Best Cat Litter For Odor- Say Goodbye To Stinky Cat Litter

Searching for the perfect cat litter is every cat owner's battle. Whether you have one cat or a multi-cat household, finding the ideal litter that meets all the various needs and requirements can be challenging. There are a lot of features to consider when it comes to finding the best cat litter or cat litter box systems. From odor control to the amount of mess cat litter can leave, pet owners must know what to look for to narrow down the best option.

The odor of cat litter is most cat owners' biggest concern and challenge. Lucky for you, there are many cat litter that is designed to control odor, help trap unpleasant smell, and leave your home smelling fresh, so the only evidence of your cat's presence will be snuggling time.

But how do you know which odor control cat litter is the best for your household? Which ones are natural and strong enough to leave for days at a time? Below, we have rounded up the best cat litter for odor control so you can say goodbye to overpowering litter box smells and hello to a cleaner, fresher-smelling home.

What to Look for in the Cat Litter for Odor Control

Material

Cat litter can be made of clay, wood, corn, cassava, paper, and even grass, all with different properties and pros and cons. 

Bentonite clay is one of the most popular choices among cat owners due to its clumping properties and affordability. However, clay litter can stick to the box and typically contain chemical perfume. Environmental-friendly materials that don't include clay or silica dust have a lot of benefits. Some are even flushable and dust-free, making them a great option for sensitive cats or cat owners who want low trailing around the house. Here are some of the pros and cons of some of the most common cat litter materials:

Odor Control

Perhaps the most important feature of any cat litter is how well it can trap, isolate and control litter box odor. Materials like baking soda and activated charcoal can help reduce feces and urine smell. Cats are sensitive to smell; unfortunately, some of the odor maskings smell ingredients can turn cats away.

Dust

For cats or owners with sensitivities, it can be important to check how much dust a cat litter can produce when poured or scooped. Clumping cat litter generally produces the most dust and has more tracking out of the box than non-clumping.

Dust-free cat litter can also be a healthier option for cats. When cats use the litter box, they can track dust onto themselves. When they lick themselves clean, they can potentially ingest the dust, form a mass in their body, and cause potential health issues.

Amount of Tracking

Tracking refers to how messy cat litter can be if it is prone to falling outside the box or traveling on your cat's paws through the house. You can place a mat or rug outside the cat's litter box to prevent some tracking, but smaller materials generally track more than larger particles.

Absorbency

Not all materials have good absorbency, the ability to contain liquid. Absorbency is a critical factor in choosing cat litter that controls odor, and the litter should be able to effectively absorb moisture and urine to prevent odors from forming. Highly absorbent litters are usually made from materials such as clay, silica, and paper, making litter more "scoopable."

Clumping

Many pet owners prefer to use cat litters that clump well, which not only contains the waste odors better but also makes cleaning easier. You can scoop out the clump without changing the whole litter box. Non-clumping cat litter is less expensive than clumping options, but it is harder to scoop and clean without replacing the entire pan.

Cost

Your cat's litter box will have to be changed out regularly, so knowing what you can invest in cat litter is important to determine.

Weight

For individuals who may struggle with large or heavy forms of litter, it is helpful to consider lighter options for easier pouring.

Clumping litter is among the heaviest, as clay is a relatively heavy material. 

Scented or Not

Whether you are for or against scents or fragrances to cover up odors, it is a feature to consider. Whether it is a chemical fragrance, naturally scented or unscented, it is a personal preference. 

Cats' highly sensitive sense of smell means that many of them favor unscented options over scented ones. Cats can refuse to use the litter box if the cat litter has a strong smell. While it may be attempting to get a scented litter, it's best to opt for unscented. 

Particle Size

Cats are super particular, and it is no exception when it comes to cat litter particles. Since cats were originally desert-dwelling animals that are used to sand, your cat will most likely prefer the finer particle cat litter. 

Disposal

Some cat litters are biodegradable or flushable, which can be a great way to dispose of litter. If you are purchasing a flushable option, be sure to check with your local regulation first. Also, read the instruction from the litter company to learn how to flush the cat litter safely.

The 12 Best Cat Litter for Odor Control Selections That Are Litter-ally the best

The Sustainably Yours Multi-Cat Natural Litter is the best overall choice for odor-controlling cat litter. It is also a Jackson Galaxy, also known as cat daddy's, choice. The super lightweight cat litter provides world-class odor control, instantly neutralizing without added chemicals or fragrances. The finest granules are softer on the cat's paws than clay, silica, and pellets making this a great choice for cats with sensitive paws and multi-cat homes. Made from corn and cassava, this all-natural cat litter is sustainable and biodegradable while providing incredible odor control. The low dust formula clumps effectively and controls odor being clay free. The clumps can easily be scooped out of the soiled litter, flushed for convenience, and making scooping a breeze. Unlike traditional litter Sustainably Yours Multi-Cat Plus Litter lasts longer, Sustainably Yours Multi-Cat Plus Litter lasts longer, and it can save you some money in the long run.

When it comes to multi-cat households, you need a special type of litter that can handle all the activities to keep your house smelling fresh and clean. The World's Best Original Series Unscented Multi Corn Cat Litter is a great choice for cat parents looking to stay ahead of odor control in a house with more than one cat without using harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances. Made from whole-kernel corn, making the cat litter an all-natural and eco-friendly choice. The corn-based cat litter is free of silica dust and 99% dust free, making it a less messy and easier breathing option of cat litter for pet parents and pets. The natural cat litter is unscented, making it a great choice for pet parents and cats with sensitive noses. Tough on odor and clumps hard for easy scooping for a cleaner, more sanitary home. As a natural product made of renewable resources like corn, you can feel good about using this cat litter to control odor that is septic-safe for easy cleanup.

The Tuft & Paw Really Great Cat Litter is a premium cat litter option that optimizes odor control to keep your home free of litter box odor. Crafted from a non-toxic soybean by-product, this cat litter is all-natural, non-toxic, and free from harmful chemicals and additives, and it makes it safe for your cat and better for the planet. Its ultra-absorbent formula quickly traps moisture and odors, leaving your home fresh and odor-free. Your cat will love using their litter box with its soft texture and minimal dust. It is perfect for households that suffer from allergies since it is very low-dust and deodorizes without strong perfumes or fragrances. Totally mess-free, as this cat litter is flushable, odor-eliminating, quick clumping, and low tracking to keep your home clean. Unlike other cat litter on the market, this cat light is lightweight, making it easy to carry and pour, requiring fewer litter changes and lasting longer than traditional clay cat litters.

The So Phresh Extreme Clumping Unscented Grass Seed Cat Litter is an excellent choice for cat owners looking for long last odor control, low dust, and all-natural and eco-friendly litter options. This cat little can help cat parents stay ahead of odor control in a house with more than one cat without using harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances. The unique formula quickly clumps for easy scooping and disposal while providing excellent odor control. Crafted from 100% US-sourced, biodegradable grass seed that is 50% lighter than clay and is 99.9% duty-free, it makes cleaning and maintaining the litter box breezy. The unscented formula is perfect for cat and cat owners with sensitivity and makes it gentle on the cat's paw. With So Phresh Extreme Clumping Unscented Grass Seed Cat Litter, you can feel good about providing a safe and comfortable environment for your fur baby.

Although clay cat litters are renowned for their exceptional clumping performance, they may not be the healthiest choice for your cat, your own well-being, or the environment. If you are looking for the best clumping formula that is naturally formulated and it is safe for your cat, then you must check out World's Best Unscented Clumping Corn Cat Litter.

Made from whole-kernel corn and completely free of added fragrances or chemicals, World's Best Unscented Clumping Corn Cat Litter is safe for your cat, you, and the planet. This cat litter is popular for its premium clumping ability and for being a low-mess natural litter. Unlike other natural options, this cat litter delivers long-lasting odor control to help you keep your home free of litter box odor. With a quick clumping formula, you can scoop away with a breeze without necessary scraping. Furthermore, this litter is designed to be flushable, making it easy to maintain your cat's litter box. It is also safe for use in most septic and sewer systems, ensuring hassle-free disposal. With its eco-friendly formula that combats odors, you can feel good about using a product.

The Tidy Cats Breeze Cat Litter Pellets is an innovative solution that makes litter box maintenance a breeze! Say goodbye to traditional litter box setups and hello to a cleaner and odor-free home. The Tidy Cats Breeze Cat Litter Pellets are a great choice for cat parents who are looking to cut back on the mess made by traditional kitty litter. As an alternative to clumping litter, Tidy Cats pellets work best in the Tidy Cats Breeze litter systems, allowing for optimal odor control and easy cleanup. The unique design of these pellets allows cat urine to pass through to the absorbent pad below, enable easy cleanup of solid waste on top. This also means you will need to purchase the cat pads separately to capture cat urine. The pads are highly absorbent and can help reduce litter box odors overall. The non-clumping litter pellets are 99.9% dust-free and are formulated to be used in multi-cat homes. The litter pellets will need to be replaced every 30 days. With no added perfumes or dyes, these pellets are gentle on your cat's sensitive senses and safe for multi-cat households.

Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat Attract Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter is designed for litter box training. It is also the perfect choice for cats, people, or homes that prefer unscented cat litter over the heavy fragrance of many commercial cat litters.

This cat litter is designed for cats who struggle to use their litter boxes and acts as a training litter. Unlike traditional clumping cat litters, this clumping clay litter is specially formulated with natural herbs and attractants that lure cats to their litter box, even if they have previously been avoiding it. Formulated with clay, this litter will provide hard clumping, offers superior odor control, and is ideal for sifting/ mechanical litter boxes. The fine texture of this litter prevents it from sticking to your cat's paws, reducing tracking throughout your home. Plus, it's 99% dust-free, making it an ideal choice for cats with respiratory sensitivities.