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9 Best Cat Litters for Odor Control in 2024 – Top Picks & Reviews

Written by: Christian Adams

Last Updated on January 10, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

cat using litter box

9 Best Cat Litters for Odor Control in 2024 – Top Picks & Reviews

cat using litter box

Having a cat in your home is undoubtedly a rewarding experience, but it also comes with a unique set of challenges—one of which is maintaining a fresh-smelling environment. The right cat litter can make a world of difference, effectively controlling unwanted odors that come with owning a feline friend.

This guide seeks to provide a comprehensive review of the top cat litter for odor control available this year. From brands that have served pet parents for decades to innovative solutions leveraging eco-friendly materials, we have your needs covered.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat Ultra Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat Ultra Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter
  • Maximum clumping with 100% bentonite clay
  • 9% dust-free, great for allergy sufferers
  • Hard clumping for easy scooping
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Arm & Hammer Litter Super Scoop Unscented Cat Litter Arm & Hammer Litter Super Scoop Unscented Cat Litter
  • Odor-neutralizing clay absorbs smells
  • Baking soda crystals for immediate scent reduction
  • 99% dust-free for a cleaner home
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    sWheat Scoop Cat Litter sWheat Scoop Cat Litter
  • Biodegradable and renewable wheat makes it an eco-friendly choice
  • 2x stronger odor elimination and clumping compared to other
  • sWheat Scoop litters Perfect for multi-cat households
  • World’s Best Multi-Cat Unscented Clumping Corn Cat Litter World’s Best Multi-Cat Unscented Clumping Corn Cat Litter
  • All-natural and long-lasting odor control
  • Quick clumping, easy-to-scoop formula
  • Flushable and safe for most septic systems
  • Feline Pine Original Non-Clumping Wood Cat Litter Feline Pine Original Non-Clumping Wood Cat Litter
  • Made of sustainably sourced pine shavings
  • Absorbs liquids and odors on contact
  • Free of artificial dyes and fragrances
  • 9 Best Cat Litters for Odor Control

    1. Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Ultra Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter – Best Overall

    Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat Ultra Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter

    Litter Material: Clay
    Features: Multi-cat, low tracking dust-free

    Let’s kick off the list with a beloved brand in the pet care industry: Dr. Elsey’s. Their Precious Cat Ultra Unscented Clumping Cat Litter promises an all-around superior experience for both feline and human members of your household. This ultra-grade product is manufactured from 100% bentonite clay, offering the ideal texture and granule size for maximum clumping.

    Moreover, it’s 99.9% dust-free, a characteristic that will certainly please any allergy sufferers in your home. The hard clumping property prevents moisture from reaching the bottom of the litter tray, providing easy and hassle-free cleaning.

    Beyond that, it’s unscented and formulated with natural ingredients, meaning it doesn’t just mask bad smells but genuinely offers superior odor control. The low tracking feature means less mess around the house, keeping the litter where it belongs—in the box.

    Lastly, you can trust the quality of this product, backed by a veteran-owned brand that’s been dedicated to meeting the complex needs of pet owners since 1987. We think this is the best overall cat litter for odor control.

    Pros
    • Maximum clumping with 100% bentonite clay
    • 9% dust-free, great for allergy sufferers
    • Hard clumping for easy scooping
    • Superior odor control with natural ingredients
    Cons
    • Higher price point compared to others

    2. Arm & Hammer Litter Super Scoop Unscented Cat Litter – Best Value

    Arm & Hammer Litter Super Scoop Unscented Cat Litter

    Litter Material: Clay
    Features: Unscented, clumping, low tracking

    Meet a product from the household name you’re familiar with: Arm & Hammer. Their Super Scoop Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter has been designed to tackle odors head-on. This litter is made from odor-neutralizing clay that absorbs unpleasant smells efficiently.

    Plus, the integration of baking soda crystals means immediate scent reduction right at the source. This litter is not only unscented but also free of dyes, making it a fitting choice for sensitive cats and their humans.

    Additionally, the formula is 99% dust-free and exhibits low tracking, ensuring a cleaner environment around your home. And when it comes to cleaning the litter box, this litter’s solid clumping ability simplifies your job. We think this is the best cat litter for odor control for the money.

    Pros
    • Odor-neutralizing clay absorbs smells
    • Baking soda crystals for immediate scent reduction
    • 99% dust-free for a cleaner home
    • Solid clumping ability for easy cleaning
    Cons
    • Lower rating compared to some competitors

    3. sWheat Scoop Cat Litter – Best Premium

    sWheat Scoop Cat Litter

    Litter Material: Wheat
    Features: Flushable, natural, low tracking, dust-free

    The sWheat Scoop Cat Litter is a natural solution for multi-cat households. This litter is crafted from biodegradable and renewable wheat, making it an eco-friendly option for cat owners. It delivers powerful odor elimination that’s sure to leave you impressed.

    This litter is also unscented, which helps control ammonia and urine odors, while the wheat starches trap odors on contact. Plus, natural enzymes work to neutralize odors. The product is free from added dyes, perfumes, dust, and harmful ingredients commonly found in clay litter, making it a safer choice for your cats.

    Pros
    • Biodegradable and renewable wheat makes it an eco-friendly choice
    • 2x stronger odor elimination and clumping compared to other sWheat Scoop litters
    • Perfect for multi-cat households
    • Free from added dyes, perfumes, dust, or harmful ingredients
    Cons
    • Some cats may not like the texture or feel of wheat litter

    4. World’s Best Multi-Cat Unscented Clumping Corn Cat Litter

    World’s Best Multi-Cat Unscented Clumping Corn Cat Litter

    Litter Material: Corn
    Features: Flushable, natural, dust-free

    For eco-conscious cat parents looking for a natural litter solution, the World’s Best Multi-Cat Unscented Clumping Corn Cat Litter could be the perfect fit. Boasting an all-natural formula crafted from compressed corn, this litter offers long-lasting odor control, ideal for households with more than one kitty.

    This clumping corn cat litter is also praised for its quick clumping formula that leaves no scraping necessary, simplifying the cleanup process. Despite its efficient performance, this litter is light on the environment, completely flushable, and safe for most septic and sewer systems.

    Plus, being 99% dust-free ensures cleaner air and less mess around your home. The fact that it is 100% free from harmful chemicals and artificial perfumes adds another layer of safety for your pets, household members, and the planet at large.

    So if an all-natural, eco-friendly, and high-performing cat litter is what you’ve been searching for, this product might just be the ‘world’s best’ choice for you!

    Pros
    • All-natural and long-lasting odor control
    • Quick clumping, easy-to-scoop formula
    • Flushable and safe for most septic systems
    • 99% dust-free for cleaner air
    Cons
    • Higher price point per pound compared to others

    5. Feline Pine Original Non-Clumping Wood Cat Litter

    Feline Pine Original Non-Clumping Wood Cat Litter

    Litter Material: Pine, wood
    Features: Natural, dust-free

    If you’re after a natural, non-clumping cat litter that’s also highly absorbent and effectively controls odors, Feline Pine Original Non-Clumping Wood Cat Litter could be the ideal product for you.

    Made from moisture-locking pine shavings, this litter absorbs liquids and odors on contact, helping to keep your cat’s litter box and your home smelling fresh. Its natural pine scent offers a pleasant aroma without the use of artificial fragrances or dyes, making it a great choice for sensitive cats and their owners.

    In addition to being environmentally friendly—thanks to the sustainably sourced pine used in its manufacturing—Feline Pine Cat Litter is also gentle on your cat’s paws. Its soft, lightweight texture ensures your furry friend’s comfort during use. This product features a low-dust formula, contributing to cleaner air in your home and less mess around the litter box.

    Pros
    • Made of sustainably sourced pine shavings
    • Absorbs liquids and odors on contact
    • Free of artificial dyes and fragrances
    • Low-dust formula is easy on your lungs and your home
    Cons
    • The natural pine scent might not be favored by all cats or owners

    6. Tidy Cats Glade Tough Scented Clumping Clay Cat Litter

    Tidy Cats Glade Tough Scented Clumping Clay Cat Litter

    Litter Material: Clay
    Features: Scented, dust-free

    The Tidy Cats Glade Tough Scented Clumping Clay Cat Litter combines the odor-locking power of two trusted brands to provide a reliable solution for your cat’s litter box needs. With a Glade Clear Springs scent, this cat litter adds a fresh and pleasant fragrance to your litter box area, effectively combating strong odors.

    This litter offers an impressive 10-day odor control when used as directed. The clay clumping formula is excellent for multiple-cat households as it locks in moisture, ensuring a dry and comfortable environment for your cats. The litter forms strong, tight clumps that simplify the cleaning process, contributing to a more hygienic litter box.

    The low dust formula also means the litter pours cleanly into the box, reducing the amount of dust released into the air and making it easier on your home and lungs. Convenient packaging makes it easy to store until it’s needed.

    Pros
    • Offers 10-day odor control with Glade Clear Springs scent
    • Forms strong, tight clumps for easy cleaning
    • Locks in moisture, great for multiple-cat households
    • Low dust formula for cleaner pouring
    Cons
    • Overpowering scent

    7. PrettyLitter Health Monitoring Cat Litter

    PrettyLitter Health Monitoring Cat Litter

    Button text
    Litter Material: Crystal
    Features: Health monitoring, unscented

    PrettyLitter Health Monitoring Cat Litter is a revolutionary product that can help keep an eye on your cat’s health. Made with highly absorbent crystals, it traps and eliminates odor without the use of harmful perfumes. It is lightweight, which makes it easy to scoop and pour. Additionally, this litter does not clump after urine absorption, which simplifies the disposal process.

    A standout feature of this litter is its health-monitoring capability. The litter changes color when it detects certain potential health issues such as urinary tract infections, bladder inflammation, urinary stones, or blood in the urine. This can serve as an early warning system for these health issues, allowing you to seek veterinary care in a timely manner.

    Moreover, this product is low-dust, making it a safe choice for pet parents with respiratory issues. Its strong absorption makes it suitable for both single and multi-cat households. Each 8-pound bag lasts approximately two months, depending on usage.

    Pros
    • Health monitoring feature
    • Lightweight crystals trap odor and eliminate moisture
    • Non-clumping litter, which is easier to dispose of
    • Suitable for both single and multi-cat households
    Cons
    • Some cats might not prefer crystal litter
    • Expensive

    8. PetSafe ScoopFree Premium Crystal Litter

    PetSafe ScoopFree Premium Crystal Litter

    Button text
    Litter Material: Crystal
    Features: Unscented, dust-free

    The PetSafe ScoopFree Premium Crystal Litter is a perfect choice for households with cats and humans with sensitive sniffers, as it contains no perfumes or dyes. The convenient pre-portioned bags ensure ease of use. This crystal litter is designed to remove odors up to five times faster than traditional clumping clay litter.

    The unique low-tracking crystals resist sticking to your cat’s feet and are 99% dust-free, ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment for both the pet and the pet parent.

    Moreover, this litter is highly absorbent, drying solid waste and absorbing urine effectively. Each bag can last up to 30 days in a single-cat household, making it a cost-effective solution.

    Pros
    • No perfumes or dyes, ideal for sensitive sniffers
    • Crystal litter removes odors up to five times faster than clay litter
    • Low-tracking crystals reduce mess and are 99% dust-free
    • Pre-portioned bags for convenient use
    Cons
    • May not be compatible with all litter boxes

    9. Fresh Step Fresh Scented Non-Clumping Crystal Cat Litter

    Fresh Step Fresh Scented Non-Clumping Crystal Cat Litter

    Button text
    Litter Material: Crystal
    Features: Scented, low dust

    Fresh Step’s non-clumping crystal cat litter is designed to offer improved odor control and moisture absorption compared to traditional clay litters. This 8-pound bag of litter consists of long-lasting crystals that are capable of locking in odor, and they can remain effective in the litter box for up to a month.

    Featuring a fresh scent, this litter absorbs moisture on contact, and the crystals are soft on your cat’s paws. It’s also a low-dust litter, reducing the amount of dust produced in the litter box for cleaner surfaces and air. Despite its non-clumping nature, cleanup is made easier as unused crystals can be sifted through a scooper and reused.

    Pros
    • Crystals lock in odor effectively
    • Absorbs moisture on contact
    • Low dust formula for cleaner surfaces and air
    • Can last up to one month in the litter box
    Cons
    • The scent might be strong for some cats or people

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    Buyer’s Guide to the Best Cat Litter for Odor Control

    Choosing the right cat litter for odor control can significantly improve the quality of life for both you and your furry friends. To help you navigate through the numerous choices on the market, here are some key factors to consider:

    Material

    Cat litter comes in several different materials, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Clay litter is the most common and usually the most affordable, but it can be dusty and isn’t biodegradable.

    Clumping litter, usually made of bentonite clay, is easy to scoop but can also be dusty and heavy. Crystal or silica gel litter is highly absorbent and controls odor well, but it can be more expensive. Biodegradable litters (like those made from corn, wheat, wood, or even tofu) can be a more environmentally friendly option and are often less dusty, but they can vary in odor control ability.

    Clumping vs Non-Clumping

    Clumping litters, usually made from bentonite clay, form clumps when your cat urinates. This makes it easy to remove both solid and liquid waste, which can help control odor. Non-clumping litters absorb urine but do not form clumps, so while they may control odor initially, they can start to smell if not changed regularly.

    Image By: Axel Bueckert, Shutterstock

    Scented vs Unscented

    Some litters have added fragrances to help mask litter box odors. However, some cats (and people) are sensitive to these smells and may prefer unscented litter. Remember, a strong fragrance does not always equate to better odor control.

    Dust-Free

    Dust-free litters are beneficial for both humans and cats as they can reduce respiratory problems and general mess around the house. Many litters claim to be 99% dust-free, so keep an eye out for this feature when shopping.

    Dust Litter
    Image By: Lermont51,Shutterstock

    Multi-Cat Formulas

    If you have more than one cat, consider litters designed for multi-cat households. These litters are typically more effective at controlling odor and are more absorbent.

    With these helpful tips in mind, you can be sure to invest in an odor-controlling cat litter that both you and your cat will appreciate.

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    Conclusion

    Choosing the right cat litter can significantly affect your quality of life and that of your feline friend. After careful evaluation, we’ve concluded that Dr. Elsey’s Premium Clumping Cat Litter is the best overall choice. This is due to its maximum clumping power, exceptional dust-free nature, and superior odor control, even though it comes at a slightly higher price point.

    Arm & Hammer Litter Super Scoop Unscented Cat Litter, on the other hand, offers the best value with its odor-neutralizing clay and solid clumping ability. Finally, if you’re willing to invest in a premium product, sWheat Scoop Cat Litter offers a robust and eco-friendly solution ideal for multi-cat households.

    Ultimately, the best cat litter for your household will depend on your specific needs and those of your feline friends. We hope this list serves as a valuable tool in your quest for a fresher, cleaner home environment.


    Featured Image Credit: jamesjoong, Shutterstock

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