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World's Most Absorbent Cat Litters Compared

The 5 World’s Most Absorbent Cat Litters Compared

World's Most Absorbent Cat Litters Compared
Vet Approved

This information is up to date and writtenin accordance with the latest veterinary research.

When it comes to kitty litter, absorbency matters: it influences how easy a litter is to scoop, directly affecting the length of time it takes to clean out your feline housemate’s tray on a daily basis. A cat litter offering superior absorbency can shave minutes off every day.

Absorbecy is also important when it comes to odor control, and as a general rule a positive correlation exists between how absorbent a cat litter is, and how good it is at controlling unpleasant kitty toilet odors. Numerous factors, including particle/pellet/fibre size as well as density, affect the relative absorbency of any given cat litter. When it comes to keeping your cat’s litter box fresh, not all cat litters are created equal—each type offers unique absorbance properties and effectiveness levels.

Quick Overview

Fresh Step Lightweight Clumping Cat Litter, Unscented, 15.4 lbs (Package May Vary)

Best for Multiple Cats

Fresh Step Lightweight Clumping Cat Litter


Fresh News Recycled Paper, Original Pellet Cat Litter, 25 Pound

Best for the Environment

Fresh News Recycled Paper Cat Litter


Purina Tidy Cats Low Dust, Multi Cat, Clumping Cat Litter, LightWeight Glade Clear Springs - 17 lb. Box

Best for Odor Control

Purina Tidy Cats Low Dust Multi-Cat Clumping Cat Litter   


Best Overall

Genius Cat Litter with 5-Color Health Indicator, Non Clumping Lightweight Silica Gel Crystals (6 lbs) | As Seen on Shark Tank | Genius Litter | Alpha Paw

Best for Monitoring Your Cat’s Health

Genius Cat Litter with 5-Color Health Indicator


WORLD'S BEST CAT LITTER Comfort Care Unscented, 32-Pounds - Natural Ingredients, Quick Clumping, Flushable, 99% Dust Free & Made in USA - Long-Lasting Odor Control & Easy Scooping packaging may vary

Best For Clumping

World’s Best Comfort Care Cat Litter (Unscented)

What Is The Most Absorbent Cat Litter?

We reviewed a number of cat litters that claimed to have outstanding absorbency and we’ve narrowed it down to our top five:

Fresh Step Lightweight Clumping Cat Litter – best for multiple cats

Fresh Step Lightweight Clumping Cat Litter, Unscented, 15.4 lbs (Package May Vary)

Fresh Step’s unscented clumping cat litter joins Purina Tidy cats as being one of two clay-based litters in our Top Five Absorbent cat litter showdown. Like Genius cat litter, Fresh Step’s litter is surprisingly light, requiring little effort to lift, carry or tip.

There’s also surprisingly little effort required to keep your cat’s litter box smelling fresh as a patch of daisies, since this featherlight litter incorporates natural activated charcoal technology to adsorb (bind) unwanted odors, effectively sealing them away…meaning even the most sensitive of noses can remain unoffended.

The smooth particles of Fresh Step’s litter are gentle on your kitty’s paws during digging, so they can kick merrily away to their heart’s content (oh, joy of joys!)…Fresh News and World’s Best are also great options if your puss has sensitive paws and is displeased by the prospect of peeing on (somewhat sharper) silica gel based cat litters.

What we like…

  • The lightweight formula is a back-saver when refilling and cleaning the box.

  • Activated charcoal traps odors effectively, keeping the area fresh without artificial scents.

  • The fine particles are soft on sensitive paws, making it a favorite for our fussy felines.

What we don’t like…

  • Its light weight leads to more tracking, meaning more cleanup around the litter box.

  • It’s pricier than many other litters, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious owners.

  • The lack of biodegradability is a downside if you’re aiming for more sustainable pet care choices.


Fresh News Recycled Paper Cat Litter – best for The Environment

Fresh News Recycled Paper, Original Pellet Cat Litter, 25 Pound

Looking to feel good about your kitty litter choices? Look no further.

Fresh News cat litter is made with 100% recycled post-consumer paper, meaning paper is diverted away from landfill with every bag purchased. Unlike clay or silica gel based litters (such as Fresh Step, Tidy Cats or Genius) Fresh News is biodegradable even in a home composting set up (disclaimer: please don’t use compost containing your cat’s toilet waste to grow edible plants, for obvious reasons!)

This non-clumping litter boasts nearly three times the absorbency strength of clay according to the manufacturers, meaning it gives even silica based litters a run for their money. And, like every other litter on this list, Fresh Step couples absorbency with an extremely low dust formula, which means less tracking and a cleaner home.

What we like…

  • It’s made from 100% recycled paper, diverting waste from landfills.

  • It boasts nearly three times the absorbency of traditional clay litters.

  • Low dust formula minimizes tracking, helping to maintain a cleaner living space.

What we don’t like…

  • It doesn’t clump, which can make scooping and maintaining the litter box more challenging.

  • It might fall short in controlling odors compared to clumping or silica gel litters.

  • While biodegradable, it’s recommended not to use the compost for growing edible plants, which might limit some eco-disposal options.


Purina Tidy Cats Low Dust Multi-Cat Clumping Cat Litter – best for Odor Control

Purina Tidy Cats Low Dust, Multi Cat, Clumping Cat Litter, LightWeight Glade Clear Springs - 17 lb. Box

Purina Tidy Cats is the only litter on this list that is scented, offering the inviting fragrance of Glade Clear Springs. Due to being fragranced, Tidy Cats is the premier selection when it comes to odor control, but is best avoided by individuals (human or feline) with fragrance allergies or sensitive airways.

In my opinion, Purina Tidy Cats is probably the least absorbent litter on this list, but don’t be too hard on them: the competition is incredibly strong, and this is a “World’s Best” review after all! Besides, what they lack in extremeness of absorbency, they make up for with ammonia blocker technology preventing cat pee smell for 14 days (‘guaranteed’).

Those who prefer to buy their cat litter in bulk but who struggle with lifting should also take into consideration the fact that Purina Tidy Cats is the heaviest litter on this list, with all other options being less weighty and easier to manoeuvre.

What we like…

  • We appreciated how well it clumps, making cleanup quick and easy, especially in a multi-cat household.

  • It’s great for reducing dust, helping to keep your home cleaner and more comfortable for sensitive noses.

  • The litter does an excellent job at managing odors, especially if you have more than one cat.

What we don’t like…

  • The scent can be quite strong, which might not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with fragrance sensitivities.

  • It’s on the heavier side, which can make handling and changing the litter more cumbersome.

  • Despite being low dust, there’s still some dust production, which can be an issue for those with severe allergies or respiratory issues.


Genius Cat Litter with 5-Color Health Indicator – best for monitoring Your Cat’s Health

Genius Cat Litter with 5-Color Health Indicator, Non Clumping Lightweight Silica Gel Crystals (6 lbs) | As Seen on Shark Tank | Genius Litter | Alpha Paw

Despite my (I’d like to think) worldwide fame as a serial reviewer of cat litter brands, I wasn’t actually aware until very recently that health indicator kitty litter was even a thing. Turns out it is, and it really is a Genius idea!

Genius 5-color health indicator litter is a silica gel based formula that is able to identify and respond to changes in your cat’s urine pH, and alert you to potential problems through an easy-to-spot color change. This means you can get your feline friend seen by a vet quicker than ever in the event of any problems. Genius cat litter is also one of the top two litters on our list in terms of absorbency, along with World’s Best Comfort Care (up next!)

Genius cat litter is the only litter in our Top Five that does not form clumps on contact with liquid waste, meaning it’s sure to be the favorite for no-clump fans such as myself.

P.s….Does this litter sound familiar? You probably saw it on Shark Tank! 

What we like…

  • The 5-color indicator detects changes in urine pH, providing an early warning for potential health issues.

  • Its silica gel base offers excellent moisture absorption, keeping the litter box dry and less prone to odors.

  • Its lightweight nature makes it easy to handle.

What we don’t like…

  • The lack of clumping can make spot cleaning more challenging and might lead to more frequent litter changes.

  • It’s on the pricier side compared to other litters.

  • The silica gel can produce dust, which may be an irritant for cats or owners with respiratory sensitivities.


World’s Best Comfort Care Cat Litter (Unscented) – best for Clumping

WORLD'S BEST CAT LITTER Comfort Care Unscented, 32-Pounds - Natural Ingredients, Quick Clumping, Flushable, 99% Dust Free & Made in USA - Long-Lasting Odor Control & Easy Scooping packaging may vary

Whilst by my own admission I am not generally a huge fan of clumping cat litters, World’s Best Comfort Care is a notable exception. The remarkable corn-based formula quickly forms easy-to-clean clumps without turning into that awful sticky and petulant cement which necessitates valuable time wasted scraping away at the litter tray in the backyard with a trowel. It also stands out as being the only flushable and septic tank safe litter in our Top Five.

In fact, my only criticism of World’s Best has absolutely nothing to do with their fantastic cat litter, and everything to do with the fact that they do have a tendency to lean toward scaremongering when it comes to their advertising tactics, in this case describing their litter as “Naturally safe…no harmful chemicals”.

As a scientist with a relatively in-depth knowledge of kitty litter and the risks (or general lack thereof) associated with using silica or clay based cat litters, I kinda resent the falseness of the implication that other litters are somehow inferior from a safety perspective. Especially given the lack of hard evidence to suggest that this is the case. Still: the litter itself is fantastic, and a spot in the Top Five well earned.

What we like…

  • We appreciated how well it clumps, making clean-up quick and easy without the mess typical of some other litters.

  • Its flushable quality is a standout feature, convenient for disposal and safe for septic systems, simplifying the litter management process.

  • This litter produces very little dust, which is great for maintaining a cleaner home and healthier air quality for both cats and their owners.

What we don’t like…

  • It’s more expensive than many traditional clay litters, which might be a concern for budget-conscious pet owners.

  • The litter is quite heavy, which can make handling and changing it more cumbersome.

  • Without added fragrances, its natural odor control might not be sufficient for households with multiple cats or more sensitive noses.


Best Overall: Genius Cat Litter with 5-color Health Indicator

Ultimately, despite its drawbacks in terms of environmental impact and lack of flushability, I wanted to honor the topic of the article: this is World’s 5 Most Absorbent Cat Litters, after all…and nothing absorbs quite like a silica gel litter.

Genius cat litter takes the number one spot due to its remarkable – perhaps unparalleled – ability to suck up and hold fluid waste, as well as its nifty ability to alert pet owners to potential urinary issues in their feline family members. I’ll admit that for me personally, the lack of clumping is also an upside, as it means my weekly deep clean of the litter tray could not be easier.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Absorbent Litter

cat looking at litter tray
  • Dust control

There is no circumstance in which dusty litter is desirable: that’s a fact. We all want our kitty’s toilet substrate to produce as little dust as possible. And if you or your cat suffer whatsoever with respiratory issues, this factor becomes even more crucial.

  • Tracking

Tracking often goes hand-in-hand with dust control. As a general (but not exclusive) rule, low dust litters track less, and dustier litters track more. The less a litter tracks, the less time you have to spend dancing with the vacuum cleaner.

  • Clumping ability

To clump, or not to clump? That really is the question!

Personally, I have a great preference for a litter that does not clump, because I find that clumps can sometimes stick to the bottom and edges of the tray, requiring an irritating amount of time spent scraping away with a scoop.

…but I’m not you, and you’re not me! Our priorities, our homes, and indeed our cats, are different. Like so many things in life, there’s no right or wrong answer here, but rather it’s a matter of personal preference. Experimenting with both types of litter will help you determine which option works best for you and your cat.

  • Scent

Scented versus unscented litter is an entirely different argument, and it’s worth doing a little research regarding the difference and taking a moment to consider which option is likely to work better for your household before you place that kitty litter order.

  • Disposal Method

These days, there is an increasing awareness surrounding the environmental impact of cat litters, and many of us have a distinct preference for our litter not to contribute to landfill. If you fall inside of this cat-egory, you may wish to consider a compostable kitty litter.

The most absorbent cat litter – summing up

In conclusion, the quest for the world’s most absorbent cat litter unveils a diverse range of options, each with its own unique benefits and considerations. Silica gel litter stands out as the ultimate champion in absorbency, excelling in moisture absorption and odor containment. However, its non-clumping nature may not suit every preference. Clumping clay follows closely behind, offering commendable absorbency but raising concerns about its environmental sustainability due to extensive mining.

Amidst the array of choices, eco-conscious alternatives like recycled paper, corn, tofu, and walnut shell litters shine for their biodegradability and renewable sourcing. These options provide respectable absorbency while minimizing environmental impact, appealing to green-minded consumers.

As a cat mom, veterinarian and seasoned litter reviewer, I hope this exhaustive guide proves helpful when it comes to selecting a litter that is not only exceedingly absorbent but which also ticks your other boxes: whatever they may be.

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