As you know, a cat is a very clean animal. So, the decision cat parents make regarding which litter to provide their pet is not insignificant. If you want to offer the best litter for your beloved feline, there are many factors to consider because, in the end, the best cat litter will be the one that suits you and your kitty’s needs.
Several factors can help you choose the right litter. You may be looking for the best odor-eliminating cat litter, or maybe you’re looking for a litter that allows you to be eco-friendly, save cleaning time, or offers the best value. Take a look at the best litters available in Canada that we have selected, after carefully reviewing each one.
A Quick Look at Our Winners for 2023
Image | Product | Details | ||
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Best Overall |
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Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Clumping Litter |
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Best Value |
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Arm & Hammer Slide Cat Litter |
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Premium Choice |
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World’s Best Cat Litter Multiple Cat |
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Best for Multi-Cat |
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Tidy Cats Lightweight Cat Litter |
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Boxiecat Premium Clumping Cat Litter |
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The 7 Best Cat Litter in Canada
1. Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Clumping Litter – Best Overall
Material: | Clay |
Scent: | Unscented |
Clumping: | Yes |
Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Ultra Premium Clumping Cat Litter is a well-known brand in Canada that consistently ranks on top-seller lists. This scent-free, clumping clay litter has everything you want in a good cat litter. It is very effective in controlling odors and the small clumps formed by cat urine are easily picked up. In addition, its price is very affordable, even if you opt for the large 40-pound format.
However, the fact that this litter is only available in large economical sizes (18, 20, and 40 pounds) makes it difficult for some people to handle. In addition, it produces a little dust, although the packaging mentions that it is 99% dust-free. But overall, thanks to its many other features, Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Ultra Premium is more than deserving of its top spot on our list.
2. Arm & Hammer Slide Cat Litter – Best Value
Material: | Clay |
Scent: | Unscented |
Clumping: | Yes |
Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Slide Clumping Cat Litter offers great value. This litter offers the same features and benefits as other more expensive brands, namely good clumping, dust-free, very easy to clean, and adequate for multiple cats. However, don’t be fooled by the claims on the packaging: the smell of cat pee will hit your nostrils long before seven days if you forget to pick up the clumps! It is healthier for the cat if you clean their litter box more frequently.
3. World’s Best Cat Litter – Premium Choice
Material: | Corn |
Scent: | Lotus blossom |
Clumping: | Yes |
Does World’s Best Cat Litter Multiple Cat Lotus Blossom Scented live up to its name? If you like vegetable litter (made of corn in this case), flushable, eco-friendly, and particularly efficient for odor control, then yes, this premium litter is worth the cost.
In addition to being clumping and friendly to septic tanks, this litter releases very little dust and has a pleasant lotus blossom scent. But beware, while most users and their cats are not bothered by this smell, others describe it as a mixture of grandmother’s perfume and old potpourri. Luckily, if you don’t like the smell but enjoy its other features, this litter is also available in Original Unscented or Lavender.
4. Tidy Cats Lightweight Cat Litter – Best for Multi-Cat
Material: | Clay |
Scent: | Unscented |
Clumping: | Yes |
Purina Tidy Cats Instant Action Lightweight Cat Litter is the perfect option if you have multiple cats. Its lightweight formula makes it easy to transport, but don’t worry, you’ll still get what you pay for. Indeed, its price may seem high compared to other brands, especially for barely 12 pounds of litter, but you won’t have to use as much product. Indeed, this option contains an “ammonia blocker”, which eliminates the unbearable smell of cat pee for almost 14 days. Of course, you still have to remove small clumps of urine every day, especially if you have more than one cat, but you won’t have to change the whole litter box more than once or twice a month.
However, if you are looking for a flushable and eco-friendly litter, the Purina Tidy Cats Litter is not a good option.
5. Boxiecat Premium Clumping Cat Litter
Material: | Clay |
Scent: | Unscented |
Clumping: | Yes |
Boxiecat Premium Clumping Cat Litter Scent Free Clay Formula is made from premium pure clay, although it’s unclear what “premium clay” actually is. But this litter does have a rather fine texture that appeals to cats with more delicate paws (like declawed or older cats), so that’s a big plus in our opinion. In addition, it eliminates odors well and generates little dust. However, urine clumps tend to break easily when you scoop them up, which makes cleaning up a bit more tedious.
6. BLUE Naturally Fresh Quick-Clumping Cat Litter
Material: | Walnut shell |
Scent: | Unscented |
Clumping: | Yes |
BLUE Naturally Fresh Quick-Clumping Cat Litter is an attractive 100% biodegradable option. We included it in our list because this natural litter is surprisingly clumping, easy to scoop, and extra soft under cats’ paws. However, it produces a lot of dust and your cat may drag litter residue all over the house. This option is for those who are environmentally conscious and can handle some of the other drawbacks of this particular litter.
7. PURINA Yesterday’s News Non Clumping Cat Litter
Material: | Paper |
Scent: | Unscented |
Clumping: | No |
PURINA Yesterday’s News Non-Clumping Paper Cat Litter Unscented is a good alternative for those looking for a more eco-friendly cat litter. Paper granules are gentle on cats’ paws, making it easy to transition from clay to paper litter. However, many owners don’t like this non-clumping formula and find that the cat urine odor comes on way too quickly. In addition, this option is rather expensive, especially if you have to change the litter more frequently.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Cat Litter in Canada
Clumping, fragrant, vegetal, mineral…there are many different types of cat litter available in Canada, so we have plenty of options to choose from. Check out the following tips to find out which litter does the best job while being loved by most felines.
Types of Litter
Clay Litters
Litters made of clay occupy a large share of the market. Most clay litters are clumping and are especially popular with cat owners. However, clay litters are not all of the same quality: some give off dust, others do not offer the same absorption, while others sold in large economical format are difficult to handle due to their packaging.
Vegetable Litters
Alongside “standard” clay-based litters, there are more and more plant-based litters in stores and online (wood, corn, nutshells, etc.). The selling point of these litters is based on their alleged ecological virtue. Although plant-based litter could have less environmental consequences than one made of clay since it is made from a renewable resource, it is difficult to get the facts straight, given the lack of scientific evidence.
But eco-friendly or not, some cats don’t really appreciate plant-based litter, especially those made of large grains such as tofu, soy, wood pellets, and recycled paper. Indeed, cats generally prefer the comfort of fine substrates under their paws.
Silica Litters
Silica crystals for litter are similar to those found in desiccant bags used to keep shoes dry. Although silica sometimes raises fears, it has not been proven to be harmful to the health of cats. However, some cats may be bothered by the size of the crystals, which are three to five times larger than those of clay.
And despite what the advertising wants you to believe, maintaining silica litter isn’t any easier than other types of products. Indeed, to prolong its duration, it is necessary to remove the solid dirt and stir the crystals every day to prevent urine from accumulating at the bottom of the litter box.
Other Important Things to Consider
Clumping vs Non-Clumping
To simplify your life, opt for a clumping cat litter. By absorbing the urine, it forms balls that you can scoop up with a litter scoop. Moreover, quality litters produce clumps that don’t break up, leave urine in the box, and prevent bad odors from developing. In this regard, clay litters do much better than vegetable litters. We do not recommend non-clumping litters since they are more difficult to use: it is not easy to know when to change them, and if the maximum absorption is exceeded, the urine accumulates at the bottom of the tray.
Scented vs Unscented
Generally, veterinarians recommend unscented litters since cats like to find their own scent. On the other hand, some cats do not seem bothered by the smells of scented litter. You can do a test with your kitty and try a scented litter: if he doesn’t like the scent, he probably won’t go to the litter box to do his business.
Litter Dust
To protect your pet’s bronchial tubes, look for a litter that’s low in dust, with labels such as “99% dust-free” or “dust-free” on the packaging.
Conclusion
There is no shortage of good cat litter in Canada. If you want to get your money’s worth, opt for the Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Slide Cat Litter. However, you can’t go wrong with our best overall choice, Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Ultra Premium Clumping Cat Litter. There are also other more “natural” options than clay, but they have some drawbacks, such as poorer odor absorption and more dust. Feel free to try more than one, because ultimately it’s your cat who will show you which litter is best for his personal needs!
See also: 10 Best Cat Water Bowls in Canada – Reviews & Top Picks
Featured Image Credit: xamnesiacx84, Shutterstock