Does your feline friend turn their nose up at their litter box? You’re not alone. Choosing the perfect cat litter can feel like a puzzle, especially when faced with the overwhelming variety at PetSmart. From clumping clay to eco-friendly pellets, the sheer number of choices can leave even the most devoted cat parent feeling a little lost.
We know the struggle. You want a litter that keeps your home fresh, your cat happy, and your wallet from emptying too quickly. But how do you know which one will actually work? This is where we come in.
By the end of this post, you’ll have a clearer picture of what makes a good cat litter and how to pick the best one for your furry companion at PetSmart. We’ll break down the most popular types, highlight what to look for, and help you say goodbye to those litter box blues.
Our Top 5 Cat Litter At Petsmart Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Cat Litter At Petsmart Detailed Reviews
1. SmartCat All Natural Clumping Cat Litter
Rating: 9.3/10
Say goodbye to dusty, smelly litter boxes with SmartCat All Natural Clumping Cat Litter! This 20-pound bag offers a game-changing alternative to traditional clay and pellet litters. It’s made from 100% natural grass seed, grown right here in the USA. This means it’s good for the planet and good for your cat. Plus, it’s almost completely dust-free, making litter box duty a much cleaner experience for everyone.
What We Like:
- Made from 100% natural grass seed, which is biodegradable and renewable.
- Effectively controls odor without harsh chemicals or artificial scents.
- It’s 99% dust-free, which is great for your cat’s lungs and your home.
- The soft, sand-like texture is comfortable for sensitive paws, making it easy for kittens and picky cats to accept.
- It clumps well and doesn’t stick to the litter pan, making scooping super easy.
- It’s lightweight, making it much easier to carry and pour than heavy clay litters.
- Available in multiple sizes (5, 10, and 20 pounds) so you can choose what works best for you.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s unscented, some users might prefer a very subtle natural scent.
- Availability might be limited in some areas compared to mainstream brands.
SmartCat All Natural Clumping Cat Litter is a fantastic choice for a healthier, cleaner, and more eco-friendly litter box. Your cat will love the natural feel, and you’ll love the odor control and easy cleanup.
2. Dr. Elsey’s Ultra UnScented Clumping Clay Cat Litter 40 lb. Bag
Rating: 8.7/10
Tired of dusty, smelly litter boxes? The Dr. Elsey’s Ultra UnScented Clumping Clay Cat Litter 40 lb. Bag is here to help. This litter is made with special clay that makes it clump up really well. It’s also made to be low in dust, which is great if you or your cat have allergies. This big bag means fewer trips to the store!
What We Like:
- Premium quality clay makes for perfect-sized clumps.
- It’s 99.9% dust-free, which is super good for allergy sufferers.
- The litter forms hard clumps that don’t break apart when you scoop.
- It does a great job controlling smells, even in homes with multiple cats.
- The medium grain clay helps keep litter inside the box, so less mess on your floors.
- It’s unscented, so no strong perfume smells that can bother cats.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s low dust, some very sensitive cats might still react.
- Being a clay litter, it can be a bit heavy to carry and pour.
- The 40 lb. bag, while economical, takes up a good amount of storage space.
Overall, Dr. Elsey’s Ultra UnScented Clumping Clay Cat Litter is a top choice for a clean and fresh-smelling home. It really makes litter box duty easier.
3. Fresh Step Clumping Cat Litter with Febreze Gain Scent
Rating: 9.2/10
Tired of unpleasant litter box smells? Fresh Step Clumping Cat Litter with Febreze Gain Scent promises to keep your home smelling fresh and clean. This 14 lb bag offers long-lasting odor control, thanks to its special formula that includes activated charcoal and Febreze’s Ammonia Block Technology. Plus, it’s designed to be almost dust-free, making cleanup easier for both you and your feline friend.
What We Like:
- The Gain Original Scent is a nice touch that leaves your home smelling like the familiar, fresh scent you love.
- Febreze and activated charcoal work together to effectively block strong urine odors, leaving only the Gain fragrance.
- It’s guaranteed to provide 10 days of odor control, with a scent that activates when your cat uses the litter box.
- The 99.9% dust-free formula means less mess on your floors and cleaner air for everyone.
- The combination of Gain scent and Febreze helps your home stay fresh for longer periods.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some cats may be sensitive to strong scents, so it’s worth considering if your cat is picky about smells.
- The 14 lb bag might not last as long for households with multiple cats, requiring more frequent purchases.
This litter aims to make litter box duty a more pleasant experience. If you’re looking for a way to combat odors and enjoy a fresher-smelling home, Fresh Step with Gain Scent is definitely worth a try.
4. Purina Tidy Cats Cat Litter for Litter-Robot Clumping Cat Litter Odor Control Formula – 22 lb. Box
Rating: 9.3/10
The Purina Tidy Cats Cat Litter for Litter-Robot Clumping Cat Litter Odor Control Formula – 22 lb. Box is a specially designed litter made for self-cleaning litter boxes. It works best with the Litter-Robot and its special settings. This litter helps keep your home smelling fresh.
What We Like:
- It’s made just for Litter-Robot, especially for “The Perfect Cycle” setting in the Whisker app.
- It has strong odor control that works in Litter-Robot 4 and older models.
- The litter absorbs odors, so the waste drawer doesn’t smell bad.
- It forms hard, fast clumps that stay together during the cleaning cycle.
- The scent is activated by motion, giving a fresh smell after each cleaning.
- Many veterinarians recommend and use Tidy Cats litter.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 22 lb. box might run out quickly for households with multiple cats.
- The scented formula may not be ideal for cats or owners sensitive to smells.
This Tidy Cats litter is a solid choice for Litter-Robot owners seeking great odor control and performance. It helps keep your home cleaner and fresher.
5. Fresh Step Clumping Cat Litter
Rating: 8.7/10
Tired of battling stinky litter boxes? Fresh Step Heavy Duty Clumping Cat Litter promises a solution with its advanced odor control. This 17.5 lb bag boasts a formula designed to tackle even the toughest smells, keeping your home fresh for up to 30 days. It features odor-locking carbon and Febreze freshness to create a more pleasant environment for both you and your feline friend.
What We Like:
- It really fights tough litter box odors.
- It claims to control odor 3 times longer than the leading brand.
- The black carbon helps eliminate smells effectively.
- This is Fresh Step’s longest-lasting odor-fighting litter.
- It’s a low-dust formula, making scooping cleaner.
What Could Be Improved:
- The packaging might change, which could be a surprise.
- The “30-day odor control guaranteed” is marked with an asterisk, suggesting there might be specific conditions.
This litter aims to make litter box duty less of a chore. If you’re looking for strong odor control and a cleaner scooping experience, Fresh Step Heavy Duty Clumping Cat Litter is worth considering.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: A Purrfect Choice for Your Feline Friend
Choosing the right cat litter is a big decision for any cat owner. It affects your home’s freshness and your cat’s happiness. Petsmart offers a huge variety of cat litter options. This guide will help you pick the best one.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for cat litter at Petsmart, keep these important features in mind:
- Odor Control: This is probably the most important feature. Good litter traps smells from urine and feces. Look for terms like “odor control,” “odor lock,” or “odor neutralizing.”
- Clumping Ability: Clumping litter forms solid balls when it gets wet. This makes it easy to scoop out waste and keeps the rest of the litter clean. Non-clumping litter needs to be completely replaced more often.
- Dust Level: Dusty litter can be bad for both you and your cat. It can cause sneezing and breathing problems. Many litters are now “low dust” or “dust-free.”
- Texture: Cats can be picky about what they walk on. Some prefer fine, sand-like textures, while others don’t mind larger granules.
- Absorbency: How well the litter soaks up liquid is crucial. Highly absorbent litter helps prevent messes and keeps the litter box drier.
Important Materials
Cat litter is made from different things. Each has its own pros and cons:
- Clay: This is the most common type. It’s usually inexpensive and good at clumping and odor control. However, some clay litters can be dusty.
- Silica Gel (Crystal Litter): These tiny crystals are very absorbent and excellent at trapping odors. They are often low dust and don’t clump, but the crystals absorb liquid and dry out waste.
- Natural Materials:
- Wood Pellets/Shavings: Made from pine or other woods, these are biodegradable and can have a pleasant scent. They are good at odor control but may not clump well.
- Corn or Wheat: These are plant-based and biodegradable. They are often low dust and can clump.
- Paper: Made from recycled paper, these litters are very soft and good for cats with respiratory issues or sensitive paws. They are usually un-scented and absorbent.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a cat litter better or worse:
- Additives: Some litters have added baking soda or activated charcoal to boost odor control. These are usually good additions.
- Fragrance: Scented litters can mask odors, but some cats dislike strong smells. Unscented litter is often a safer bet for sensitive cats.
- Clumping vs. Non-Clumping: Clumping litter is generally preferred for ease of cleaning and odor control. However, some cats might not like the feel of clumping litter.
- Source of Materials: Litters made from sustainable or recycled materials are often seen as higher quality and better for the environment.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about your cat and your home when choosing litter.
- For Busy Owners: Clumping, low-dust litter is a lifesaver. It makes daily scooping quick and easy.
- For Odor-Prone Homes: Crystal litter or clay litter with strong odor control is a good choice.
- For Sensitive Cats: Unscented, low-dust litters made from natural materials like paper or corn are best. They are gentle on paws and airways.
- For Multi-Cat Households: Litters with superior odor control and clumping ability are essential to manage waste effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Litter at Petsmart
Q: What is the best cat litter for odor control?
A: For strong odor control, try crystal (silica gel) litters or high-quality clumping clay litters with added odor neutralizers like baking soda or activated charcoal. Many brands at Petsmart offer specialized odor-control formulas.
Q: Is clumping or non-clumping litter better?
A: Clumping litter is generally easier to clean because you can scoop out waste. Non-clumping litter needs to be fully replaced more often, but some cats prefer its texture.
Q: How often should I scoop the litter box?
A: You should scoop the litter box at least once a day, preferably twice. This keeps it fresh and encourages your cat to use it.
Q: What if my cat doesn’t like the litter?
A: Cats can be picky! If your cat avoids the litter box, try introducing a new litter slowly. Mix a little of the new litter with the old litter over a week. You can also try different textures or unscented options.
Q: Are natural litters safe for cats?
A: Yes, many natural litters made from corn, wheat, wood, or paper are safe and even good for cats, especially those with allergies or sensitivities.
Q: How much cat litter do I need to put in the box?
A: Most experts recommend filling the litter box with 2-4 inches of litter. This depth allows your cat to dig and cover their waste comfortably.
Q: What does “low dust” litter mean?
A: “Low dust” litter means it produces less fine particles when poured or when your cat digs. This is better for your cat’s breathing and keeps your home cleaner.
Q: Can I mix different types of cat litter?
A: It’s generally not recommended to mix different types of litter, especially clumping and non-clumping. This can affect the clumping ability and odor control.
Q: How do I dispose of used cat litter?
A: Most clumping clay litters can be double-bagged and thrown in the regular trash. Natural litters may be compostable, but check the packaging. Never flush cat litter down the toilet, as it can clog pipes.
Q: Where can I find the best deals on cat litter at Petsmart?
A: Keep an eye on Petsmart’s weekly ads, their app for digital coupons, and their loyalty program (Petsmart Treats). They often have sales and special offers on pet supplies.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.