Have you ever tried to find the best odor eliminating cat litter and found the process time-consuming and frustrating? You’re not alone. The best type would depend on your feline’s and your needs. Do you need the best odor control or the best urine control? Is it environmentally friendly? Is your kitty sensitive or allergic to certain foods and substances?
All of these, and other, considerations will affect your choices. We have compiled a list of top 10 odor eliminating litters. They include a selection of both clumping and non-clumping, bio-degradable, dust-free, and scented & unscented products. We have included information that would answer these questions and help you make the best choice for your furry friends.
Products comprehensive review of the odor eliminating cat litter
Product Name | Type | Urine Control | Odor Control |
---|---|---|---|
Nature’s Miracle Just for Cats Corn Cob Cat Litter | Soft-clumping made with corn cob; Lightweight | Fast clumping traps urine on contact | Bio-enzymatic odor control system |
Purina Tidy Cats LightWeight Glade | Hard-clumping clay | Strong, tight clumps trap urine on contact | Deodorizing odor control system includes ammonia blocker |
World’s Best Cat Litter | Soft-clumping made with whole kernel corn; Lightweight | Fast clumping traps urine on contact | Unscented odor control system |
Purina Yesterday’s News | Non-clumping made with recycled paper; Lightweight | Soft paper pellets trap urine on contact | Available in both scented and unscented odor control systems |
Blue Naturally Fresh | Soft-clumping made with walnut shells | Fast clumping traps urine on contact | Unscented odor control system |
Dr. Elsey’s Cat Ultra Premium | Hard-clumping clay | Fast clumping traps urine on contact | Hypo-allergenic unscented odor control system |
Boxiecat Extra Strength Premium | Hard-clumping clay | Instant, hard Flat Top™ clumps trap urine on contact | Hypo-allergenic unscented and probiotics odor control system |
Fresh Step UltraCare | Hard-clumping clay | Fast and tight clumping traps urine on contact | Available in both scented and unscented odor control systems (scented version uses Febreze products); Guaranteed by manufacturer to eliminate odors for 10 days |
PetSafe ScoopFree Premium Crystal | Non-clumping crystal; Lightweight | Crystals absorb urine on contact | Scented odor control system; Dries solid waste |
Arm & Hammer Slide Easy Clean-Up Litter | Hard-clumping limestone | Patented Clump & Seal™ technology traps urine on contact | Scented odor control system (Arm & Hammer™ Baking Soda); Guaranteed by manufacturer to eliminate odors for 7 days |
1. Nature’s Miracle Just for Cats Corn Cob Cat Litter – best odor eliminating cat litter
Nature’s Miracle Just for Cats Corn Cob Cat Litter is the best at odor eliminating due to its bio-enzymatic odor control system. Nature’s Miracle is soft-clumping, lightweight and made with corn cubs.
- Natural, non-toxic ingredients
- Small granules make a surface soft on paws
- High absorption rate (4 times higher than clay)
- Contains bio-enzymatic odor control system
Pros:
- Unscented
- Fast clumping action eliminates odors on contact
- Natural ingredients
- Nearly dust free
- Biodegradable
Cons:
- More expensive than clay litter
- Has an odor-controlling pine smell which some cat owners find too strong
- Doesn’t clump as well as clay litter
- Not track free
As a result of its quick clumping action and high absorption, this product is an excellent choice for households with multiple cats. Its soft surface is easy on cats’ paws, especially kittens’. Natural and non-toxic ingredients will not make your pets sick if swallowed accidentally.
2. Purina Tidy Cats LightWeight Glade – lightweight and good cat litter
Purina Tidy Cats LightWeight Glade contains Ammonia Blocker that, according to the manufacturer, prevents ammonia smell from forming for up to 14 days.
- Hard-clumping formula creates strong, tight clumps that trap urine on contact
- Uses Glade Tough Odor Solutions that traps strong scents
- Contains Ammonia Blocker
Pros:
- Half the weight of other clay litters
- Strong clumps make clean up easy
- 99.6% dust free
Cons:
- Not track free
- Hard-clumping may not be suitable for kittens
- Scented
With its hard-clumping formula, this product was made for multiple cats households. The fast and hard-clumping also prevents moisture from sticking to the bottom of a tray. As a result of its consistency, it’s appropriate for cats with sensitive paws.
3. World’s Best Cat Litter – best lightweight cat litter
World’s Best Cat Litter, manufactured by World’s Best, is lightweight and soft-clumping. World’s Best is made with whole kernel corn and is chemicals free.
- 100% natural
- Fast and tight clumping capability traps urine on contact
- Unscented odor control system
Pros:
- 99% dust free
- Biodegradable
- Non-toxic
- Easy to scoop
Cons:
- Similar to flour, there’s a slight chance that it may contain insects’ eggs that might hatch under certain conditions
- Some owners don’t like its corn scent
- Not track free
Despite being lightweight and soft-clumping, World’s Best scoops easily without the addition of harmful chemicals. Its low dust percentage makes it ideal for cats with respiratory problems. A mat under the box should solve tracking issues. Although not the cheapest option, its tight clumping prevents scooping out clean litter, which makes this product last longer.
4. Purina Yesterday’s News – vet recommended odor eliminating cat litter
Purina Yesterday’s News is a dust free cat litter made with recycled paper and is vet recommended. Its soft pellets not only absorb moisture quickly, but they are also gentle on paws.
- Vet recommended odor eliminating product
- Safe and non-toxic formula
- Absorbs 3 times the moisture than clay litter
- Unscented
Pros:
- 99.9% dust free
- Soft, low tracking pellets
- Environmentally friendly
Cons:
- Hard to separate from clean pellets
- Requires frequent changes
- Dark color makes it harder to distinguish between litter and solid waste
This product is great for households with one or two cats. Its pellets are ideal for kitties recuperating after surgery as they’re virtually traction and dust free. In fact, it’s #1 recommended cat litter to use after an operation. As an added bonus it may be used around other pets.
5. Blue Naturally Fresh – best natural cat litter
Blue Naturally Fresh, manufactured by Blue Buffalo, is a natural and healthy product made with walnut shells. Its soft and quick clumping formula absorbs moisture on contact.
- 100% natural
- Virtually dust free
- 3 times as absorbent as clay litter
- Unscented
- Biodegradable
Pros:
- Low tracking
- Environmentally friendly
- Chemicals and toxins free
Cons:
- Requires frequent changes
- Dark color makes it harder to distinguish between litter and solid waste
- May not be ideal around dogs which chew pellets
Unlike clay, which contains silica dust, Blue Naturally Fresh is virtually dust free. That quality makes it an ideal product for cats with asthma.
6. Dr. Elsey’s Cat Ultra Premium – best lightweight clumping cat litter
Dr. Elsey’s Cat Ultra Premium is an excellent clumping cat litter. It’s almost dust free and doesn’t contain plant proteins. Its hard-clumping formula prevents moisture from reaching and sticking to the bottom of a tray.
- Hypo-allergenic unscented odor control system
- 99.9% dust free
- Hard-clumping stops litter from breaking when scooped up
- Non-tracking
Pros:
- 100% natural
- Unscented
- Non-toxic
Cons:
- Price can vary for the same weight
- 40 lb. bags may rip while in transit
- Hard-clumping may not be suitable for kittens
Dr. Elsey’s Cat Ultra Premium is excellent for mechanical sifting boxes. The absence of plant proteins and perfumes makes it ideal for all allergic kitties.
7. Boxiecat Extra Strength Premium – dust free odor eliminating cat litter
Boxiecat Extra Strength Premium hard-clumping clay litter is 100% dust free and allergy free. It’s recommended by veterinarians and won the Cat Fancy Editors’ Choice Award. Its hypo-allergenic, unscented odor control system uses probiotics to reduce the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
- Instant, hard Flat Top™ clumps trap urine on contact
- Hypo-allergenic
- Soft on paws
- Low tracking
Pros:
- Easy to scoop
- Virtually dust free
- Great for cats on a high protein diet
- Unscented
Cons:
- Hard-clumping might not be suitable for kittens
- Not track free
- Expensive
Boxiecat Extra Strength Premium is another great alternative for allergic cats. It’s suitable for households with multiple cats and different litter systems.
8. Fresh Step UltraCare with Febreze Freshness – excellent odor control
Fresh Step UltraCare hard-clumping cat litter provides an excellent odor control that is guaranteed by the manufacturer to last for 10 days.
- Scented with Febreze products
- Available in both scented and unscented versions
- Guaranteed to eliminate odors for 10 days
Pros:
- Excellent odor control
- Easy to scoop
- Low tracking
Cons:
- Hard-clumping might not be suitable for kittens
- Scented
- 4 small bags in 34 lb. package may be difficult to use (no handles)
The Fresh Step UltraCare’s hard-clumping and high absorbency formula prevents moisture from reaching and sticking to the bottom of a box. It is ideal for multiple cats households.
9. PetSafe ScoopFree Premium Crystal – good odor control
PetSafe ScoopFree Premium Crystal is lightweight and provides good odor control. It comes in two varieties:
a) Disposable trays that work with PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Boxes; and
b) Two 4.5 lb. bags that can be used with any litter system.
- 99% dust free
- Non-clumping
- Reduces odors and dries solid waste 5 times better than clay
Pros:
- Good odor control
- Easy to clean
- Almost dust free
Cons:
- May not be suitable for cats on high fiber diets
- Composed of silica
- May not be suitable for kittens
- May irritate sensitive paws
PetSafe ScoopFree Premium Crystal works with any box, but it might be best with the PetSafe self-cleaning system. It absorbs moisture fast and dries up a solid matter which reduces odors quickly.
10. Arm & Hammer Slide Easy Clean-Up Litter – best kitty litter for odor control
Arm & Hammer Slide Easy Clean-Up Litter’s Clump & Seal™ technology and Arm & Hammer™ Baking Soda are great at controlling any unpleasant smells. Its hard-clumping formula makes it easy to scoop and prevents moisture from reaching the bottom of a tray. It’s guaranteed by the manufacturer to eliminate odors for 7 days.
- Patented Clump & Seal™ technology traps urine on contact and seals odors
- Non-stick and slides easily
- Scented odor control system (Arm & Hammer™ Baking Soda)
- EZ Clean technology (patent pending)
Pros:
- 100% dust free
- Easy to scoop and clean, no scrubbing required
- Excellent odor control
Cons:
- More expensive than other options
- Scented
- Not track free
With its excellent odor management, Arm & Hammer Slide Easy Clean-Up Litter makes a great addition to multiple cats households. It can also be a good option for senior cats with kidney problems.
Conclusion
So what is the best odor eliminating litter? The choice you make would depend on your cat’s age, any diseases or allergies your cat has, and presence of other pets in your home among other factors. For multiple cats households, hard-clumping alternatives would provide the best odor protection. They absorb urine fast which prevents odors from drifting around.
Boxiecat Extra Strength Premium is a hard-clumping, dust free and hypo-allergenic. Its unscented odor control system uses probiotics to reduce the growth of odor-causing bacteria. That system makes Boxiecat litter great for multiple cats or senior cats with kidney or digestive system problems. It’s one of the more expensive options, but may be worth the money if your cats have special needs.
Kittens have different needs than adult and senior cats. Their paws are sensitive, and they are on a lookout for new things to nibble on. For that reason, non-clumping or soft-clumping litter with a soft consistency and no dust is a better choice for them. Purina Yesterday’s News fulfills these criteria.
So go ahead and pick the right litter for your kitty. Check out other products mentioned in this article: Nature’s Miracle Just for Cats Corn Cob Cat Litter, Purina Tidy Cats LightWeight Glade, World’s Best Cat Litter, Blue Naturally Fresh, Dr. Elsey’s Cat Ultra Premium, Fresh Step UltraCare with Febreze Freshness, PetSafe ScoopFree Premium Crystal, and Arm & Hammer Slide Easy Clean-Up Litter.