

It works naturally to prevent enzymes from bonding, soaking up liquids, and eliminating bad smells before they start. The wood fiber is de-dusted and screened for a 99% dust-free experience. It’s also soft on paws and easy to scoop, with convenient recyclable packaging.

What to consider:

It doesn’t work well with scoops with smaller holes in them. 

Okocat Original Premium Wood Clumping Cat Litter

Make litter box maintenance easier, cleaner and eco-friendly with Okocat Original Premium Wood Clumping Cat Litter. It’s crafted from sustainably sourced, natural wood fiber that has been responsibly rescued and has a playful texture. Even though it’s made using natural materials, it’s still powerful enough to control those unpleasant kitty odors. 

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BoxiePro Clumping Clay Cat Litter

BoxiePro Clumping Clay Cat Litter features a unique probiotic formula that naturally cleans and deodorizes litter without the use of harmful disinfectants or perfumes. 

Key features:

  • All-natural 
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Proprietary blend of probiotics
  • Self-cleaning
  • 40-day odor control 
  • Superior clumping
  • 99.9% dust-free
  • Keeps paws clean
  • Unscented 
  • Vet-approved
  • Forbes best product
  • Lasts 2 x longer

What we like:

It features a proprietary blend of probiotics that work on contact to clean the litter after each use and absorb smells with 40-day odor control. In fact, it ranked best odor control in a veterinary professional study and is even vetted as a Forbes best product. 

It keeps paws and homes clean with superior clumping and a 99.9% dust-free formula that’s all natural, hypoallergenic, and unscented with no preservatives or fillers. Purrfect for sensitive kitties! 

What to consider:

It’s a little more expensive than the average litter, but it’s worth it for the quality and lasts twice as long, meaning fewer restocks. 

Boxie® Probiotic Cat Litter, 40-Day Odor Control, Clumping Clay, 16lb

Boxie Pro litters contain a proprietary blend of probiotics that help to naturally deodorize cat litter without harmful disinfectants, enzymatics or perfume cover-ups. Probiotics are "good bacteria" that target the odor-causing bacteria, resulting in longer-lasting, natural odor control. The proprietary blend of Boxie Pro probiotics are commonly found in nature and are free of any harmful chemicals and additives, making it safe for pets and the environment.


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Best Scented Clumping Cat Litter

Scented litter can make litter boxes much more pleasant to have around the home. It can also encourage better toilet habits in litter box-avoidant cats. However, sensitive cats can be put off by strong scents, so they need to be nice, natural, and soft. 

Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Scented Cat Litter 

Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Scented Cat Litter guarantees a week of superior odor control with a fresh scented formula including enzymatic baking soda. 

Key features:

  • 7-day odor control
  • Fresh scented formula
  • Clump and seal technology
  • Micro-activated granules 
  • Enzymatic baking soda
  • 99.9% dust-free
  • Non-stick for easy use
  • Good for multi-cat homes 

What we like:

It features clever clump and seal technology, with moisture-activated micro-granules that form a tight seal around cat waste for an odor-free, dust-free experience. The revolutionary non-stick formula slides right out of the box for easy pouring and clean up, no scrubbing or scraping, and it’s strong enough for multi-cat homes. 

The brand also contributes to cat shelters with their profits, so you can feel extra good about your purchase. 

What to consider:

The smell may be too strong for sensitive noses. It’s also a fairly fine formula, so it may stick to your cat’s paws.

Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Slide Clumping Multi-Cat Clay Cat Litter - Low Dust

It's time to end scraping and scrubbing with Arm & Hammer SLIDE Easy Clean-Up Clumping Litter. This revolutionary formula means the litter slides right out of the litter box, making cleanup easy. Plus, Clump & Seal technology seals and destroys odor for a 7-Day Odor-Free Home, Guaranteed.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Fresh Step® Extreme with Febreze™ Clumping Clay Cat Litter 

Fresh Step® Extreme with Febreze™ Clumping Clay Cat Litter features a paw activated mountain spring scent that releases every time your cat uses the litter box, with clever technologies that ensure no bad smells or unnecessary mess.

Key features:

  • Mountain spring scent
  • Paw-activated fragrance
  • 10-day odor control  
  • Ammonia block technology
  • ClumpLock technology 
  • Power of Febreze 
  • 99.9% dust-free

What we like:

The ammonia block technology uses the power of Febreze to control the growth of bacteria and block urine smells for up to ten days. Meanwhile, the ClumpLock technology quickly absorbs liquids, making scooping fast and easy and ensuring low tracking around your home.

What to consider:

It can be a bit dusty. Not always. It really seems to depend on the “batch” that you get.

Nikki’s Note: This is the litter that I use in all of my self-cleaning litter boxes, and it works pretty well. In my opinion, it’s one of the best clumping litters that you can find in a supermarket. You can buy it in individual boxes, but it’s actually cheaper overall if you buy the multi-pack.

Fresh Step Extreme Scented Litter with the Power of Febreze, Clumping Cat Litter Mountain Spring, 34 Pounds

Fresh Step Extreme Clumping Cat Litter is formulated with the power of Febreze in Mountain Spring scent to destroy extreme litter box odors. This 99.9% dust free litter formula with Ammonia Block Technology, controls the growth of bacterial odors and blocks urine odors, as it leaves behind a Mountain Spring scent. The paw activated fragrance releases every time your cat uses the litter box, providing odor control as needed without being overpowering. 

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Tidy Cats Glade Scented Clumping Cat Litter 

The Tidy Cats Glade Scented Clumping Cat Litter immediately kills bad smells on contact with a quick fresh scent release and up to ten days of odor control.

Key features:

  • Fresh scent
  • Immediately kills odors 
  • Ten-day odor control 
  • Strong clumps 
  • Locks in moisture 
  • Low dust and tracking 
  • Keeps paws dry 
  • Easy pour and easy scoop
  • Good for multiple cats 
  • Less plastic than pails

What we like:

It’s designed with multiple cats in mind, with a powerful formula that locks in moisture and keeps paws dry. It forms seriously strong clumps for easy scooping, low dust, and low tracking, and it’s easy to pour for your convenience. 

You can also feel extra good about your purchase as it uses considerably less plastic than pails by weight. 

What to consider:

There have been a few faulty containers sold, but it’s a rare occurrence from the most popular litter brand in the US. 

Purina® Tidy Cats® Instant Action Clumping Multi-Cat Clay Cat Litter - Low Dust

ut Tidy Cats to work and help lock away odors with our bright outdoors scent to help maintain a fresh-smelling home you can feel confident inviting friends and family to visit. This Tidy Cats Instant Action immediate odor control cat litter is formulated for multiple cats and helps create an inviting atmosphere for your cats, no matter which litter box they choose each day. 

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Best Dust-Control Clumping Cat Litter

If you’re concerned about litter tracking around your home or your cat has sensitive lungs, check out these ultra-low dust options for a cleaner, healthier home. 

Dr. Elsey’s Ultra Dust-Free Clumping Cat Litter 

The Dr. Elsey’s Ultra Dust-Free Clumping Cat Litter is made with a natural, hypoallergenic, dust-free formula that won’t upset sensitive airways.

Key features:

  • Natural hypoallergenic formula
  • 100% bentonite clay 
  • Dust-free 
  • Low tracking
  • Maximum clumping
  • Odor control 
  • Unscented  
  • Easy scooping 
  • Ideal for multi-cat homes 

What we like:

The premium quality formula is made from 100% bentonite clay for maximum clumping, with ideally sized litter particles for low tracking and easy scooping. It’s unscented but offers powerful odor control designed to keep even multi-cat homes smelling fresh. 

What to consider:

It’s not the most lightweight formula, which could be a problem for some owners.

Dr. Elsey's Premium Clumping Cat Litter

Formulated for single or multi-cat households with natural ingredients to keep your home smelling clean and fresh between litter box cleanings, Dr. Elsey's Premium Clumping Cat Litter features a combination of premium texture and granule size made with 100% bentonite clay for maximum clumping creates litter particles that are just the right size.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

World’s Best Low Tracking & Dust Control Multiple Cat Litter

World’s Best Low Tracking & Dust Control Multiple Cat Litter is made using natural, sustainable corn, with large granules that release no fine particles. 

Key features:

  • Made with large corn granules 
  • Natural and sustainable 
  • Releases no fine particles 
  • 99% dust-free 
  • Ultra-low tracking 
  • Highly absorbant 
  • Odor control
  • Septic safe 
  • Flushable 

What we like:

As mentioned above, the large granules create a 99% dust-free and ultra-low tracking litter box, with high absorbency and superior odor control. It’s also flushable and septic-safe for easy disposal.

What to consider:

If your cat has sensitive skin, it may be a little hard on their paws.

WORLD'S BEST CAT LITTER Low Tracking & Dust Control Multiple Cat Unscented

Made with larger granules, this unscented multiple cat formula virtually eliminates dust and keeps litter in the box. A naturally safe litter made from whole-kernel corn that offers no harmful chemicals and no artificial perfumes.

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Best Non-Clumping Cat Litter Options

For those who prefer non-clumping litter, here are our top alternatives:

  • PetSafe ScoopFree® Premium Natural Cat Litter is made from 100% natural pebbles sourced in the US. It’s low dust, low tracking, and highly absorbent for 30+ days of odor control.
  • Pretty Litter is a unique subscription service that sends you new disposable litter boxes every month, alongside a month’s supply of their special health monitoring crystal cat litter.
  • Tuft And Paw Really Great Cat Litter uses an innovative, flushable soybean formula that’s safely and thoughtfully made to be soft on paws. It’s ultra-low tracking and moisture trapping with added charcoal for odor control. 

FAQs 

How often should you change your cat’s litter? 

It depends on the type of litter and litter box you have, as well as how many cats you have, but generally, you should change your cat’s litter every 2-3 weeks and scoop their poops daily. Follow the guidelines that come with your product and don’t forget to deep clean your cat’s litter box once a month! 

Do cats prefer scented or unscented cat litter? 

Generally speaking, most cats prefer unscented litter. However, many have no preference, and a natural, gentle scent can even entice litter box-avoidant cats and kittens in training.

How much cat litter should I put in my cat’s litter box?

The general guideline is that 2-3 inches of litter is best. This allows your cat to comfortably dig and cover their waste, but every cat is different, so adjust as necessary!

Final Thoughts

Those are the best clumping cat litters on the market! It’s important you get something that works for your cat, for your home, and for you. Let us know which litter you’re considering in the comments down below, and if you prefer crystal litter, check out our list of the best crystal cat litter, too. 

Author

  • My name is Laura and I’ve been writing about pet care for a few years now. I have a degree in animal media creation and years of hands-on experience at home and through working & volunteering with animals.

    I love writing about pet care as it brings two of my greatest loves together; creating and animals. The health and welfare of pets are super important to me and I hope to share some of my knowledge and tips with our readers!

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