Get

In Your Inbox

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.

Tidy Cats Litter Review in 2026: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Share

Tidy Cats Cat Litter Review

Review Summary

Our Final Verdict

We give Tidy Cats litter a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Although brand recognition does not equal quality or performance, Tidy Cats from Purina is one of the best-known names in cat litter manufacturing. Its history means that it has had a long time to perfect its litter, and whether you prefer clumping or non-clumping, scented or unscented, clay or alternative litter materials, you will find a Tidy Cats litter to match.

Purina has combined with Glade, and recent iterations of their litter now have Glade scents directly infused into the litter so it emits a pleasant smell all the time, and you get a fresh waft whenever your cat scratches or buries anything under the clay.

Tidy Cats does offer a limited range of other materials, but it has developed its reputation using clay-based litter. Today, the majority of their litter range is made up of clay-based ingredients, so if you want litter made from other materials, you may have to consider another brand. If clay litter is your preferred choice, then you have a good selection to choose from. In either case, read on to find out more about the Tidy Cats brand and the wide range of litters that the company produces.

At a Glance: The Best Tidy Cats Litters

Image Product Details
Winner
Tidy Cats Glade Tough Scented Clumping Clay Cat Litter Tidy Cats Glade Tough Scented Clumping Clay Cat Litter
  • Glade odor control
  • Clumping litter
  • Convenient carrying container
  • Second place
    Tidy Cats 24/7 Performance Scented Non-Clumping Clay Cat Litter Tidy Cats 24/7 Performance Scented Non-Clumping Clay Cat Litter
  • Cheap
  • Large bag
  • Odor-controlling performance
  • Third place
    Tidy Cats Breeze Cat Litter Enhanced Pellets Refill Tidy Cats Breeze Cat Litter Enhanced Pellets Refill
  • Made with improved odor control
  • Has an Active Clean Scent
  • 99.9% dust-free
  • Tidy Cats Breeze Cat Pads Tidy Cats Breeze Cat Pads
  • Scented, odor control litter
  • Low-tracking pellets
  • Used in the Breeze system
  • Tidy Cats Lightweight Glade Scented Clumping Tidy Cats Lightweight Glade Scented Clumping
  • Glade odor control
  • Has Ammonia Blocker
  • Lighter than leading clumping litter
  • divider single cat paw oct 2026

    Tidy Cats Cat Litter Reviewed

    Cat litter absorbs urine and feces and soaks up the smell when your cat goes to the toilet. It is recommended that you have one tray per cat, plus one extra, although you can have additional trays to ensure that your cats each have a favorite and spares. Litter trays are beneficial for cat owners because their cats won’t have to do all their business outdoors, but trays also pose a few problems.

    Litter trays were once lined with newspapers and filled with sand, but modern litter has advanced a long way since then. Litters can now clump when they get wet, which makes it much easier to clean up liquid mess and makes it possible to skim-clean the tray. This means that you can clean out just the litter that has been used and replace that section, using less litter overall while still ensuring a clean and odor-free environment.

    grey cat sitting behind green litter tray
    Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock

    This brings us to another important function of cat litter: preventing and removing the strong and acrid smell of cat urine from the room where the litter tray is kept. Good litter will absorb the smell, as well as the liquid and mess. It will prevent the smell from getting out of the tray, which makes for a more pleasant environment for everybody.

    Other factors to consider when choosing litter include how often it has to be replaced before it becomes unusable, whether it is easy to store and easy to dispose of, and whether your cat tracks it through the house, which can happen with some litter.

    Manufacturers have come up with various ways to address these problems, including the Tidy Cats brand.

    Clay Litter

    Clay was one of the first materials used in cat litter manufacturing. It naturally clumps when wet, can be attained easily and at minimal cost, and is relatively easy to pick up. However, it does get heavy when wet, it can form cement-like clusters on the sides and bottom of the tray, and it does tend to stick to a cat’s paws so it can be tread throughout the house.

    Tidy Cats has developed a good reputation for its production and provision of cat litter, and this reputation has been forged on the use of clay litter. Although it has introduced limited other materials into its range, the company has stuck with clay, and you will find that most of the products it offers now are clay-based cat litters.

    Tidy Cats Lightweight Glade Scented Clumping Clay Cat Litter

    Does Tidy Cats Offer Other Types of Litter?

    Although most of Tidy Cat’s products are clay-based, they do offer litter pads and litter pellets. They even have litter products made from activated charcoal, which aims to filter out the smell rather than simply cover it up.

    Glade Partnership

    Purina has partnered with Glade in recent years. Glade is well known for its manufacturing of plugins and other room deodorants, and Tidy Cats buyers can now enjoy a few of the same fragrances with their cat litter. These litters provide a better-smelling room throughout the day, and the action of your cat moving the litter around reactivates the Glade to introduce more of the scent. Fans of Glade will appreciate the scented litter products.

    Who Makes Tidy Cats Litter?

    Tidy Cats litter was introduced in 1954 by Ed Lowe. It was sold exclusively in supermarkets and was designed to take advantage of the natural clumping nature of clay. Lowe was an inventor and cat owner, and he had become tired of seeing sooty cat pawprints around the house.

    At the beginning of the 1990s, Lowe sold his successful cat litter company but the brand did not stop innovating. The company launched Tidy Scoop, which was its first scoopable litter, and in 2008, it introduced the Breeze system, which combines odor-absorbing pads and anti-tracking pellets in a single system.

    Even more recently, in 2013, LightWeight Tidy Cats was launched. It is not only lighter than traditional clay but comes in a convenient jug-type bottle that is easy to pour and even easier to keep tidy. Tidy Cats continues to innovate with its Naturally Strong range, launched in 2019, which is a strongly scented litter that is designed for more difficult smells.

    Tidy Cats Breeze Cat Pads

    Today, Tidy Cats is owned and run by Purina, a well-respected name in the cat industry, and it continues to provide a good range of innovative cat litter products, including clay, activated charcoal, and pellet litters.

    divider cat faces 2 oct 2024

    A Quick Look at Tidy Cats Litter

    Pros
    • Good and long reputation for producing cat litter
    • Range of materials and litter types
    • Inexpensive
    • Reasonable odor control
    Cons
    • Not the best clumping litter
    • Somewhat limited material choices

    Recall History

    Tidy Cats cat litter has never had a product recall.

    divider cat faces 2 oct 2024

    Reviews of the 3 Best Tidy Cats Litters

    1. Tidy Cats Glade Tough Scented Clumping Clay Cat Litter

    Tidy Cats Glade Tough Scented Clumping Clay Cat Litter

    The Tidy Cats Glade Tough Scented Clumping Clay Cat Litter is clay-based. It clumps up when it gets wet, which enables you to remove just the soiled section of litter and replace it with clean litter. What’s more, the litter is infused with Glade air freshener, so when it is disrupted, the litter releases a pleasant smell around the area of the litter.

    Tidy Cats claims that this litter will retain its smell for 10 days, which should be enough time before you have to remove and replace the litter. Tidy Cats also claims that this litter is dust free, and depending on the size of the container you buy, it either comes in a convenient and easy-to-carry jug or a pail design.

    Pros
    • Glade odor control
    • Clumping litter
    • Convenient carrying container
    Cons
    • Doesn’t clump that well
    • Can be tracked around the house

    2. Tidy Cats 24/7 Performance Scented Non-Clumping Clay Cat Litter

    Tidy Cats 24-7 Performance Scented Non-Clumping Clay Cat Litter

    Clay cat litter is how Tidy Cats made its name, and the 24/7 Performance Scented Non-Clumping Cat Litter continues this trend today. This inexpensive litter has an extended-release deodorizing system that is considered suitable for litter trays that need high-performance litter. The non-clumping litter absorbs moisture rather than clumping, making it preferable for cats that otherwise choose to ignore their litter tray because they don’t like the discomfort of litter clumps.

    Pros
    • Cheap
    • Large bag
    • Odor-controlling performance
    Cons
    • Non-clumping
    • Doesn’t control odor as well as claimed

    3. Tidy Cats Breeze Cat Litter Enhanced Pellets Refill

    Tidy Cats Breeze Cat Litter Enhanced Pellets Refill

    The Breeze litter system combines litter pads with litter pellets. The pads soak up and dispose of bad smells, while the litter pellets gather moisture and cover solids. The most recent version of the litter includes improved odor control so you do not have to endure the smell of cat urine and poop around the whole house. It is also anti-tracking, so your cat won’t drag it into the living room or on the furniture. The litter does not clump, enabling liquid to pass through and into the pads underneath, effectively controlling odor while allowing the collection of solids on the top of the litter.

    Pros
    • Scented, odor-control litter
    • Low-tracking pellets
    • Used in the Breeze system
    Cons
    • They smell bad after a day or two

    divider cat faces 2 oct 2024

    What Other Users Are Saying

    Read what others are saying about Purina Tidy Cats cat litter:

    • CatLitterHelp: “Their decades of experience and tweaking of their products are represented in everything that they sell, and the result is a product list of respected and proven litters that tend to get the job done.”
    • AllAboutCats: “If you are looking for an affordable brand of high-quality litter, Tidy Cats is one to consider.”
    • Amazon: We have also checked Amazon reviews to see what other buyers and users have to say about the Tidy Cats cat litter brand. You can read what they say here.

    divider cats oct 2026

    Conclusion

    Tidy Cats has developed a strong brand reputation in the 70-plus years it has been manufacturing cat litter. It built its reputation on clumping clay litter, and it continues to concentrate its efforts in this area, although it has widened its product range a little with the introduction of litter pellets and even an activated carbon option. Its lightweight, clumping, and Glade-scented litters are especially popular, and if you’re a fan of clay litter, Tidy Cats, which is now a Purina brand, is worthy of consideration and purchase.


    Featured Image Credit: Chewy/ yamamedal, Shutterstock

    Want content like this delivered to you?

    Sign Up For Our Newsletter

    News, insights, expert advice, and everything cat

    * By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.




    How useful was this post?

    Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

    Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

    Your feedback really matters.

    What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

    Join the conversation

    9 Responses

    1. I was using it in my Litter Robot for almost two years. Now when the waste gets dumped in the waste tray, it’s soaking wet! The litter never did this before. I tried other Tidy cats litter. Same thing. I’m going to try another brand before I blame Tidy Cats. Not happy at all right now.

      1. Thanks for sharing your experience, Debbie. Sorry to hear about the product failing after two years.

    2. Tidy Cat lightweight, clumping, Free & Clean litter is not like it used to be. It now is mostly clay, heavier, & doesn’t control odors. It also makes a mess. What in the world did Purina do?? I’m now looking for a different litter. Thank you.

      1. Hi Susan, and thank you so much for reading Catster. We truly appreciate you being part of our community. Our goal is to provide helpful, well-researched information to support you and your feline family members.
        Since we’re an independent publication and not directly affiliated with the litter manufacturers, we recommend reaching out to them for the most accurate and up-to-date information about any product changes.
        In the meantime, here are a couple of guides you might find helpful if you’re exploring other litter options:
        https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/best-clumping-cat-litter/
        https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/best-unscented-cat-litters/

        We hope this helps, and thank you again for stopping by!

    3. We usually buy 10 or 20 lb bags of Tidy Cats & all is good. Occasionally we’ve gotten the 30 lb size from a different store. It’s lighter in color & our cat won’t use it! Any insight?

      1. Sounds like the product might have changed. Cats know what they like from what they don't. Our best advice is that you contact the manufacturer to ask if this is the case.

      2. I used to like the Tidy Cat unscented with activated charcoal, USED to clump hard and controlled odors, I stopped using it altogether due to its now fowl smell from clumps disintigrating when scooping. Its definitely gone downhill.

    Leave a Reply

    You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.


    Talk With A Vet Online

    Peace of mind,
    anywhere, anytime

    Affordable vet advice

    The 10 Common Causes of Sudden Death in Cats (And Which Ones Are Preventable)

    Most cat owners don’t think much about heart disease, internal hemorrhage, or viral infections until they’re staring at an empty bed. Sudden death...

    Ask Dr. Paola – Help! My Cat Suddenly Has Dandruff! (March 30, 2026)

    Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our...

    Your Cat Keeps Vomiting After Eating: Here’s What’s Going On

    Cats vomit. It’s one of the less glamorous facts of life with a feline, and most cat owners have cleaned up more than...

    Ask Dr. Paola – Help! My Cat Gets Diarrhea from Wet Food! (March 23, 2026)

    Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our...

    More related

    Can Cats Eat Veggie Straws? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

    Human treats are not known for being “healthy”. The average potato chip is mostly fat, oil, and salt, with artificial additives and flavorings...

    Is Cinnamon Bad for Cats? Vet-Reviewed Safety Facts

    Cats are obligate carnivores that have very different diets and nutritional needs than humans. However, there are a variety of foods that both...

    How to Get a Cat Out From Under a Car: 7 Vet-Approved Quick & Helpful Tips

    Cats are notoriously good at hiding. If you’ve owned a cat, or currently have a feline in your home, you may have lost...

    Rodent Ulcers in Cats: Our Vet Explains Causes, Signs, & Treatments

    Your cat has a raised, red sore on their lip. A quick Google search reveals that it may be a rodent ulcer. But...

    Keep reading

    Can My Cat Wear a Harness All the Time? 4 Vet-Reviewed Risks & Safety Tips!

    Who says you can’t walk a cat? Admittedly, not all felines are willing to be harnessed and leashed to go outside with you for a nice walk, but many do enjoy the activity. Getting a harness on and off a...

    black and white cat in a harness standing outdoors

    9 Best Cat Foods for Smelly Poop in 2026: Reviews & Top Picks

    If you’re being chased out of the room every time your cat uses the litter box, it may not be their cat litter to blame but their food. What your cat eats directly affects what their stool smells like. Some...

    top view of a cream maine coon cat eating dry and wet pet food from feeding dish

    How Much Does It Cost to Spay or Neuter a Cat? 2026 Update (Vet-Verified)

    Spaying and neutering are both common medical procedures recommended by veterinarians, breeders, and shelters. Spaying or neutering your cat removes the possibility of them reproducing. Besides helping prevent unplanned litters of kittens, spaying and neutering can prevent a wide range...

    Two veterinarians holding down a Persian cat at the exam table

    Can Cats See Fire? Explaining Feline Vision & FAQ

    Cats have long fascinated humans with their enigmatic behaviors and extraordinary senses. We are often told that cats have superior senses compared to us, enabling them to perceive the world in a unique way. One intriguing question that often arises...

    Glass Fireplace

    Why Does My Cat Bite My Feet? 6 Vet-Approved Reasons for This Behavior

    As cat owners, we know that the price of being owned by a cat also means dealing with a lot of crazy and inexplicable behavior. But this is why we love our cats. Chances are, at some point in time,...

    cat biting man's foot

    Can Cats Have Olive Oil? Vet-Approved Nutritional Facts & FAQ

    The health benefits of olive oil for people are well-established. Evidence suggests it can improve cardiovascular health by lowering LDL, what is referred to as “bad cholesterol.” Many pet owners consider their animal companions family members. Just as you’d give...

    Can Cats Have Olive Oil

    Is Aluminum Plant Toxic to Cats? Vet Approved Safety Facts & FAQ

    Aluminum plants, known as Pilea cadieri, are hearty evergreen perennials in the same family as nettles. The plant features dark green leaves that look as if they’ve been brushed with aluminum. It’s native to Vietnam and parts of China and...

    Catster_Is Aluminum Plant Toxic to Cats

    How Do I Choose the Right Toys for My Cat? Vet-Approved Tips & Guide

    When you have a cat, you already know how important it is to make sure they have something to do. This is particularly true of purely indoor cats. Cats have a natural instinct to stalk and hunt prey, so without...

    Young happy woman choosing toys for pets in pet shop

    Love Cats? So Do We! Join the Catster Community

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




    Sign up for the Catster Email Newsletter

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