The 5 Best Non-Clumping Cat Litters
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The best non-clumping litter makes up for its lack of clumps with incredible absorbency, soaking up at least a week’s worth of urine in one box and taking the pong out of poop.
That’s why we recommend Purina Tidy Cats 24/7 Performance as the best non-clumping cat litter on the market. It’s a trusted favorite with a long reputation for keeping the litter box as fresh as it can be.
Finding a stellar non-clumping cat litter takes time, research, and, often, years of trial-and-error. After hours of research, we’ve identified the qualities that make a good non-clumping litter and found the top 5 best non-clumping cat litter products on the market.
If you’re ready to read the reviews of the best non-clumping litter, feel free to scroll down. Otherwise, hang out up here to learn more about what it takes to set a non-clumping litter apart from the crowd.
We highly recommend looking at the comparison table we have below where we highlighted the features of each product. You’ll also find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Quick Navigation
Compare Best Non-Clumping Cat Litters
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Overall Best
1. Tidy Cats 24/7 Performance Scented Non-Clumping Clay Cat Litter |
Best For Odor Control
2. Feline Pine Original Non-Clumping Wood Cat Litter |
Best Crystal Litter
3. ScoopFree Sensitive Unscented Non-Clumping Crystal Cat Litter |
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Type
Non-Clumping Clay |
Type
Wood Pellets |
Type
Silica Gel Crystals |
Type
Recycled Newspaper |
Type
Zeolite Pellets |
|
Made In
United States |
Made In
United States |
Made In
United States |
Made In
United States |
Made In
United States |
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Key Strengths
A well-known, well-trusted non-clumping clay litter |
Key Strengths
A biodegradable cat litter that effectively controls odors and absorbs liquid |
Key Strengths
Silica gel litter allows you to go without changing the litter for up to a month |
Key Strengths
Safe, non-clumping litter that is easy on sensitive paws |
Key Strengths
Eliminates the need to scoop out the litter box |
Non-clumping Cat Litter Has A Bad Reputation To Overcome.
Before people realized that sodium bentonite clay made good cat litter, all litter was non-clumping. The original cat litter was absorbent enough to keep cat guardians satisfied from the late ‘40s to the 1980s, but when clumping litter entered the scene, the ability to lift out your cat’s waste was too much power to pass up.
Today, clumping litter is the most popular type on the market and the clumpless alternative is largely regarded as a cheap substitute.
But non-clumping litter doesn’t have to stink. In fact, a non-clumping product could be the most low-maintenance, effective litter you’ll ever buy.
The non-clumping litter market involves more than highly-absorbent clay. The category includes litter made from silica gel crystals, diatomite, coconut, pine, and more. If you choose the right product, you might change out the litter once a month rather than once a week.
What Are The Qualities Of The Best Non-clumping Cat Litter?
Because of its disadvantages, the best non-clumping cat litter has to do certain things better than clumping litter. For example, it can’t rely on a human servant to scoop out the urine, so it needs outstanding absorption abilities. And since all of that liquid is hanging out in the box, it has neutralize odors almost instantly.
With so many types of non-clumping litter on the market, there’s no single formula for quality. Some non-clumping litters achieve star status with odor-neutralizing additives like activated carbon or baking soda. Others are made from extremely absorbent materials that attract and trap liquids rapidly.
Besides making up for their inability to clump, the best non-clumping products satisfy the basic requirements of good cat litter. They’re not dusty. They are gentle on your cat’s paws. They’re not scented. They do get great customer reviews.
All of the products on the following list satisfy these requirements. Our selection spans the category, including top performers made from—almost—everything from clay to recycled newspaper.
Our Top Picks For The Best Non-Clumping Cat Litters
Tidy Cats 24/7 Performance Scented Non-Clumping Clay Cat Litter
Product Info
- Type: Non-Clumping Clay
- Made In: United States
- Key Strengths: A well-known, well-trusted non-clumping clay litter
- A well-respected product with a history of good performance
- Low-dust compared to other clay products
- Good odor control and absorbency
- One of the most affordable products on the market
- Has a light fragrance that might irritate some cats and people
It rapidly absorbs moisture, keeping the litter box dry and comfortable.
According to Tidy Cats, its extended-release deodorizing system helps to keep the litter box smelling fresh all day. Most reviewers are happy with the product’s performance.
The litter isn’t dust-free, but it’s relatively low-dust compared to some other clay products. Tidy Cats says it’s 99.6% dust-free and reviewers seem to agree that it’s a relatively low-dust product.
Feline Pine Original Non-Clumping Wood Cat Litter
Product Info
- Type: Wood Pellets
- Made In: United States
- Key Strengths: A biodegradable cat litter that effectively controls odors and absorbs liquid
- Highly-absorbent pine naturally locks in odors
- Effective absorption without clumping
- Perfume-free litter with a natural pine scent
- Some cats don’t like the way the pellets feel under their paws
ScoopFree Sensitive Unscented Non-Clumping Crystal Cat Litter
Product Info
- Type: Silica Gel Crystals
- Made In: United States
- Key Strengths: Silica gel litter allows you to go without changing the litter for up to a month
- Controls odors well
- Has a paw-friendly texture compared to other crystal litter
- Has an unscented, dye-free formula for sensitive cats
- A low-dust product
- Though it makes up for its price in longevity, silica gel litter costs more upfront
Like other silica gel litter, the product is ultra-absorbent. This is the same material that you’ll find in the desiccant packets tucked into shoe boxes and jerky bags. It zaps the moisture out of feces and sucks up liquid waste. Silica gel does such a good job of locking in moisture that you shouldn’t have to scoop out the litter box for a month.
It’s lightweight, low-dust, and does a good job of controlling odors.
Yesterday's News Purina Cat Litter
Product Info
- Type: Recycled Newspaper
- Made In: United States
- Key Strengths: Safe, non-clumping litter that is easy on sensitive paws
- Easy on sensitive paws
- Good moisture absorption
- This litter is both recycled and biodegradable
- Tends to get smelly fast
But it does have a soft texture and lack of dust that make it a good option for kittens and cats with sensitive paws. It’s a popular option among cats who have recently been declawed or with healing paw wounds. Yesterday’s News says it’s the number one veterinarian-recommended eco-friendly brand.
The litter is unscented, virtually dust-free, and three times as absorbent than clay.
Tidy Cats Breeze Cat Pads & Litter Pellets Bundle Pack
Product Info
- Type: Zeolite Pellets
- Made In: United States
- Key Strengths: Eliminates the need to scoop out the litter box
- Provides some of the best odor control of any non-clumping litter
- A virtually dust-free litter
- Great ease of maintenance
- One of the most expensive products on the market
- Some cats don’t like the way the pellets feel
The pellets are made from mordenite zeolite. This mineral absorbs liquids and neutralizes odor. Its smell-destroying abilities make it a common component of litter deodorizers. The litter is virtually dust-free and, unlike non-clumping clay, doesn’t contain irritating crystalline silica.
As long as you’re willing to invest in the Breeze litter system, the litter’s biggest downside is its price. Breeze pellets are some of the most expensive on the market. Cost-conscious customers say they use pine pellets instead or wash the pellets so they can reuse them.
If you choose the right product, non-clumping litter can be an ultra-absorbent solution that frees up your time, feels clean and comfortable for your cat, and is easy on your budget.
But it’s not your only option.
Want to try a scoopable litter? Check out our guide to the best clumping cat litter on the market.
