7 Best Non-Tracking Cat Litters in 2023 – Reviews & Top Picks

Cats are wonderful companions, but dealing with their litter box daily can be challenging, especially when they track litter (and other bits) throughout the house. Fortunately, many modern litters are non-tracking, which can help reduce the mess. Still, it can be difficult to sort through all available brands. If you need help, keep reading as we list reviews of the best brands, along with the pros and cons of each one. The buyer’s guide will help you know what to look for so you can make an informed purchase.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites

The 7 Best Non-tracking Cat Litters

1. Fresh Step Clean Paws Multi-Cat Scented Clumping Clay Cat Litter – Best Overall

Fresh Step Clean Paws Multi-Cat Scented Clumping Clay Cat Litter is our pick as the best overall non-tracking cat litter. It has ammonia-block technology that helps trap and eliminate bacteria and odors for up to 10 days, and the formula is 99.9% dust free. The size and shape of the particles keep them in the box and prevent them from getting stuck to your cat’s feet.

The only downside about Fresh Step Clean Paws is that many customers complain that the clumps dry so hard, they are challenging to remove from the litterbox.

2. Tidy Cats 24/7 Performance Scented Non-clumping Clay Cat Litter — Best Value

Tidy Cats 24/7 Performance Scented Non-clumping Clay Cat Litter is our pick as the best non-tracking cat litter for the money. There is little dust, so your cats won’t track it around the house, and it has an extended-release deodorizing system that helps keep the litter box smelling clean and fresh. It’s a great choice when you have multiple cats, and the non-clumping formula is easy to clean up. It’s also one of the most inexpensive litters on this list.

The downside with Tidy Cats 24/7 Performance is that many customers complain that it doesn’t cover up the scent well nor absorb much moisture, so you have to clean the litter box more frequently.

3. PetSafe ScoopFree Complete Disposable Non-clumping Crystal Litter Trays — Premium Choice

PetSafe ScoopFree Complete Disposable Non-clumping Crystal Litter Trays is our premium choice pick for non-tracking cat litter. It uses silica gel crystals, which contain no dust and can’t be tracked around the house, and they are non-toxic and safe for people and animals. Unlike most litter that you need to pour and scoop, this brand uses disposable trays lasting up to 30 days. There’s also a plastic tray liner that helps protect against leaks, and it works with both the Scoop Free Ultra Self Cleaning Cat Litter box and the Scoop Free Original Self Cleaning Cat Litter box.

The downside to this option is that it’s extremely expensive, and you will need one of the brand’s self-cleaning litter boxes to use it. Some customers also complained that it didn’t work as well as they thought.

4. Fresh News Unscented Non-clumping Paper Cat Litter — Best for Kittens

Fresh News Unscented Non-clumping Paper Cat Litter is our pick as the best non-tracking cat litter for kittens. It contains no fragrances and uses 100% recycled paper to create environmentally friendly pellets. There is no dust, and it’s low tracking, so it won’t get around your home. It’s also non-allergenic and three times more absorbent than clay. Fresh News contains baking soda to help neutralize any odors, and the moisture-absorbing pellets retain their shape as they grow larger, so it’s easy to see where you need to clean.

The downside to Fresh News is that many customers complain that baking soda isn’t enough to control odor.

5. PetSafe ScoopFree Premium Crystal Litter

PetSafe ScoopFree Premium Crystal Litter is similar to our premium choice but does not require the expensive self-cleaning litter box to use, though you can use it with that product. It’s non-toxic and five times more absorbent than clay. There is no dust, and it won’t stick to your cat’s feet, so they are less likely to track it around your home. We also like the fact that the pre-portioned bags arrive ready to use.

The downside to PetSafe ScoopFree Premium is that it’s quite expensive, especially when compared to clay litter, and some cats may resist using it.

6. Frisco Pine Pellet Unscented Non-clumping Wood Cat Litter

Frisco Pine Pellet Unscented Non-clumping Wood Cat Litter is an all-natural cat litter made with 100% pine wood that contains no added chemicals or fragrances. The pellets can absorb three times their weight in liquid to help keep the litter box smelling fresh, and they won’t stick to your cat’s feet, so they won’t be tracked around the house. The natural pine fragrance helps mask odors, and it’s a good choice for sensitive cats that might have problems with dust or perfume.

The cons of this litter are that there is no odor control besides its ability to absorb moisture, and many customers complain that the pellets turn into dust after your cat pees on them, making the litter box hard to clean.

7. Naturally Fresh Pellet Unscented Non-clumping Walnut Cat Litter

Naturally Fresh Pellet Unscented Non-clumping Walnut Cat Litter is a natural cat litter that uses crushed walnut shells to create the pellets. Walnut shells do a great job of neutralizing odors and are more effective than clay, pine, corn, and wheat. There is no dust, so it helps reduce tracking and is less likely to bother pets sensitive to dust. The pellets absorb moisture quickly and are easy to clean from the litter box.

The cons of Naturally Fresh Litter are that many customers complain that you need to replace it more often than other types, it doesn’t control order well if more than one cat uses the box, and some cats won’t like to use it.

Buyer’s Guide

Pellet Size and Shape

The size and shape of the pellets in your litter box will greatly impact how much gets tracked around your home. In most cases, large and heavy litter is not likely to stick to your pet’s feet, so it will stay in the tray. However, many claim that litter with a sand-like texture works well too. We recommend trying one of the large litters first, but you may want to experiment to find what works best for your cat.

Clumping Ability

For clay litter, clumping tends to work better than non-clumping to keep tracking down because the large clumps are less likely to stick to your cat’s feet. Clumping litter is also usually easier to clean out of the box than most other types.

Dust Control

When using non-clumping clay or another type of litter, ensure that it contains very little dust. Once dust comes into contact with moisture, it’ll easily stick to your cat’s feet, and they will track it around your home. It can also contribute to respiratory problems for some cats. Look for a brand that advertises as low dust or 99% dust free.

Odor Control

One of the biggest things that you’ll need to worry about, no matter what kind of litter you choose, is odor control. Some brands of litter contain odor-absorbing ingredients like activated charcoal or baking soda to help reduce bad smells. Litter that absorbs moisture quicker can also help manage odors.

Conclusion

When choosing a non-tracking cat litter for your home among these reviews, we recommend our pick as the best overall. Fresh Step Clean Paws Multi-Cat Scented Clumping Clay Cat Litter is a clumping clay litter that traps moisture quickly, so your cat won’t track it around the house. It also has ammonia-block technology to reduce bacteria and is 99% dust free. Another great option is our best value. Tidy Cats 24/7 Performance Scented Non-Clumping Clay Cat Litter is a low-dust litter that won’t stick to your pet’s feet, and it contains a gentle fragrance that will help mask odors without breaking the bank.

Featured Image Credit: jamesjoong, Shutterstock