I scoop a lot of kitty litter for a lot of folks and there are a growing number of brands available. Unfortunately, many folks seem to choose a brand based on bulk/cost/convenience or brand name recognition. It has become pretty obvious to me that the inexpensive brands can have … issues.

The traditional types of litter are clay-based. It is heavier in texture and generally clumps well. Clumping is important in order to encapsulate the urine for removal, mitigate ammonia buildup, and to extend the life of the entire litter before complete replacement is required. For the health of your kitties you should never smell ammonia in your litter; if so, it all needs to be replaced as soon as possible. It is impossible to mitigate urine/ammonia with non-clumping litter. I am strongly in favor of clumping litter. A fragrance/deodorizer is often added and the fragrance is extremely strong in many brands–so much so that it can be smelled throughout the entire house.

Newer types of litter may be clay mixed with other materials, or entirely made from corn, pine, plastic (!), or other combinations. Some of these newer types clump as well as clay, but some don’t clump at all. I like many of these newer ‘natural’ types. The material is often a lighter weight–but can also more easily be tracked away from the litter box on the kitty’s footies. I strongly encourage folks to try some of the newer types.

So here are my reviews, not in any particular order. These are my own personal opinions and I am not reimbursed by any company for positive reviews. If possible in the future, I will try to obtain discount coupons for our clients. I have highlighted the better performers BELOW.

Spoiler alert: My absolute favorite is Dr. Elsey’s Ultra Unscented.
Revised 06/29/24, in no particular order:

• ARM & HAMMER MULTI-CAT UNSCENTED – Hard clumps, low dust, low tracking. Excellent.
• ARM & HAMMER FOREVER FRESH – As above, but scented. I noticed that the fragrance remained on my clothes all day.
• TIDY CATS 4-in-1 – Non clumping. Minor scent. Must be replaced weekly.
• TIDY CATS INSTANT ACTION – Good clumps, but heavy scent throughout the house. Ugh.
• SIMPLY PURRFECT NATURAL – Good clumping, but high dust and fairly strong fragrance.
• WORLDS BEST – Lightweight, good clumping, fair ammonia control. Tracks. Good.
• LUVSOME – Heavy, clay-based but makes mud balls. Light scent. Ugh.
• sWheat Scoop Multi-cat. Awful, negligible clumping. Tracks. Made mud on the bottom of the litter box. Avoid.
• FRESH STEP CRYSTALS – Non-clumping, turns yellow with use. Tracks under foot and is ‘crunchy.’ Ugh.
• FRESH STEP TOTAL CONTROL – Good clumping but heavy scent and high dust leaves leaves fragrance on clothes.
• FRESH STEP PREMIUM EXTREME – Meh. Larger clay-based chunks don’t clump as well. Typical fragrance.
• DR. ELSEY’S – Excellent clay-based litter. Hard clumps, no fragrance or dust! Low tracking. Highly Recommended!
• OKOCAT PREMIUM WOOD CLUMPING – Excellent! Hard to find a wood-based product which clumps well. Recommended.
• ABOUND NATURAL – Good clumping, no fragrance, lightweight. Recommended!
• SPECIAL KITTY ODOR CONTROL FRAGRANCE FREE – Tight clumps, recommended!

More later. -pete