Cat litter isn't something you usually think about, but buying the right kind can make or break your cleaning experience.
While kitty litter comes with the territory of having a house cat, cleaning the litter box is probably one of the least popular household chores. But what has to be done, has to be done. And it's a small price to pay for having a purr-fectly happy, healthy cat prowling about.
Fortunately, there are litter formulas that can make clean-up easier and smells less, you know, smelly. From ones with proprietary clumping properties to ones using naturally odor-absorbing ingredients (which are better for the environment too), the options abound. Of course, the best way to cut down on odors is to clean the box multiple times a day, but sometimes it's nice to have a little help. Get the scoop on highly rated brands here.
Best Cat Litter Brands
SmartCat All Natural Clumping Litter by Pioneer Pet
It's a little pricier than other litters, but this lightweight grass-based litter is free of GMOs, fragrances, dust, and chemicals. It's also biodegradable and renewable. As a bonus, you can flush this stuff, and it clumps better than most clay litters on the market. If scooping scented clay litters makes your chest tighten from allergies and sensitivity, this all natural product is the way to go. You can grab it from Amazon, Chewy, or Pioneer Pet themselves, and their customer service is incredible. After we received a bad bag due to warehouse issues at Amazon, the company sent us two at no charge. Not bad!
If you have problems hauling clay litter home, this cat litter is also light enough for small, vertically challenged people who might sit on the couch a bit too much with their feline friends.
Arm and Hammer Multi Cat Litter
With natural corn fibers, a plant-based clumping agent, and baking soda plus mineral oil for dust control, this one's the total package - and, like the name suggests, made for multiple cats. Need more convincing? It provides a soft footing even the finickiest of felines will love.
Skoon All-Natural Cat Litter
'Inherently biodegradable' because of its main ingredient - absorbent diatom pebbles for trapping odors - this litter is four times lighter than regular litter and low-dust and non-tracking to boot. Meaning? Both your floors and the earth will stay cleaner. Win-win!
World's Best Multi-Cat Unscented Clumping Corn Cat Litter
With a name like that, the expectations for this litter are understandably high. But, if the nearly 3,000 reviews and 4-plus stars it has received are any indication, that's not an oversell. We're guessing it's because of the corn-venience factor: The eco-friendly formula - made of compressed corn - is entirely flushable, and safe for septic and sewer systems alike.
Feline Pine Original Cat Litter
If you're looking for value for money, this 40-pound bag of litter for barely $15 is a pretty great deal. Made of 100 percent natural pine sawdust shavings, it is free of harsh chemicals, additives and synthetic perfumes. Rather than claiming super clumping powers, its single ingredient is highly absorbent, sucking up ammonia aromas - and keeping them away.
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Editor's Note: Products featured on Wide Open Pets are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
READ MORE: Flushable Cat Litter That's Allergy-Friendly? You Got It!
