One of the worst things about a litter box is…the litter. It can track all over your home and create a dusty and unsanitary environment. Not only does your cute furball track in through the house on their paws, but it also goes everywhere when you are attempting to clean the cat box out.
One of the best ways to combat this issue is with a litter that doesn’t track. It will help keep the granules in the box where they belong. What’s more, it stops the litter from getting stuck in your pet’s paws. The hard part of this equation is finding the product, though.
In the article below, we have reviewed the best non-tracking cat litters available. We will share their effectiveness, clumping action, tracking, scent, and much more. We will also provide a buyer’s guide to further help you choose the best litter for your home.
The Fresh Step Clean Paws Clumping Litter is another clay formula that comes in an 18.5-, 34.2-, or 37-pound bag. This is a low-scent cat litter that is soft on your cat’s paws, plus it will reduce and eliminate foul odors from the box. Not only that, but the odor control lasts for almost a week.
Be advised that the Fresh Step formula does not clump as well as others. Not to mention, it is not as absorbent. Though it is light and easy to change out, you will have to do so more often with this brand. You should also consider that this option has some dust. It can also track through your home.
Beyond that, this is a safe and non-toxic option for keeping your litter box fresh, making it our top choice for the best cat non-tracking cat litter. Made from natural clay material, it will naturally absorb moisture, though as mentioned, it is not as effective as others.
Pros
Odor-control
Safe
Soft on paws
Long-lasting
Cons
Doesn’t clump well
Not as absorbent
Not low-dust
2. Dr. Elsey’s Multicat Strength Clumping Cat Litter – Best Value
If you need a more affordable option, the Dr. Elsey’s Clumping Cat Litter is a great option you should try. This is a 99% dust-free formula that is hypoallergenic and safe for all humans and pets. It is also unscented but still provides a fresh fragrance.
As a clay-based litter, the Dr. Elsey’s product creates hard clumps that make cleaning the litter box a breeze. You will find it to have great odor control and absorption, as well. What’s more, this litter is safe for your children and pets, plus it is non-toxic.
One drawback of note is it tracks a bit more than our first option. That being said, it still has a very small “track record” compared to other clay-based litters. You can also pick this option up in an 18- or 40-pound bag. Overall, this is the best non-tracking cat litter for the money.
Pros
Odor-control
Absorbent
Clumps
Hypoallergenic
Dust-free
Cons
Tracks a little more
3. World’s Best Cat Litter Clumping Formula – Premium Choice
The World’s Best Cat Litter Clumping Formula is a good option if you are looking to pull out all the stops with your cat box. This is an unscented option that comes in either a 7- or 28-pound bag.
The World’s Best is an odor-controlling formula that has quick clumping action. It is very absorbent and leaves your cat box fresh and clean. What’s more, you can flush the lightweight litter down the toilet as it is septic system safe.
Beyond that, this litter has very little tracking ability. Made of ground corn, you want to be aware that this product can be sharper on your cat’s paws. On the other hand, it is dust-free, so you will not be breathing silica dust. Also, as we mentioned, this is a more expensive litter.
But, to conclude, we think that when it comes to premium choices, you can’t beat this best non-tracking cat litter.
If you prefer a walnut-based formula, the Naturally Fresh Quick-Clumping Cat Litter will be a good product to pick up. It is available in 14-, 26-, or two 26-pound bags. It has a very low kick-up, and you will not see it tracked all over your house by little paw prints. That being said, the walnut shells can be harder on your furball’s paws.
Other than that, this is a clumping formula that is absorbent and easy to clean. It is biodegradable, non-toxic, and easy to dispose of. What’s more, there is very little dust to this formula. You will not have to worry about breathing in silica debris while cleaning.
Unfortunately, one of the drawbacks of this cat litter that doesn’t track option is the odor control is not as effective as other brands. Though it will help reduce the scent a bit, it does not last as long. As an unscented litter, the Naturally Fresh is designed to give off its fresh fragrance, but it does not do so.
Our next option uses the power of baking soda to eliminate odors in your litter box. The Arm & Hammer Easy Clean-Up Clumping Litter is a clay-based formula that will keep smells from urine, feces, and other organic materials at bay.
Available in a 37-pound bag, the Arm & Hammer litter creates tight clumps. It is very absorbent, and it will not dry on the sides of your cat box. What’s more, this non-tracking cat litter has a fresh light scent, plus it is safe for your cat’s paw pads. Be advised, however, that it is not as good at not sticking to the bottom of your pet’s feet and it gets stuck in between their toes.
Other than that, this litter is soft against your furball’s paws, so they will not get any scratches or nicks. Keep in mind though, there is more dust kickback with this option. Also, it can be heavy when wet.
The Purina Tidy Cats Non-Clumping Cat Litter is available in a 10-, 20-, or 30-pound bag. This is a non-clumping formula that is designed to slide right off the pan when it is time to clean. It is recommended that you clean solid waste daily with this type, so it is not always the most popular choice.
That being said, you will not find a lot of tracking with this clay litter. The Purina is designed for multi-cat homes, yet unfortunately, the odor control and absorption leave a lot to be desired. Not only that, but this litter is heavy when saturated, so those who cannot lift heavy items would not be happy with this product.
Other than that, you will find the litter to be safe for your cat to use and walk on. One other drawback, however, is the dust with the Purina can be considerable. Finally, this option is non-toxic with no harsh chemicals.
The Rufus & Coco is an all-natural litter that is non-toxic and biodegradable. Unfortunately, it is very heavy when wet, and there is no clumping action. Although it absorbs urine and other liquids, you will still find you need to change the box often. Not only for the weight but also due to the odor. As an unscented option, it does not control odors well.
On a more positive side, you will not find a lot of dust when using this product. It can also be tracked through the house, although it is soft on your pet’s paws. Finally, the corn can also have a smell of its own when it is soiled, which is very strong and hard to take.
In the number nine spot is the petnf Tofu Cat Litter. This is a “tofu” based product that consists of pea fiber and corn starch pellets. Like many pellet formulas, this is a low-dust option that does not contain any harmful silica dust. On the other hand, though it says it is quick clumping, this type of litter is not the best at forming hard pieces to easily scoop out.
On a brighter note, the petnf is lightweight and does not track easily through the house. On the other hand, it is not absorbent, and when the palettes break open, they can harden to the side of the box.
What’s more, this formula does not do a lot of odor control. Again, once the pellets have been contacted by moisture, they can have a smell of their own that can intensify urine and feces smells. Also, as these are small, long granules, it can be sharp on the bottom of your pet’s paws.
Our final pick is the Bolux Flushable Cat Litter. It is only available in a 5.5-pound bag, plus it is another “tofu” based formula. Unfortunately, besides being safe and non-toxic, this litter does not do justice to your home.
Though it is supposed to clump, this litter does not. The Bolux also does not absorb well, either making clean up more difficult. What’s more, it has a lot of dust, and it makes it more difficult for older felines or those with respiratory issues.
That being said, this is also a litter that can be rough on your cat’s paws. It gets stuck between the pads, and it will get tracked all through your house. What’s worse, there is no odor control to speak of. Finally, Bolux is heavy. Overall, it is our least favorite option for a non-tracking cat litter.
Pros
Safe and non-toxic
Cons
Does not clump
Non-absorbent
Has no odor control
Tracks through the house
Heavy
Hard to clean
Buyer’s Guide: How to Select the Best Non-Tracking Cat Litters
Important Things to Know About Cat Litter
When it comes to your cat’s litter box, it is important to find the right product that will keep your home clean and sanitary. Typically, there are a few different types of litter that can be used. Let’s take a look at the different formulas below:
Clay Cat Litter
Clay is the most popular type of cat litter. Many people like it because it provides tight and easy to scoop clumps that will absorb urine and feces plus keep odors to a minimum. This is usually a more affordable option, plus it can come in a variety of scents depending on your taste.
On the other hand, one drawback of clay is it can have a lot of dust kickback. Anyone with respiratory illnesses can have a hard time breathing with silica dust in the air. Also, clay is typically heavier, not to mention, the small granules make it easy to track through the house. Keep in mind, though, many brands have developed clay litters that do not track as badly as they once did.
Ground-Up Shell Cat Litter
Another common form of cat litter is ground shells such as walnuts. This type of litter is usually very lightweight and does not easily track through the house. What’s more, the natural enzymes in the shells will help reduce odors and keep your home smelling fresh.
On the other hand, this formula can be sharper on your cat’s paws. Further, it usually doesn’t clump, so cleaning up can be a bit trickery. The absorption is usually good, however. If you choose this type of litter, you will most likely have to scoop out the solid “debris” in the cat box daily.
Cat Litter Pellets
Pellets are the next most common form of litter. Like the shells above, this is a very lightweight option that is designed to absorb moisture into the pellets thus allowing them to expand and create a layer of material over each bathroom use. One important note here is not only is this a low-tracking option, but it will also not harm your cat’s paws.
You should also consider that pellets do not clump, and their odor control can vary from brand to brand. What’s more, the pellets can be made of several different ingredients such as peas or corn, yet pine pellets are the most common. If you are a fan of a pine scent, you may enjoy this type of litter.
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Cat Litter Shopping Tips
Now that we have gone over the different formulas you can choose from, there are a few other factors you should consider.
With our above reviews, we were specifically looking for brands that have low-tracking ingredients. This is a great feature to look for as tracked litter can allow feces, urine, and other bacteria to travel throughout your home. Beyond that, some cats carry infections that can have serious health consequences to young children, seniors, and pregnant women.
On the other hand, there are several things you want to keep your eyes open for:
Odor Control: The mark of a good litter is odor control. As no one wants to be a slave to their cat box every minute of the day, a formula that will reduce odors is key.
Absorption: Absorption is another key component that runs hand and hand with odors. If your litter does not soak-in excess moisture, it can make smells worse and increase the possibility of it being tracked through your home.
Dust: Truth be told, there are very few litters that are 100 percent dust-free. This is especially true if it is a clay litter. That being said, silica dust can be hard on the lungs. If you or your pet has any respiratory illness, the excess debris can make these symptoms worse. Even if there are no issues at hand, however, a low-dust litter is still better for your home and pets.
Septic Safe: Like dust, there are not too many litters that can be safely flushed down the toilet. Any plumbing expert will tell you there are only four things that should go down the drain, and litter is not among them. We recommend that you only flush litter (even those deemed safe) sparingly.
Soft: When we say soft, what we mean is easy on your pet’s paws. Cats that do not go outdoors and those with sensitive skin can have a hard time with rough litter. Even normal kitten cushions can be cut or scraped by sharper granules. Due to what they are standing in, you run the risk of serious infections.
Clumping: Our last thought is about clumping. Not all litters do so, and there are pros and cons to both styles. In general, though, clumping litters are easier to clean, yet they tend to be heavier. Non-clumping brands are just the opposite. Depending on you, your pet, and lifestyle will determine which one is right for your cat box.
Conclusion
Tracked litter throughout your house is messy, unsightly, unsanitary, and just plain gross. If you can find a product that will reduce the amount of vacuuming you need to do, it can be a win-win situation. We hope our above reviews have helped you do that. We aim to give you as much information as possible, so you can find the right brand and litter you need to make your life easier.
In our opinion, the best non-tracking formula is the Fresh Step 32397 Clean Paws Clumping Litter. This option will not spread outside the box, plus it is easy to clean with great odor control. If you need something kinder to your wallet, we recommend you try the Dr. Elsey’s 460U Clumping Cat Litter. Although you may find one or two stray granules here and there, it is still a great litter that is cost-efficient.
Christian is the Editor-in-Chief of Excited Cats and one of its original and primary contributors. A lifelong cat lover, now based in South East Asia, Christian and his wife are the proud parents of an 11-year-old son and four rescue cats: Trixie, Chloe, Sparky, and Chopper.
