Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

9 Best Cat Litter for Automatic Cat Litter Boxes in 2026 - Reviews & Top Picks

By Christian Adams
Share
tabby cat using automatic litter box

Choosing the right cat litter is hard enough, but if you’re dealing with an automatic cat litter box, then your litter has to meet the specific criteria required by your litter box. Cat litter for automatic boxes should be low in dust and, in most cases, should create strong clumps to work properly. To help you choose the best cat litter that will also work in your automatic cat litter box, we’ve found and reviewed the 10 best options on the market right now. There are always new and exciting products coming out when it comes to cat litter, and many companies are creating products that are safer and more eco-friendly.

Regardless of what you need out of a litter, there’s something here for you!

divider 2 cats

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2026

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Arm & Hammer Litter Slide Multi-Cat Scented Clumping Clay Cat Litter Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Slide
  • Powerful, rapid clumping
  • Great for multi-cat households
  • Doesn’t stick to the litter box
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Frisco Multi-Cat Unscented Clumping Clay Litter Frisco Multi-Cat Unscented Clay Litter
  • Great for multi-cat households
  • Odor neutralizing technology
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    World’s Best Cat Litter Multiple Cat World’s Best Cat Litter Multiple Cat
  • Made from 100% whole kernel corn
  • Made for multi-cat households
  • Free of artificial fragrances
  • Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Respiratory Relief Unscented Clumping Clay Litter Dr. Elsey’s Respiratory Relief Unscented Litter
  • Great for kittens/cats with respiratory issues
  • Includes herbal essences for stress relief
  • Controls odors
  • Tidy Cats Free & Clean Unscented Clumping Clay Litter Tidy Cats Free & Clean Clumping Litter
  • 10-day odor control guarantee
  • Free of dyes and artificial fragrances
  • Includes activated charcoal
  • The 10 Best Cat Litter for Automatic Cat Litter Boxes

    1. Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Slide Litter Multi-Cat – Best Overall

    Arm & Hammer Litter Slide Multi-Cat Scented Clumping Clay Cat Litter
    Package Size:14 pounds, 19 pounds, 28 pounds, 38 pounds
    Clumping:Yes
    Primary Materials:Clay
    Eco Friendly:No

    The best cat litter for your automatic cat litter box is the Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Slide Litter Multi-Cat litter. It’s available in four package sizes from 14–38 pounds and is dust-free. It’s a clay litter that features powerful clumping, and it doesn’t stick to the litter box, making it a fantastic option for automatic litter boxes. With Arm & Hammer, you know you’re getting a name you can trust, and this litter uses special rapid clumping technology to help with odor control, no matter how many kitties are using the box. No matter what type of box you have, this litter should not stick to it, making cleanup a breeze. It features a fresh scent that is released every time your cat digs in it.

    This litter is a clay litter, which is not an environmentally friendly product. The current packaging may be difficult for some people to use because the entire top of the box comes off when you open the litter, so once it’s open, there’s no carry handle.

    Pros

    • Four package sizes
    • Dust-free
    • Powerful, rapid clumping
    • Special rapid clumping technology seals in odors
    • Great for multi-cat households
    • Doesn’t stick to the litter box
    • Fresh scent

    Cons

    • Clay litter
    • Packaging is inconvenient

    2. Frisco Multi-Cat Unscented Clumping Clay Litter – Best Value

    Frisco Multi-Cat Unscented Clumping Clay Litter
    Package Size:20 pounds, 40 pounds
    Clumping:Yes
    Primary Materials:Clay
    Eco Friendly:No

    The best cat litter for automatic boxes for the money is the Frisco Multi-Cat Unscented Clumping Clay Litter, which is available in two package sizes. It’s a great value, even for small budgets, and is formulated to be low dust and low tracking, helping to keep your house free of tracked litter. It features odor-neutralizing technology and is made for multi-cat homes. It’s hypoallergenic and contains no dyes, perfumes, fragrances, or plant proteins.

    This is a clay cat litter, so it isn’t really environmentally friendly. The packaging may tear easily, and some people find that it doesn’t always form hard enough clumps with urine, so it may require additional box cleaning if it sticks.

    Pros

    • Great value
    • Two package sizes
    • Low dust
    • No tracking
    • Great for multi-cat households
    • Odor neutralizing technology
    • Hypoallergenic

    Cons

    • Clay litter
    • Packaging tears easily
    • May not clump hard enough with urine

    3. World’s Best Cat Litter Multiple Cat – Premium Choice

    World’s Best Cat Litter Multiple Cat
    Package Size:8 pounds, 14 pounds, 28 pounds
    Clumping:Yes
    Primary Materials:Corn
    Eco Friendly:Yes

    The World’s Best Cat Litter Multiple Cat litter is a great option if you’re looking for an eco-friendly cat litter for a multiple-cat home. This litter is made from sustainable corn and is 99% dust-free. It clumps on contact with waste and traps odors, reducing bad smells from the box. It won’t clump to your litter box, but it clumps well enough to work in an automatic litter box. It’s made from 100% whole-kernel corn and is free of artificial fragrances. It is flushable and safe for septic systems, although flushing it is not the recommended way to dispose of it.

    Although it is almost dust-free, this litter does produce some dust and should be poured into the box slowly to prevent dust. Some people don’t feel this litter has as much odor control as traditional clay litter. It is vacuum sealed, so you may receive a bag that seems solid, and it may require a little bit of banging it around to loosen it up.

    Pros

    • Made from 100% whole-kernel corn from sustainable sources
    • Made for multi-cat households
    • Three package sizes
    • Clumps on contact
    • Traps odors
    • 99% dust free
    • Low tracking
    • Free of artificial fragrances
    • Can be flushed

    Cons

    • Does produce some dust
    • May not control odors as well as traditional litter
    • May seem solid when the bag is first opened

    4. Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Respiratory Relief Unscented Clumping Clay Litter – Best for Kittens

    Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Respiratory Relief Unscented Clumping Clay Litter
    Package Size:20 pounds, 40 pounds
    Clumping:Yes
    Primary Materials:Clay
    Eco Friendly:No

    If you’re looking for a cat litter that is great for kittens, then Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Respiratory Relief Unscented Clumping Clay Litter may be what you’re looking for. It’s safe for kittens, adults, and cats with respiratory problems. This litter comes in two package sizes and is 99.9% dust-free. It’s hypoallergenic and has no artificial fragrances, plant proteins, or dyes. It includes stress-reducing herbal essences, helping your kitten transition to its new home. It clumps hard and helps control odors.

    This litter is also available in a silica gel formulation, but it is non-clumping and cannot be used in most automatic litter boxes. It may stick to the litter box and might be difficult to clean. The packaging was recently switched from a box to a bag, and many users report finding the bag difficult to use.

    Pros

    • Great for kittens and cats with respiratory issues
    • Two package sizes
    • 9% dust free
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Includes herbal essences for stress relief
    • Clumps hard
    • Controls odors

    Cons

    • Clay litter
    • Silica gel formulation can’t be used in automatic litter boxes
    • May stick to the bottom of the litter box
    • New packaging may be difficult to use

    5. Tidy Cats Free & Clean Unscented Clumping Clay Litter

    Tidy Cats Free & Clean Unscented Clumping Clay Litter
    Package Size:14-pound jug, 20-pound jug, 35-pound pail, 40-pound bag
    Clumping:Yes
    Primary Materials:Clay, activated charcoal
    Eco Friendly:No

    The Tidy Cats Free & Clean Unscented Clumping Clay Litter is available in four package sizes with jugs, bags, and pails as available packaging. This low-dust clumping litter features “Tidy Lock” Protection to lock away odors on contact and has a 10-day odor control guarantee. It’s free of dyes and fragrances and includes activated charcoal for superior odor control. It’s made for multi-cat homes and forms tight clumps.

    Some people find that this litter sticks to the bottom of the box and clumps so effectively that it may overclump, using more litter than necessary. It is not low-tracking, so it may get tracked by messy kitties.

    Pros

    • Four package sizes
    • Multiple packaging types
    • Low dust
    • 10-day odor control guarantee
    • Free of dyes and artificial fragrances
    • Includes activated charcoal
    • Made for multi-cat homes

    Cons

    • Clay litter
    • May stick to the bottom of the box
    • Tends to overclump
    • Not low tracking

    6. Arm & Hammer Platinum Cloud Control Scented Litter

    Arm & Hammer Platinum Cloud Control Scented Litter
    Package Size:37 pounds
    Clumping:Yes
    Primary Materials:Clay
    Eco Friendly:No

    The Arm & Hammer Platinum Cloud Control Scented Litter is a dust-free litter that claims to prevent the “cloud of nasties” created when pouring dusty litter into the box. It has a 7-day odor control guarantee and uses a light scent that is free of 26 known scent allergens. It features Dander Shield Technology to reduce the amount of dander kicked up into the air during box cleaning. It seals in odors and destroys them, keeping your home smelling fresh, even in multi-cat homes.

    This litter is only available in a 37-pound box, so it may be difficult for some people to manage. The cardboard packaging is difficult to open and may be difficult to pour. Some people find the scent of the litter unappealing and like a recognizable clean litter box smell.

    Pros

    • Dust free
    • 7-day odor control guarantee
    • Scent is free of 26 known allergens
    • Reduces airborne dander during litter box cleaning
    • Seals and destroys odors
    • Made for multi-cat homes

    Cons

    • One package size
    • Clay litter
    • Packaging is difficult to open
    • May be difficult to pour
    • Scent may be unappealing

    7. Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Touch of Outdoors Unscented Clumping Clay & Prairie Grasses Litter

    Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Touch of Outdoors Unscented Clumping Clay & Prairie Grasses Litter
    Package Size:20-pound box, 20-pound bag, 40-pound bag
    Clumping:Yes
    Primary Materials:Clay, prairie grass
    Eco Friendly:No

    Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Touch of Outdoors Unscented Clumping Clay & Prairie Grasses Litter is an interesting cat litter concept that brings the outdoors to your litter box. This clay-based litter includes field-grown prairie grasses, which add a little bit of grassy texture to the litter and contain natural chlorophyll, which helps with odor control. The addition of prairie grasses also may reduce stress and anxiety in cats. This litter clumps hard and is 99% dust-free.

    This litter is primarily made of clay, and while it does help with odor control, it doesn’t have as powerful odor control as many other litter options. Although 99% dust-free, many users report noticing dust settling around the box after adding litter, and some people even report smelling a dusty smell in the air.

    Pros

    • Three packages available
    • Prairie grasses may add texture that your cat will enjoy
    • Chlorophyll is a natural odor-fighter
    • Prairie grasses may reduce stress and anxiety
    • 99% dust free

    Cons

    • Clay litter
    • Odor control isn’t as good as other options
    • Does contain some dust
    • May leave a dusty scent

    8. Boxiecat Air Fresh & Clean Scented Clumping Cat Litter

    Boxiecat Air Fresh & Clean Scented Clumping Cat Litter
    Package Size:5 pounds, 11.5 pounds
    Clumping:Yes
    Primary Materials:Proprietary plant-based formula
    Eco Friendly:Yes

    The Boxiecat Air Fresh & Clean Scented Clumping Cat Litter is available in two package sizes and features a proprietary plant-based formula that is eco-friendly and sustainable. It’s 60% lighter than clay-based litter and has a moisture-activated scent that is gentle enough not to bother fussy cats. It’s 99.9% dust-free and creates AirTight clumps.

    This litter tends to track, which can be messy. Since the plant-based formula is proprietary, it’s not clear what ingredients are in the product, which can make it difficult to determine if it’s appropriate for people with allergies. Some users have reported this litter sticking to the rubber parts of automatic litter boxes, so it may be difficult to clean.

    Pros

    • Two package sizes
    • Eco-friendly and sustainable
    • 60% lighter than clay litter
    • 99% dust free

    Cons

    • Tracks
    • May not be hypoallergenic
    • May stick in some automatic litter boxes

    9. ScoopFree Lavender Scented Non-Clumping Crystal Cat Litter

    ScoopFree Lavender Scented Non-Clumping Crystal Cat Litter
    Package Size:2 packs of 4.5 pounds
    Clumping:No
    Primary Materials:Silica gel crystals
    Eco Friendly:No

    The ScoopFree Lavender Scented Non-Clumping Crystal Cat Litter is available in a 2-pack of pre-portioned litter crystals that will last for one month for a single cat per pack. It has an artificial lavender scent added to it, and the silica crystals are good for odor absorption. The crystals aren’t prone to sticking to paws and should have minimal tracking.

    This litter is not usable in the majority of automatic cat litter boxes since it isn’t clumping. Some people find that when wet, this litter bleeds a little bit of purple dye. Since it doesn’t clump, large amounts of urine may end up pooling in the box, making odor control difficult.

    Pros

    • Two packs per order
    • Lavender scented
    • Minimal tracking

    Cons

    • One pack size
    • Not appropriate for most automatic litter boxes
    • Doesn’t clump
    • May bleed purple dye
    • Urine may pool in the box
    divider 3 paws

    Buyer's Guide: Choosing the Best Litter for Your Automatic Box

    Most automatic litter boxes require clumping litter, but there are a few that need non-clumping litter. It’s important to know what kind of litter your automatic litter box requires. Using the wrong type of litter can lead to the machine being damaged and the box is not only broken but voided of warranties. You should also choose a litter that meets the preferences of your cats. Many cats are extremely picky about litter textures and smells, and using a litter that your cat doesn’t like can result in inappropriate urination and defecation in your home. Daily litter box emptying is necessary for maintaining your cat’s health and happiness, and routine litter box cleaning will help keep smells under control.          

    Cleaning up after our pets is not the most enjoyable part of owning them. Despite keeping a clean litterbox, cat odors and stains may still exist around the house. Sometimes, even the best litter box setup needs extra help. If you're tired of dealing with bad smells from litter boxes, Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray can help with the worst pet stains and smells. Additionally, the Advanced Bio-Enzyme Cat Litter Deodorizer neutralizes odors upon contact.

    Our Favorite Products

    Image Product Details
    Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray
  • Works on multiple surfaces
  • Gentle yet effective
  • Lifts stains & set-in odors
  • Hepper Litter Additive Advanced Bio-Enzyme Cat Litter Deodorizer
  • Neutralizes odor within cat litter
  • Cat-safe
  • Unscented
  • At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

    How We Selected Our List of Cat Litter for Automatic Cat Litter Boxes

    Catster has an experienced, expert team of writers, editors, and veterinarians who carefully consider a wide range of parameters when choosing the cat litters. This includes but is not limited to customer reviews, brand reputation, veterinary experience, hands-on testing, and of course, our cats have a say in the process too! We aim to select and review only the best products available, to help you make the best possible choice and most informed decision for your and your cat’s needs.

    Why Trust Catster?

    A trusted online brand since 2001, Catster has a lot of experience with cat litter. Our team of cat-loving writers, editors, and veterinarians is dedicated to helping you make the best decision for your precious cats. Our aim is to provide the best information available for cat owners to help cats live their best life possible. To do this, we scour reviews from the most trusted sources available and this, combined with our veterinary team’s experience and expertise, helps us gather the best options available to readers. Our team is deeply invested in the health and welfare of cats the world over, and believes that expert knowledge and veterinary guidance will help you make the right choices—for you and your cats!

    divider 2 cats

    Conclusion

    The best overall litter for your automatic litter box is the Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Slide Litter Multi Cat, which is affordable and highly effective at clumping and controlling odors. If you’re on a tight budget, then you will appreciate the cost-effectiveness of the Frisco Multi-Cat Unscented Clumping Clay Litter. For an eco-friendly product at a more premium price, then the top pick is the World’s Best Cat Litter Multiple Cat. Regardless of your cat’s preference, there is a cat litter to suit them. Finding litter that works for your situation should not be overwhelming, so these reviews are intended to help you pick the best product for your cat.

    Related Reads:


    Featured Image Credit: Lightspruch, Shutterstock

    Expert cat care, straight to your inbox

    Vet-reviewed advice, behavior tips, and the best of Catster. Free, and you can unsubscribe anytime.

    By signing up, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

    Christian Adams
    Authored by

    Christian Adams

    Join the conversation

    Ask a question, share your story, or send private feedback.

    Rate this post
    Required to post. Only our editors see your rating.
    Who should see this?

    A human reviews every comment before it appears. Your email is never published.

    9 Different Types of Cat Litter: Vet-Verified Pros & Cons

    9 Different Types of Cat Litter: Vet-Verified Pros & Cons

    Buying cat litter would seem to be the easiest decision you’ll ever need to make. After all, it's designed for your cat to poop in, so how hard could it be to…

    Christian Adams
    By Christian Adams ·
    What Type of Litter Is Best for Cats? 9 Vet Approved Choices

    What Type of Litter Is Best for Cats? 9 Vet Approved Choices

    Litter box duty is the least favorite daily job of every cat parent, and it’s important to find the right type of litter. But what is the best litter for cats?…

    Keri-Beth Clur
    By Keri-Beth Clur ·
    Arm and Hammer Cat Litter Review of 2026: Recalls, Pros & Cons

    Arm and Hammer Cat Litter Review of 2026: Recalls, Pros & Cons

    Cat litter is an essential item on any cat owner’s shopping list, and most of us have heard of Arm & Hammer, a brand that has been on shelves for over 170 year…

    Christian Adams
    By Christian Adams ·
    The Catster Digital Magazine: Fall 2026 Issue

    The Catster Digital Magazine: Fall 2026 Issue

    The Catster Magazine is back for fall! As a thank-you for being a subscriber, we're giving you FREE access to our Fall 2026 issue!

    Amanda Lin
    By Amanda Lin ·

    Automatic Litter Boxes Are Not a Luxury, They’re a Necessity

    If there is one thing I regret about my automatic litter box, it’s that I didn’t get one sooner. For years, I dismissed this marvel of engineering as an overpr…

    Dr. Karyn Kanowski
    By Dr. Karyn Kanowski ·
    Automatic Litter Boxes Are Not a Luxury, They’re a Necessity

    Dungeons & Kittens – The Roleplaying Game For Cat Lovers

    If you have a cat (or cats!) in your life, then you know the value of play; there’s no better way to spend time with a loved one, both human and furry. I’m a l…

    Mike Mearls
    By Mike Mearls ·
    Dungeons & Kittens – The Roleplaying Game For Cat Lovers

    The Weirdly Wonderful Cat Litter Every Cat Parent Should Know About

    If there's one thing all cat owners can agree on, it's that cats can be, well, a little weird. But that's why we love them! As a cat parent, your acceptance of…

    Sara Seitz
    By Sara Seitz ·
    The Weirdly Wonderful Cat Litter Every Cat Parent Should Know About

    The Original Space Invaders – Why Zero Respect for Personal Boundaries Is a Good Thing

    Cats have a reputation for being independent, and in many ways they are. But anyone who has tried to work at a laptop with a cat on the keyboard, or woken up w…

    Dan Seymour
    By Dan Seymour ·
    The Original Space Invaders – Why Zero Respect for Personal Boundaries Is a Good Thing

    We've Launched Veterinary-Jobs.co.uk: A New Home for Veterinary Careers in the UK

    We are thrilled to announce the launch of Veterinary-Jobs.co.uk, a dedicated job board built specifically for the veterinary profession in the United Kingdom.…

    Catster Editorial Team
    By Catster Editorial Team ·
    We've Launched Veterinary-Jobs.co.uk: A New Home for Veterinary Careers in the UK

    The Catster Magazine is Officially Back!

    The Catster Magazine relaunch is officially underway with a fresh new look and an all-new digital experience. We're thrilled to reintroduce our Digital Magazin…

    Catster Editorial Team
    By Catster Editorial Team ·
    The Catster Magazine is Officially Back!

    Level Up with the Self-Cleaning Litter Box From Oneisall – Our Expert’s 2026 Review

    * Use code CATSTER25 for 25% at oneisall.com. Valid through December 31, 2026 Earlier this year, I made some awesome upgrades to my dedicated cat room, includi…

    Dr. Karyn Kanowski
    By Dr. Karyn Kanowski ·
    Level Up with the Self-Cleaning Litter Box From Oneisall – Our Expert’s 2026 Review

    The Surprisingly Simple Ways to Help a Cat With Hairballs

    Cats spend an astonishing amount of time grooming. It is part hygiene routine, part comfort ritual, and part instinct that traces back generations. But all tha…

    Dan Seymour
    By Dan Seymour ·
    The Surprisingly Simple Ways to Help a Cat With Hairballs

    Love Cats? So Do We! Join the Catster Community

    Stay informed with expert cat care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on feline behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.

    You may opt-out at any time. View our Privacy Policy for more information.

    The Catster site on a phone