Best Cat Litter: Top 15 Picks for Every Type of Cat Litter

Choosing the best cat litter for your feline friend can be a daunting task, with so many options available on the market. However, it is an important decision, as the litter you choose will impact not only your cat's comfort and health, but also your household's cleanliness and odour control.

This article will walk you through everything you need to know about choosing the best cat litter for your furry friend. We’ll go over what to consider when choosing a top-rated cat litter, as well as some of the best cat litter brands based on your unique needs.

By the time we’re done, you’ll have a much better idea of what kind of cat litter to choose.

How to Choose the Best Cat Litter 

Here are some key factors to consider when selecting cat litter:

• • Material: Cat litter comes in various materials such as clay, silica gel, recycled paper, corn, wheat, and even crystals. Each material has its pros and cons.
  • Clumping ability: If you choose a litter that clumps when wet, it will be easier to scoop and dispose of waste daily. Clumping litter also helps keep the litter box clean for longer periods. 
  • Non-Clumping benefits: However, some cats love non-clumping litter, and it can be a more cost-effective way to buy litter for your furry friend.
  • Odour control: The litter you choose should be effective at controlling odours, especially if you have multiple cats. The best odour control litter may contain activated carbon or baking soda, which helps absorb odours and keeps your house smelling fresh. Others are made from plant-based ingredients that have naturally occurring enzymes to break down and eliminate strong litter odours like ammonia.
  • Dust issues: Some types of cat litter can create dust, which is thought to be harmful to your cat's respiratory system and cause allergies in humans. Choose a litter that is low-dust or dust-free.
  • Texture: Some cats may be picky about the shape, size, and feel of their litter. Some prefer a fine sand-like texture, while others may prefer a coarse or pellet-style litter. It's essential to observe your cat's preferences and choose their litter accordingly.
  • Non-tracking: Cats can track litter out of the box, creating a mess around the house. Look for a top litter that is less likely to track, such as heavier granules or pellets.
  • Price: The price of cat litter can vary widely, depending on the material and brand. Consider your budget and choose a litter that meets your needs without breaking the bank. On average, most cat owners need between 20-40 lbs of cat litter each month per cat, depending on the type of litter and how often you change it.
  • Environmental impact: Recycled, biodegradable, flushable, or compostable litter is becoming more and more popular as concerns about the impact that traditional clay litters have on the environment. Both mining practices and contributions to non-biodegradable landfill waste are at the root of those concerns.
  • Litter box pairing: Some litters are better suited to different litter box styles and preferences. Scented litters, for example, are best suited for non-covered litter pans. This will ensure the scent isn't too concentrated for your cat. Many clumping cat litters are best used in high-sided litter pans, so that when your cat kicks and digs to cover, they don't kick it right out of the litter box. 

Want help finding the perfect litter box? Hop over to Best Cat Litter Boxes for a breakdown of the most popular styles and their benefits.

Clumping VS Non-Clumping Cat Litter

There are so many types of cat litter to choose from, and it can be hard to decide which one will be best for your cat's bathroom needs.

Cat litter is often broken into two categories: Clumping and Non-Clumping. But what's the difference? Is one better than the other? Each style of litter has its pros and cons, but more often than not, it comes down to preference (both yours and your cats').

What is Clumping Cat Litter?

Clumping cat litter is the type of cat litter that most of us are familiar with. It can be made from a variety of materials that absorb liquid and clump together to make scooping your cat's litter box easy. 

You can find the best clumping cat litter made from these materials:

• • Clay
  • Corn
  • Wheat
  • Grass
  • Wood
  • Walnut Shells
  • Tofu

Some people prefer clumping cat litter because you can scoop out waste daily to reduce odours and provide your cat with a cleaner and safer litter box. Cats often prefer the texture as well, because it allows them to bury their waste, which is a natural instinct.

Covering their waste helps to reduce litter box odours, making the litter box more pleasant for both pets and people.

What is Non-Clumping Cat Litter?

Non-clumping cat litter is less common but is preferred by some pet owners because this type of litter is better for those looking for a lower-maintenance kitty litter box and better odour control. 

This type of litter does not clump and doesn't scoop the same way that clumping litters do. Instead, they are highly absorbent to collect liquids and lock in odours. You'll find non-clumping litter made from the following materials:

• • Silica
  • Wood
  • Paper
  • Walnut Shells
  • Hemp

Non-clumping cat litter doesn't need to be changed as frequently and can be spot-cleaned as needed. The texture of non-clumping cat litter is considerably different, so some cats may need some time to adjust to this new style of litter.

Cats also don't need to cover their waste with con-clumping litter, which is a practice that may take some time to adapt to. 

15 Best Cat Litters for Better Bathroom Habits 

No one likes cleaning a litter box, but it doesn't have to be a stomach-turning experience. Choosing the right cat litter can make the litter box easier to keep clean and less stinky, and encourage better and safer bathroom habits in cats. 

Whether you have one cat or thirty, the litter box is one area that we can all agree needs to work for both you and your cat

We know there are a ton of cat litter options, so to help you find the best litter for your cat, we've narrowed down the 10 best cat litters:

Best Clumping Cat Litter 

Clumping cat litter is the most common style of litter, and the one most cats and cat owners will already be familiar with. The basic instinct to cover litter box deposits is quite ingrained in your cat's behaviour, which is why clumping litters remain the more popular option.

Clumping litter can be scooped daily to keep your cat's litter box clean and odour-free and encourage better and more consistent bathroom habits. 

Our top picks include some of the best natural, clay, and flushable cat litter options to help you find the one that makes your cat's bathroom a stress-free experience for everyone.

1. World's Best Clumping Cat Litter

This is a great choice for those who prefer clumping cat litter made from natural ingredients. It's made from corn, making it biodegradable and one of the best flushable cat litters in Canada. If safe, mess-free disposal is a top concern, then this is a clear frontrunner.

It clumps quickly and effectively to lock in odours, and it's low-dust and fragrance-free. This litter also performs well in humid climates, clumping firmly and drying fast.

Those with more sensitive noses may prefer one of their scented formulas. Choose from popular scents like lemongrass, lotus blossom, and lavender to keep your cat and house smelling fresh.

2. Swheat Scoop Fast-Clumping Natural Cat Litter

This cat litter is made from wheat, making it our best natural cat litter. It clumps quickly and effectively, making cleanup a breeze.

Wheat has naturally occurring ammonia-neutralizing enzymes, so in addition to its effective clumping to lock in odours, it's also superior at eliminating those sharp and penetrating cat urine odours.

The granule texture helps to reduce dust, and the low tracking formula keeps your cat's litter box area cleaner and easier to sanitize.

3. Naturally Fresh Multi-Cat Quick Clumping Litter

If you have multiple cats, you know that it takes a special kind of litter to keep that box fresh and safe. From superior clumping and odour control to quick drying, the best multi-cat litter needs to be able to handle more than the traditional clumping cat litter brands.

Naturally Fresh is made from a blend of walnut shells and natural fibres that are 3x more absorbent than clay litter. Walnut shells are another organic ammonia neutralizer that can handle a house full of cat odours with ease.

This litter is infused with a proprietary malodour counteracting agent that helps to tackle even the stinkiest of kitty odours.

4. BoxiePro Deep Clean Probiotic Cat Litter

Clay is one of the most popular types of clumping cat litter because it's highly absorbent and cheap, but not many can claim they are the best clay cat litter in Canada.

Clay litters get a lot of flak for the dust issues and potential health risks for cats, but there is such a thing as good-quality clay cat litter, like Boxie Cat Probiotic Cat Litter.

Boxiecat uses pure sodium bentonite clay, which makes this clay litter more durable and low-dust. Additionally, this probiotic-infused litter helps to effectively break down odour-causing bacteria to eliminate yucky litter odours.

5. Dofu Cat Litter

With so much waste in our everyday routines, you might be looking for an option that is a little safer for the planet. The best biodegradable cat litter is made from something you might not guess. It's tofu!

This unique clumping formula looks different than the other top picks from our list so far. Instead of granules or crumbs, this cat litter is pressed into small pellets that are highly absorbent and fast clumping.

It checks a lot of boxes, like dust-free, all-natural, and flushable, but this eco-friendly formula is truly unique compared to others in this category. It's also gentle on delicate paws, making it the perfect litter for all life stages.

6. Dr. Elsey's Kitten Attract Training Litter

Do kittens need a different litter than adult cats? Not all kittens need special litter, but kittens struggling to master their litterbox skills can benefit from the best kitten litter.

This is a great option for those who have recently adopted a kitten. This litter works perfectly for training your new kitten to use the litter box. The litter is made with natural herbs that specifically attract and catch kittens' attention to encourage good litter habits.

You’ll also feel great about how low-dust and fragrance-free this litter is. This best kitten litter also clumps up very well and is easy to clean, making it easy for you and extra clean for your new kitty.

7.  Odourlock Scented Cat Litter

If you just can't handle the smell of your cat's litter box, then you might consider choosing a cat litter with a safe and natural scent. The best scented cat litter will help to cover up those unpleasant litter odours between scooping.

Odourlock Calming Breeze is our best-selling scented litter, made from pure sodium bentonite clay and infused with a moisture-activated fragrance that is perfect for small spaces.

This means that each time your cat uses their litter box, the fresh scent will activate and counteract whatever they are covering. Scented litters are often preferred in apartments and litter boxes in bedrooms.

8. O'Select Clumping Unscented Cat Litter

Litter is one of those necessary evils that cat owners have to accept, and if you think about how often you need to scoop and change your cat's litter, it can really start to add up in your monthly pet budget. 

If you are hunting for the best cheap cat litter, then you won't find a better deal than O'Select. O"select Original unscented litter is our most affordable cat litter.

And remember, cheap doesn't always mean bad! This unscented formula is great for odour control and low tracking, adding to its value without adding to its cost.

9. Almo Nature Cat Litter

Another great way to save money on litter is to look for the best long-lasting cat litter. We don't often think of cat litter as long-lasting, as it typically depends on how often it's used and by how many cats, but there are some litters designed to stretch a little further to save you time and money.

Almo Nature Natural Cat Litter is a biodegradable, vegetable-based cat litter that is astonishingly fast-absorbing. The litter is finely granulated, giving the litter more surface area to absorb, leading to a low-maintenance and longer-lasting litter option. 

Incredibly, only 500 grams of litter is needed per week for a single litter box, meaning each bag of Almo litter can last you up to 9 weeks!

Best Non-Clumping Cat Litter 

What is non-clumping cat litter? Unlike traditional litters, the best non-clumping cat litters are preferred by some cat parents because of their highly absorbent nature, superior odour control, and it's low-maintenance clean-up.

There is a large variety of types of non-clumping cat litter, but maintenance and clean-up are pretty similar across the board. The pellets, crystals, or granules will absorb liquid and get engorged, eliminating the need for daily scooping.

Let's take a look at the most popular and best non-clumping cat litters for a variety of different feline needs and preferences.

10. Dr. Elsey's Crystal Cat Litter for Seniors

As cats age, their litter habits can start to change. To make sure your aging kitty doesn't start to develop some messy and unwanted bathroom routines, try our best senior cat litter to help your fussy feline maintain their dignity at any age.

Dr. Elsey's Crystal Cat Litter for Seniors contains a special attractant to direct your cat to the right spot and is made from specially formulated, highly absorbent crystals that are gentle on delicate paws.

Additionally, crystal litters are superior at controlling litter box bacteria that can contribute to urinary tract and kidney issues that senior cats are more susceptible to.

11. Cat Love Daily Scoops Recycled Paper Litter

Looking for a cat litter with a smaller footprint? The best recycled cat litters are a great way to reduce waste landfills while still offering an effective option for controlling litter box odours.

Daily Scoops is a non-clumping litter made from recycled paper, making it biodegradable and compostable. It's low-dust and fragrance-free, making it a great choice for cats with sensitive noses. 

As a non-clumping litter, it's highly effective at absorbing liquid and odours. Plus, it's lightweight and gentle on paws.

12. BoxieCat Glo UV Stress-Relief Cat Litter

For cats that get easily stressed, litter can be both a trigger and a symptom. Ensuring healthy and sanitary litter box habits starts with making your cat litter area a safe and comfortable space. 

BoxieCat Stress-Relief Litter is our best calming cat litter. It works by using sight, smell, and touch to attract your cat and calm their nerves. The UV sparkles act as a visual aid, even in low light, while the mild scent mimics nature. Lastly, the soft crystal granules are gentle on even the most sensitive toe beans.

13. ökocat Less Mess Clumping Mini-Pellets Wood Cat Litter

Pellet litters are a popular choice for many cat owners due to their high absorbency and excellent ability to lock in both liquids and strong odours. They are made from natural and recycled materials, with wood being one of the most common.

Our best pellet cat litter is ökocat Clumping Mini-Pellets, which is made from biodegradable wood. These mini-pellets are not only flushable but also clump quickly, helping to lock in moisture and odour. The mini-pellet format also reduces tracking, making cleanup easier and minimizing mess around the litter box.

14. Snappy Tom Crystal Cat Litter

If you are looking for the best low-maintenance cat litter that is easy to clean, then our best crystal cat litter, sometimes called silica cat litter, might be just what you need. 

Snappy Tom Crystal Cat Litter is made from highly absorbent silica gel granules that absorb urine and odours better than any other type of litter. It's also low-dust and fragrance-free, making it a great choice for cats with respiratory issues. Plus, it's long-lasting and doesn't need to be changed as frequently as other litter.

15. Cranky Frank Cat Litter

Shopping local and buying Canadian is on everyone's mind, and that applies to your cat litter, too. Cranky Frank Cat Litter is the best Canadian-made cat litter and not just because it's made here.

This 100% hemp cat litter is a powerhouse of absorption and odour control, but it's also a product you can feel good about using. Hemp is the most sustainable crop on earth, maturing in only 120 days and absorbing twice as much CO2 as trees.

Can You Flush Cat Litter?

Waste disposal is one of the most annoying and unpleasant parts of owning a cat. This is why flushable cat litter is a popular option, but what does flushable cat litter really mean? Can you flush cat litter down the toilet?

Yes! And no. But mostly maybe.

Cat litter that is labelled as flushable is technically safe to flush down the toilet, but there are some factors that you should consider before dumping litter into your toilet:

• • Choose Biodegradable Litter - Firstly, the best flushable cat litter needs to be made from biodegradable materials, like corn, wheat, or soy. Keep in mind, though, that not all natural litters are flushable. It depends on what happens when they get wet and how they are designed to break down.
    
    
  • Choose Clumping Litter - Also, stick to clumping litter only. Non-clumping litters absorb and expand when wet, and could lead to a quick and stubborn clog if flushed.
    
    
  • Flush One Clump at a Time - How you flush the litter matters, too. It's a common mistake to dump all the soiled litter down the toilet at once and flush. Don't. Any litter that you flush should be done one clump at a time, flushing in between each.
    
    
  • How's Your Plumbing? - Consider how new your plumbing is. Does your toilet regularly clog? Older pipes and low-flow toilets might not have the flow to be able to properly dispose of litter clumps.

Brands like Almo Litter and Dofu Litter both offer flushable cat litter options and offer safe disposal instructions. However, if your cat litter doesn't say it's flushable, then it's best not to.

Should You Flush Cat Litter?

So, can you flush cat litter down the toilet? Yes, if you choose the right type and do it correctly. But the real question is, should you?

It is a bit of a hot topic because even if you can flush cat litter, you still need to consider the potential risks. Many say that flushing cat litter can introduce bacteria or parasites into the water system. If our water treatment plants aren't designed for pet waste, then it becomes very difficult and potentially impossible to filter out these risks.

The safest and most efficient way to dispose of cat litter is to place used litter into a biodegradable bag and place it in your regular trash can. Products like the Litter Genie can also make litter disposal a little bit easier.

If you are lucky enough to live in a city that offers a comprehensive composting program that accepts pet waste, like Calgary or Toronto, then natural and biodegradable litters, like World's Best Cat Litter and Cranky Frank Cat Litter, can be disposed of in a more environmentally friendly manner.

Good Cat Litter Leads to Good Litter Habits

Choosing the right cat litter is crucial for your cat's comfort, your household's cleanliness, and your budget.

Consider these factors and choose a litter that is safe, effective, and comfortable for your furry friend.

The litter you choose should suit your preferences, but don't forget to choose a litter that also suits your cat's needs. With a little bit of research and experimentation, you'll find the perfect litter for you and your cat.

How to Change Cat Litter

Cats are creatures of habit, so changing something as significant as their litter can have some unwanted and unintended consequences. It's a great practice to slowly transition cats to a new litter to avoid disruptions to their bathroom habits or anxious responses.

Like food, litter can be changed over slowly by mixing the old with the new. This allows your cat to adjust to the change in texture, sight, and smell of the new litter. Here is a simple breakdown of how to change cat litter:

1. Add a little bit of the new litter on top of your cat's current litter. Just a sprinkle is fine. This will help subtly introduce the new litter without overwhelming them. 
2. After a day or two of use, replace 1/4 of the old litter with the new type. Give your cat 2-4 days of this to adjust.
3. If your can is notoriously resistant to change or seems to be distrusting of the new litter blend, move to a half-and-half mix for 3-5 days before moving to a complete switch.
4. If your cat doesn't really seem to notice the change, then go ahead and skip to a full switch. 

Most cats transition just fine. A bathroom is a bathroom, and when you gotta go, you gotta go, but young kittens, seniors, and highly anxious cats are more likely to notice the change. Monitor bathroom habits daily and give your cat lots of praise and rewards when they do use the new litter. 

Keep an eye out for worsening behaviours, such as not covering when they should, "missing" the litter box, larger than normal messes around the litter area, or just refusal to use the litter box at all.

These are all signs that you may need to slow down the transition or reconsider something about that litter, like the texture or scent, that might be bothering your cat.

Best Cat Litter FAQs

The right litter is just one cat litter essential that you should consider. Here are a few commonly asked questions about finding the best cat litter and how to use it:

Is Clay Cat Litter Dangerous?

While there are no definitive studies linking clay cat litter dust to respiratory issues in cats, there is some anecdotal evidence. If the dust in cat litter is a concern for you, choose a natural cat litter or non-clumping litter that offers low-dust or no-dust options.

Do Cats Like Scented Cat Litter? 

Flowery scents may soften litter box odours for you, but that can be unpleasant or overpowering for your cat's sensitive nose. This can discourage your cat from using its litter box, especially if you use a covered litter pan. 

How Often Should You Clean Your Cat's Litterbox?

You should scoop and spot-clean your cat's litter box daily to reduce smells and bacteria. Depending on the type of litter you choose, you should completely empty and sanitize your cat's litter box at least once per month. More for multi-cat households. 

How Do You Switch Litters?

Most cats with good litter habits can adjust to litter changes easily, but pickier cats may need to take baby steps. You can start by adding the new litter to the old in small amounts until you get to about 50/50. After a few days, you should be able to do a complete switch. 

How Many Litter Boxes Should You Have Per Cat?

It's recommended to have one more litter box than you have cats. This isn't always possible in small spaces, like apartments, but it is a good idea for multi-story homes. This can encourage healthy litter habits and reduce jealous or territorial behaviours in multi-cat households.