
As much as you love your cat, it is still normal to dread the odor from it’s used litter box. If you have been out all day, it is often not a very nice smell to come home to. Thankfully there are lots of specially formulated cat litters that can help to best control or even eliminate urine and feces odors altogether.
Imagine that a small change could dramatically improve the smell of your cat’s litter tray and your home. Good quality cat litters can make a big difference for both you and your cat.
In this article, we will discuss our best 6 cat litters for odor control to help you find the perfect one for you and your cat. We will also take a look at whether scented or unscented is better and the best ways to keep your cat’s litter box clean and fresh for longer.
Our Top Picks:
Fresh Step Fresh Scented Non-Clumping Crystal Cat Litter
- Low-maintenance and long-lasting
- Quickly absorbs moisture and odor 5 times better than traditional clay litter
- 30-day guarantee
- Crystals look great
- Lightweight, low-dust litter that is easy to carry, scoop and clean
Dr. Elsey’s Precious Ultra Scented Clumping Clay Cat Litter
- Natural clay cat litter with moisture activated fresh scent
- Superior control of odors
- 99.9% dust-free and non-tracking granules
- Hard clumping litter for easy scooping
- Multi-cat formula
Frisco All Natural Unscented Clumping Grass Cat Litter
- Made with 100% grass
All Natural: No added chemicals, dyes, or fragrances.
Low dust litter
Forms solid clumps rapidly
Great odor control
Tidy Cats Lightweight Glade Scented Clumping Clay Cat Litter
50% lighter so it’s easier to carry, store and pour
Glade Clear Springs fragrance keeps your home smelling beautiful
Guaranteed to eliminate ammonia odor for 2 weeks
Ideal for multi-cat households.
99.9% dust-free formula
Ever Clean Extra Strength Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter
Highly-absorbent and low-dust litter
Activated carbon and antimicrobial agents eliminate odors for up to 14 days
- Quickly locks in moisture to form strong, hard clumps for easy scooping
Unscented formula made with natural minerals and clays
Arm & Hammer Litter Clump & Seal Fresh Scented Clumping Clay Cat Litter
- Patented Clump & Seal™ technology
Moisture-activated micro-granules seal and destroy odor
Arm & Hammer Baking Soda formula helps eliminate odor
MicroGuard technology prevents bacterial odor
Guaranteed 7-day odor protection
100% dust-free
Top 6 Cat Litters
We have produced a list of our best cat litters that will give you best control of any unwanted odor and don’t compromise on quality, best value for money, or ease of cleaning.
If you have a multi-cat household it can be extra important to choose a the right cat litter to help reduce the odor and minimize the amount of cleaning you have to do. Although we are focusing on controlling odors, we also know that it is essential for most cat owners to have options that don’t produce much dust and doesn’t track easily around the home either.
Every cat has their preferences and it is important to respect this; that is why we have included a range of different types of cat litters including clumping and non-clumping, scented and unscented. Plus, you might be pleasantly surprised that these top products are still within a reasonable price range.
Let’s take a look at each of our best picks in more detail.
Fresh Step Fresh Scented Non-Clumping Crystal Cat Litter
Fresh Step Premium Crystals is a fresh-scented, non-clumping crystal cat litter. Although many owners might choose to stay clear from non-clumping litters, we think these crystals do a great job and have many advantages over standard non-clumping litters. They quickly absorb moisture and odors and claim to do it 5 times better than the leading clay option on the market. Plus, we think the crystals look great.
Production of dust is minimal with use, so you have cleaner surfaces and air in your home. The lightweight crystals are gentle and comfortable on your cat’s paws, but we did find that a little bit can sometimes get tracked out of the tray.
This product is a long-lasting and low maintenance option, and one bag can last one cat up to 2 whole months. You will need to regularly remove solid waste, then completely refill the tray every 20-30 days with new crystals. If you follow the recommendations, this cat litter has an amazing 30-day guarantee for controlling litter box odor.
Key Benefits
- Low-maintenance and long-lasting
- Quickly absorbs moisture and odor 5 times better than traditional clay litter
- 30-day guarantee
- Crystals look great
- Lightweight, low-dust litter that is easy to carry, scoop and clean
Dr. Elsey’s Precious Ultra Scented Clumping Clay Cat Litter
The Ultra Scented Clumping litter from the Dr. Elsey line is made using natural clay with a moisture activated scent. It has a granule texture which promotes your cat to dig and toilet in the right place, and may even encourage your cat do their business where they’re supposed to.
When used, the clay litter forms tight, hard clumps which help to lock in odors and make it easier to scoop and remove. The moisture activated scent means that the fresh smell is only released after the material gets wet from use, therefore keeping your litter box smelling fresh every single time for longer.
We found that this Dr. Elsey product was low tracking and dust-free, which really helps to cut down on your cleaning time, keeping your floors and home cleaner. Plus, the fact that is is 99.9% dust-free is great news for owners and pets with dust allergies.
Key Benefits
- Natural clay cat litter with moisture activated fresh scent
- Superior control of odors
- 99.9% dust-free and non-tracking granules
- Hard clumping litter for easy scooping
- Multi-cat formula
Frisco All Natural Unscented Clumping Grass Cat Litter
Frisco All Natural Grass Cat Litter is an unscented cat litter made only from grass. This is a great option if you are looking for a natural, earth-friendly, and biodegradable cat litter. Plus, it doesn’t contain any chemicals, fragrances, or dyes which many cats can be sensitive to or find repelling.
As it is doesn’t contain any fragrances you might wonder how it can rid the air of offensive odor, but we were pleasantly surprised by its ability to keep everything smelling fresh. It has a very mild natural grass smell, which we found cats and owners seemed to really like. This product is ultra-absorbent so once your cat uses the litter box it quickly forms solid clumps that locks in the odor and allow for easy scooping. Another benefit of the grass material is that it produces low levels of dust, which means less mess around your house and no dust clouds.
Key Benefits
- Made with 100% grass
All Natural: No added chemicals, dyes, or fragrances.
Low dust litter
Forms solid clumps rapidly
Great odor control
Tidy Cats Lightweight Glade Scented Clumping Clay Cat Litter
Purina’s Tidy Cats Light Weight has teamed up with the well-known air freshener brand Glade to offer a scented, clumping cat litter option. It uses a fragrance called Clear Springs which we found welcoming and fresh and does an amazing job at keeping the litter box and surrounding area smelling nice.
The Glade Tough Odor Solutions uses an ammonia blocker which is guaranteed to prevent ammonia odor for 2 whole weeks. They recommend you keep a depth of 3-4 inches of litter, scoop out solids daily, and replace it with new litter every month.
We found that this litter produced very little dust, and formed tight clumps when used so it was easy to clean up solid waste. Tidy Cats LightWeight litter weighs half as much as the leading clumping litter on the market. Therefore, this 8.5lb jug of litter will give you the same usage as 20lbs of the leading clay litter, which will save you storage space and money, and be easier to carry and pour!
Key Benefits
50% lighter so it’s easier to carry, store and pour
Glade Clear Springs fragrance keeps your home smelling beautiful
Guaranteed to eliminate ammonia odor for 2 weeks
Ideal for multi-cat households.
99.9% dust-free formula
Ever Clean Extra Strength Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter
Ever Clean Extra Strength clumping litter is an unscented, super-premium clay litter that is made from a mixture of natural minerals and clay. The unique PLUS technology uses activated carbon to quickly absorb ammonia and stool odors and gives you maximum odor protection for up to 14 days. Plus, it contains antimicrobial agents that help prevent bacterial growth and the offensive smells they generate in the litter tray.
This litter really impressed us as it was super-absorbent and formed solid, hard clumps that were easy to remove. We also found that it was virtually dust free and cats didn’t seem to track the granules out onto the floor. This litter works so well at trapping odors and ammonia that it doesn’t need any fragrance, so trust us you do not need to worry about it not working just because it is unscented.
Key Benefits
Highly-absorbent and low-dust litter
Activated carbon and antimicrobial agents eliminate odors for up to 14 days
- Quickly locks in moisture to form strong, hard clumps for easy scooping
Unscented formula made with natural minerals and clays
Arm & Hammer Litter Clump & Seal Fresh Scented Clumping Clay Cat Litter
Arm & Hammer are a well known and respected brand that manufactures baking soda consumer products, and this product meets all the high expectations. Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Microguard cat litter is a clumping clay litter with a light fresh scent.
This Arm & Hammer cat litter is made with unique, micro-sealing granules that lock-in liquids and destroy odors on contact, whicch is what makes this litter so efficient. Plus, it contains the world-famous Arm & Hammer Baking Soda which helps to tackle and destroy odors too. It also uses Microguard, which is an antibacterial technology that helps to prevent bacterial growth and the bacteria associated odors that goes with them.
There is a 7-day odor guarantee with this product, but we found that if used as directed our home was odor-free for much longer. We can also confirm it is 100% dust-free, as we had no tracking of dust around the house and no dust clouds when changing the litter.
Key Benefits
- Patented Clump & Seal™ technology
Moisture-activated micro-granules seal and destroy odor
Arm & Hammer Baking Soda formula helps eliminate odor
MicroGuard technology prevents bacterial odor
Guaranteed 7-day odor protection
100% dust-free
How to Get the Most Out of Odor Control Litters?
Odor control cat litter can be an amazing addition to your litter box, but only if you use it right. If you aren’t removing the solid waste regularly or filling up the tray enough then its quite clear that your home will quickly start smelling bad whatever type of litter you use.
Thankfully, there are some easy ways in which you can maximize an odor control litter and get the best results possible. That way your litter will be smelling cleaner and fresher for longer.
Let’s take a look at our best 10 tips for eliminating litter odor in your home…
Top 10 Tips for Eliminating Litter Odor
1. Choose a great odor control cat litter
Some cat litters are better than others at controlling odors, that’s why it is important to do some research and choose the best one for you and your cat which really does a good job at keeping the litter tray smelling fresh. You don’t want a litter that just hides bad smells with a strong fragrance, as the fragrance can quickly wear off or be too overpowering for your kitty to handle. Odors should be trapped and destroyed. Our best 6 odor control litters are all great choices and their odor trapping and destroying qualities make them all worthy of a position in our best picks.
2. Choose a good location
Placing a litter tray in a busy area of the home is not a good idea, firstly because you will frequently smell your cat’s business and more importantly your cat won’t have any privacy. Cats prefer to conduct their business in a quieter area of the home and are less likely to toilet outside their tray if it is located somewhere where they have privacy. It is also a best practice to put the litter tray in a well ventilated area where any odors can disperse and not a small room where the odor can build up.
3. Remove solid waste frequently
Regularyl removing poop and pee is still an important way to reduce odors. Ideally, solids should be scooped out as soon as possible, that way the associated odor won’t have time to spread. However, we know this isn’t always possible especially if you are out or at work all day. Therefore, solid waste should be removed at least once per day, but more frequently if possible.
4. Clean the box thoroughly
Thoroughly cleaning the litter tray every time you completely replace the litter helps to remove any stubborn old bits of litter, ammonia odors, and any urine that has made its way to the bottom of the tray. Usually, plain soap and warm water works best to remove stains and odors. How often you need to wash your box depends on your cat, the type of litter you use, and how often the litter needs to be fully replaced. Obviously, you don’t want waste too much by cleaning too often but not washing the litter tray often enough could be causing your tray to stink. Many owners find they need to change the litter every 1-2 weeks, but Tidy Cats Lightweight Glade Scented Clumping Cat Litter and Fresh Step Fresh Scented Non-Clumping Crystal Cat Litter are two options on our best cat litter for odor control list that if used as directed can last up to a month before having to wash the tray and replace the litter.
5. Fill the box with enough litter
Not filling the litter box with enough litter is a common mistake among cat owners. However, by putting more litter in you could actually make it last longer and have the best odor control. Each brand will have their own recommendations for how much litter depth you should be using. As a general rule 2-3 inches is usually the minimum amount. Some types of cat litters advise a depth of 3-4 inches. Again, it is important to have enough litter so that all the liquid can be absorbed before it reaches the bottom of the tray. Urine at the bottom of the tray is a common reason for a strong odor of ammonia in your home.
6. Use a closed litter box
There are lots of different types of closed litter boxes on the market including top entry litter boxes, litter boxes with a roof, and enclosed boxes with a swing door. This would be the best option if you have a “out of sight, out of mind” point of view. A closed litter box can help to keep the odor inside where it belongs and not around your home. An added bonis is that many cats prefer closed boxes as they provide more privacy and security while toileting.
7. Use a self-cleaning litter box
This option won’t be for everyone but if you are unable to frequently clean your cat’s tray or you are struggling with the odor from the litter tray then a self-cleaning box may be the best choice for you. Litter boxes that clean themselves can be expensive but might be a great investment if you just can’t commit to multiple cleanings throughout the day. Keep in mind they aren’t always 100% spot-on with the cleaning, but the best models do a pretty good job of moving waste into lower compartments which trap odors really well.
8. Have multiple litter boxes
Having multiple cat litters is an important point for lots of reasons. Firstly, cats like to have more than one option of where they choose to toilet. This can significantly help to reduce toileting in other areas your cat shouldn’t be relieving themselves. Most vets recommend that there should be at least one litter tray for each cat in the household plus one extra. So, if you have one cat you should have two boxes, if you have two cats you should have three boxes and so forth. Secondly, in multicat households with a number of litters can quickly become smelly if they are used frequently, so the more boxes you have the less likely they are to become too stinky.
9. Use an air freshener
Using an air freshener to help keep your home smelling fresh might be an option if you are struggling with the odor coming from your cat’s litter. However, it’s not the best option. We feel it should really be a last resort and should never replace the need to frequently clean your cat’s tray. If you decide to go ahead with a freshener, the plug-in air fresheners are often a good choice as they release scent slowly, are usually inexpensive, easy to refill or replace and come in a variety of scents. It’s best to make sure they aren’t plugged in too close to the box, and that the scent is not too strong, as it may put your cat off altogether. Finally, ensure that you choose an air freshener that is specifically designed to to keep your cat safe.
10. Use a cat litter deodorizer
Another option to think about is cat litter deodorizer, which comes in a variety of forms, including powders, spray or granules. Deodorizers are usually applied to or mixed with the litter to help eliminate unwanted odor. Our best 6 odor control cat litters do not need any additional deodorizers but may be an option if you end up using other types of cat litters.
What to Look for in an Odor Control Litter?
Choosing an odor control litter doesn’t mean that you need to sacrifice any other good features that you want from the best cat litter for you and your kitty.
- Lock in odors
You want a cat litter that’s on of the best products that can quickly absorb urine and lock in unpleasant odor. Litters with clumping material seem to do this best, as they can trap the odors when they form a clump. Solid, tight clumps are best as they are easier to scoop out from the box.
- Eliminate odors
Beware, many products use fragrances to hide odors but ideally, you want to eliminate the odor. There are lots of different ways in which odors can be eliminated. Some brands use ingredients like activated carbon or baking soda to get rid of unwanted smells, while others use antibacterial agents to target bacteria producing odors.
- Low dust
It can be really frustrating if your cat frequently tracks litter and dust out of the box and around the home. It means you spend more time cleaning up, and it can seem like a never-ending cycle. Extra dust in the home can also cause problems if you or your cat suffer from dust sensitivities or allergies. Therefore, choosing a product that minimizes dust or is dust-free or one that minimizes dust can make little clouds and dusty paw prints around your home a thing of the past.
Which is Best: Scented or Unscented Cat Litter?
There is no easy answer to this question, since what is best for one cat owner may not be best for another owner. It all comes down to personal preference of you and your cat. Unfortunately, sometimes you two might not agree.
Although many people might like a strong-smelling fragrance, some cats might find certain strong smells off-putting. If your cat seems very sensitive to smells, then it might be best to stick with an unscented litter. Just remember that your cat has a much better sense of smell than we do!
Too bad you can’t just ask your cat if they like their new scented litter but you can monitor their tray usage and check for signs of them being unsettled. If you change to a new litter and suddenly your cat doesn’t want to use their box, it is a pretty obvious sign of resistance and indication that you haven’t made the best choice.
The good news is that there are lots of great scented and unscented cat odor control litters on the market to choose from. Our list of the best 6 litters for controlling odors takes a difficult choice and turns it into a best case scenario. We’ve got you covered, whether you’re looking for trusted names like Arm & Hammer or Dr. Elsey or for specific benefits that an odor control litter offers.
Final Thoughts
If you are tired of being greeted with the overpowering smell of a used litter box when you open the front door, then it is time to change your cat’s litter. Thankfully there is a wide range of the best cat litters available that can quickly lock-in and eliminate unwanted odors altogether. You just need to decide what is important for you and your cat, to help you narrow down your choices.
Plus, don’t forget that there are lots of other important ways to minimize litter box odors such as using enough litter, frequently scooping out solids, and regularly washing the box. If you pair our best tips for eliminating odors with one of our best cat litters, then your home will be smelling fresh and clean in no time.