As a specialist in cat health and nutrition, I understand that the type of cat litter you choose can have a significant impact on your feline’s well-being as well as your own quality of life. One of the most popular and efficient types of cat litter is clumping litter, known for its ability to form solid masses around waste for easy cleanup. In this article, we will delve into the best clumping cat litter available on the market, assessing their clumping efficiency, odor control, and eco-friendliness to help you make an informed decision for your household.
#1 – 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 Clumping Cat Litter – Ultra is a high-quality cat litter made from 100% bentonite clay. It is designed to clump hard and prevent moisture from reaching the bottom of the tray, making it easy to scoop. This litter is 99.9% dust-free, hypoallergenic, and has superior odor control, making it ideal for cats and owners with allergies. It also has low tracking properties, keeping litter in the box. Founded in 1987, Dr. Elsey’s is a veterinarian-owned brand dedicated to creating products that address the needs of pet owners.
Best For: Superior odor control and low tracking. BEST OVERALL
#2 – Arm & Hammer Forever Fresh Clumping Cat Litter Lavender, MultiCat 18lb with 20% More Lavender Freshness, Pet Friendly with Essential Oils
The Arm & Hammer Forever Fresh Clumping Cat Litter Lavender is an online exclusive product that offers odor control and long-lasting freshness. Its pet-friendly formulation contains essential oils for a lavender scent and is 99% dust-free, reducing mess and tracking. This clumping cat litter is ideal for multi-cat households and provides effective odor control even when not scooped daily.
Best For: Odor control and long-lasting freshness.
#3 – Purina Tidy Cats Clumping Cat Litter, 24/7 Performance, Clay Cat Litter, Recyclable Box – (3) 13.33 lb. Bags
The Purina Tidy Cats Clumping Cat Litter is a clay-based cat litter that offers guaranteed 10-day odor control when used as directed. It is scented with a clean linen scent to keep litter boxes approachable and has clay granules that help lock in moisture and provide easy scooping. The litter is packaged in 100 percent recyclable boxes with convenient handles.
Best For: Odor control and convenient packaging.
#4 – Arm & Hammer Platinum SLIDE Easy Clean, Clumping Litter, Multi-Cat, 37 Lbs
Arm & Hammer Platinum SLIDE Easy Clean, Clumping Litter is a multi-cat litter that features patented EZ Clean technology, making it easy to remove clumps from the litter box without scraping or scrubbing. This litter destroys sealed-in odors on contact, thanks to powerful odor eliminators and ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda. It also forms rock-hard clumps for easy scooping and guarantees an odor-free home for 7 days.
Best For: Best overall odor control.
#5 – Purina Tidy Cats Light Weight, Low Dust, Clumping Cat Litter, LightWeight Instant Action – 17 lb. Box
The Purina Tidy Cats Light Weight, Low Dust, Clumping Cat Litter is a lightweight and low dust cat litter that is easy to pour and provides immediate odor control. It features a quick-release deodorizing system and is formulated to prevent ammonia odors for at least 14 days. This cat litter is ideal for households with multiple cats and provides protection from ammonia, urine, and fecal smells.
Best For: Best Overall
#6 – Fresh Step Lightweight Clumping Cat Litter, Advanced, Extreme Odor, Extra Large, 25 Pounds total, (2 Pack of 12.5lb Boxes)
The Fresh Step Lightweight Clumping Cat Litter is a high-quality cat litter that uses ClumpLock Technology to lock in liquid and odor, making scooping easy. It also features an extra-strength formula that fights odors on contact and provides 10-day odor control. Additionally, the litter is 99.9% dust-free and has smooth particles that are gentle on paws for easy digging and comfort.
Best For: Best overall cat litter option.
#7 – Cat’s Pride Max Power: Total Odor Control – Up to 10 Days of Powerful Odor Control – Strong Clumping – Hypoallergenic – 99% Dust Free – Multi-Cat Litter, Unscented, 15 Pounds
Cat’s Pride Max Power is a multi-cat litter that offers powerful odor control for up to 10 days. It features a hypoallergenic and 99% dust-free formula, making it suitable for sensitive cats and households. In addition, for every Cat’s Pride jug purchased, one pound of cat litter is donated to animal welfare organizations.
Best For: Best on a budget.
#8 – YODUPES Tofu Cat Litter Clumping Cat Litter Flushable Low Tracking Lightweight Natural Tofu Cat Litter Odor Control 99.9% Dust Free 10.6 LB Total (Pack of 2)
The YODUPES Tofu Cat Litter is a clumping cat litter made from natural tofu that is low-tracking, lightweight, and 99.9% dust-free. It forms firm clumps that can be easily scooped out without crumbling, and it has been screened to minimize dust clouds when pouring. It also offers exceptional odor control with a green tea flavor and is flushable for added convenience.
Best For: Odor Control and Flushable Convenience.
#9 – Arm & Hammer Arm Hammer Ultra Last Unscented Clumping Cat Litter, MultiCat 18lb, Pet Friendly with Baking Soda
Arm & Hammer Ultra Last Unscented Clumping Cat Litter is a pet-friendly cat litter that provides long-lasting odor control. It is formulated with baking soda to neutralize odors and is 99% dust-free to minimize mess. This cat litter forms strong clumps, making it easy to remove and maintain litter box freshness.
Best For: Long-lasting odor control on a budget.
#10 – Arm & Hammer Platinum SLIDE Easy Clean, Clumping Litter, Multi-Cat, 37 Lbs
The Arm & Hammer Platinum SLIDE Easy Clean, Clumping Litter is a multi-cat litter that utilizes patented EZ Clean technology to make litter box cleanup easier. It features a non-stick formula that prevents litter from sticking to the box, as well as powerful odor eliminators and baking soda to eliminate odors on contact. With rock-hard clumps for easy scooping and a guarantee of an odor-free home for 7 days, this litter is a convenient and effective option for cat owners.
Best For: Odor control and easy cleanup. (best overall)
What is a Clumping Cat Litter and What Are The Pros and Cons?
A clumping cat litter is a type of cat litter designed to form solid, cohesive clumps when it comes into contact with liquid waste. This makes it much easier to remove soiled litter from the litter box, as you can simply scoop out the clumps without having to replace the entire litter. Most clumping litters are made from bentonite clay, although there are also natural clumping litters made from materials like corn, wheat, and wood.
Pros:
- Ease of Cleaning: The primary advantage of clumping litter is that it makes cleaning the litter box much simpler and more efficient. You can easily remove clumps, leaving behind clean litter.
- Odor Control: Clumping litters often have better odor control than non-clumping varieties. The solid clumps prevent urine from spreading throughout the litter box, helping to contain smells.
- Cost-Effective: While clumping litters may be more expensive upfront, they often last longer because you only remove the clumps rather than replacing all the litter. This can result in long-term cost savings.
- Less Wasteful: Because you only remove the soiled clumps, you waste less litter overall, which is not only cost-effective but also better for the environment if you’re using a biodegradable option.
Cons:
- Dust Production: Many clumping litters, especially those made from bentonite clay, can produce dust, which can be problematic for cats and humans with respiratory issues.
- Potential Ingestion: Some cats, particularly kittens, may be prone to ingesting the litter. Ingesting clumping litter can be harmful and should be avoided.
- Environmental Concerns: Traditional clumping litters made from bentonite clay are not biodegradable and contribute to landfill waste. However, there are eco-friendly clumping options made from renewable materials.
- Weight: Clumping litters are generally heavier than non-clumping ones, which could be a consideration if you have physical limitations or need to carry litter over long distances.
By understanding these pros and cons, you can make a well-informed decision about whether clumping cat litter is the right choice for your feline companion and your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clumping Cat Litters
1. What is clumping cat litter made of?
Most clumping cat litters are made from sodium bentonite clay, which has the ability to form solid clumps when wet. However, there are also natural alternatives made from materials like corn, wheat, and wood that have clumping properties.
2. Is clumping litter safe for kittens?
While clumping litter is generally safe, it’s not usually recommended for very young kittens (under 3 months) who might be more prone to ingesting litter. Ingested clumping litter can cause digestive issues. Always consult your veterinarian for age-appropriate recommendations.
3. How does clumping litter help with odor control?
Clumping litter forms solid masses around waste, which helps to isolate and contain odors. Many clumping litters also contain additional odor-neutralizing agents like activated charcoal or baking soda for enhanced odor control.
4. How often should I clean a litter box with clumping litter?
For optimal hygiene and odor control, it’s recommended to scoop out the clumps daily and to replace the litter entirely every 2-4 weeks. However, the frequency may vary depending on the number of cats using the litter box.
5. Can clumping litter be flushed down the toilet?
It’s generally not recommended to flush clumping litter down the toilet, especially if it’s clay-based, as it can cause plumbing issues. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines and local plumbing regulations before disposing of any type of litter.
6. Is clumping litter dusty?
Some clumping litters, particularly those made from bentonite clay, can produce dust. If dust is a concern for you or your cat, look for litters labeled as low-dust or dust-free.
7. Can I compost clumping litter?
This depends on the material. While clay-based clumping litters are not compostable, some natural clumping litters made from corn or wheat can be composted. Always check the packaging for guidelines and consider local composting rules.
8. Is clumping litter suitable for multiple-cat households?
Yes, clumping litter is often recommended for multi-cat households because it makes it easier to manage odor and cleanliness. You may, however, need to scoop the box more frequently and ensure ample litter box availability.
9. Are there eco-friendly clumping litters?
Yes, there are eco-friendly clumping options made from renewable and biodegradable materials like corn, wheat, or wood. These are a good choice if you’re looking to minimize your environmental impact.
10. Does clumping litter expire?
Clumping litter itself doesn’t typically expire, but its effectiveness at controlling odor and forming clumps may diminish over time, especially if it’s exposed to moisture. Always store unused litter in a cool, dry place.
Conclusion: Best Clumping Cat Litters
Choosing the right clumping cat litter is a balance between your cat’s comfort, effective odor control, and ease of maintenance. As we’ve explored in this article, there are a variety of options to suit different needs, from natural biodegradable choices to highly effective odor-blocking formulas. The key is to find a litter that both you and your cat are happy with, and that also aligns with any other considerations you may have, such as environmental impact or specific health concerns. With the information provided, you’re now well-equipped to make a choice that ensures a cleaner, more pleasant living environment for both you and your feline friend.