One of the worst things about owning a cat is having a stinky litter box. It is the first thing that someone might smell when they enter your home for the first time. To make the best first impression and to ensure that you have a clean smelling home, a cat litter for odor control can help.
We reviewed dozens of cat litters designed for odor control to see which ones were the best. We researched the ingredients to see how effective the odor control additives were and read through online reviews from real customers. We compared the effectiveness against its price and value to reach our results.
Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Platinum Litter stood out as a clear winner. It gives you the ability to control the odors coming out of your litter box. It has the technology needed to act quickly and contain anything that can generate smelly odors. It combines well-known products and ingredients to give you the best combination of value, control, and affordability.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Cat Litters for Odor Control
Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
---|---|---|
Best Overall | Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Platinum Litter | 4.2 |
Runner Up | World's Best Cat Litter, Multiple Cat Clumping Formula | 4.1 |
Best Budget Buy | Neon Clumping Silica Gel Cat Litter | 3.8 |
Best Multi-Cat Litter for Odor Control | Naturally Fresh Walnut-Based Household Quick-Clumping Cat Litter | 4.0 |
Best Pellet Cat Litter for Odor Control | So Phresh Odor Control Paper Pellet Cat Litter | 4.1 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Our Top Pick: Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Platinum Litter
Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Platinum Litter is a clear winner if you’re looking for a cat litter offering great odor control. When it comes to having cats, one of the biggest problems that you will face is the litter box smell. It can get out of control unless you get the right litter. Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Platinum Litter is designed specifically to eliminate odors. To do this, it reacts to moisture quickly so that it can clump up around it and form a tight seal. When this happens, the waste and the odor are trapped inside.
Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Platinum Litter is able to control odors because it is formulated with micro-granules. The granules are activated by moisture and they begin to stick to other granules and whatever activated them. This forms a solid next around whatever activated the granules. Then, they harden and lock in place. As the clump grows tighter, excess granules fall away and are saved for later. Because of this, you only use what you need to form a clump around your cat’s waste.
Another major benefit from Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Platinum Litter is that it is dust-free. Many cat litters are made of powdery substances that can blow through your house. However, Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Platinum Litter does not create dust because of how it is formed. You won’t have to worry about ruining your indoor air quality with the wrong cat litter.
Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Platinum Litter Key Features:Â
- Comes in a 3-pack
- Formulated for multiple cats
- Moisture-activated micro-granules
- Dust-free
Our Runner Up Pick: World’s Best Cat Litter, Multiple Cat Clumping Formula
World’s Best Cat Litter, Multiple Cat Clumping Formula is our runner up pick for cat litter for odor control. It offers you many of the features of our top pick as well as effective cost savings. World’s Best Cat Litter, Multiple Cat Clumping Formula is formulated to deal with multiple cats in the same litter box. Cats can be very territorial and smelly. So, cats tend to not want to share their litter box. However, eliminating the smells of other cats fixes this problem.
World’s Best Cat Litter, Multiple Cat Clumping Formula uses a similar quick clumping technology as our top pick. To stop odors, it clumps around them quickly to seal them in. That way, waste won’t have time to let out its smell. This clumping technology helps World’s Best Cat Litter, Multiple Cat Clumping Formula be more efficient over time. Since it clumps quickly, clumps form near the top. This keeps the deeper layers from being used. If you continue to manage your litter box correctly, then you can keep the unused litter and simply replace what was used. Over time, this will save you a lot of money.
World’s Best Cat Litter, Multiple Cat Clumping Formula Key Features:Â
- Clumps hard so you only need to scoop once
- More absorbent so less is needed
- Can save you money because of efficiency
- 99% dust-free
Best Budget Pick: Neon Clumping Silica Gel Cat Litter
Neon Clumping Silica Gel Cat Litter is a good buy for fending off cat litter odors on a budget. It offers a combination of affordability and uniqueness that many cat owners love. One of the best features of Neon Clumping Silica Gel Cat Litter is that it comes in fun colors. This allows you to decorate your litter box with fun colors as you see fit. It makes a funny inside joke or a conversation starter.
Silica gel is used in a variety of applications, but mainly to control humidity and moisture. It absorbs several times its weight in moisture making it a good material choice for cat litter. It will absorb your cat’s waste and seal in odors to keep it from smelling. When you use Neon Clumping Silica Gel Cat Litter, you only have to scoop twice per week. It will keep clumps tight and ready until then so that they are easy to remove.
Working with Neon Clumping Silica Gel Cat Litter is easy and requires little maintenance effort. As long as you are following your maintenance schedule, there won’t be any problems. This makes Neon Clumping Silica Gel Cat Litter a common choice for many cat owners. At just $13, you can get all of the cat litter that you need for an affordable price.
Neon Clumping Silica Gel Cat Litter Key Features:Â
- Comes in interesting colors
- Only scoop twice per week
- Made of silica gel
- Soft on your cat’s paws.
Best Multi-Cat Litter for Odor Control: Naturally Fresh Walnut-Based Household Quick-Clumping Cat Litter
Naturally Fresh Walnut-Based Household Quick-Clumping Cat Litter is a good choice if you have multiple cats. Dealing with the smell from multiple cats can be a nightmare without the right tools. Naturally Fresh Walnut-Based Household Quick-Clumping Cat Litter combines odor control with an easy-to-clean system so that managing your litter box is easy.
Naturally Fresh Walnut-Based Household Quick-Clumping Cat Litter is made from walnuts, a naturally absorbent material. It is processed into a more efficient shape so that it can quickly absorb any liquid it comes in contact with. It is eco-friendly and made using sustainable and renewable resources. If you are focused on helping the environment and your cats, then Naturally Fresh Walnut-Based Household Quick-Clumping Cat Litter is a good option for you.
Walnut is a more absorbent material than clay. In fact, it is nearly three times as absorbent. Because of this, you won’t need to use as much of the litter. It is more efficient, which can save you money over time. Plus, this litter is dust-free and does not stick to cats. That way, your cat won’t track the litter all over your house.
Naturally Fresh Walnut-Based Household Quick-Clumping Cat Litter Key Features:Â
- No dust
- 3X more absorbent
- Eco-friendly materials
- All natural ingredients
Best Pellet Cat Litter for Odor Control: So Phresh Odor Control Paper Pellet Cat Litter
If your cat is used to pellet cat litter but you need something to combat litter box odor, So Phresh Odor Control Paper Pellet Cat Litter is a great choice. Pellets have a larger surface area than granules or other types of litter, so it has the ability to absorb moisture quickly. So Phresh Odor Control Paper Pellet Cat Litter takes advantage of this to provide you with a fast-absorbing, highly absorbent design.
Because pellets absorb moisture so well, they can cut down on odors. So Phresh Odor Control Paper Pellet Cat Litter has zeolite and baking soda to soak up odors. This litter is made with mostly recycled paper. It is an effective way to use paper since the paper is highly absorbent and easy to shape. You are getting a fast-acting litter with several additives to minimize odors. When well maintained, your litter box should smell clean and fresh.
So Phresh Odor Control Paper Pellet Cat Litter Key Features:Â
- Contains baking soda to control odors
- Made from recycled paper products
- Absorbs moisture quickly
- Paper pellets are lightweight and easy to maintain
Who Should Buy a Cat Litter for Odor Control
Cat litter for odor control is an important purchase for homes with more than one cat. It can be difficult to keep up with scooping out the litter box enough to prevent multicat litter boxes from smelling. (If you’re sick of using a scoop, check out our picks for the best sifting litter boxes or self cleaning litter boxes for a more convenient experience). A cat litter designed to prevent odors and for multi-cat homes is ideal.
If your cat litter box is in a bathroom, hallway closet, or near an entryway, it is smart to purchase cat litter with odor control properties. This can significantly reduce the smell of your litter box in other parts of your home. Odor control goes beyond using fragrances, as you’ll want to limit stinky smells and not just mask them.
Important Features to Consider
Cat litter for odor control should have several important features. Here’s what to consider when selecting a cat litter for odor control:
- Number of days. The manufacturer will indicate how many days that the odor control technology will work for.
- Activated charcoal or carbon. Most odor control cat litters prevent odors by using activated charcoal or carbon.
- Fragrances. Some odor control cat litters have fragrances in addition to other odor control properties.
- Clumping cat litter. Clumping cat litter makes it easier to scoop out the waste without having to toss all of the litter since the litter will clump around any moisture.
- Low dust. Low dust formulas minimize the amount of fine particles that end up in the air.
- Additives. Some cat litters for odor control have some additives, such as fragrance.
- Granule size. Most cat litters for odor control have a small to medium granule size for the litter.
- All natural ingredients. Some cat litters only utilize natural ingredients to prevent odors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does odor-control cat litter work?
Most odor control cat litters work by having an ingredient that helps to stop smelly bacteria from growing and spreading in your cat’s litter box. For many formulas, activated carbon or charcoal is used to stop the bacteria from forming and creating odor. This is the same substance that is used to filter water.
Why does my cat’s litter box smell so bad?
Cat urine and feces naturally has an odor, like any other waste. Over time, the urea in urine turns to ammonia, which only adds to the smell. If the litter box is not properly cleaned out, the smell only builds up further.
How do you keep cat litter from smelling?
There are three primary ways that you can keep your cat’s litter box from smelling. First, you can try to remove waste matter more often using a scoop. This can be time consuming and many pet owners simply don’t have time to clean out their cat’s litter box more than one time per day. Second, you can use a specialty cat litter designed for odor control. Third, you can use additives, such as litter deodorizers, to help hide the smell.
How do you deodorize cat litter?
There are some cat deodorizers that you can add to your cat’s litter box to improve its smell. Some pet owners have had success using a small amount of baking soda instead of a litter deodorizer to keep smells at bay. Unfortunately, some cats will stop using a litter box that has a lot of artificial fragrances in it.
Other Best Cat Litter for Odor Control We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other cat litters for odor control. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best cat litter for odor control list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for your cat. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
- Clumping Cat Litter for Odor Control
- Multi-Cat Litter for Odor Control
- Non-Clumping Cat Litter for Odor Control
- Pellet Cat Litter for Odor Control
Clumping Cat Litter for Odor Control
Arm & Hammer Slide Easy Clean-Up Litter
Arm & Hammer Slide Easy Clean-Up Litter can make change the litter box much easier. It uses a non-stick formula to keep it from sticking to the litter box. The only time that it sticks is when it needs to clump. he clumps are solid and won’t break apart as you remove them. It is made out of 100% dust-free materials so that it is not harmful or smelly. Plus, it can absorb odors for up to seven days before needing to be changed. It is available in 19 and 28-pound boxes, as well as in a non-stop or multi-cat formula. That way, you can get the one that is right for your home.
Key Features:
- Non-stick formula
- Makes rock-hard clumps
- 100% dust-free
- Contains odors for up to seven days
Cost: $28
Canada Litter Clumping Cat Litter
Canada Litter Clumping Cat Litter is made in Canada and offers high-performing odor control. It is made out of a fast-drying clay making it effective and clumping and controlling odors. There are three scent and size options available so that you can find the right one for you. The clay formula retains odors well by sealing around liquids and solids quickly to trap in the odors. The clumps keep a tight hold on their contents so that you won’t have to worry about them breaking apart as you clean.
Key Features:
- Baby powder, lavender, or unscented
- Clumps quickly
- Strong odor control
- Made from clay
Cost: $27
EcoCare Organic Bamboo Cat Litter for Short Hair
The EcoCare Organic Bamboo Cat Litter for Short Hair cats offers additional features that make it a good fit for environmentally conscious pet owners. It is made entirely of biodegradable materials that will breakdown in a landfill. You can also flush the clumps since they will breakdown in the sewer line as well. It is made using a process that makes it 99% dust-free. That way, it won’t smell or worsen the air quality in your house. It has strong odor control so that you won’t have to change it very often.
Key Features:
- Made from biodegradable materials
- Can be flushed
- 99% dust-free
- Light weight makes it easier to clean
Cost: $13
Fresh Step CAT LITTER Triple Action Scooping Litter
If you worry about the bacteria from your litter box, check out Fresh Step CAT LITTER Triple Action Scooping Litter. It is designed to kill the bacteria in the litter box so that it won’t smell or transfer diseases. Fresh Step CAT LITTER Triple Action Scooping Litter has carbon mixed in, which is exceptional at absorbing liquids and fumes, this makes it highly effective at containing odors for a long time. The clumps bond tightly so that less litter is wasted and so that clumps stay in one piece during cleaning. That way, you can scoop away the mess and continue to use what is left so that it does not go to waste.
Key Features:
- Anti-bacteria formula
- Mixed with carbon for superior odor control
- Clumps fast to trap things in
- Makes clumps hard so they won’t break
Cost:Â $22
Fresh Step Ever Clean EverFresh Cat Litter with Activated Charcoal
Fresh Step Ever Clean EverFresh Cat Litter with Activated Charcoal has both activated carbon and activated charcoal mixed in to help with absorbency. Activated charcoal is exceptionally effective at absorbing things. It can absorb several times its amount making less of it do much more. The activated carbon helps lock in smells so that you don’t have a smelly house. Both compounds are bonded with the granules and freely mixed in for the best effect. It also has an antimicrobial agent that stops harmful and smelly bacteria from growing.
Key Features:
- Includes activated charcoal
- Stops bacteria growth
- Unscented formula
- Includes activated carbon mixed in
Cost: $23
Weruva It’s A Tea Potty! Hinoki Wood & Green Tea Natural Cat Litter
Weruva It’s A Tea Potty! Hinoki Wood & Green Tea Natural Cat Litter can make your litterbox more enjoyable with a fresh green tea scent. It uses a fast-clumping formula to help catch things and bond to it quickly. That way, less of the litter is wasted. The formula produces a low-dust form that is flushable and does not include harsh chemicals. It is also clay, corn, grain, wheat, and soy-free to avoid messes and allergens.
Key Features:
- Available in an 11.7 and 6.7-pound bag
- Fast clumping formula
- Family-owned business
- Green tea scented
Multi-Cat Litter for Odor Control
Arm & Hammer Platinum Slide Easy Clean-Up Clumping Multi-Cat Litter
This Arm & Hammer Platinum Slide Easy Clean-Up Clumping Multi-Cat Litter makes cleaning a litter box for multiple cats less messy. It uses a non-stick formula that is designed to bond only to your cats’ waste. That means that it won’t stick to the litter box either. You can just turn the box over a trashcan and the full contents will slide into the trash. Arm & Hammer Platinum Slide Easy Clean-Up Clumping Multi-Cat Litter is dust-free so that your indoor air quality won’t be affected.
Key Features:
- 100% dust-free
- Non-stick formula
- Comes in a 37-pound container
- Litter slides out of the litter box
Cost: $25
Blue Naturally Fresh Ultra Odor Control Multi-Cat Quick-Clumping Cat Litter
If you want a cat litter that is environmentally-friendly but doesn’t sacrifice performance, try Blue Naturally Fresh Ultra Odor Control Multi-Cat Quick-Clumping Cat Litter. It is walnut-based and uses all environmentally-friendly materials. It comes in a six-pound bag but its high absorbency makes it more effective than other options. Its dust level is so low that it won’t affect how you breathe in your home.
Key Features:
- Walnut-based formula
- Comes in a six-pound bag
- Highly absorbent
- Made from environmentally-friendly materials
Cost: $23
Fresh Step Scented Litter with The Power of Febreze Clumping Multi-Cat Litter
This Fresh Step Scented Litter with The Power of Febreze Clumping Multi-Cat Litter can help make your house smell better. It includes Febreze to help control odors in and around your litter box. The litter is made out of larger pieces that fall back into the litter box so that cats won’t track it all over your house. The odor control formula includes activated charcoal as well so that it can clump quickly and absorb odor-causing materials.
Key Features:
- 10-day odor control
- Includes activated charcoal
- ClumpLock technology
- Comes in a 42-pound container
Cost: $22
Garfield Cat Litter for Multi-cat
Garfield Cat Litter for Multi-cat removes many of the materials and chemicals that people don’t want in their cat litter. It is chemical, dust, and clay-free to keep it clean and healthy. It is made out of biodegradable materials that you can toss in the trash or flush. Veterinarians recommend Garfield Cat Litter for Multi-cat because of its color. Since the litter is white, color changes can be spotted, which is how many vets diagnose health problems early.
Key Features:
- Chemical-free
- Dust-free
- Clay-free
- Biodegradable formula
Cost: $49
Nature’s Miracle Multi-Cat Clumping Clay Litter
Nature’s Miracle Multi-Cat Clumping Clay Litter can help you prevent fights between your cats. It traps in odors on contact and clumps quickly to lock in fluids. That way, your cats won’t smell each other in the litter box. It also has a fresh linen scent that makes your house smell better. It comes in a 40-pound bag, which is enough for multiple cats in your house.
Key Features:
- 40 lbs
- Neutralizes odors on contact
- prevents territorial fighting between cats
- Comes in a 40-lb bag
Cost: $48
Ultra Pet Better Way Clumping Cat Litter with Bentonite Clay and Sanel Cat Attractant
Choose the Ultra Pet Better Way Clumping Cat Litter with Bentonite Clay and Sanel Cat Attractant if you have a difficult cat. It contains a cat attractant that will help your cat switch litters. It also has Bentonite clay that clumps quickly and holds smells. Your cat will enjoy the litter since it is softer on paws.
Key Features:
- Designed to be soft on paws
- Includes a cat attractant
- Includes Bentonite Clay
- Unscented formula
Non-Clumping Cat Litter for Odor Control
CatSpot Litter, 100% Coconut Cat Litter
CatSpot Litter, 100% Coconut Cat Litter is environmentally-friendly and can help you start your own garden. It controls odors for up to 15 days. When it is used up, it can be used as fertilizer. The ingredients are biodegradable and made from coconuts. It even has a light coconut smell that will make your home more enjoyable.
Key Features:
- 100% coconut
- Lasts for 15 days
- Can be used as plant fertilizer
- Made from all natural ingredients
Cost: $18
Feline Pine Original Litter is an effective non-clumping litter alternative. It is made from absorbent pine pellets the absorb liquids and odors without clumping. Baking soda is mixed in to slow bacteria growth and to improve odor control. The litter is lightweight, making it easy to clean up after your cats. Plus, all of the pine for this litter is collected from reused sources so that new trees are not cut down.
Key Features:
- Includes baking soda
- Non-clumping litter
- No chemicals
- Made from pine
Cost: $28
PetSafe ScoopFree Premium Crystal Non-Clumping Cat Litter
PetSafe ScoopFree Premium Crystal Non-Clumping Cat Litter comes in a pre-portioned bag so that you can just open and drop for a fast changeover. Although it doesn’t clump, it quickly absorbs liquids and dries out solids. The result is much better odor control than other options. The shape of the granules reduces tracking and discomfort on your cat’s paws.
Key Features:
- Comes in pre-portioned bags
- More effective odor control than clay
- 99% dust-free
- Low-tracking formula
Cost: $17
Precious Cat Dr. Elsey’s Long Haired Cat Litter
This Precious Cat Dr. Elsey’s Long Haired Cat Litter is made of a non-toxic silica gel that absorbs odors and liquids. It is designed to not stick to cats. That way, long-haired cats won’t track it around the house. It contains an attractant so that your cat will be drawn to it. The materials are biodegradable and hypoallergenic.
Key Features:
- Contains an attractant
- Biodegradable
- Doesn’t stick to cat’s coat
- Non-toxic silica formula
Cost: $23
Purina Tidy Cats Non-Clumping Cat Litter
Purina Tidy Cats Non-Clumping Cat Litter is designed to make cleanup much easier. The non-clumping design makes it easy to remove waste without removing extra litter. You could leave it for up to one week without maintenance. The granules are designed to fall off of cats so that they don’t track it around the house.
Key Features:
- Available in three formulas
- Non-clumping formula makes cleanup easy
- Lasts for up to one week without maintenance
- Available in three sizes
Pellet Cat Litter for Odor Control
Fresh News Post Consumer Paper Pellet Cat Litter
Fresh News Post Consumer Paper Pellet Cat Litter is made out of recycled paper, which is better for the environment. Paper is very absorbent so it absorbs liquid very quickly. Plus, it has baking soda mixed in to control odors. The dust level is very low so that it won’t affect your air quality.
Key Features:
- Made from recycled paper
- Baking soda neutralizes odors
- Comes in a reusable bag
- Non-allergenic
Cost: $15
Hartz Multi-Cat Lightweight Recycled Clumping Paper Cat Litter
This Hartz Multi-Cat Lightweight Recycled Clumping Paper Cat Litter combines clumping with the absorbency of paper litter. It is made out of paper so that it can soak up liquids fast. It clumps too so that you can easily scoop out the litter box. Thanks to its all-paper construction, it is significantly lighter than other litter materials that you can get.
Key Features:
- Clumps
- Significantly lighter than clay litter
- Made from paper
- Extremely absorbent
Cost: $10
Purina Yesterday’s News Fresh Scent Paper Cat Litter
Purina Yesterday’s News Fresh Scent Paper Cat Litter is made out of paper and has a light scent. Paper is more absorbent than clay, so you can use less of this litter. Plus, it is eco-friendly since it is only made of paper.
Key Features:
- Lightly scented
- More absorbent than clay
- Eco-friendly design
- Made from paper
Cost: $7