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Home > Cats > 7 Best Cat Litters in Canada in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

7 Best Cat Litters in Canada in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

orange-cat-digging-litter-box

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.

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A Quick Look at Our Winners for 2024

Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Clumping Litter Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Clumping Litter
  • Creates tight clumps that are super easy to scoop
  • Very strong odor control for multi-cat households
  • Affordable
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Arm & Hammer Slide Cat Litter Arm & Hammer Slide Cat Litter
  • Good for multi-cat households
  • 100% dust-free
  • Great value for money
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    World’s Best Cat Litter Multiple Cat World’s Best Cat Litter Multiple Cat
  • Lightweight
  • Very little dust
  • Safe for septic and sewer systems
  • Best for Multi-Cat
    Tidy Cats Lightweight Cat Litter Tidy Cats Lightweight Cat Litter
  • Ammonia blocker prevents urine odor for up to 14 days
  • Clumps well and doesn’t scatter throughout the house
  • Lightweight and easier to carry
  • Boxiecat Premium Clumping Cat Litter Boxiecat Premium Clumping Cat Litter
  • Neutralizes odors well
  • Works great for cats with delicate paws
  • Dust-free
  • The 7 Best Cat Litter in Canada

    1. Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Clumping Litter – Best Overall

    Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Ultra Premium Clumping Cat Litter

    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.

    Pros
    • Creates tight clumps that are super easy to scoop
    • Very strong odor control for multi-cat households
    • Affordable
    • No artificial fragrance
    Cons
    • Produces a bit of dust
    • Only sold in heavy packages

    2. Arm & Hammer Slide Cat Litter – Best Value

    Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Slide Cat Litter

    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, do not 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.

    Pros
    • Good for multi-cat households
    • 100% dust-free
    • Great value for money
    • Easy to clean, urine residue does not stick to the bottom of the litter box
    Cons
    • Contrary to packaging claims does not eliminate odors for 7 days

    3. World’s Best Cat Litter – Premium Choice

    World’s Best Cat Litter Multiple Cat

    Material: Corn
    Scent: Lotus blossom
    Clumping: Yes

    Does the 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.

    Pros
    • Lightweight
    • Very little dust
    • Safe for septic and sewer systems
    • Flushable
    Cons
    • Gives off a strong scent that may bother some people
    • Very expensive

    4. Tidy Cats Lightweight Cat Litter – Best for Multi-Cat

    Tidy Cats Instant Action Lightweight Cat Litter

    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.

    Pros
    • Ammonia blocker prevents urine odor for up to 14 days
    • Clumps well and doesn’t scatter throughout the house
    • Lightweight and easier to carry
    Cons
    • Not flushable
    • Expensive

    5. Boxiecat Premium Clumping Cat Litter

    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.

    Pros
    • Neutralizes odors well
    • Works great for cats with delicate paws
    • Dust-free
    Cons
    • Clumps tend to break easily
    • Pricey

    6. BLUE Naturally Fresh Quick-Clumping Cat Litter

    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.

    Pros
    • Good odor control
    • 100% biodegradable
    • Soft on cats’ paws
    • Easy to scoop
    Cons
    • Creates a ton of dust
    • Litter may track all over your house
    • Pricey

    7. PURINA Yesterday’s News Non Clumping Cat Litter

    PURINA Yesterday's News Non Clumping Paper 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.

    Pros
    • Soft pellets for cat paws
    • Non-toxic option
    • Eco-friendly
    Cons
    • Significantly less absorbent compared to corn or clay litter
    • Expensive
    • Doesn’t neutralize odor very well

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    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.

    No matter what kind of litter you use, bad smells often linger. That's where an effective litter additive like Hepper's Advanced Bio-Enzyme Cat Litter Deodorizer can make a big difference.

    Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Cat Litter Deodorizer Powder
    • Bio Enzymatic Cat Litter Freshener - Smart formulation uses natural ingredients eliminating cat...
    • Save Money - Stuff for cats isn’t the cheapest. With this litter box odor eliminator, you’ll...
    • Every Litter, Every Surface - Are you afraid this additive won’t work on your litter? Fear not!...

    This biodegradable deodorizer is fragrance-free and safe for all ages of cats and types of litter. It uses bio-enzymes to naturally get rid of odors and help your litter last longer. 

    At Pet Keen, we've admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool company!

    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.

    black cat going out from a litter box
    Image Credit By: Litter Robot, Unsplash

    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.

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    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

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