5 Best Non-Clumping Cat Litters

Cat Litter June 11, 2024
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5 Best Non-Clumping Cat Litters

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When it comes to shopping for cat litter, the main question is clumping or non-clumping?

While there are certainly benefits to a cat litter that absorbs liquid and forms tight clumps, clumping cat litter is not all it’s cracked up to be.

In fact, once you learn a little bit more about it, you may change your mind and start using non-clumping cat litter as your go-to option.

Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of non-clumping cat litter and how to choose the best option. You’ll also see our top 5 picks for the best non-clumping cat litter.

What Are The Benefits Of Non-clumping Cat Litter?

If you take a stroll down the cat aisle at your local pet store, you’ll find that there are many different types of cat litter. The primary way to distinguish between the types is to group them by clumping action – cat litter is either clumping or non-clumping. But what are the benefits of non-clumping cat litter? Here are a few of the main benefits:

  • Non-clumping cat litter tends to be less expensive (up to 50% cheaper).
  • It absorbs higher volumes of moisture, so you don’t have to scoop it every day.
  • Non-clumping cat litter can remain in the box for up to a week without causing odor.
  • Most non-clumping cat litters are very low in dust which is great for cats with sensitive noses.
  • It may be a safer option for very young kittens to keep them from eating the litter.

As you can see, non-clumping cat litter certainly has its benefits. While keeping these things in mind, you can now start shopping around for the best non-clumping cat litter. Here’s what you need to know:

How To Choose The Best Non-clumping Cat Litter?

Not all cat litters are created equal – some are simply better than others. When it comes to shopping for cat litter, you need to decide which features are the most important to you before you start your search. You’ll want to think about things such as price, materials, dust, tracking, scent, and more.

Here are some things to look for in a non-clumping cat litter:

  • Low-Dust Formula – One of the main benefits of non-clumping cat litter is that is tends to be less dusty. You should still shop around to make sure you pick a low-dust formula, however.
  • Non-Tracking – Cat litter that comes in larger granules tends to track less than very fine litter because it is less likely to get stuck in your cat’s paws.
  • Scented – If you’re concerned about non-clumping cat litter absorbing odor as well as clumping litter, consider going with a scented option. Just make sure the fragrance isn’t too strong that it irritates your cat’s nose and respiratory system.
  • Natural Materials – While many clumping cat litters are made from clay, non-clumping cat litter comes in a wide variety of materials including natural options like recycled paper and pine.

Compare Best Non-clumping Cat Litter

Overall Best
Jonny Cat Complete Scented Clumping Clay Cat Litter

1. Jonny Cat Complete Scented Clumping Clay Cat Litter

Best Scented Non-Clumping Cat Litter
Fresh Step Febreze Scented Non-Clumping Clay Cat Litter

2. Fresh Step Febreze Scented Non-Clumping Clay Cat Litter

Best All-Natural Non-Clumping Cat Litter
Feline Pine Original Non-Clumping Wood Cat Litter

3. Feline Pine Original Non-Clumping Wood Cat Litter

Best Multi-Cat Non-Clumping Cat Litter
Tidy Cats Instant Action Unscented Non-Clumping Clay Cat Litter

4. Tidy Cats Instant Action Unscented Non-Clumping Clay Cat Litter

Best Eco-Friendly Non-Clumping Cat Litter
Yesterday's News Original Unscented Non-Clumping Paper Cat Litter

5. Yesterday's News Original Unscented Non-Clumping Paper Cat Litter

Type
Clay
Type
Clay
Type
Pine, Wood
Type
Clay
Type
Paper
Odor Control
9/10
Odor Control
7/10
Odor Control
9/10
Odor Control
8/10
Odor Control
8.5/10

In the end, it is largely a matter of preference whether you choose clumping or non-clumping cat litter. Keep reading to see our top 5 recommendations for the best non-clumping cat litter.

Non-clumping cat litter is easy to find, and it is generally very affordable. This doesn’t mean, however, that all non-clumping cat litters are worth your money.

Take the time to find a non-clumping litter that absorbs liquid well, reduces litter box odor, and doesn’t track all over the house.

Here are our top 5 picks for the best non-clumping cat litter:

Overall Best
1.

Jonny Cat Complete Scented Clumping Clay Cat Litter

Product Info

  • Type: Clay
  • Odor Control: 9/10
Pros
  • Triple action odor control and fast-acting deodorizers
  • Designed to be used for a week and then replaced
  • Formulated for multi-cat households
Cons
  • Somewhat more expensive than other brands
  • Fairly dusty compared to other non-clumping litters
Some cat owners dislike non-clumping cat litter because it isn’t as easy to scoop. This Johnny Cat Complete Multi-Cat Clay Litter solves the problem by avoiding it entirely.

This non-clumping litter is designed to be used for a week and then replaced. It features triple-action odor control to keep the litter box smelling fresh for a full 7 days, and its high-speed deodorizer starts working on contact. Plus, it has a clean and refreshing scent that won’t irritate your cat’s nose.
Best Scented Non-Clumping Cat Litter
2.

Fresh Step Febreze Scented Non-Clumping Clay Cat Litter

Product Info

  • Type: Clay
  • Odor Control: 7/10
Pros
  • Paw-activated fragrance keeps the litter box fresh
  • Absorbs odor from urine and feces immediately on contact
  • Antimicrobial agent inhibits bacteria and reduces odor
Cons
  • Some cats dislike the fragrance or find it too strong
If odor control is your primary concern, a scented cat litter like Fresh Step Extreme Scented Non-Clumping Cat Litter might be the way to go.

This cat litter features activated carbon that traps and eliminates odors from both urine and feces on contact.

Plus, it contains a microbial agent to inhibit bacterial growth to further reduce litter box odor. This cat litter quickly absorbs liquid, and the fragrance is paw-activated, so the litter box stays fresh with every step.
Best All-Natural Non-Clumping Cat Litter
3.

Feline Pine Original Non-Clumping Wood Cat Litter

Product Info

  • Type: Pine, Wood
  • Odor Control: 9/10
Pros
  • Made from 100% natural pine
  • Absorbs liquid quickly and locks away odor
  • Designed for multi-cat households
Cons
  • Absorbs urine smell more than feces odor
  • Pine scent can be overpowering for some
If you’re looking for an all-natural cat litter that doesn’t clump, consider Feline Pine Original Cat Litter.

This cat litter comes in a variety of sizes, and it is 100% chemical free, so you can have peace of mind knowing that your cat will be safe.

It has a pleasant pine-fresh scent, and it has no dust and is a very low-tracking formula. It absorbs liquid quickly and fully to lock away odor, keeping your home smelling fresh for longer between scoops.
Best Multi-Cat Non-Clumping Cat Litter
4.

Tidy Cats Instant Action Unscented Non-Clumping Clay Cat Litter

Product Info

  • Type: Clay
  • Odor Control: 8/10
Pros
  • Absorbs liquid and odor quickly and powerfully
  • Designed specifically for multi-cat households
  • Low-tracking and over 99% dust-free formula
Cons
  • Wet litter may stick to the litter box
In multiple-cat households, odor control is a major concern. This Tidy Cats Instant Action for Multiple Cats Litter is a great choice because it is highly affordable and virtually maintenance-free for up to 7 days. It absorbs liquid quickly to reduce litter box odor, and it is specifically formulated for multi-cat households.

This non-clumping cat litter is low-tracking and over 99% dust-free as well, so it won’t irritate your cat’s sensitive respiratory system. If you’re looking for a cat litter that keeps the litter box odor away for up to a full week, give this one a try.
Best Eco-Friendly Non-Clumping Cat Litter
5.

Yesterday's News Original Unscented Non-Clumping Paper Cat Litter

Product Info

  • Type: Paper
  • Odor Control: 8.5/10
Pros
  • Made from recycled materials, very eco-friendly
  • Absorbs 3 times as much liquid as traditional clay litters
  • Contains no added fragrances or chemical ingredients
Cons
  • Wet litter may stick to the bottom of the litter box
  • Some cats dislike the size and texture of the paper pellets
For maximum liquid absorption in a non-clumping cat litter, try Yesterday’s News Original Formula Cat Litter.

This cat litter is made entirely from recycled paper, so it absorbs 3 times the moisture of traditional clay-based litters to keep your litter box clean and odor-free for days on end.

It contains no added fragrances to irritate your cat’s nose, and it is made with larger particular to reduce tracking. Plus it is dust-free, highly affordable, and great for the environment.

How Much Cat Litter Should You Use?

Most cat owners find that their cats do well with 2 to 3 inches of litter in the litter box. Because you won’t be scooping away clumps on a daily basis, however, you might start out with a little less litter than you think you need and add some throughout the week to keep things fresh.

You’ll also need to keep your cat’s preferences in mind because some cats tend to dig more vigorously than others and might need 3 to 4 inches of litter in the box.

How Often Should You Scoop The Litter Box?

Though clumping cat litter forms hard clumps on contact with liquid and solid waste, those clumps can clutter up the litter box.

To make sure your cat has plenty of room to dig, you’ll need to remove clumps with frequent scooping. The benefit of non-clumping cat litter is that it absorbs a large volume of liquid and it can remain in the litter box for up to a week before needing to be replaced.

How long your litter lasts will depend on the type of litter and how many cats you have, but you should be able to get away with only scooping the box once or twice a week.

Final Remarks

If you’re looking for an affordable cat litter that has very low dust and absorbs liquid well, a non-clumping cat litter might be the way to go.

Take what you’ve learned here to guide your way as you start shopping or take our advice and try one of the top 5 best non-clumping cat litters reviewed above.

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Kate Barrington holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and is the published author of several self-help books and nutrition guides. Also an avid dog lover and adoring owner of three cats, Kate’s love for animals has led her to a successful career as a freelance writer specializing in pet care and nutrition. Kate is also a blogger for a number of organic and natural food companies as well as a columnist for several pet magazines.
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