6 Best Cat Litters for Odor Control in 2022 – Reviews & Guide

If you have a feline that’s good at releasing toxic fumes from their backside, you’ll give anything to mask the stench. Some cats just have a knack for fuming up the whole house with their bodily odors. Or maybe you have a few cats in a desperate battle to outdo the others—either way, it’s unpleasant, to put it mildly.

If you find yourself gagging every time they exit their litter box, you know it’s time to start hunting for some magical odor-fighting power. Our reviews explore six types of litter powerful enough to mask the strongest scents—we think your cat may have finally met their match. Let’s peek at the best litters for odor control.

A Look at Our Favorites (Updated in 2022)

The 6 Best Cat Litters for Odor Control

1. Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Multi-Cat Odor Control Cat Litter

Of all the great products we reviewed, the Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Multi-cat litter is our favorite. It has intense odor-fighting properties that combat even the most challenging smells. If you have multiple cats or simply want to reduce litter box odors, this is a winning ticket.

If you are having trouble finding the time to scoop your cat box daily, this litter has a 7-day odor-free guarantee. The added Ultra Odor Blasters counteract urine and fecal matter to create a more pleasant atmosphere.

This formula is also 100% dust-free, which isn’t typical of a clumping litter. There are no irritating clouds to account for, although we still did notice some airborne debris when you pour it from a higher range.

The most apparent downfall we see is that this litter has harsh chemicals to combat the odor. If you were looking for a more natural litter for a sensitive kitty, this wouldn’t work as well.

To conclude, we think this is the best cat litter for odor control available.

---

2. Fresh Step Odor Shield Cat Litter

Fresh Step Odor Shield kitty litter is a powerful odor reducer that is absolutely worth a mention. With ammonia-lock technology, your litter box will burst with the smell of Febreze—and not waste odors. The granules are small for ultra packing, adhering to waste to make easy-to-clean clumps.

Unlike some other litters, Fresh Step doesn’t fall apart or leave behind small clods of debris. You can get a fresh clean anytime you scoop. The lasting scent lingers, combating smells long after you add it in. The absorbency is top-notch—and we think your kitty will love the texture of the granules.

The formula label claims it combats these harsh smells for up to 10 days—but we think your litter box will need a little refill refresher each time you clean the box. The litter is 99.9% dust-free, so it shouldn’t irritate your cat’s sensitivities.

---

3. Tidy Cats Lightweight Cat Litter for Odor Control

Tidy Cats Lightweight litter is true to its title—it’s so much lighter than competing brands. It’s easy on the back—and each time you have to scoop, the soiled litter will be a breeze to dispose of. We think it smells completely fresh without the scent being overbearing or chemical-smelling.

This litter forms tight clumps for quick cleanup. The formula is clay-based with ammonia blockers to reduce strong urine. If you haven’t been able to find a lightweight litter that does the job—look no further. This one is definitely worth a try.

At 99.9% dust-free, this product has a 14-day ammonia blocking guarantee, but you have to use it exactly as directed. It’s essential to clean your cat box daily, refilling it as necessary to reap the full benefits.

---

4. Fresh Step Ultra Unscented Odor Control Litter

If you were looking for a more natural approach but still want all the benefits of odor-fighting litters, check out Fresh Step Ultra Unscented Litter. This formula uses bacterial odor protection to get to the root cause of smells, defeating them with unscented, activated charcoal.

This product offers 10-day odor guarantees, meaning you will have to change the litter less frequently in comparison to some. It has tiny green granules that activate carbon traps to seal in any of the gross stuff.

Scooping is no issue here. As soon as moisture hits this best odor control cat litter, it clings, so it doesn’t seep through to the bottom. When you pour, it does seem to have more dust than some other types, so if you have an extra sensitive cat, it might not be as dust-free as advertising would claim.

It’s perfect for single or multi-cat households—so overall, we think it’s a terrific choice if you want to avoid perfumes and strong scents.

---

5. Nature’s Miracle Odor Control Cat Litter

We were pretty impressed with the overall efficiency of Nature’s Miracle Odor Control. It is made of crushed corn cob that is totally cat-safe and environmentally friendly. This updated formula uses a bio-enzymatic property that effectively asserts control over litter box odors.

This is a clumping litter, creating an excellent barrier around urine and feces. But because the granules are small, they can get stuck to your cat’s feet, which can cause a bit of tracking. But we think that a litter mat can catch most of the remnants for you.

This product is scent-free, but we still think it carries a very earthy smell pleasing to the senses. It is safe for all pets in the home. So, if your dog likes to sample your cat’s latest droppings, this litter won’t harm them.

One significant upside is that this best cat litter for odor product has a total satisfaction guarantee right on the bag. If you aren’t satisfied with the results, you can contact the company to make it right.

---

6. Cat’s Pride Unscented Total Odor Control Litter

Cat’s Pride Unscented Total Odor Control is an honorable mention that is affordable, lightweight, and odor-reducing. It uses a dual-clay blend with a patented maximum power formula, keeping things fresh for up to 10 days.

This is 25% lighter than competitors’ brands and 99.9% dust-free. It has all of the odor-fighting power you’re looking for while being safe for most healthy housecats. It does clump nicely, which makes scooping a simple process.

Even though this best cat litter for smell is an odor-fighting litter, we noticed that it seemed like the smells kind of stuck to the litter over time. So, even after vigorous cleaning, it held a residual smell. If you opt for this litter, you might have to change it entirely about once per week.

---

Buyer’s Guide: How to Select the Best Cat Litter for Odor Control

Litter box problems can be some of the most significant hiccups when you own a cat. It seems like you’re always trying out different products, tips, and tricks, to keep their bathroom use discrete. Sometimes, it can be challenging to find an effective and healthy development for your felines.

So, what exactly should you look for when you’re shopping? Below, we will discuss how to swim through products to make sure you’re getting the biggest bang for your buck.

Cat Waste Odors

Cat urine has a very unmistakable smell—ammonia. It’s super overwhelming and can be very hard to hide. Their poop is no different in terms of pungency. So having major odor control is one of the primary aspects of purchasing litter.

Clumping vs. Non-Clumping Litters

There are two types of litter—clumping and non-clumping. Here’s a breakdown of the positives and negatives of each type.

Clumping Litter

Clumping litter often uses sodium bentonite to immediately draw to cat waste, creating a protective barrier around it. These litters are much easier to scoop up, only focusing on soiled areas.

Non-Clumping Litter

Non-clumping litter often uses natural fibers to soak up urine and fecal matter. They tend to be better options for cats with allergies or dust-related sensitivities. But they are harder to scoop due to the size of the litter.

Powerful Odor Fighters

Each odor-fighting litter comes with its own formula designed to reduce the unpleasant smells of cat waste. Companies accomplish this through various avenues, making suitable formulas for cat owners everywhere.

• Fragrance
• Natural compounds
• Baking soda
• Activated charcoal

Chemical vs. Natural Odor Control

There are tons of products on the market that offer chemical compounds to counteract bad odors. While this is majorly effective, it might concern some pet owners. Certain components can be irritating to cats over time.

What is good for your sense of smell might not be so good for your felines. You should continuously monitor your cat’s behavior after changing their litter to ensure no symptomatic responses or allergic reactions.

Many cat lovers try to opt for natural odor control to keep their kitties safe, but these products are sometimes less effective long-term. Scooping your cat box daily helps defeat most smell-related issues.

Conclusion

Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Multi-cat litter is our favorite because we found that the odor control it offers is absolutely optimal. It has ultra odor-fighting powers that combat even the harshest smells. It also clumps well, providing an easy cleaning experience.

If you want to save some cash, definitely check out Fresh Step Odor Shield. It is easy on the wallet but has all of the qualities you want in an odor-controlling cat litter.

In any case, we hope our reviews introduced you to new and fantastic products that conquer the litter box once and for all.

---

Featured Image Credit: Andrey_Kuzmin, Shutterstock