Cats are notoriously finicky, and aren’t afraid to let you know when they don’t like something. So whatever you think about cat litter, ultimately it’s going to be your cat’s choice. But first you must find the best. How do you go about trying to find the right dust free cat litter? Cat litter can be made from a variety of materials, but the end result is the same – a base mix that you pour into a container, commonly referred to as a litter box, where your cat can relieve himself. The goal of the cat litter is to make scooping up the urine and feces easy, and disposing simple. You also want it to keep unwanted odors at bay.
We reviewed dozens of dust free cat litters to identify the best of the best. We looked at scented, unscented, natural, clay-based, and silica-based litters. We even looked at whether or not the litter is safe for your septic system. While certain characteristics were essential in our search – dust free, good odor control, and how easy it is to use – some features came down to a matter of preference. Picking a cat litter greatly depends on what your expectations are for cleaning up after your cat.
We chose Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Platinum Litter as our pick for the best dust free cat litter. With the help of baking soda, this litter eliminates odors on contact. Plant-derived micro-granules in the litter help form tight clumps around the waste, which makes it easy to scoop and dispose of while helping to reduce odors. This product hits all the main points to consider when searching for a dust free cat litter.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Dust Free Cat Litters
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Platinum Litter | 4.3 |
| Runner Up | World's Best Multi-Cat Clumping Cat Litter | 4.1 |
| Best Budget Buy | Dr. Elsey's Ultra Premium Clumping Cat Litter | 4.2 |
| Best Dust Free Clumping Cat Litter | Purina Tidy Cats 24/7 Performance Cat Litter | 4.1 |
| Best Unscented Dust Free Cat Litter | Ever Clean Extra Strength Unscented Cat Litter | 4.8 |
*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 popular choice for cat litter because, with the aid of Arm & Hammer baking soda, this product guarantees an odor-free home for seven days, when used as directed. Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a natural mineral that absorbs and neutralizes odors, leaving the air fresher. The tight clumping action of micro-granules, which are derived from plant matter, works to seal in the odors the baking soda will destroy. Both of these characteristics together target and eliminate bad odors quickly.
The zero dust formula means there’s no dust cloud when you pour the litter into the litter box. The sand-like consistency of the litter assists in tighter clumping, which also means less litter is wasted because it couldn’t be sifted. Overall, reviewers love how easy it is to scoop and discard of their cat’s waste. They also love that there’s little to no dust, minimal tracking, and unwanted odors are limited or non-existent.
Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Platinum Litter Key Features:
- Tight clumping action for easy scooping
- Guaranteed odor control for seven days
- Good for multiple-cat homes
- Zero dust formula
Our Runner Up Pick: World’s Best Multi-Cat Clumping Cat Litter
World’s Best Multi-Cat Clumping Cat Litter is our choice for the runner-up spot due to its fast clumping action and tough odor control. It might have come in second, but not because of performance. Clumps form immediately, trapping odors inside, which means you’ll use less litter and it will last you longer. The clumps are tight so scooping is easy, and there’s no sludge left on the bottom of the litter box.
This natural litter uses whole kernel corn, making it a sustainable source. Thanks to the corn, the litter is also lightweight and naturally dust free. It has been tested and proven to be safe for your septic system. However, the state of California advises never flushing cat feces down the toilet. And though this cat litter was neck and neck with our top choice, we bumped it down to runner up because some cats are allergic to corn.
Thousands of reviewers love the extreme odor control and how little tracking there is with this dust free litter. They also praise how easy it is to scoop and dispose of the clumps.
World’s Best Multi-Cat Clumping Cat Litter Key Features:
- Sustainably sourced corn for natural litter
- Tight, quick-forming clumps for easy scooping
- Made for multiple-cat homes
- Highly absorbent for odor control
- Flushable and septic safe
Best Budget Pick: Dr. Elsey’s Ultra Premium Clumping Cat Litter
A favorite among many consumers, Dr. Elsey’s Ultra Premium Clumping Cat Litter is our budget pick since it’s a little bit cheaper than our top two choices. It’s designed to control unwanted odors, which makes it great for multiple-cat homes. This dust free litter is also unscented and doesn’t have any added fragrances, so there’s no perfume-y smell. Reviewers love that this litter eliminates all bad odors, and they give it a thumbs-up for close-quarter housing situations.
Because of the quick, tight clumping action of this clay litter, moisture never reaches the bottom of the litter box. This helps prevent the sludge that some cat owners see when urine passes through the litter to the bottom of the box. The larger, heavier grains of clay reduce the amount of tracking that may happen when your cat exits the box. Reviewers love this cat litter because it forms tight clumps that are easy to remove, and also keeps the smelly odors from lingering.
Dr. Elsey’s Ultra Premium Clumping Cat Litter Key Features:
- Unscented
- Good for mechanical litter boxes
- Quick, tight clumping action
- Low tracking
- Easy to clean
Best Dust Free Clumping Cat Litter: Purina Tidy Cats 24/7 Performance Cat Litter
Purina Tidy Cats 24/7 Performance Cat Litter creates tight, strong clumps so they’re easy to scoop out of the litter box. But performance doesn’t stop there. This dust free cat litter has a deodorizing system that helps control odor around the clock. It is designed to lock in smelly odors from urine, feces, and ammonia, to keep the home smelling fresh.
The clay-based litter is also low tracking, so you won’t find litter pieces all over your home. And no dust means a cleaner litter box and surroundings. Reviewers love this product because it’s easy to scoop, and it keeps the litter box clean. They also mention the superior odor control, and its nice, light scent, which is not overpowering.
Purina Tidy Cats 24/7 Performance Cat Litter Key Features:
- Strong, tight clumps
- Deodorizing system for odor control
- Easy to scoop
- Low tracking
Best Unscented Dust Free Cat Litter: Ever Clean Extra Strength Unscented Cat Litter
Ever Clean Extra Strength Unscented Cat Litter is formulated to be tough on odors without using a heavy fragrance to mask bad smells. Activated charcoal is bonded to the litter, as well as mixed in with the litter, to create a strong odor-fighting base. Antimicrobial agents are also added to the litter to prevent the growth of bacteria. This dust free litter will keep your home free of cat litter odors, such as ammonia, without adding a fake, sappy perfume smell.
While it’s tough on odors but easy on the nose, this unscented litter also creates tight clumps for easy scooping. The strong clumping action also aids in reducing litter odors. Reviewers are impressed by this product’s truly unscented nature, and how well it keeps bad aromas from permeating the air in their home.
Ever Clean Extra Strength Unscented Cat Litter Key Features:
- Unscented
- Activated charcoal to eliminate odors
- 10 days of odor control
- Solid clumping action
Who Should Buy Dust Free Cat Litter
If you have a cat, chances are you’re going to need cat litter at some point. But with all the litters on the market, what is the difference between regular cat litter and dust free litter? And who needs to buy the dust free kind?
Any cat and family can benefit from dust free litter. But you may want to seriously consider this choice if your cat already has breathing difficulties, or some other chronic ailment. Dust free litter is also a good option for a home where people or pets have environmental allergies, especially asthma. Another benefit to the dust free formulas is a cleaner home. Without all the residual dust floating around, there’s less cleaning to do.
Important Features to Consider
Dust free cat litter should have a few important points in order to perform as expected. Here’s what to consider when selecting dust free cat litter:
- Base material. One of the first things to consider when looking for dust free cat litter is what it’s made out of. The three main options are clay, silica, or biodegradable. Clay-based litters may or may not be dust free, depending on the formula, while silica-based litters are designed to be dust free. Biodegradable or natural litters typically tend to be dust free by nature, but not always. Natural bases such as corn, wheat, or walnut, may attract bugs depending on where you live and what your weather is like. And within each of those categories are other features to consider, such as the amount of tracking, whether or not it’s septic safe, and how the material will affect the environment when it’s disposed of.
- Texture. Since your cat will be walking on the litter and moving around in it, you’ll want to take into consideration how it might feel on her paws, or if it might get stuck in between her toes. This will be your cat’s preference, of course, but keep in mind the size, shape, and consistency of the granules, beads, shreds, or pellets.
- Odor control. There’s no getting around the fact that cats create smelly odors. How these odors are eliminated or masked depends on the type of litter. Dust free cat litters rely on a few things for controlling odor. Some use an added ingredient to aid in clumping the urine or feces, which helps contain the odor. Others use baking soda, activated charcoal, fragrances, or other natural products to absorb or mask odors. And some dust free cat litters use a combination for more comprehensive odor control.
- Ease of cleaning. No one likes cleaning out a litter box, so how easy it is to scoop is definitely something to consider. And how often the entire box needs to be cleaned is also something to think about. Whether you live in a large house or tiny apartment, lingering odors from the litter box are less than pleasant. Dust free cat litters may use clumping action or an absorbent material, and different formulas dictate how often the box should be washed out. Of course, there is no substitution for cleaning the litter box on a regular basis, regardless of what the litter is made out of. (Check out our review of the best self-cleaning litter boxes to automate some of those litter box cleaning duties.)
- Your cat’s preference. In the end, what cat litter you use will be up to your cat. No matter what claims any cat litter manufacturer makes, if your cat doesn’t use the litter box, those claims won’t mean anything. Do your research, make your best-educated decision, and then let your cat choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is dust free cat litter and how does it work?
Dust free cat litters are formulated to reduce or eliminate the residual dust that may be created when pouring the cat litter into the litter box, or when your cat kicks the litter over his deposit. These litters can be made out of any base material. Some are naturally dust free, while others have an added ingredient or two in order to keep the dust down. Whatever type of cat litter you choose, the litter box should be scooped once or twice a day, and cleaned regularly.
Is breathing cat litter dust harmful?
A dusty cloud of litter can be difficult to breathe around, and isn’t very healthy for the lungs. Breathing in any amount of material dust, whether clay-based or natural, can irritate the lungs, and even trigger inflammation. Clean, fresh air is always preferable.
Is litter dust bad for cats?
Litter dust can be considered an asthma-causing agent, according to Cornell University. Though dust from cat litter may or may not affect your cat, those who are predisposed to asthma have a higher risk of developing asthma if they breathe in litter dust.
Is crystal cat litter dust free?
Crystal cat litter is also known as silica gel cat litter. It’s made by compressing silica dioxide sand, water, and oxygen to form tiny beads that each absorb 40 times its weight in liquid. Because of the way it is made, it is basically dust free.
Other Dust Free Cat Litters We Reviewed
We researched 20 other dust free cat litters, and though they didn’t make our top 5 dust free cat litter list, they’re still excellent choices for your cat. The information you need to compare each one is included in the following list.
- Scented Dust Free Cat Litters
- Unscented Dust Free Cat Litters
- Natural Dust Free Cat Litters
- Non-clumping Dust Free Cat Litters
- Flushable Dust Free Cat Litters
Scented Dust Free Cat Litters
Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Cat Litter
Another offering from the same line of our #1 pick, this cat litter harnesses the power of baking soda and bacteria-fighting micro-granules.
Key Features:
- Dust free formula
- Fresh scent
- Easy to scoop
Cost: $20
Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Litter with Micro Guard
Guaranteed to give you an odor-free litter box for seven days, baking soda destroys odor on contact.
Key Features:
- Tight clumps for easy scooping
- Dust free formula
- Small particles prevent bacterial growth
Cost: $25
Cat’s Pride Fresh & Light Cat Litter
This cat litter is scented, easy to scoop, and controls odor.
Key Features:
- Dust free formula
- Lightweight
- Made for multiple-cat homes
Cost: $46
Dr. Elsey’s Cat Attract Cat Litter
Designed for cats who don’t like to use their litter box, this cat litter has an herbal scent that attracts your cat to use the box.
Key Features:
- Clumping action and easy to scoop
- Dust free formula
- Made for multiple-cat homes
Cost: $30
Fresh Step Multi-Cat Scented Litter with Febreze
Febreze fights odors in this low dust cat litter, creating 10 days of odor control.
Key Features:
- Good for multiple-cat homes
- Forms tight clumps for easy scooping
- Activated charcoal to eliminate odors
Cost: $28
Purina Tidy Cats LightWeight Glade Clumping Cat Litter
This cat litter uses Glade Tough Odor Solutions technology to fight bad odors, and is 100 percent dust free.
Key Features:
- Prevents ammonia odor for two weeks
- Lightweight formula
- Made for multiple-cat homes
Cost: $20
Unscented Dust Free Cat Litters
Boxiecat Premium Clumping Clay Litter
Veterinarian recommended for its odor-fighting qualities and dust-control formula.
Key Features:
- Dust free and low tracking
- Unscented
- Easy to scoop
Cost: $25
Fresh Step Ultra Unscented Clumping Cat Litter
Activated charcoal helps control tough odors, which is great for multiple-cat homes.
Key Features:
- Unscented, low dust formula
- 10-day odor control
- Tight clumping action for scoopable litter
Cost: $11
Purina Tidy Cats Free & Clean Cat Litter
This unscented cat litter fights odors with activated charcoal.
Key Features:
- Tight clumping for easy scooping
- Dust free formula
- No added fragrance or dyes
Cost: $20
Natural Dust Free Cat Litters
Naturally Fresh Walnut-Based Cat Litter
Ground walnut shells make this cat litter three times more absorbent than clay-based litters.
Key Features:
- Natural and dust free
- Good for multiple-cat homes
- Odor control clumping action
Cost: $20
okocat Natural Wood Cat Litter
Dust free wood pellets absorb 500 percent more liquid, keeping the litter useable longer, and odor under control.
Key Features:
- Made from reclaimed wood
- Lightweight and easy to pour
- Biodegradable and flushable
Cost: $14
Purina Tidy Cats Pure Nature Cat Litter
Cedar and pine create a natural, odor-fighting litter, while the corn cob absorbs liquid.
Key Features:
- Clumping action via guar gum
- Lightweight and dust free
- Good for multiple-cat homes
Cost: $13
SmartCat All Natural Clumping Litter
Using only farmed grasses, this natural cat litter is dust free and clumps quickly.
Key Features:
- Lightweight
- Eliminates odors without using fragrance
- Easy to scoop and clean
Cost: $32
sWheat Scoop All-Natural Cat Litter
Enzymes from the ground wheat fight bad odors to keep this litter fresh and lasting a long time.
Key Features:
- Veterinarian recommended
- Low dust and tracking
- Biodegradable and renewable
Cost: $28
Non-clumping Dust Free Cat Litters
Sustainably-sourced pine absorbs liquid and neutralizes odors.
Key Features:
- Dust free formula
- Soft on paws
- No synthetic fragrance
Cost: $18
Fresh News Recycled Paper Cat Litter
Made from recycled paper, this cat litter also has baking soda to control bad odors.
Key Features:
- Dust free and low tracking
- Soft pellets that are easy on paws
- Highly absorbent
Cost: $15
PetSafe ScoopFree Premium Crystal Cat Litter
Lightweight and dust free, this crystal cat litter can absorb five times better than clay-based litters.
Key Features:
- Convenient, pre-portioned bags
- Low tracking
- Maximum odor control
Cost: $17
Purina Yesterday’s News Unscented Paper Cat Litter
Recycled paper helps absorb three times more moisture than clay-based litters.
Key Features:
- Low tracking formula
- No added fragrance
- Veterinarian recommended
Cost: $20
Flushable Dust Free Cat Litters
World’s Best Clumping Cat Litter
This cat litter clumps quickly, reducing tough odors immediately.
Key Features:
- Flushable and septic safe
- Dust free formula
- Minimizes tracking
Cost: $28
World’s Best Extra Strength Cat Litter
A light lavender scent helps destroy bad odors in this dust free litter.
Key Features:
- Flushable and septic safe
- Scoopable, clumping action
- Good for multiple-cat homes
Cost: $28
