The 10 Best Clumping Cat Litters of 2023

After testing over 25+ products, we have reviewed the best clumping cat litters for you to scoop and clean your cat’s litter box with ease.

As a cat parent, you can relate to the dilemmas of scooping your cat’s litter box each time after its dirty.

But is it all that easy?

Does scooping always work to get the box clean?

What if the litter does not clump at all?

What you need is a clumping cat litter. This type of litter is made of clay and forms hard, solid clumps when it comes in contact with moisture and cat pee.

This makes it easy to sift and scoop the dirty litter while the clean one stays in the box for reuse.

Clumping litter not only makes scooping and cleaning easy but also encourages efficient use of litter. We make it simple for you by reviewing the best clumping cat litters along with how to choose an ideal litter for your feline mate.

A Glance of Our Favorites in 2023

The 10 Best Clumping Cat Litters of 2023

1. Dr. Elsey’s Premium Clumping Cat Litter

Dr. Elsey’s Premium Clumping Cat Litter is the best clumping cat litter according to us. The product offers hard clumping and comes as medium grain clay. This makes it the perfect clumping litter and helps prevent moisture.

Dr. Elsey’s Premium Clumping Multi-Cat Litter is suitable for all litter box types and the hard clumps don’t break down easily. This makes it easy to scoop and sift the dirty litter from the box. It is 99.9% dust free and hypoallergenic. This keeps the house and environment clean, preventing any type of respiratory disorder.

Features

• Hard clumping medium grain clay
• 99.9% dust-free
• Superior odor control
• Unscented
• Has natural ingredients
• Low tracking

The product is non-sticky and can be removed easily from any litter box. It does not have any scent but offers superior odor control. The granules do not cause tracking. The convenience of cleaning and the hard clumping features make it our best clumping cat litter of all.

“To conclude, we think this is the overall best clumping cat litter.”

Pros

• Easy to sift and scoop as it forms hard, solid clumps
• Dust-free litter helps in maintaining a healthy environment
• Suitable for multiple cats
• Controls odor without any artificial scents

Cons

• Litter tracks excessively
• Not worth the price

2. ARM & HAMMER Clump & Seal Platinum Cat Litter

ARM & HAMMER Clump & Seal Platinum Cat Litter had to be our premium choice as it offers a dust-free formula, creates rock hard clumps on coming in contact with moisture, and offers 10% more odor eliminators than any other ARM & HAMMER formula.

The litter is suitable for multiple cats and is very easy to manage and use. It is safe for both you and your kitty as it maintains a dust-free, allergy-free environment. The ‘clump and seal’ is a patented formula that locks odor once it comes in contact with moisture.

Features

• 10% more odor eliminators
• 7-day odor sealing guarantee
• Plant-based materials and quick clumping
• Suitable for multiple cats
• 100% dust-free Platinum formula

The litter lasts for a good one month and cats love to dig into its smooth texture. The solid clumps are firm enough and can be easily separated from the dirty litter. The platinum litter is what any cat parent can ask for.

Pros

• Has powerful odor eliminators for controlling dirty smell
• Works for multiple cat households
• Contains ARM & HAMMER baking soda for absorbing odor particles

Cons

• Has a strong chemical-like smell that cats deter from
• Does not clump effectively

3. Purina Tidy Cats Pure Nature Clumping Cat Litter

The Purina Tidy Cats Pure Nature Clumping Cat Litter is our best clumping cat litter under a budget. It is meant for multi-cat use and offers outstanding odor control apart from fast clumping. It is made of all-natural materials like cedar, pine, and corn.

The package offers the same amount of litter as any other clay clumping formula and naturally clumps on coming in contact with moisture. This offers ease of cleaning and scooping efficiently without spreading any dust or allergies. It has natural guar gum that provides effective clumping.

Features

• Made of all-natural materials
• Absorbs urine
• Quick clumping
• Outstanding odor control
• 99.9% Dust-free

The litter is absolutely lightweight and is effective for controlling odor. It has all that a cat parent would want from a clumping litter in a budget price that makes it one of the best and most renowned brands.

Pros 

• High-quality litter at a budget price
• Made of natural cedar, pine, and corn
• Easily biodegradable and flushable
• Lightweight and forms easy clumps

Cons 

• Overwhelming scent
• Dusty and causes allergies

4. World’s Best Clumping Litter Formula

World’s Best Clumping Litter Formula stands true by its name as it is very easy to handle and manage due to its fast scooping and clumping feature. The multi-cat litter is lightweight as well as people, pet, and planet-friendly because it is made of an all-natural whole corn kernel.

The product offers outstanding odor control and works for multi-cat households. The natural litter is proven to be flushable as well as safe for your sewage systems. It is 99% dust free and does not contain silica particles that can cause allergies.

Features

• Outstanding odor control
• Quick clumping and easy scooping
• Flushable and sewage friendly
• Lightweight and dust-free
• Suitable for multiple cats

The litter is made of renewable materials like whole kernel corn which are quite absorbent and long-lasting making it worth the cost. It is light in weight and is highly concentrated for efficient odor control and absorption.

Pros 

• Long-lasting litter that works for days
• Easy to dispose of as it is flush friendly
• The litter clumps within a few minutes making it easy to scoop
• Lightweight litter for easy sifting and cleaning

Cons

• Too dusty
• Clumps are not very hard and firm

5. Fresh Step Multi-Cat Clumping Litter

Fresh Step Multi-Cat Scented Clumping Litter is the best-scented multi-cat litter and not only clumps better but fights odor for longer. The litter possesses extra strength to handle multiple cats using a single litter box.

The clumping litter offers 10 days of odor control and is highly absorbent to lock in liquid and odor when it comes in contact with the litter. The clumping formula is efficient enough to not leave any stinky crumbles behind.

Features

• 10-day odor control formula
• 99.9% dust-free
• Locks in liquid and odor
• Suitable for a multi-cat household

Unlike other clumping litter, fresh step offers a 99.9% low dust formula for a cleaner surface and non-dusty air while sifting or pouring. Moreover, it is anti-tracking and does not spread around the house.

Pros 

• Litter is extra strong to control odor for up to 10 days
• Works for multiple cats
• Superior clumping to prevent the formation of crumbles

Cons 

• The litter is too dusty
• Overwhelming fragrance

6. ökocat Natural Wood Clumping Cat Litter

ökocat Natural Wood Clumping Cat Litter is the ultimate next-generation plant-based litter and controls odor quite effectively even before it starts to spread. The original quality premium litter clumps into a hard mass solid for ease of scooping and cleaning. It is 99.9% dust-free to maintain a healthy environment at home and around the litter box. It is made of clean wood fiber which is screened and de-dusted for a non-dusty environment while pouring. The litter has no dirty clay dust.

Features 

• Wood fiber plant-based litter
• Long hair and regular type variants available
• Superior odor control
• 99% dust-free
• Biodegradable and flushable

Moreover, ökocat contains no artificial fragrance or synthetic chemicals, neither dyes nor GMO’s. It is absolutely safe for your cat. The litter is also biodegradable and flushable. All you have to do is scoop and flush one clump at a time.

Pros

• Lightweight litter for ease of sifting and pouring
• De-dusted
• Highly absorbent on coming in contact with liquid
• Easy to dispose of as it is flushable and biodegradable

Cons 

• Overpriced for quality
• Very dusty

7. Purina Tidy Cats LightWeight Clumping Cat Litter

Purina Tidy Cats LightWeight Clumping Cat Litter is a low dust clumping litter that comes from a reputable brand that has been into making pet products for years now. It is a multi-cat litter and very light in weight, making it easy to sift, pour, and manage.

The litter forms tight clumps on coming in contact with moisture which makes it easy to scoop. The ammonia blocker prevents odor from spreading and works for at least 2-3 weeks. The instant clumping action and high absorption formula fight urine and poop odor effectively.

Features

• Lightweight and Low dust formula
• Instant Clumping action
• Ammonia Blocker Technology
• Tight clumps for easy scooping

Talk about the litter being lightweight, it weighs only 17lbs, that is almost half of most clumping litters available in town. There are multiple size variants available for the product and Purina is one of the most reputed brands across town.

Pros

• The odor block technology prevents smell for up to 2 weeks
• Smooth clay and mineral texture that has a deodorizing effect
• Weighs almost half of most clumping cat litters
• Acts on odor immediately and effectively

Cons

• The product smells too strong like perfume
• Tracks easily as it is lightweight

8. Boxiecat Extra Strength Premium Clumping Cat Litter

Boxiecat Extra Strength Premium Clumping Cat Litter clumps effectively and controls odor in two ways. First, the extra strength probiotics prevent odor even before it starts, thereby, immediately targeting odors.

On the other hand, the Extra Strength’s Flat Top clumps trap the bacterial and ammonia odor to not linger any further. The Boxiecat formula inhibits litter box odors due to the increased protein diet of cats. The litter lasts 2 times longer for efficient use.

Features

• Probiotic powdered odor control
• 99.9% dust-free
• Instant top clumping
• Ultra-clean formula
• Suitable for cats on a high-protein diet

It is 99.9% dust-free and helps in preventing allergies and maintaining a healthy home environment. The granular form of litter is non-tracking and suitable for all types of litter boxes. The product is highly recommended by most veterinarians. The powerful clay formula carries out effective clumping.

Pros

• Shows instant clumping action and easily separates out on the top
• Remains clean even after multiple scoopings
• Non-tracking granules help keep your floors clean
• Long-lasting litter and stops odor even before spreading

Cons

• Not worth the price
• The litter is too dusty

9. Naturally Fresh Clumping Walnut Cat Litter

This Natural Walnut Clumping Cat Litter by Naturally Fresh is made of 100% natural walnut shells. The litter is quite effective in eliminating urine and fecal odors and quite better than clay litter.

The multi-cat clumping litter formula is free of silica dust or any other extra fillers to prevent dust from spreading, keeping away from allergies and respiratory issues. It is devoid of chemicals or toxins and is absolutely safe for your cat to use.

Features

• Made from 100% walnut shells
• Biodegradable and flushable
• Eliminates odor with malodor counteractant
• Dust-free formula

Additionally, the litter is made of natural ingredients meaning it is biodegradable and flushable. The litter is also non-tracking and is effective in neutralizing odors better than any other clay litter.

Pros

• Non-tracking and free of filler particles to avoid dust and respiratory issues
• Highly absorbent and clumping formula
• Eliminates both urine and fecal odor
• Free of chemicals and toxins, making it safe for your cat

Cons

• Does not clump effectively
• Very dusty

10. sWheat Scoop Natural Fast-Clumping Wheat Cat Litter

As the name suggests, sWheat Scoop Natural Fast-Clumping Wheat Cat Litter is wheat-based containing all-natural ingredients that clumps easily and neutralizes odors naturally in a jiffy. The wheat starches cause the litter to clump faster and much firmly for easy scooping.

Being natural, the product is biodegradable and flushable making it easy to dispose of. The exclusive noble ion technology eliminates odor without replacing it with any overwhelming fragrances that cats deter from.

Features

• Wheat-based fast clumping cat litter
• Biodegradable and flushable
• Neutralizes odor
• Non-fragrant
• 100% renewable

The product contains no dyes or perfumes and is made from renewable resources for everything to be efficiently recycled. The fast clumping and uniquely designed biodegradable litter are every pet owner’s favorite.

Pros

• Reuse and recycle the litter effectively as it is biodegradable
• Does not contain any artificial dyes or perfumes making it safe for your cat
• Wheat starch allows quick clumping action
• Easy to dispose of as it is flushable

Cons 

• Very dusty
• Causes tracking of litter

What is Clumping Cat Litter?

Clumping Litter is a clay-based material that is known to be absorbent and easy to clump and scoop.

When your cat urinates, the litter forms a firm, hard mass that is easy to scoop and replace immediately. Some clumping litters also help in containing pee and poop smell and controlling odor from spreading across the house.

Clumping litter is usually made of a clay called bentonite. It is a very unique material and forms a hard, solid clump when it comes in contact with any liquid or moisture like cat urine.

Clumping litter makes your litter sifting and cleaning job easy. All you have to do is, just lift the hard litter while the clean litter stays back in the box.

However, there are a few downsides to clumping litter. It becomes heavier when it contains urine. Additionally, clumping litter is a bit dusty and can be problematic for cats as well as humans with allergies and respiratory issues. It is a bit costly due to the clay material used.

If we consider the convenience that clumping cat litters offer, the minor disadvantages are negligible, making it easy to scoop and manage your cat’s litter box quite effectively.

How Does Clumping Cat Litter Work?

Most Clumping Cat Litters are very absorbent that causes the litter to become hard and stiff, thereby making it easy to manage and sift out dirty litter from box.

Clumping Cat Litter is made of bentonite – a hard clay material that is soft in texture and super absorbent. The moment it comes in contact with moisture, it forms a hard lump that feels heavier than the original litter material. The urine or liquid binds the litter to form a solid mass.

if you do not want to come in direct contact with the litter, a scooper always helps. Most litter boxes come with a scooper to lift the hard lump easily and dispose of the litter in a bin or disposable bag.

Once your cat uses the box with the clumping litter, wait for it to form a hard mass, lift it with the scooper or sift it with a sifting pan and you are good to go. This helps you in using the litter effectively and not letting the clean litter go waste.

Make sure to replace the reduced amount of litter with fresh litter so there is sufficient quantity for your feline mate to dig its poop inside and excavate.

Do you see litter traces all over the house then you should read this cat litter no tracking.

Clumping vs Non-Clumping Cat Litter | What’s Better?

When it comes to choosing between clumping and non-clumping cat litter, the clumping type is the clear winner as it provides the convenience of scooping solid as well as liquid cat waste which is not possible with non-clumping cat litter. 

Ideally clumping cat litter is clay-like, soft, and small tiny particles that are easy to lump and form hard masses.

Non-clumping litter, on the other hand, is made of materials like corn, pine, paper pieces, silica gels, etc. These do not form a hard mass even on coming in contact with urine.

While both the types can be used in the litter box and both absorb urine effectively, non-clumping does not form clumps. This can make it difficult to distinguish between dirty and clean litter in the box. Clumping litter, on the other hand, can be effectively sifted off the box and you can obtain clean, reusable litter in a jiffy.

Moreover, if the used litter smelling of urine remains in the litter box, cats would not want to approach the box. This is because they are absolute neat freaks and would not like to go to a dirty area to poop or pee.

Consecutively, this will only lead to them peeing about anywhere in the house and messing it even further. Such incidences are pretty common with cat owners using the non-clumping litter.

Most cats love using clumping litter, as it’s gentle on their paws, easier to dig, controls odor effectively, and form clumps that are easy to differentiate and sift.

If you have a large litter box, and less time to clean, your cat can still use the non-clumped clean litter for her shedding business without worrying about the litter box being dirty.

However, for some cat owners, the budget can be an issue as changing litter frequently can burn a hole in their pockets. Remember, a litter box is a must to raise a cat unless your cat is toilet trained.

Instead of toiling around and wasting your time and efforts into sifting through their smelly litter box, clumping litter makes it easy for you to scoop the waste in a few minutes.

Talk about being cost-effective, then the clean litter can always be reused for weeks or months and the dirty litter can be replenished with slight quantities each time it gets scooped out.

Have a look at how does crystal litter works?

How to Choose the Best Clumping Cat Litter?

While there are various types of clumping litter available, what are the features to look out for in the best clumping cat litter? We help you figure that out.

• Clumping Action

The clumping action of these litters should be efficient. This means, that, on coming in contact with urine, it should form a solid lump that remains tough and like a hard mass even on scooping and sifting.

The clump should not fall apart and should be easily differentiable from the clean litter in the box. It should also be capable of forming clumps swiftly and they should retain the lump for a long time until you find time to scoop it out.

• Dust-free

Clumping litter is made of tiny, fine granules which can often cause dust clouds while your cat digs into the litter or you sift it. Dust particles can be allergic to cats as well as humans and cause respiratory disorders.

While clumping litter can form small amounts of dusty particles, make sure to look out for quality brands that offer dust-free variants as well.

Dust-free litter would be safe for your cat as well as your family. It would help in maintaining an overall healthy air environment indoors.

• Absorbent

Clumping litter should not let the urine keep trickling over the surface and absorb any moisture or urine effectively and quickly.

This will not only help in containing the urine in one place but also the odor coming from it. Moreover, the more absorbent the litter is, the more easily it will form clumps.

• Odor Control

Going around the litter box causes you to hold your breath because the litter box smells disgusting? That is why odor control clumping litter not only helps in collecting the dirty litter at one place, but also the foul smell coming from it.

This makes it easier for cat parents to handle the litter inside the box. Odor control litters usually contain odor eliminating substances like baking soda or ammonia blocking agents that trap the odor particles and do not allow it to spread in the house.

Few types of clumping litter also come with a mild scent or fragrance. Each time your cat uses the litter box, the scented particles get activated and release a pleasant smell to cover up for the foul odor that comes along with cat poop or pee.

• No Fillers

Clumping litter should only comprise particles meant to absorb urine, control odor, and form clumps. If there are fillers or materials that are non-absorbent, the quality of litter has deteriorated.

Moreover, the clumps are not hard enough and will fall off with slight movement or scooping. This can make it difficult to manage the litter as the dirty litter will end up mixing with the clean one.

Therefore, choosing a high-quality litter with no fillers makes it efficient to clean and scoop.

• Biodegradable

If disposing of litter each time pricks the environmentalist in you, then there are various biodegradable types of clumping litter available which are made of wood and walnut shells.

Talk about disposing of them, then they can be easily flushed down your toilet or dug somewhere in the backyard and can be recycled.

• Cost

Clumping cat litter is costly as compared to other types of natural or non-clumping litter. However, if you look out for basic clumping litter with moderate clumping efficiency and non-scented type, then you may get a cheaper brand or two.

But to be on the sensible side, it is always better to spend a few dollars extra as clumping litter can be used efficiently and offers a lot more convenience of cleaning.

Know more about the uses of cat litter containers.

FAQs

Final Note

Clumping Cat Litter makes sifting and cleaning easy for you. While litter cleaning can be quite a task, make sure to look out for a clumping type that controls odor, is dust-free, causes minimum tracking, locks odor particles, and all in all, encourages efficient litter use.

Although clumping litter is heavy on the pocket, there are natural material sources that are available for cheap. They are usually biodegradable and easy to dispose of or recycle.

Read above for our best clumping cat litter reviews as we help you choose a litter that offers convenience to you and is loved by your feline furball.