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10 Best Non-Tracking Cat Litters in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Elizabeth Gray

By Elizabeth Gray

gray british shorthair kitten in cat litter box

Litter boxes could be considered the necessary evil of cat ownership. They might smell, and scooping them every day is no fun, but most of us put up with having litter boxes around if we can enjoy kitty purrs and cuddles. However, if you’re tired of finding cat litter scattered around your house, there is a solution. Why not switch to a non-tracking cat litter? To help you make this transition, we’ve collected reviews of what we believe are the 10 best non-tracking cat litters this year. Check out our thoughts on these products before you start shopping.

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A Quick Glance at Our Favorites in 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Cat Litter Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Cat Litter
  • Strong clumping and odor control
  • Allergy-friendly, low-dust formula
  • Can be used in automatic litter boxes
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Frisco Multi-Cat Cat Litter Frisco Multi-Cat Cat Litter
  • Cost-effective
  • Reduced dust
  • No perfumes, dyes, or fragrances
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Tidy Cats Breeze Cat Litter Pellets Tidy Cats Breeze Cat Litter Pellets
  • Minimal dust
  • Easy to clean
  • Good for multi-cat households
  • Fresh News Unscented Non-Clumping Paper Cat Litter Fresh News Unscented Non-Clumping Paper Cat Litter
  • Doesn’t stick to kitty paws
  • More absorbent than clay litter
  • Biodegradable and made from recycled materials
  • Boxiecat Premium Clay Cat Litter Boxiecat Premium Clay Cat Litter
  • Made in the USA
  • Extra dust reduction
  • Clumps on top for easy scooping
  • The 10 Best Non-Tracking Cat Litters

    1. Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Ultra Cat Litter – Best Overall

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

    Litter Material: Clay
    Scented/Unscented: Unscented
    Available Bag Sizes: 20 lbs, 40 lbs

    Our pick for the best overall non-tracking cat litter is Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Ultra Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter. It’s made with heavy granules to limit movement out of the box and is also 99.9% dust-free and allergy friendly. The clay material absorbs moisture well and clumps firmly, making it easy to scoop. Dr. Elsey’s can be used in any litter box, including automatic or mechanical ones. Due to its odor-control capabilities, it’s a good choice for multi-cat households and small spaces. Long-time users of this product reported that they recently started noticing more dust than they were used to seeing. The clumps also tend to stick to the sides of the litter box if not scooped out quickly.

    Pros
    • Heavy litter particles to reduce tracking
    • Allergy-friendly, low-dust formula
    • Strong clumping and odor control
    • Can be used in automatic litter boxes
    Cons
    • Formula change resulting in increased dust
    • Clumps stick to the box if not scooped quickly

    2. Frisco Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter – Best Value

    Frisco Multi-Cat Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter

    Litter Material: Clay
    Scented/Unscented: Unscented
    Available Bag Sizes: 20 lbs, 40 lbs

    Our choice for the best non-tracking cat litter for the money is Frisco’s Multi-Cat Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter. Available in two large bag sizes, Frisco’s is a good choice for multi-cat households because it’s formulated to keep odor and moisture under control. It can be used in automatic litter boxes as well. It also features reduced dust and is free of dyes, perfumes, and fragrances.

    The litter granules clump hard and are designed for less mess. Overall, users give this litter positive ratings, but they mentioned that it is still fairly dusty, despite claiming to have reduced dust. Some customers noted that the 40-pound bag might be difficult for older cat owners or those with mobility challenges.

    Pros
    • Cost-effective
    • No perfumes, dyes, or fragrances
    • Can be used in automatic litter boxes
    • Reduced dust
    Cons
    • More dust than expected
    • The 40-pound bag may be hard to handle

    3. Tidy Cats Breeze Cat Litter Pellets – Premium Choice

    Tidy Cats Breeze Cat Litter Pellets

    Litter Material: Clay
    Scented/Unscented: Unscented
    Available Bag Sizes: 5 lbs, 7 lbs, 3.5 lb-bag cases of 6

    If you want to spend less time cleaning your cat’s litter box, try Tidy Cats’ Breeze Litter Pellets and Litter Box System. The large, low-tracking litter pellets are almost entirely dust-free. This unique litter can only be used in the accompanying litter box system, as it is designed to allow urine to pass through to the absorbent pad below.

    Solid waste remains behind for quick removal. Despite the small size, one bag of Tidy Cats is supposed to last for one month. With solid odor control, it works well for houses with multiple cats. Instead of scooping urine clumps, you replace the pad every 7 days. Customers gave this litter high ratings, but several noted it might not be the best choice for kittens because they may attempt to eat the pellets.

    Pros
    • Minimal dust
    • Easy to clean
    • Good for multi-cat households
    Cons
    • Can only be used with the Litter Breeze system
    • Kittens may try to eat the litter

    4. Fresh News Unscented Non-Clumping Paper Cat Litter

    Fresh News Unscented Non-Clumping Paper Cat Litter

    Litter Material: Recycled paper
    Scented/Unscented: Unscented
    Available Bag Sizes: 4 lbs, 12 lbs, 25 lbs

    Fresh News Unscented Non-Clumping Paper Cat Litter is made from recycled materials, gentle on paws, and fully biodegradable. The paper pellets don’t stick to your kitty’s feet, which helps keep tracking to a minimum. Although it’s more absorbent than clay litter, Fresh News doesn’t clump either and will take more effort to keep clean.

    The allergy-friendly litter pellets contain baking soda for odor control. Because it doesn’t stick like clay litter, Fresh News may be a better option for cats recovering from medical procedures since they need to keep their healing incisions clean. Some users reported that the odor control wasn’t as good as hoped.

    Pros
    • Biodegradable and made from recycled materials
    • More absorbent than clay litter
    • Doesn’t stick to kitty paws
    Cons
    • Doesn’t clump
    • Harder to keep the box clean
    • Questionable odor control

    5. Boxiecat Premium Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter

    Boxiecat Premium Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter

    Litter Material: Clay
    Scented/Unscented: Unscented
    Available Bag Sizes: 16 lbs, 28 lbs, 40 lbs

    BoxieCat Premium Unscented Clumping Clay Litter is designed for extra quick clumping and easy scooping. When your cat pees, the litter is formulated to form a clump immediately, keeping the mess on top before it soaks down. With extra layers of dust reduction, this litter is fragrance, dye, and perfume-free. BoxieCat can be used in any litter box and is allergy-friendly. With three bag sizes, BoxieCat provides long-lasting odor control due to its fast-clumping properties. Overall, most users found that BoxieCat clumps tightly but doesn’t control odors as well as advertised.

    Pros
    • Made in the USA
    • Extra dust reduction
    • Can be used in any type of litter box
    • Clumps on top for easy scooping
    Cons
    • Doesn’t control odor as well as expected

    6. PetSafe ScoopFree Premium Crystal Litter

    PetSafe Scoopfree Premium Blue Non-Clumping Crystal Cat Litter

    Litter Material: Crystal
    Scented/Unscented: Unscented
    Available Bag Sizes: 5-lb bag, 2 pack

    If you want extra odor control, consider PetSafe ScoopFree Premium Crystal Litter. It’s designed to be used with the PetSafe ScoopFree Litter Tray and will also work with most other litter boxes. The crystal litter is almost dust-free and doesn’t stick to kitty paws like clay. It absorbs the urine and dries out feces for quick and effective odor control. Although the bags are small, they’re designed to last up to 30 days. However, PetSafe may not be the most cost-effective choice for multi-cat households. Some users reported that their cats didn’t like the texture of the crystal litter and refused to go in the box.

    Pros
    • Can be used in most litter boxes
    • Doesn’t stick to paws for reduced tracking
    • Designed for quick odor control
    Cons
    • Not the best choice for multi-cat households
    • Some cats may not like the texture of the crystals

    7. Feline Pine Original Non-Clumping Wood Cat Litter

    Feline Pine Original Non-Clumping Wood Cat Litter

    Litter Material: Wood
    Scented/Unscented: Unscented
    Available Bag Sizes: 7 lbs, 7-lb bag bundle of 3, 20 lbs, 40 lbs

    If you want a more earth-friendly non-tracking litter, try Feline Pine Original Non-Clumping Wood Cat Litter. It’s made from sustainable wood sources and is naturally low in dust and soft on your kitty’s paws. With no added fragrance, the litter has a pine scent, as you might expect.

    It absorbs liquid quickly but is not a clumping product. It’s available in multiple bag sizes and is a cost-effective option. Some pet owners mentioned that the litter is lighter than clay, which makes it easier to handle and scoop. Most found that the odor control was adequate and appreciated that Feline Pine is all-natural and affordable.

    Pros
    • Natural odor control
    • Made from sustainable materials
    • Lighter than clay litter
    • Soft texture
    Cons
    • Non-clumping
    • Has a natural pine scent

    8. Fresh Step Clean Paws Scented Clumping Cat Litter

    Fresh Step Clean Paws Scented Clumping Cat Litter

    Litter Material: Clay
    Scented/Unscented: Scented
    Available Bag Sizes: 5-lb box

    With large particles and 10 days of odor control, Fresh Step Clean Paws Scented Clumping Cat Litter is a good choice for keeping multi-cat households clean and smelling fresh. It’s virtually dust-free and is specifically designed to stay in the box instead of being tracked around the house.

    Featuring extra-tough odor lock technology, Fresh Step clumps tight for easy scooping. Sensitive cats may reject this litter because it has an added fragrance. Some users complained that the litter did control odor and tracking, and others reported that the clumps it forms are heavy and may stick to the sides of the box. Flimsy litter scoops may not be able to handle the job.

    Pros
    • Particles designed for low-tracking
    • Extra strong odor control
    • Virtually dust-free
    Cons
    • Scented
    • Heavy clumps may break litter scoops

    9. Arm & Hammer Double Duty Scented Clumping Clay Cat Litter

    Arm and Hammer Double Duty Scented Clumping Clay Cat Litter

    Litter Material: Clay
    Scented/Unscented: Scented
    Available Bag Sizes: 40-lb box

    Arm and Hammer Double Duty Scented Clumping Clay Cat Litter is designed to quickly absorb pee and poop smell. The low dust and anti-tracking formula comes in a cost-effective 40-pound box with an easy pour spout. This hard-clumping litter contains an added scent, so it may not be the best choice for sensitive kitties.

    With strong odor control and a reasonable price, Arm and Hammer is a good pick for multi-cat households. Some users found that it had more dust than expected. Others noted that the 40-pound box is heavy and wished a lighter version was available.

    Pros
    • Easy pour spout
    • Absorbs both pee and poop smell
    • Particles designed to resist tracking
    • Cost-effective
    Cons
    • Scented
    • No lighter box is available

    10. Naturally Fresh Unscented Clumping Walnut Cat Litter

    Naturally Fresh Unscented Clumping Walnut Cat Litter

    Litter Material: Walnut
    Scented/Unscented: Unscented
    Available Bag Sizes: 14 lbs, 26 lbs

    As another eco-friendly choice, Naturally Fresh Unscented Clumping Walnut Cat Litter is all-natural and biodegradable. Unlike many non-clay litters, this one clumps but can take as long as 15 minutes to form. With no chemicals or added fragrance, Naturally Fresh is allergy-friendly. The litter is more absorbent than clay, and it resists tracking and doesn’t stick to kitty paws.

    Users reported that the clumps don’t stick together well when scooping, making it hard to clean the box. Most felt it had good odor control. Cats used to clay litter may struggle with transitioning to this product.

    Pros
    • Clumping litter
    • Doesn’t stick to kitty paws
    • More absorbent than clay
    Cons
    • Clumps don’t hold well
    • Some cats may struggle to transition to this litter

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    Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Non-Tracking Cat Litter

    Now that you have an idea of which non-tracking cat litter is available, here are some additional points to consider as you decide which is the best choice for you.

    How Many Cats Do You Have?

    This is probably the most important factor to consider when selecting a cat litter. More cats lead to more odors and waste. You’ll want a litter that’s cost-effective and controls odor as long as possible. Clumping litter may be a better choice because you’ll get longer performance out of it.

    Scented or Unscented?

    Although humans may find scented litter more pleasant, most cats (with a better sense of smell) disagree. If your cat is sensitive or has respiratory issues, they may refuse to set foot in a scented litter. Other cats could care less what their box smells like. If your cat has never used scented litter, don’t assume they’ll accept it, and be prepared for some messes outside the box.

    Sometimes even the best litter box setup needs a helping hand in combating invasive smells. Our Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Cat Litter Deodorizer naturally breaks down odors at the source. This effective litter additive can help all types of cat litter last longer, saving you money, and is safe for all life stages. Best of all, it's 100% biodegradable and fragrance-free.

    Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Cat Litter Deodorizer Powder
    • Bio Enzymatic Cat Litter Freshener - Smart formulation uses natural ingredients eliminating cat...
    • Save Money - Stuff for cats isn’t the cheapest. With this litter box odor eliminator, you’ll...

    Litter Texture

    Most kitties learn to use the box with clay litter under their paws. Because of that, they may not take kindly to the unfamiliar feel of some of the materials on our list, such as the crystals. Anytime you change the litter brand, you run the risk of your cat developing inappropriate elimination habits. If you want to switch to one of the non-tracking, non-clay litters, transition your cat slowly to the new litter by mixing it into their original brand.

    Other Strategies to Reduce Litter Tracking

    While the litter options on our list are designed to reduce tracking, it is nearly impossible to eliminate the mess completely. You’ll still want to be prepared with other strategies to reduce litter tracking. Covered boxes can help keep enthusiastic scratchers from throwing litter out. Placing the box on a litter mat can also decrease the mess. The litter box location is also relevant. Placing it in less traveled areas of the house will keep the litter out of sight, even if some of it does track.

    a scoop in a sack of cat litter
    Image Credit: EvGavrilov, Shutterstock

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    Conclusion

    As our best overall non-tracking litter pick, Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Ultra Unscented Clumping Litter offers an excellent combination of reduced dust, tight clumping, heavy litter particles, and odor control. Our best value pick, Frisco Multi-Cat Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter, is a cost-effective, hard-clumping choice for multi-cat families. As you search for a way to keep your home cleaner, we hope our reviews of these 10 non-tracking cat litter will make your decision a little easier.


    Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock

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