10 Best Cat Litters 2026 in the United States

The Fresh Step Advanced Clumping Litter with Febreze Freshness and Gain Scent is a clay-based litter that provides strong odor control, thanks to its advanced formula that includes Ammonia Block Technology and activated charcoal. This makes it a good choice for households looking for effective odor management. The product's clumping ability is another strength, forming tight clumps that make scooping easy and reduce the likelihood of crumbles being left behind, which maintains a clean environment for your cat.

Additionally, the rapid liquid absorption ensures that the litter box stays dry and comfortable for your pet. The litter also features a low dust formula, which helps keep your floors and surfaces cleaner and reduces the risk of inhaling dust particles, beneficial for both cats and owners who are sensitive to dust. However, being a clay-based litter, it is not the most eco-friendly option available. It may also track slightly outside the litter box as clay litters often do, though the low dust formula helps mitigate this issue to some extent.

The product comes in a sizable 37-pound package, which means less frequent shopping but may be heavy to handle for some users. It is scented with Gain, which most users find pleasant, though it could be too strong for those sensitive to fragrances or for cats with delicate respiratory systems. This litter is best suited for cat owners who prioritize odor control and ease of maintenance, and who are less concerned about eco-friendliness.

Fresh Step Advanced Simply Unscented Clumping Litter is designed for cat owners looking for effective odor control without added fragrances. This litter uses an advanced formula with Activated Charcoal Technology to neutralize odors on contact, which is excellent for homes sensitive to strong smells. It forms tight clumps quickly, making scooping easier and keeping the litter box clean. The low dust formula helps keep surrounding areas cleaner, which is a big plus for those concerned with dust.

However, being made from clay, this litter may not be the best choice for those seeking eco-friendly options. Additionally, while it claims low dust, some users may still notice minor dust when pouring or scooping. At 37 pounds, the package is quite heavy, which could be cumbersome for some individuals to handle.

Despite these minor drawbacks, its strong odor control and clumping capabilities make it a reliable choice for maintaining a fresh and clean litter box environment.

Fresh Step Advanced Multi Cat Clumping Litter is designed specifically for homes with multiple cats, making it a strong choice if you need reliable odor control and easy cleaning. Made of clay, it clumps tightly thanks to ClumpLock technology, which helps trap liquid and odors quickly, making scooping straightforward and reducing mess. The litter includes Febreze freshness, sealing odors on contact and providing up to 15 days of odor control. This formula is also low in dust, which helps keep your floors and air cleaner around the litter box—a welcome feature if dust sensitivity is a concern. It absorbs liquid rapidly, contributing to a cleaner environment for your cats.

Because it is a clay-based litter, it may produce more tracking (little bits stuck to your cat's paws) compared to some newer materials like crystals or wood pellets, so some litter might be found around the box area. Clay litters are generally less eco-friendly due to mining and non-biodegradability, which might be important if you want a greener option. While it doesn’t significantly reduce tracking, the low dust and strong clumping make cleanup easier than with some non-clumping or dusty litters.

This product is well suited for multi-cat households needing strong odor control and easy scooping, but those seeking a dust-free or eco-friendly alternative might want to consider other options.