10 Best Cat Litters in 2024, Recommended by Vets
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All products in this article have been reviewed by our trusted vets and experts. PetMD is owned by Chewy.
The best cat litter does more than just keep your home smelling fresh. Along with regular litter box maintenance, it also keeps your cat comfortable and happy—and actually using the litter box.
The right cat litter should control odor and keep your cat’s paws clean and debris-free. Ideally, it’s also easy to scoop, minimal on dust, and made from non-toxic materials that are safe for your cat.
With hundreds of options using different formulas and materials, finding the right one for your cat can be overwhelming. That’s why we turned to our team of veterinarians to sift through the choices and create a list of the top recommendations.
Here are the 10 top-rated cat litters on the market, carefully selected by our vets.
What To Look for When Buying Cat Litter
Formula or Ingredients
Most traditional cat litters are made of bentonite clay, which is known for its clumping properties and great odor control. However, some cat parents may prefer other materials, especially for cats with sensitivities or cats with asthma.
Some litters use plant-based ingredients like corn, wheat, or pine as a biodegradable option that’s typically gentler on sensitive paws and noses.
Silica gel litters are known for their superior moisture absorption and long-lasting use.
Each type of litter has its benefits, and your choice should depend on your cat’s specific needs and preferences.
Dust Production
How dusty your cat litter is will affect not only your cat’s health, but also your home’s overall air quality.
High levels of dust can irritate your cat’s respiratory system, which may be even more detrimental to cats with respiratory conditions like asthma. Dusty cat litter can also exacerbate allergies and sensitivities in humans.
Ideally, cat litter should have low dust formulas to minimize the amount of airborne particles released when your cat digs or when you scoop.
Odor Control
No one wants a home that smells like cat urine or feces. A good kitty litter should effectively neutralize or absorb the strong odors to keep your home smelling fresh.
Ingredients like activated charcoal, baking soda, or specific odor-locking chemicals are often added to enhance odor control.
Some litters come with added fragrances to mask unpleasant smells. However, it’s important to note that some cats, especially those with respiratory issues or sensitivities, might find these fragrances irritating.
Unscented litters with strong odor-absorbing properties are usually a safer bet for sensitive cats.
While the litter you choose can help keep odors at bay, you’ll still need to make sure you regularly clean the litter box. Our vets recommend scooping once daily (if not twice), refilling as needed to keep the litter between 1–3 inches deep, and fully changing the litter once a month.
They also suggest scrubbing the litter boxes with soapy water during the monthly change-out, and replacing the litter boxes annually.
Tracking
Litter tracking is a common issue cat parents face. This happens when litter particles get stuck to your cat’s paws and are scattered around the house. Aside from creating a mess, it’s also unhygienic.
If you prioritize minimal tracking, look for litter with larger, heavier granules that are less likely to stick to your cat’s paws. Some litters are specially formulated to reduce tracking as well.
Having a litter mat can also help reduce tracking by catching loose particles before they are spread through your home.
Clumping Ability
Cat litter that clumps well makes scooping and cleaning the litter box much easier.
A good clumping litter forms tight, solid clumps when it comes into contact with moisture. This allows you to remove them without disturbing the clean litter, all while keeping the litter box clean and trapping the odor.
Strong clumping also means you won’t have to change the entire litter box as frequently, saving time and money.
Plus, it can encourage multiple uses of the litter box before you need to scoop (which again should be daily, at least). According to our vets, the better the clumping, the higher the likelihood the cat will use the box.
Disposal
Proper disposal of cat litter is essential for both environmental and health reasons.
Most traditional clay litters need to be bagged and thrown in the trash.
Some litters are marketed as flushable, typically made from natural, water-soluble materials. However, it’s important to be cautious with these, as not all plumbing systems can handle them.
Our vets still recommend bagging and discarding the litter in the trash.
How We Selected the Best Cat Litters
This list of the best cat litters was meticulously curated by a panel of veterinarians who are employed by Chewy, the publisher of PetMD. They were asked to choose the best cat litter, in their honest opinion, across multiple categories (as listed above) based on the following:
- Their knowledge and practical experience
- Review of information published by the pet food manufacturers
- Attributes such as:
- Ingredients
- Price point
- Dust production
- Odor control
- Clumping property
- Sustainability
- Tracking
Opinions and product recommendations in this article belong solely to the review panel of vets and animal health experts.
Manufacturers and vendors cannot buy placement in Vet Verified content, or exert influence on our panelists as they evaluate products.
Our sole goal with this program is to provide pet parents with the information they need to make the best decision for their pets.
Cat Litter FAQs
What style of cat litter is best?
The best cat litter depends on your cat’s needs and preferences. When choosing cat litter, consider one that has a strong clumping ability for easy cleaning, strong odor control, and minimal tracking properties.
If you or your cat has asthma or sensitivities, look for cat litter with a low-dust formula.
What is the most environmentally friendly cat litter?
Eco-friendly cat litter alternatives are usually made from biodegradable and renewable materials like corn, wheat, or pine. Plant-based or biodegradable litter can break down naturally, reducing its impact on landfills.
How often should you change cat litter?
It’s recommended to scoop daily, if not more frequently, replacing the litter as needed to make sure you always have 1–3 inches of litter in the box, and completely change out the litter every month.
If you want to decrease your scooping, consider investing in an automatic litter box.
Our vets also recommend washing the boxes out with soap and water during the monthly litter change-out, and replacing the litter box annually.
Is clumping or non-clumping litter better?
Clumping litter is generally better since the tight clumps help to control litter and can be easily scooped out. Non-clumping litter needs to be changed more frequently, and odors may not be controlled as effectively. Also, many cats strongly prefer clumping litter.
