Rating of the TOP 7 best cat litters

Updated: 02/01/2021 16:57:26
Share:
*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

A cat tray is an important attribute of keeping your animal clean. The type of litter used largely determines how quickly the animal will get used to its “household,” as well as how convenient it will be for the owners to maintain the tray.

What types of cat litter are there?

The first criterion of difference is composition. Fillers can be:

Silica gel
is granules made from dried pieces of polysilicic acid, the most economical type of filler, suitable for adult cats;
Clay
is the most natural for animals due to the proximity of the material to natural soil;
Wood
made from pressed sawdust is the most environmentally friendly and does not raise safety concerns.

According to the principle of action, fillers are divided

clumping, when the liquid, absorbing the material, forms a lump; absorbents do not change their structure, but retain moisture and odors.

Experts from the EXPERTOLOGY portal identified the best brands of litter based on the opinions of cat owners, veterinarians and the general characteristics of the materials.

What is silica gel

It should be noted that fillers based on silicone and silicates contain up to 98 percent of this substance. In their normal state, these are round balls or transparent crystals that change color depending on the color and properties of the absorbed liquid.

Silica gel cat litter is a hydrophobic sorbent that is made by colloidally mixing, dehydrating and baking silicic acids at high temperatures. In the process, granules are formed in the form of strong, durable crystals with a spongy structure.

Depending on the production technology, they can be of different shapes and colors and have different properties. Sometimes when making granules, not only a dye is used, but also a flavoring agent - then the filler acquires a pleasant smell.

The principle of operation of the filler is very simple: it absorbs moisture and literally locks it inside the granules. This means that the smell will be blocked. Silica gel is essentially a hard sponge, so the principle of operation is similar.

Note that silicate gel works so effectively that it absorbs not only liquid, but also excess moisture from air masses.

Rating of the best silica gel fillers

Nomination	Place	Name	Price
The Best Silica Gel Cat Litters	1	Fresh Step Crystals	800 ₽
2	Smart Cat	397 ₽
3	Homecat Silica Gel Standard	281 ₽
4	N1 Crystals	257 ₽
5	Cat Step	295 ₽
6	PRETTYCAT	125 ₽
The best clay cat litters	1	Ever Clean Multi-Crystals	770 ₽
2	Fresh Step Extreme Clay	429 ₽
3	Canada Litter Scoopable Baby Powder	520 ₽
4	Happy paws	171 ₽
5	Eurolitter Baby Powder	632 ₽
6	ProNature Holistic	690 ₽
7	Kotyara	164 ₽
The best wood litter for cat litter	1	Cat's Best Eko Plus	350 ₽
2	N1 Naturel Green tea	383 ₽
3	Clean paws Woody	142 ₽
4	Homecat Wood small granules	99 ₽

With odor protection

Catsan Hygiene Plus (10 l)

pros

Absorbs moisture and odors well
Lasts a long time
Hygiene
Protection against bacteria

Minuses

Expensive

From 750 ₽

Unique granules made of quartz sand, chalk and additives perfectly absorb moisture. The smell is absorbed almost immediately. A special technology for interrupting biological and bacterial processes allows this odor to remain inside the filler for a very long time. One tray can last about a week.

Fresh Step Extreme Clay (6.35 kg)

pros

Retains odor
Doesn't stick to paws
Possibility to flush down the toilet without risks
Crumples well

Minuses

Large packages contain a lot of dust from abrasion of granules

From 700 ₽

Clay filler for permanent use. Absorbs odors perfectly without spreading them throughout the house. The granules do not stick to cats' fur and do not spread throughout the apartment. Additionally, it has antibacterial properties.

The Best Silica Gel Cat Litters

Transparent or lightly tinted silica granules vary in size, which is selected based on the size of the cat. The material actively absorbs water, increasing in its own volume, which ensures its efficiency. True, all silica gel fillers must be kept in a dry room in completely sealed packaging, otherwise their effectiveness is reduced due to the absorption of moisture from the air. Also, due to the peculiarity of a significant increase in volume, used crystals cannot be thrown into the toilet - this can lead to blockages.

Fresh Step Crystals

Rating: 4.9

The rating of silica gel fillers opens with the American Fresh Step Crystals - one of the best materials that can cope with unpleasant odors in the cat litter. Moreover, this ability of granules remains up to 30 days when used in accordance with the recommendations.

Fresh Step Crystals are smooth, dust-free granules that do not stick to the paws or injure them, so the house remains clean after the cat goes to the litter box. In addition, the softness of the granules contributes to the animal’s silent stay in the toilet.

The manufacturer recommends pouring a 3.5 cm thick layer of granules into the tray and promptly removing any formed lumps, mixing the remaining material to redistribute unused crystals.

Some users report low odor protection, which may be due to insufficient amount of granules in the tray (for example, a large cat will need more material), using crystals that are already moistened, or health problems in the cat. These disadvantages apply to all types of silica gel fillers.

Advantages

Smooth granules without sharp edges;
No dust – up to 99% pure material;
The particles do not stick to the paws;
Long-term retention of odors and moisture.

Flaws

High price from 436 rubles per 1 kg.

Smart Cat

Rating: 4.8

Second place went to Smart Cat silica gel litter for cat litter, produced with a neutral odor and scented with lavender, apple and even orange (which is strange, because cats don’t like citrus smells).

The granules perfectly absorb moisture and odors and are safe for human paws and feet. The peculiarity of scented fillers is the creation of a light trail of orange, lavender or apple esters, but some users still noticed that cats were aloof from trays with such contents and henceforth preferred Smart Cat without fragrances.

Despite the stated absence of dust, owners of four-legged animals note that the filler is dusty.

You can buy Smart Cat from 224 rubles per 1 kg.

Advantages

Retains odors and lightly aromatizes the air (when using scented granules);
Optimal cost;
Quiet use.

Flaws

The filler is a little dusty, small particles are carried around the house on its paws.

Homecat Silica Gel Standard

Rating: 4.7

Homecat tray filler Standard takes an honorable third place in the category of silica gel absorbents. Buyers loved it for its optimal efficiency, absence of fine dust and sand, and good odor and moisture absorption rates. However, due to the small fraction, the balls still stick to the paws, but remain mainly within the bathtub or other place where the tray is located. The material is used economically - a package of 30 liters for one cat is enough for several months, subject to timely cleaning.

The average price of a 30-liter package is 2,300 rubles (about 77 rubles per liter), it can be purchased mainly in online stores without any problems, and is also sold in specialized pet supply stores.

Advantages

There is no dust and sand in the packaging;
Absorbs odors and clumps well;
Economically used.

Flaws

Small fraction, balls stick to paws.

N1 Crystals

Rating: 4.7

The popular brand N1 Crystals offers pet owners a universal litter tray that is also antibacterial. The latter is recommended for use in homes with small children, people with allergies and sick animals - the material prevents the reproduction and spread of pathogens.

N1 Crystals absorbs odors and moisture as well as the previously discussed fillers, and the fourth place for the product was due to the increased content of crystal dust, which sticks to the cat’s paws and spreads throughout the house. Some users have found a way out - sifting the contents of the package through a sieve, but this is not always a convenient procedure.

The cost of silica gel N1 Crystals starts at 97 rubles per 1 kg.

Advantages

Absorption of odors and moisture;
Inability to develop and spread bacteria;
Low price.

Flaws

There are a lot of dust particles in the packages.

Cat Step

Rating: 4.6

The antibacterial silica gel litter for Cat Step cat litter, which blocks odors, takes fourth place in the rating. Crystals absorb liquid, but their lifespan is shorter - most users report a duration of use of 1-2 weeks rather than 2-3, which is especially important for large animal litter boxes. The granules are also distinguished by their increased size, perhaps because of their coarser structure - the sound of the cat using the litter box is more clearly audible.

Hardened crystals and feces should be removed as they form, leaving only clean granules.

The cost of Cat Step per kilogram is on average 78-82 rubles.

Advantages

Price;
No dust;
Antibacterial effect.

Flaws

The granules are quickly absorbed;
The size and flowability of silica gel is not entirely comfortable for cats.

PRETTYCAT

Rating: 4.5

Closing the rating of silica gel litter for cat litter is PRETTYCAT, a widely advertised and sought-after litter tray material. It absorbs moisture, but very quickly and the lifespan of the granules is much shorter than the manufacturer claims - 1-2 weeks instead of a month when used by an adult cat. PRETTYCAT clumps up, making it easy to keep the tray clean.

There is no dust in the packages, the granules are blue in color - this is a danger for families with small children. The filler is also not suitable for small kittens - the crystals are too big for them and will most likely be perceived as a toy.

The cost of PRETTYCAT per kilogram is approximately 246 rubles.

Advantages

Convenient packaging with a zip lock;
Clumping filler.
Blue color (can also be considered a disadvantage).

Flaws

Large kibble suitable for medium to large sized cats;
Reduced filler resource.

How to choose the right litter for cats?

Choosing a litter box for your cat is more difficult than it might seem at first. Especially today, when there are several dozen different brands in stores. To make the process a little easier, I suggest you familiarize yourself with how to choose cat litter - the main points that are worth considering:

First of all, it is important to take into account the cat’s “opinion”. Buy several different types of litter and try adding them one at a time. By the reaction of the purr, you can see which option he likes best. Sometimes cats, for some reason, refuse to go to the toilet with, for example, wood filler, but they use a tray with mineral filler with pleasure.
Focus on the age of the animal - granules that are too large are not suitable for small kittens.
Not all cats like the flavorings that are added to litter. So if you want your cat's litter box to smell like lavender or the sea breeze, don't expect your pet to share your desires.

The best clay cat litters

Clay is the closest in composition to natural soil, so cats are best suited to clay litters - they absorb well, retain a lot of odor, and are easy to move with their paws for burying, however, the cost per kilogram is slightly higher than that of middle-class silica gels. Fillers differ in particle size and the type of clay used.

Ever Clean Multi-Crystals

Rating: 4.9

The leading position among clay cat litters was taken by the unique product Ever Clean Multi-Crystals, made from bentonite and additional blue and green crystals, which, with the assistance of activated carbon, help mask the odor, while there are no fragrances in the litter. The composition additionally contains antibacterial additives to prevent the proliferation of pathogens, which is especially useful for sensitive, sick animals.

Concrete, used for the production of granules measuring 0.5...2.0 mm, perfectly absorbs water - up to 5 liters per 1 kilogram of clay, the tray can not be updated for up to 2 months.

The peculiarity of Ever Clean Multi-Crystals is that they are combined granules; a piece of coal is hidden under a bentonite shell. This layering of the crystal provides the most reliable protection against odors. Blue and green components block secretions that are not immediately absorbed into the main granules.

The manufacturer's recommended layer thickness of Ever Clean Multi-Crystals in a tray is 7 cm or 5 kg per tray. Moistened areas harden, they should be removed as they form, and thrown only into the trash.

The cost of the filler is about 120 rubles per kilogram.

Advantages

Complete elimination of odors;
Antibacterial effect;
Small granules convenient for the animal;
Corresponds to a period of use of up to 2 weeks with careful removal of lumps.

Flaws

The granules stick to the paws (sometimes).

Fresh Step Extreme Clay

Rating: 4.8

Experts gave second place to Fresh Step Extreme Clay cat litter with a triple odor control system. It is made of light clay (1 kg is 2 liters of granules) with high absorption. When absorbing moisture, the granules release a natural aroma of cleanliness and freshness, trapping unpleasant odors inside with the help of activated carbon.

A special feature of the Fresh Step Extreme Clay litter is the use of the Fresh step system, which is activated as soon as the cat enters the litter box and throughout the animal’s entire stay in the toilet. It also prevents the growth of smelly bacteria between four-legged visits to the litter box.

The cost of the Fresh Step Extreme Clay filler is about 213 rubles.

Advantages

Reliable odor protection;
Effective deodorizing system Fresh step;
Lightness of the material.

Flaws

Contains fragrance (an animal may be allergic).

Canada Litter Scoopable Baby Powder

Rating: 4.7

Canada Litter Scoopable Baby Powder cat litter has a delicate smell of baby powder - it is mild for the cat's receptors and at the same time refreshing, while the granules absorb moisture and “lock up” unnecessary odors. The raw material for production is effective sodium bentonite, characterized by high absorbency - up to 350% of its own weight. The filler poured into the tray can work for several weeks; you just need to remove any lumps that form.

The filler gets third place for its relatively high consumption - the manufacturer recommends pouring a layer of 10-12 cm, you will need a tray with high walls. When used in a low tray, the mound will have to be renewed more often.

The cost of Canada Litter Scoopable Baby Powder is low - about 63 rubles per kilogram.

Advantages

High degree of absorption;
No chemical additives;
Light scent of baby powder.

Flaws

Large consumption as recommended by the manufacturer.

Happy paws

Rating: 4.6

The clay litter “Happy Paws” is clumping and therefore economical. According to the manufacturer, it absorbs odors well, and many owners of four-legged animals confirm this by comparing the product with its more expensive “brothers.” The size of the granules is convenient for a cat - 0.5-2 mm in diameter, the material of manufacture is pure bentonite, not subjected to chemical treatment, it does not generate dust. It sticks to the paws, but in small quantities and only small granules. Fortunately, they have a smooth shape and do not cause injury to the animal.

The fraction of granules differs slightly from pack to pack - some note their coarseness, others note their fineness. But in general, the particle size is within the limits stated by the manufacturer.

Clay litter “Happy Paws” is very inexpensive - about 270 rubles per 10 kg, so it quickly runs out in stores.

Advantages

Does not generate dust;
Ideally clumps;
Has an antibacterial effect.

Flaws

Can be spread on paws;
The fraction may differ from batch to batch, but within the limits declared by the manufacturer.

Eurolitter Baby Powder

Rating: 4.5

Another Canadian cat litter, Eurolitter Baby Powder, which, by the way, also has the smell of powder, took fourth place in the clay litter rating category. Granules of optimal size absorb moisture well and block most of the odors inside, but do not fully collect volatile substances, which is why some “smell” can still be felt if the tray is not cleaned in a timely manner. Otherwise, it’s a worthy solution for domestic cats and punctual owners.

The cost of Eurolitter Baby Powder clay granules is about 60 rubles per kilo.

Advantages

Effective absorption;
No dust in the packs;
Affordable price.

Flaws

There is a flavor;

Some users note incomplete absorption of odors.

ProNature Holistic

Rating: 4.5

The rating of clay litter for cat litter is completed by the product of the ProNature Holistic brand. These are clay granules, in addition to absorbing moisture, they additionally mask unpleasant odors with natural eucalyptus oil added to the composition - not all cats like it, but the owners at the same time provide care for the animal and freshness in the room. True, this is only possible with timely removal of spent swollen granules and feces.

Unfortunately, some cats' dislike for the ProNature Holistic litter box is not the only drawback of the material; the difficulty of finding it in the store is another difficult task. However, if you're lucky, you'll have to shell out 85 rubles per 1 kg.

Advantages

Cleaned clay granules without dust;
Intensive absorption of moisture and odors;
Low price.

Flaws

Not all cats can tolerate the smell of eucalyptus;
Rarely found on sale

Kotyara

Rating: 4.4

Another clumping clay filler, Kotyara, is in demand among buyers, despite its novelty. It, like other products in this category, should mask the odor and have an antibacterial effect. Buyers note that the filler clumps well, retains odor to a reasonable extent, and does not generate dust. It is chosen by cat owners who like to dig deep - lumps do not scatter throughout the room, but can remain on the paws - this is a problem with any small clay litter.

In general, “Kotyara” is a good domestic clay product. You can buy it from 18 rubles per liter.

Advantages

Low price;
Excellent clumping;
Optimal fraction of granules resembling earth.

Flaws

Sticks to paws.

Best lists

Consider a list of the best fillers, consisting of the following categories:

Woody.
Silica gel.
The best protection against odor.

Let's study this range in more detail.

Kotyara - woody

Kotyara is a domestic manufacturer of cat litter. Absorbs every drop, preventing your pet from having wet paws. Suitable not only for adult cats, but also for babies from one month of birth. The line includes clumping, wood and silica gel fillers. Safe to use, hides unpleasant odors, refreshing with a woody aroma.

Price: from 112 to 150 rubles.

Kotyara filler

Homecat - silica gel

This product instantly absorbs liquids and odors thanks to its absorbent properties, blocking them forever while maintaining its original shape. Antibacterial, hypoallergenic. Economical to use, does not require daily change. Can be used in cat litter boxes with bars. Kittens are allowed to use this litter, as the composition does not cause negative reactions.

Cost: from 364 to 870 rubles.

Homecat filler

Pussy-Cat - the best protection against odor

Flavored cat litter, perfect for adult cats. But it is not recommended for small kittens to use the product due to possible blockage of the gastrointestinal tract if particles are swallowed. It is easy to clean, instantly absorbs moisture, due to which the product always remains dry. This does not push your pet away or cause him to walk past the litter box. This will also allow you to clean it less often, which will save you some money.

Price: from 150 to 230 rubles.

Pussy-Cat filler

The best wood litter for cat litter

Fine sawdust is one of the most environmentally friendly types of cat litter. In fact, its production is the recycling of waste logging materials. Factories that produce fillers further clean and compress the sawdust using simple installations and package the product in bags. Trees recently felled by the elements may also be involved. This is the main reason for the low price of wood pellets, which, by the way, are more practical than regular sawdust - they do not stick to the paws so intensely, and the pellets crumble only when wet. In any case, the used material will rot in a few years without much effort from nature, which is why fans of eco-products love it.

Cat's Best Eko Plus

Rating: 4.9

The leader among wood litter for cat litter is Cat's Best Eko Plus. It is much more effective than its analogues - up to 700% of the liquid is retained in the capillaries of the wood fibers, which, moreover, block the odor and mask it with its own ether, which makes it possible to clean the tray somewhat less frequently, although it is recommended to do this in a timely manner. No improving additives are used for production, only natural wood, mainly coniferous.

Used Cat's Best Eko Plus can be flushed down the toilet in small quantities - like toilet paper, it completely dissolves in water and does not form sewer blockages (if local waste disposal regulations allow this). In addition, soft sawdust in granules is comfortable for cats’ paws and they go to the tray willingly.

The cost of 1 liter of Cat's Best Eko Plus starts from 86 rubles.

Advantages

Absolutely environmentally friendly material;
Can be disposed of in the toilet;
Cats like it;
Long-term moisture retention.

Flaws

He drags himself around the house on his paws.

N1 Naturel Green tea

Rating: 4.8

In second place in the rating is wood filler made from Himalayan cedar with green tea filler from the N1 Naturel brand. The fibers are distinguished by their intense absorption of liquids, as well as the retention of odors, which is facilitated by green tea leaves in the composition. The aroma of the filler is soft, not as active as that of pine sawdust, so many cats find it especially pleasant.

A special feature of N1 Naturel Green Tea is its ability to clump, which is ensured by a unique Australian production technology.

Like any other wood filler, N1 Naturel has a significant drawback - the ability to stick to folders and thus spread throughout the house.

The cost of “N1 Naturel Green tea” is 247 rubles per 1 kg. Expensive, but optimal for cats with allergies and digestive problems.

Advantages

Unique production technology;
Absorbing and masking odor;
Efficient spending.

Flaws

High price;
Sticking to paws.

Clean paws Woody

Rating: 4.7

The final rating of cat litter “Clean Paws Wooden” is stated as non-stick to the paws of the animal, the veracity of this judgment has been confirmed by the owners of cats using the material. “Clean paws” are pressed granules. They absorb moisture and odors without falling apart. The effect was achieved by more dense pressing, which makes the lumps more rigid and is often perceived by the animal as toys. Accordingly, this filler is not suitable for training a kitten to use a litter tray.

From a practical point of view, “Clean Paws Wood” has no complaints about quality, and granules very rarely fall apart; with timely cleaning of wet wood, the problem is eliminated.

The cost of granules is low - from 32 rubles per 1 kg.

Advantages

Dense granules do not crumble when wet and do not stick to the animal’s paws;
Odor absorption;
Low price.

Flaws

Very dense granules are sometimes perceived as a toy;
Not suitable for litter box training;
Sometimes it still sticks to the paws.

Homecat Wood small granules

Rating: 4.6

Filler made from compressed sawdust Homecat Wood has a pleasant aroma of pine needles, which at the same time helps to mask the smell, disinfect waste (pine resin is a natural antiseptic) and does not repel the cat from the tray. The material is environmentally friendly and completely safe, there are no chemicals in it. The small size of the granules is suitable for cats who dig deep into the litter to hide their “business”. At the same time, the owners of such pets do not notice the granules scattered around the entire perimeter; they simply do not fly out, and if they do, it is in small quantities. They don't stick to the paws, which is a plus.

The average price of Homecat Wood filler per kilogram is about 26 rubles.

Advantages

Ideal absorption and masking of odors;
Optimal size of granules that hold their shape well;
Suitable for those who like to dig deep and a lot in the tray.

Flaws

There are soiled batches of filler (they paint the paws);
Heavy bags, no small packaging.

For kittens

PrettyCat Euro Mix (20 kg)

pros

Suitable for kittens
Supplied in large bags
Antibacterial
Does not cause allergies

Minuses

Pellets stick to fur

From 850 ₽

A good litter for kittens, which has small granules that perfectly absorb odors. At the same time, the substance produces virtually no dust. However, due to the weight of the pellets, they easily stick to the animal’s fur and spread throughout the house. This problem can be solved by installing a special mat.

Zoonik Wood (5 l)

pros

Cheapness
Economical
Completely absorbs odor
Partially replaceable

Minuses

Sawdust spreads throughout the apartment

From 115 ₽

A very thoughtful product that will save a significant amount of money without sacrificing quality. The cost of the filler itself is small. In addition, it is possible to partially replace the surface layer. The aroma of pine needles will be a pleasant bonus.

Customer Reviews

If you are still undecided on the type of filler, try reading reviews from other furry owners. As a rule, they already have experience in toilet training a cat, which was gained through trial and error. Here's what pet owners say about litter trays: