Best Cat Litter for Odor & Mess Free Homes

If you are a fan of cats, you know how much love and joy they can bring into your life. However, you also know how much mess and odor is included if your cat litter is not among the best. The best cat litter on the market will squelch any nasty odors, minimize the mess out of the litter box, and control the dust cloud that can occur.

The cat litters reviewed in this article take a look at each component to see how they stack up against the mess and odor a litter box can bring. If you buy some of the best cat litter, having a beloved family pet cat doesn’t automatically mean that you have to deal with the nasty business some litter entails. Without having to worry about a litter box, you can fully concentrate on loving and playing with your cats instead!

Our Recommended Cat Litter | 2021 Reviews

10. Purina Tidy Cats Litter Pellets for Litter Box Odor Control

Purina has been in the pet business for a long time, and they know what cat owners want in a litter. That’s why they have created a litter unlike any other. This litter is made from pellets, rather than clay pebbles, which leads to a dust-free home. This revolutionary litter box system works in two ways. First, it uses Breeze pellets as the main component. Second, it has odor absorbing pads beneath the box that absorbs the ammonia-rich urine that sinks through. Since these pellets are non-clumping, the urine passes straight through to the pad beneath. Solid waste stays on top in the mess free pellets.

Purina states that these pellets are 99.9% dust free, which helps control excess dust and odor in your home. They also work by dehydrating the solid waste, so whatever is left behind is super simple to scoop up. The only catch is these pellets work with the Tidy Cats Breeze litter box system (sold separately). Simply place the pellets in top and an odor-absorbing pad in the tray below, and you will have an odor and mess free litter box for up to one week for one cat.

What We Like

• Dust free litter
• Odor absorbing pads
• Dehydrating solid waste ability
• Easy maintenance

Highlights

With the Tidy Cats Breeze litter box system (sold separately), you no longer have to worry about the smell or mess of a litter box. When you change the cat pads once a week and scoop out the solid waste regularly, you will forget you even have a litter box in your home!

9. Fresh Step Extreme Scented Litter with the Power of Febreze

Fresh Step Extreme scented litter has added the power of Febreze to help combat nasty ammonia odors caused by cat urine. The is one of the best cat litters for multiple reasons. First, it is a clumping cat litter making it easy to scoop out your cat’s waste. Second, it is harnessed with the fresh scent of Mountain Spring Febreze which is activated each time your cat paws at the litter.

This cat litter is specially formulated for multiple cats to use. It’s clay pebbles absorb the strong ammonia smells with Ammonia Block Technology which lasts up to 10 days. It works by limiting bacteria growth and deactivating the ammonia enzymes. Finally, Fresh Step has created this litter in a low-dust formula, leading to less dust on your furniture and in the air.

What We Like

• Febreze scented
• Ammonia Block Technology
• 10 day odor control
• Multiple cat formula

Highlights

Fresh Step Extreme scented litter has won a coveted spot as one of the best cat litters due to the nearly dust free formula and fresh scent. With a Mountain Fresh Febreze scent combined with the Ammonia Block Technology, odors are nearly impossible to detect for up to 10 days. What’s even better is that it can be used for multiple cats.

8. Scoop Away Multi-Cat, Scented Cat Litter

Scoop Away Multi-Cat cat litter proves that cat litter doesn’t have to be a pain to deal with. With its clumping ability and odor control, you might forget to clean the litter box daily! The litter itself is highly absorbent allowing for urine and solid waste to remain in the box, and the litter is heavy enough where it is not tracked outside on your cat’s paws. It provides tight clumps that sit easily on the scoop, so small remains don’t stay in the box adding to lingering odor. If, for some reason, there is slight odor, this litter comes with a slight scent to mask any unpleasant smells left over.

Not only is the actual cat litter superior, but it comes in four, convenient bags, so the weight doesn’t overwhelm you. Simply separate the bags from the delivery packaging, then carry them individually to your storage area. This is undoubtedly one of the best cat litters on the market. You will not be disappointed!

What We Like

• Odor control
• Slightly scented
• Tight clumping action
• Four individual bags

Highlights

Scoop Away Multi-Cat cat litter does what it claims it does. It provides tight clumps to prevent urine-soaked litter from breaking down, it masks odors associated with cat waste, and it stays in the litter box instead of being tracked throughout your home. Plus, it comes in four, easy to carry, bags instead of one large bag.

7. Ever Clean Extra Strength Clumping Unscented Cat Litter

Ever Clean unscented cat litter has everything a cat owner would want in a litter. It comes in four convenient bags for easy handling and carrying, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. This cat litter knows that cat owners don’t want to mess with messy floors or stinky odors ruining their homes. That’s why Ever Clean made a cat litter with Ammonia Shield and Carbon Plus technology. The Carbon Plus actually bonds with the urine and feces to remove unwanted odors. The Ammonia Shield minimizes the harsh smell of ammonia found in cat urine. Combined, they contribute to the lack of odor that generally wafts out of litter boxes.

Some cat litters add a fresh scent to cover up odors, but this litter comes fragrance free for sensitive noses. Even without an artificial scent, this litter proves to provide odor protection for up to 14 days. As a bonus, the granules are tight clumping and dust free.

What We Like

• No artificial fragrance
• Tight clumping
• Carbon Plus technology
• Ammonia Shield technology

Highlights

Ever Clean unscented cat litter is a dust free, odor free, fragrance free solution for your litter box. It comes in four manageable bags, and provides technology for 14 odor free days.

6. World’s Best Cat Litter Multiple Cat Clumping Formula

Although the World’s Best Cat Litter is not as well known as some of the other brands on this list, it is still one of the best cat litters in the market. What separates this litter is that it’s made from whole kernel corn instead of clay granules. Coming in three, 15 pound bags, it is easy to handle and carry, but remember to keep it in sealed containers once opened.

Corn is a natural resource, so you can feel good about using this litter. It contains zero harsh chemicals or pollutants that could add to indoor air pollution. Although natural, it still works as well as the other brands. It forms tight clumps for easy scooping and is virtually dust free. Choose between fragrance free or a pleasant lavender scent.

What We Like

• All natural corn
• Tight clumping ability
• Two scent choices
• Environmentally friendly

Highlights

World’s Best Cat Litter is an environmentally friendly cat litter made of whole kernel corn. It is tight clumping and dust free. It comes in either fragrant free or lavender scent, and three 15 pound bags are included.

5. Purina Tidy Cats Clumping Cat Litter

As most cat owners know, if you start with one cat, you usually end up with more. That’s why it’s important to have the best cat litter to stand up to the challenge of unwanted odors wafting out of the litter box. Purina Tidy Cats Instant Action gets the job done by eliminating odors at first contact. This clay litter is moisture activated, so wetness and odors are trapped right when they hit.

The clumping formula makes clean up a breeze without having old urine stuck to the bottom of the tray. This litter is made from a natural clay formula with a deodorizing system and a dust free pour. With proper use, you can have multiple cats using this litter, and still not detect odors for up to 10 days!

Plus, it comes in a convenient, 35 pound tub that stores easily in your pantry or closet. Simply replace the lid after every new pour to keep the litter as fresh as day one.

What We Like

• Natural clay formula
• Convenient tub
• Immediate odor control
• 10 day odor protection

Highlights

Purina Tidy Cats Instant Action cat litter is a dust free, highly effective cat litter. It absorbs moisture and odors immediately when your cats’ waste hits the all natural granules. It forms tight clumps for easy scooping, and comes in a tub with a air tight lid.

4. Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Platinum Cat Litter

Arm & Hammer raised the cat litter game when it came out with its Platinum Clump & Seal litter. Using plant-derived particles, this granular litter traps odors before they have a chance to leave the box, all while forming tight clumps for no mess scooping. This brand has always been known for eliminating stubborn odors, and this cat litter is no exception. These Micro-Granules form a tight seal around feline waste while the tried-and-true Arm & Hammer baking soda zaps unpleasant odors.

Arm & Hammer is so confident in its claims of odor busting, that if you’re not completely satisfied with the results, they will refund your money hassle free. This litter was one of the first on the market to master zero dust as well. When ordered, it comes in a 40 pound box, reducing harmful plastics.

What We Like

• Arm & Hammer baking soda
• 100% dust free
• Cardboard box packaging
• Tight clumping action

Highlights

Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Platinum definitely deserves a spot in the best cat litters for your home. It has a strong clumping action, is completely dust free, and uses it famous baking soda formula to destroy unwanted odors. Keep in mind, though, that the packaging is 40 pounds, so may be hard to lift for some people.

3. Purina Tidy Cats Light Weight, Low Dust, Clumping Cat Litter

A common complaint among cat litter buyers is how heavy the containers are. Purina Tidy Cats solved this problem by introducing their light weight formula. Not only does this cat litter work as well as the others on this list, but it has the benefit of being lighter weight than the others. No more straining your back or leg muscles trying to lift this packaging. The light weight formula allows for easy carrying, handling, and pouring.

As with other Tidy Cats litter, this one holds on to odors before they escape into your home. Using Glade scented technology, you can have the refreshing smell of Clear Springs or Clean Blossoms filling the air. It also comes with a powerful ammonia blocker that will block strong urine smells for up to 14 days. Also equipped with moisture locking technology, the litter is sure to absorb the mess that litter boxes can carry.

What We Like

• Glade scented
• Lighter weight
• 14 day odor protection
• Tight clumping

Highlights

If you are looking for a cat litter that does it all, you can feel confident purchasing the Purina Tidy Cats light weight, low dust, clumping cat litter. It has proven effective, all in an easier to lift container. You and your cat will be happy with this choice!

2. Arm & Hammer Platinum Slide Easy Clean-Up Clumping Cat Litter

Similar to the Arm & Hammer brand we reviewed above, this Platinum Slide cat litter works just as well. The difference is that this one comes with an easy “slide” formula. Chosen between an 18 pound box or a 37 pound box, this litter formula slides easily out of the box for a no mess clean up. Not only does it slide out of the box, but the slick litter makes cleaning up feline urine a breeze. You will no longer have to dig and scrape the bottom of the pan to get the clumps of urine. They will easily scoop right up to be thrown away.

This multi-cat litter works in the other areas as well, including a great clumping action and odor control. It utilizes the Arm & Hammer baking soda to prevent nasty odors from escaping, and guarantees a 7 day, odor free home. The Platinum feature actually has 10% more odor eliminating ingredients than other litters from this brand. Of course, there is zero dust residue as well.

What We Like

• Sliding formula
• Higher odor destruction
• Two box size options
• 100% dust free

Highlights

Arm & Hammer Platinum Slide cat litter is a winner among the best cat litters because of its high odor eliminating power. It squashes odors, comes with zero dust clouds, and is easy to scoop out urine clumps. Baking soda and two package size options round out the features found in this brand.

1. Fresh Step Crystals

If you want your cat litter to work well and look nice, then Fresh Step Crystals is the one for you. This litter comes in as one of the best due to the odor-locking crystals used. These crystals will trap nasty odors from your cat’s waste five times better than typical clay litter. They are also incredibly easy to sift through your scooper while leaving behind the undesirable waste. Plus, this litter lasts up to one month without having to be changed.

The crystals not only do an excellent job of trapping odor, but they are best used for cats (and humans) who are sensitive to clay litter. Sometimes, even with dust free litter, residue can linger on cats’ fur, which then rubs off on furniture. These crystals will not rub off on cats, so you are free to cuddle them without that smell or feel of cat litter!

What We Like

• Hypoallergenic
• Easy to scoop
• Long lasting
• 5x odor control

Highlights

Fresh Step Crystals is a top cat litter due to the increased odor control that crystals provide. It is easy to scoop, and cats love it. There is no residual residue, so cats and humans with allergies to clay will find this cat litter perfect. There is no outstanding odor or film after using the crystal cat litter.