10 Best Clay Cat Litters 2021 – Reviews & Top Picks

All cat owners know the importance of picking a suitable cat litter. It’s never fun to see dirty cat litter all over your furniture, floors, or bed. Better yet, a litter box that’s easy to clean is always a plus. Fortunately, there are several options out there, with clay being one of the best clumping cat litters of them all. Clay cat litter has several advantages, such as requiring less cleaning and high absorbency, so you can remove feces and urine without having to clean the entire litter box—scoop and done.

Below, we’ve compiled reviews of the top 10 best clay cat litters to aid in your search for the perfect match for you and your feline pal.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites

The 10 Best Clay Cat Litter – Reviews & Top Picks 2021

1. Scoop Away Complete Performance Fresh Scented Clumping Cat Litter – Best Overall

Scoop Away Complete Performance Fresh Scent Clumping Clay Cat Litter is a low-dust cat litter suitable for multi-cat households. It’s unique in that it uses plant extracts that naturally remove odors for up to 10 days. A fresh scent is activated every time your kitty paws the litter, and this litter also prevents bacterial odors. It clumps well and is easy to scoop. Consumers have stated they like the low-dust and fragrance.

The one downside is that some consumers state that the litter leaves a mess in the house and sticks to paws, but not all.

This litter comes in four packs of 10.5-pound resealable bags, which makes it convenient for those who have trouble lifting heavy bags when refilling is needed. We feel this litter is the best overall clay cat litter with the lighter bags, low dust, fragrance, and high absorbency.

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2. Fresh Step Multi-Cat Scented Clumping Clay Cat Litter – Best Value

Fresh Step Multi-Cat Scented Clumping Cat Litter is 99.9% dust-free, and the extra-strength formula is designed for multi-cats. It uses ClumpLock technology that absorbs liquid on contact and forms tight clumps for easy scooping. The large particles keep the litter in the box instead of under your kitty’s paws and tracked throughout the home. Charcoal and ammonia-blocking technology traps odor for up to 10 days, guaranteed. The paw-activated Febreze fragrance fills the air after your kitty uses the litter box.

Some consumers state that despite the 99.9% dust-free, it’s still dusty; however, pouring the litter in slowly the first time aids in keeping the dust down.

It comes in three box sizes: a 10.5-pound pack of four bags, one 14-pound bag,  or one 25-pound bag. With the 10-day guarantee, bag size options, and odor and clump technology, this litter is the best clay cat litter for the money.

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3. Ever Clean Extra Strength Unscented Clay Cat Litter – Premium Choice

Ever Clean Extra Strength Unscented Clumping Cat Litter is highly absorbent and eliminates odors for up to 14 days. It contains activated carbon that bonds to the granules for the ultimate odor control. It forms strong clumps upon contact with liquid for easy scooping, and it uses a low dust formula. Great for multi-cats, it’s made from pure and natural minerals. It also contains antimicrobial agents to prevent bacteria from forming inside the litter box, which reduces offensive odors.

Some claim that the litter is dusty, and despite being unscented, it can carry a smell. However, pouring the litter slowly into the box can help cut down on the amount of dust.

It comes in a 25-pound bag or four packs of 10.5-pound bags.

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4. Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Ultra Unscented Clumping Clay Litter

Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Ultra Clumping Clay Cat Litter contains all-natural, hypoallergenic ingredients and is unscented. It forms hard clumps that don’t break down for easy scooping and is 99.9% dust-free. The medium-grain clay prevents moisture from forming at the bottom, and it’s great for those who have mechanical or sifting litter boxes. This formula also keeps odor controlled for a fresher and cleaner home, and the low-tracking litter will help keep your cat from tracking it in unwanted areas. This litter comes in either a 20 or 40-pound bag.

A drawback is that the litter can turn rock hard at the bottom of the box, making cleaning a bit more difficult than other cat litters.

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5. Arm & Hammer Litter Slide Multi-Cat Scented Clumping Clay Litter

Arm & Hammer Litter Slide Multi-Cat Clumping Clay Litter makes cleaning more manageable because the litter slides out of the box—no scrubbing or scraping is required to remove the litter from your kitty’s litter box. This litter features a Clump and Seal technology that kills the odor before your kitty finishes. It’s 100% dust-free and offers a 7-day odor-free guarantee. It also features an easy pour, no-handle design for easier filling. It clumps well, effortlessly scoops out for cleaning, and is a good value.

It does well with odor control but may lack in preventing tracking from your kitty’s paws due to the fine litter particles. Some consumers also claim that the box is not designed well for pouring litter into the box.

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6. Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Attract Unscented Clumping Clay Litter

Perfect for the stubborn cat, Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Attract Unscented Clumping Cat Litter uses a natural herb attractant to attract and encourage your cat to use the litter box and can also be used as a training tool. It’s 99% dust-free and is excellent for odor control. It forms hard clumps and can be used with mechanical and sifting litter boxes. As a bonus, it comes with a free litter box solutions booklet.

A downside is it only comes in a 20 or 40-pound bag, which may be difficult for some to lift, and some consumers state the litter is dusty and lacks odor control.

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7. Tidy Cat Glade Tough Scented Clumping Clay Cat Litter

Tidy Cat Glade Tough Scented Clumping Clay Cat Litter offers a 10-day odor control guarantee and uses a low-dust formula. It controls ammonia, fecal, and urine odor and forms hard, tight clumps for easy cleanup. It locks in moisture, so your kitty (or kitties) feels comfortable while using. The litter is scented with Glade Clear Springs for odor control and comes in three bag sizes: 14, 20, or 35-pound bags. The makers of Tidy Cat Litter are one of the most experienced in the market, bringing years of knowledge to produce quality cat litter.

The Glade Clear Springs scent may be strong for some, and there may be some tracking.

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8. Frisco Multi-Cat Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter

Frisco Multi-Cat Unscented Clumping Clay Cat may be a good option for cat owners looking for hypoallergenic cat litter. It’s made of all-natural clay and forms hard clumps. It’s specially formulated to neutralize odor immediately and contains a dedusting system to keep dust to a minimum. It’s low-tracking and can be used with sifting or mechanical litter boxes. Since it is hypoallergenic, it contains no fragrances, dyes, perfumes, or plant proteins. You can purchase either a 20-pound bag or a 40-pound bag at a great value.

This litter may not be suitable for those looking for dust-free litter because it will contain some dust.

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9. Cat’s Pride Total Odor Control Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter

Cat’s Pride Total Odor Control Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter instantly locks ammonia, urine, and feces odor for up to 10 days. It comes in a convenient jug with a handle for easy pouring and is 25% lighter than traditional litter, making storing and pouring easier. It’s 99% dust-free and forms hard clumps for easy scooping. The jug is 15-pounds; however, you get the same use as a 20-pound jug. As a bonus, 1-pound of litter is donated to an animal shelter in need upon purchase.

A downside is it can be dusty and may not contain smells that well.

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10. Natural Clay Cat Litter

For cat owners who want to go the all-natural route, Natural Clay Cat Litter that Controls Odor Naturally could be a good option. It’s fragrance-free with no added scents, and it’s cheap. It’s highly absorbent and contains a low level of dust. It also works great for cats that do not tolerate scents or unnatural smells. This litter is not just for your cat’s litter box; you can also use it for oil absorption in driveways or traction control for your tires in the winter.

Unlike clumping litter, you will need to change the box daily for optimal sanitation, and it only comes in a 25-pound bag.

Buyer’s Guide

As you can see, there are several options for clay cat litter. Clay is an excellent option for those who want the ease of cleaning the litter box. Let’s face it, cleaning the litter box is the not-so-pleasant part of owning a cat, but there’s no way around it.  Clay allows for a high absorbency, which leads to hard clumps that make scooping easier. In most cases, you won’t have to change the entire litter every time; simply scoop and add more litter.

When looking for clay cat litter, consider if you want scented or unscented. It’s also good to know if the litter is hypoallergenic for the allergy sufferer. Most scented cat litter may not be suitable if you suffer from allergies, so be sure to check the box for how the odor is controlled if you go with unscented litter.

Another factor to consider is if you want a flushable cat litter. If that’s the case, then clay cat litter is not the ideal choice. Often the clay will be cement-like when it hardens, so it’s best to take it out with your trash unless you’re a glutton for punishment when it comes to your plumbing.

Conclusion

For the best overall clay cat litter, Scoop Away Complete Performance Fresh Scent offers low dust, optimal odor control, and convenient, lightweight bag sizes. Fresh Step Multi-Cat Scented is 99.9% dust-free, has ammonia blockers, and comes in 3 bag sizes for the best value. Ever Clean offers 14-day odor control for a premium choice, is highly absorbent, and is easy to scoop.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our reviews of the top 10 clay cat litters available, and it helps in your search for the perfect clay cat litter for you and your kitty. Happy shopping!

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Featured Image Credit: Africa Studio, Shutterstock