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If cats don’t rule the world, they’re certainly the undisputed champions of the internet. For their owners, cats are treasured members of the family, and they naturally want what’s best for them.

That’s why shopping for cat litter isn’t as simple as grabbing something at the pet store. No, cat litter has come a long way over the decades, and the options available today can seem endless.

Before you get overwhelmed trying to choose the best cat litter for your kitty, check out the fantastic five options reviewed in this article.

Best Cat Litter Reviews

Buyer’s Guide

If you’re a first-time cat owner picking out the right litter, it can seem a really daunting task. And even if you already have a cat, it doesn’t mean that you’re happy with what your cat is using.

We get it, cats can be very mercurial. But a happy kitty means your household will be more harmonious. So, here’s a list of litter features to consider next time you’re heading to the pet store.

Types of Cat Litter

Before diving into other details, the most important classification to learn about is the types of cat litter. Most people have only tried one or two, and usually stick to which one they feel is better.

But there are many options out there. Remember, the best cat litter for your precious feline might not be what’s best for another.

Clumping Clay Litter

By far, the most popular type of litter is the clumping clay. That particular type of clay is also called bentonite. It has exceptional absorbency and even more importantly, it helps create hard clumps that you can easily remove after your cat uses it.

Cat owners are partial to clumping clay because of how convenient it is. Maintaining the litter box is the No. 1 concern for households with cats, and clumping clay helps with that immensely. However, there are some downsides to using clumping clay.

It’s definitely dusty and the worst part is that it’s not bio-degradable. Also, clay litter is quite heavy, and it’s not going to be easy for some people to regularly pour it into the litter box. In truth, some companies have started combining the clay with other types of lighter materials to help solve this issue.

Non-Clumping Clay Litter

The non-clumping clay litter is similar to the clumping type, except it lacks the clumping properties. It absorbs urine well, but you probably need to change it much more often that you would other types of littler.

The major upside of non-clumping litter is that it’s considerably cheaper. And since it’s something you have to buy often, especially if you have more than one cat, the expenses can add up. Also, many cats simply prefer the non-clumping clay. If that’s the case, it’s hard to make an argument for anything else.

Silica or Crystal Cat Litter

You know those little crystal beads you get in different products? Well, those silica balls are also an excellent absorbent used to make kitty litter.

Some cats might find it hard to get used to it, but those that do make their owners’ lives much easier. Crystal litter is very easy to clean, and it’s also completely dust free. It offers excellent odor control and tracks much less compared to other litter types.

Sure, it costs more, but you’re also going need to change it less often. Therefore, in a long-term sense, the price tag isn’t that high.

Pine Cat Litter

For several reasons, a pine cat litter is one of the best cat litter options on the market. First, it’s completely natural and bio-degradable. For environmentally conscious people, this is a significant feature.

Secondly, your cat will feel like they’re going to the bathroom outdoors. The pine litter is made from lumber scraps that have gone through the process of detoxification, allergy testing, and natural oil removal.

They’re basically unscented, save for the mild natural pine scent that helps with odor control without any artificially added fragrance. You can find pine cat litter in pallets or granules which will offer a more non-clumping property, or you can buy them crushed which will help with the clumping effect.

Wheat or Corn Cat Litter

You might come across one of these two options when shopping for cat litter. The fact that this type of litter is biodegradable might make you think it’s a good idea.

Plus, the natural scent of this litter will help with odor control. But in fact, these aren’t ideal materials because corn isn’t particularly healthy for your cat, and they might accidentally eat some of it.

Recycled Paper Cat Litter

Another biodegradable and environment-friendly option is the cat litter made from recycled paper. It’s one of the best options for both kitties and their owners.

Most cats love using it and you can even choose the clumping or non-clumping option. So, if you want to ensure that the litter you use doesn’t just end up as an unprocessed waste, consider using recycled paper.

Scoopable or Flushable Litter?

Another criterion you can stick to when choosing the best cat litter for your needs is whether it’s a scoopable kind or flushable.

Since the most common type of scoopable kitty litter is clay, which isn’t biodegradable, most people prefer the flushable kind, especially if they live in apartments.

The flushable cat litter has become very popular because it dissolves in water, so it saves you having to go through the process of scooping and disposing of clumps outside.

Scented or Unscented?

After deciding which material you’re going to go with for your cat, the second question that comes to mind is whether to use scented or unscented cat litter.

The natural materials already come with a scent that some cats might like, and others won’t. But in terms of artificially infused scents, there are no clear rules. Most cat owners will prefer the scented type because it helps with odor control.

But many cats will reject it outright. On the other hand, the unscented litter won’t bother the kitty at all, but it might leave an unpleasant odor in your home.

Every Cat Is Unique

And every cat owner knows this for a fact. Here’s the thing – you can do all the research about cat litter, but your cat won’t approve of it.

So, before choosing what you think is the best cat litter, check back with your feline friend and consider these factors.

Your Cat’s History

If you’ve had your cat ever since they were a kitten, then you probably know every little detail and preference. But if you foster cats a lot, or have just adopted an older cat, you can’t always be sure what to expect.

In case it’s possible, try to find out what type of litter the cat used to use and if they don’t tolerate a particular brand or type of litter. Cats are more adaptable than people give them credit for.

Even if you have to use a specific cat litter at first, over time and with some patience, your cat will get used to the kind of litter you’d normally buy.

Cat’s Age

The litter you choose for a very young cat or even a tiny kitten shouldn’t be the same you use for an older cat. Most importantly, kittens probably should use the clumping type of cat litter.

They’re still in the process of learning what is edible and what isn’t. So, they might end up eating some of the toxic bits of litter.

If you’re keen on the clumping type, just make sure it’s made of organic material. As for older cats, that’s not always easy to say.

If you try out several types of litter, your kitty or kitties will let you know which one they prefer. But in general, clumping litter is easier to clean and maintain.

Allergies

Yes, cats have allergies, just like people. And sometimes, cats even have dust allergies too. That’s why clay litter can be detrimental to a kitty with allergies.

Also, many cats will have a severe reaction to synthetically scented cat litter. Cats have a strong sense of smell, and that’s one of the reasons they love a clean litter box and will often refuse to use an untidy kitty bathroom.

So, if you notice that your cat refuses to use a certain type of litter or sneezes when inside the litter box, it’s time to re-examine the cat litter’s choice.

Price

Do you have one cat or more? If you have more than one, your cat litter expenses can quickly accumulate. And even if you just have one cat, the litter is something you always have to think about.

For a lot of people, it’s their budget that dictates what kind of litter their cats will end up using. But even the affordable options aren’t all the same. So, make sure to research the cat litter brands to find the perfect solution for your cat and your home.

Keeping the Cat and the Owner Happy

It’s hard to declare one clear winner in the best cat litter category because every cat and cat owner is different. But generally speaking, there are some definite factors and features that make some cat litters superior to others.

In terms of our review, the trophy goes to the Dr Elsey’s Premium Clumping Cat Litter because it has consistently been one of the best clumping clay litters in the world. The odor control is great, and it’s also budget-friendly without compromising on quality.

The PetSafe ScoopFree Premium Crystal Non-Clumping Cat Litter is a strong runner-up because crystal cat litter is very popular, and this product delivers so much in quality and affordability.