Picking out cat litter isn’t the cutest or most exciting part of owning a cat, but it’s certainly one of the most important. Poor-quality cat litter can give your once-lovely home a revolting scent that brings tears to your eyes or track all over your floors and carpeting.
Not to mention your finicky kitty may outright reject cat litter that’s not up to her standards or preferences—leaving her to do her business on your couch or, worse, your bed.
So for the sake of your home, your cat’s health, and your relationship with your pet, it’s best to have high-grade cat litter on hand. But with so many options available on the market today, how do you choose the right product?
Even if you’ve narrowed down your choice to non-clumping cat litter, there’s still a confusingly wide array of options to pick from.
Don’t worry – we’re here to help! We’ve gone through extensive reviews from fellow pet parents and cat health experts to give you a clear list of the top 5 best non-clumping cat litter so you can choose the most ideal option for your cat.
1. Feline Pine Platinum Non-Clumping Cat Litter: Best Non-Clumping Litter for Odor Control
Natural cat litter has the unsavory reputation of being lousy at odor control, but the Feline Pine Platinum Non-Clumping Cat Litter easily disproves that stereotype. It contains pellets made from pine shavings, using the natural odor-fighting properties of pine to neutralize and eliminate nasty litter box smells on contact.
An Arm & Hammer product, this non-clumping litter features the company’s trademark product: baking soda. This ingredient works to enhance and strengthen its odor control formula. Plus, the pine pellets have highly absorbent fibers that bind to and seal ammonia odor while quickly absorbing liquid and turning it into sawdust—keeping your litter box drier for longer.
Because it’s clay-free, this litter is also lightweight and low-dust: no more straining or dealing with clouds of dust that erupt in your face every time you pour a fresh batch. Pet parents have praised this litter’s odor-fighting capabilities as well as its minimal tracking and convenient cleanup, although you may have to scoop out poop since it doesn’t absorb feces.
Pros:
- Non-clumping natural cat litter with a superior odor control formula
- Features sustainably sourced, highly absorbent reclaimed pine pellets
- Combines the natural odor-fighting power of pine with Arm & Hammer Baking Soda
- Absorbs liquid quickly while locking away ammonia odor
- Made without harsh chemicals or added fragrances
- Less than half the weight of regular clay litter for easier litter changes
- Low-dust formulation without irritating particles
Cons:
- May not be as effective at absorbing feces
- Needs frequent changing
2. Fresh News Recycled Paper Cat Litter: Eco-Friendly Option with Recycled & Highly Absorbent Material
Made with 100% recycled paper, this non-clumping cat litter is an eco-conscious cat owner’s dream come true! Not only is it designed to be compostable and biodegradable to help reduce landfill waste, but it’s also incredibly effective at absorbing moisture and odor with less tracking.
Its soft paper pellets can absorb up to three times as much liquid as clay, not to mention they’re safer and gentler on your sensitive kitty’s paws. This litter is also formulated with baking soda which increases its absorption rate and boosts its odor-busting capabilities, fending off nasty smells in a healthy and natural way.
Better yet, this cat litter is 100% non-allergenic and 99.9% dust-free, making it ideal for kitties with allergies or lung problems. Its pellets also don’t turn to dust when wet, retaining their form to reduce tracking around the home. However, this can make scooping quite difficult.
Pros:
- Contains pellets made from 100% recycled paper: biodegradable & compostable
- Holds and absorbs 3 times as much moisture as clay
- Comes with baking soda that eliminates odors on contact
- Features non-allergenic & dust-free formulation
- Reduces litter residue and excessive tracking with large pieces
- Lasts longer than wood or clay
- Soft pellet texture is safer for sensitive paws
Cons:
- Scooping used pellets may be challenging
3. Fresh Step Non-Clumping Clay Cat Litter: Eliminates Odors & Releases A Fresh Scent On Contact
If you prefer clay litter over natural litter but still want a non-clumping option, then this product is for you! The Fresh Step Non-Clumping Clay Cat Litter is made with premium, highly absorbent clay with a 7-day odor control guarantee. It keeps offensive litter box smells at bay while inhibiting bacterial growth to stop odor at the source.
Better yet, its formula is infused with paw-activated Febreze Freshness! It releases a clean, crisp Febreze scent the minute your cat steps on it to prevent foul smells from assaulting your senses whenever your kitty does her business.
It’s also 30% lighter than other clay litter products, making cleanups and litter changes a lot easier on your back. It also has a low-dust formula, although some cat parents claim it can be a bit dusty due to its clay material. As a bonus, this multi-use cat litter can also freshen your trash can or provide traction on slippery surfaces!
Pros:
- Non-clumping, highly absorbent clay litter
- Neutralizes odors on contact and stops the growth of odor-causing bacteria
- Infused with Febreze Freshness for better odor control
- Releases a long-lasting fresh scent every time your kitty uses the litter box
- Contains lightweight clay material for easier cleanups
- Has multiple uses besides functioning as cat litter
Cons:
- Febreze scent may be too strong for some cats or some owners
- Dustier and more prone to tracking than natural non-clumping litter
4. Purina Tidy Cats Non-Clumping Cat Litter: Ideal for Multi-Cat Households
Finding the right litter for one cat is already tricky—finding one for multiple cats may be enough to drive you crazy! Don’t worry; the Purina Tidy Cats Non-Clumping Cat Litter might just be the ticket. It’s formulated for multi-cat use with powerfully absorbent non-clumping clay that’s ideal for cats of all ages, so you can use the same litter for different litter boxes.
Unlike other cat litter products with strong fragrances, this litter has an extremely mild scent that makes your home smell pleasant without driving your finicky cats away. It also has a fast-acting, moisture-activated odor control formula that instantly traps and eliminates odors on contact.
This litter is also designed for easy maintenance, promising up to a week of freshness without the need for frequent replacements. However, some cat parents report that replacing the litter once every 3 days yields better results, especially for multi-cat households. This cat litter is also one of the more affordable options on this list, making it ideal for owners on a budget.
Pros:
- Non-clumping, highly absorbent clay for multiple cats of all ages
- Has no strong fragrances that discourage cats from using the litter box
- Features a fast-acting odor control formula that instantly eliminates nasty smells
- Neutralizes ammonia odors on contact
- Comes with a mild yet pleasant scent
- Designed for less frequent litter changes
- Less dusty compared to other clay litter products
- Affordable price
Cons:
- May track heavily despite its low-tracking formula
- Some cat parents say it doesn’t keep multi-cat litter boxes odor-free for a week as advertised
5. Dr. Elsey’s Respiratory Relief Silica Gel Cat Litter: Premium Non-Clumping Litter with Low-Dust Formulation
Designed to help prevent and address respiratory disease in cats, Dr. Elsey’s Respiratory Relief Silica Gel Cat Litter has one of the most impressively low-dust formulations on the market. Unlike most clay litter products, this crystal cat litter produces virtually no dust when you pour new litter or when your kitty scratches or digs—making it safer for both you and your cat.
It’s also highly absorbent with superior odor control capabilities, trapping liquid and odor on contact to prevent stinky, messy litter boxes. In fact, cat parents claim that it stays fresh and tidy for up to 2 to 3 weeks as long as they scoop solid waste daily. Plus, it’s infused with hydrolyzed herbal essences that help reduce disease-causing stress in cats, which means each trip to the litter box will be more pleasant for your kitty.
This litter’s hypoallergenic formula has no perfumes, deodorants, or plant proteins, making it a great choice for cats with allergies. Its small granules are gentle on your cat’s paws and less likely to hurt your feet if you step on them by accident. However, some users report that it sticks to their cats’ paws and tracks around the house as a result.
Pros:
- Low-dust, non-clumping litter designed for respiratory disease prevention & control
- Highly absorbent granules that trap liquid and eliminate odors
- Infused with stress-reducing herbal essences
- Hypoallergenic and perfume-free
- Unscented formula makes it more appealing to picky cats
- Gentle on cat’s paws
- Long-lasting freshness for up to 3 weeks with daily scooping
- Ideal for cats with allergies, asthma, or respiratory issues
Cons:
- Quite expensive
- Tracks easily with sticky granules
FAQs About Non-Clumping Cat Litter
Which litter is best: clumping or non-clumping?
Many cat parents have trouble choosing between clumping and non-clumping cat litter, in no small part due to the polarizing opinions online. But the simple answer is that it’s all up to your and your kitty’s preference.
Clumping litter tends to be more popular than the non-clumping variety since it’s easier to scoop and clean. This type of litter forms tight, solid clumps as soon as it comes into contact with urine or fecal matter, so all you have to do is scoop up the clumps to clean the litter box. It may also be more effective at odor control since it doesn’t leave traces of excrement.
In addition, clumping litter is often considered the more hygienic option. Since it clumps around solid waste, it prevents feces from spreading around the litter box or contaminating humans with diseases like toxoplasmosis.
On the other hand, non-clumping litter is usually better at urine and ammonia odor absorption. Its material can absorb large volumes of liquid, so while it doesn’t clump around urine or fecal matter, it won’t produce unpleasant smells. It also requires less frequent cleanups compared to clumping clay litter.
Non-clumping litter is typically better for kittens, senior cats, and cats with asthma since it produces less dust than clumping litter. It also doesn’t contain sodium bentonite, a clumping ingredient that can be highly toxic to cats when ingested and irritating to their lungs when inhaled.
If budget is a major consideration for you, non-clumping cat litter may be a better option since it’s typically less expensive than clumping products.
Can you scoop non-clumping cat litter?
There’s no need to scoop non-clumping cat litter since it doesn’t form clumps when it comes into contact with liquid. The litter will absorb urine and odor from your cat’s trips to the litter box, so you can leave it be and replace it when all the litter granules or pellets have been used up.
Take note, though, that you’ll still need to scoop out solid waste daily, which should be dry and easy to scoop due to the fast liquid absorption rate of non-clumping litter.
How often do you change non-clumping cat litter?
This will depend on how many cats you have and the quality of the product you’re using. As a general rule, it’s best to change non-clumping litter once every 7 days. High-quality products can last over a week without smelling unpleasant, but it’s still best to change your cat’s litter weekly to maintain proper hygiene.
For multi-cat households, you may need to change the litter every 3 to 5 days.
How do you choose the right non-clumping cat litter?
Non-clumping cat litter needs to meet the following requirements:
- Highly absorbent ingredients. Remember: you’ll likely go a week or more without changing the litter, so it’s important to make sure that liquids from your cat’s waste are properly absorbed. Wood and natural clay often make very absorbent materials.
- Superior odor control. Baking soda and activated charcoal are incredibly effective at fighting odor, so it’s best to find non-clumping cat litter with these ingredients. Steer clear of scented products with artificial fragrances as much as possible.
- Low-dust formulation. Most cat owners who opt for non-clumping litter do so because it’s safer for their kitties with respiratory issues or because they themselves have asthma or lung problems. If this is a priority for you, opt for natural cat litter instead of clay.
- Minimal tracking. Non-clumping crystal litter and recycled paper litter tend to track less than other types, but take note that the former may be harsh on your kitty’s paws.
- Low cost. Non-clumping litter generally shouldn’t cost more than clumping litter, except for premium or specially formulated products. Make sure to find a product within your budget range, as you will need to purchase cat litter more than once a month.
In Closing
Choosing the right non-clumping cat litter for your kitty is crucial to making her bathroom trips pleasant and comfortable. Better yet, it helps you keep your sanity intact by ensuring your home stays clean, fresh, and tidy.
If you’re having trouble finding the right product, go ahead and choose any product from our list of the top 5 best non-clumping cat litter above. Any of these options are sure to keep your kitty happy and healthy—and help you maintain a lovely, stink-free home, too!