Having our cats at our side on the couch is a great way to relax, laugh, and wipe away tears. If you have a household with one or more cats, you understand personally how much joy they offer. However, they bring the unavoidable necessity to purchase kitty litter.
Those who have yet to become cat owners may be asking themselves, “So what? Litter’s litter.” Then, we’ll attempt to deliver the news to you gently. A litter is not simply litter. Searching for “only cat food” or “cat litter boxes” on any leading online pet shop is like scrolling through mazes upon mazes of options.
The vast range of options is be so perplexing that we enlisted the assistance of specialists to figure everything out and curate a list of the best cat little available in 2022.
Here, we include the recommended cat litters by veterinarians and animal behaviorists from some of the most popular brands. Regardless of how fantastic their counsel is, your cat ultimately has the last say. Follow their lead about the kind of litter they prefer or dislike. Otherwise, they can leave you a surprise (or two) when you get out of bed.
Here are some of the best litters we’ve been able to find for you, cat lovers:
The King: ExquisiCat Clumping Clay Premium Litter
TB Thompson, a veterinarian with Natural Pets HQ in Phoenix, Arizona, recommended this under-the-radar product to us. “ExquisiCat’s clumping clay litter is a fantastic value.” It is less untidy than non-clumping types, inexpensive, and many cats tolerate it well.
Frisco Multi Cat Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter
Mikel Delgado, a qualified cat behavior specialist at Rover, states that his cat, Clarabelle, prefers Frisco Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter. It makes extra-firm clumps for effortless scooping and is hypoallergenic, containing few allergies common to cats.
Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Ultra Litter
Dr. Emily Wilson, a veterinarian for the digital pet care firm Fuzzy, says that this litter’s reduced dust content is particularly advantageous for cats with respiratory disorders. “As the owner of four cats, I’ve discovered that fragrance-free litters are preferred; therefore, I chose Dr. Elsey’s Cat Ultra litter,” she adds. This litter works best for our home since it regularly forms clumps, making litter box cleanup much more manageable.
Arm & Hammer Feline Pine Platinum Cat Litter
“Curious kittens could try their litter.” According to cat behaviorist Nicole Van Andel of Tuft + Paw, clumped litter can create intestinal obstructions. “Also, elderly cats have a harder job cleaning themselves, and they would benefit greatly from a litter that does not adhere to their paws.”
Pine litter has a naturally pleasing aroma that inhibits feline toilet odor without the need for added scents. Pine litter does not clump, yet many cat owners and veterinarians still recommend it enthusiastically. Jeff Smith, a veterinarian at Danville Family Vet in Danville, Virginia, has discovered that Feline Pine is “naturally odor-absorbing” and “appealing to most cats.”
World’s Best Original Series Lavender Scented Multi Corn Cat Litter
The leading veterinary adviser at Pawp, Laura Robinson, recommends World’s Best. She praises the eco-friendliness of this litter made from maize kernels. (Indeed. Corn.) And it is filled with organic lavender oil that eliminates odors and calms cats.
Tuft + Paw Really Great Cat Litter
After using this litter for several months, one Underscored editor claims she cannot return to her previous brands. This litter is gentle on the paws, virtually dust-free, and unlike the other litters she’s tried, it doesn’t fly out of the litter box. The most admirable aspect is how quickly it removes the natural odors from her cat’s litter box.
Arm & Hammer Litter Super Scoop Clumping Clay Cat Litter
This odorless clay litter is the preferred cat litter among Northeast’s veterinarians, and it fights smells without overwhelming scents that sometimes annoy cats.
Purina Yesterday’s News Original Paper Cat Litter
Fluffballs, be happy! Long-haired cats will love this recycled paper litter’s big granules, which will not tangle their fur. You will appreciate the absence of noticeable dust. “I also recommend Yesterday’s News for cats who have just undergone surgery, as it won’t stay at the surgical site,” adds Brian Evans, veterinarian and medical director.
Purina Tidy Cats Lightweight Free & Clean Cat Litter
This featherweight litter has the same volume as standard litter but weighs around half as much. In addition, it contains an ammonia stopper and activated charcoal to eliminate urine odors. The veterinarian Dwight Alleyne is a supporter of JustAnswer. “I’ve been a veterinarian and cat owner for over two decades, and my preferred product has been Tidy Cat since it seems to offer the best odor control,” he adds.
Fresh Step Simply Unscented Cat Litter
Sarah Wooten, a veterinarian who works at Pumpkin Pet Insurance, states, “Fresh Step is my go-to brand.” Cats’ nostrils are moderately sensitive. Despite contradictory studies on what cats enjoy, I advocate unscented cat litter for hygienic reasons. A person may not wash the litter box as frequently as necessary if perfume masks the odor.”
Cat’s Pride Unscented Complete Care Litter
This ultra-fine clay litter is lightweight and straightforward for cats to dig in. Cat Person’s veterinary advisor, Christine Sellers, concurs that this is the perfect outcome. Cat’s Pride Complete Control is my go-to litter for my five cats at home and my top suggestion for my clients. The clumps are not too sticky when scooped daily and do not attach to the box, and it is also lightweight.”
Infoceptor's editorial team handpicks all of the products and services it recommends, regardless of external influences. Affiliate links appear in some of our stories. We may receive an affiliate commission if you purchase something through one of these links, which helps us stay independent and support our great team.