Rating TOP 5 best clumping cat litter: reviews, prices

Which filler is clumping?

Clumping cat litter, as the name suggests, is capable of forming a lump. This process is based on the property of hygroscopicity. When wet, the granules swell and stick together, forming a lump. Lumps can be removed from the tray with a special spatula. It is very comfortable. In this case, replacing the entire mixture is not required.

The production of hygroscopic compositions requires materials with high absorption capacity. Products made from bentonite clay have proven themselves to be the best. Bentonite is absolutely safe for animals. During production, the material undergoes special processing to increase its hygroscopic properties.

Sometimes the mixture may contain aromatic additives. Their purpose is to mask the unpleasant smell of cat litter. But it is worth noting that not all cats will like litter with chemical additives.

Let's look at what a good clumping litter looks like in practice:

Japanese fillers

The practical Japanese even managed to make the contents of cat litter absolutely harmless, economical, convenient for the animal and easy to dispose of.

Manufacturers use familiar materials as raw materials: clay, sawdust, soy and corn fibers. But with the help of special technologies, high-quality goods are produced that do not have serious drawbacks.

Many brands contain additives that destroy bacteria and indicators that change the color of the filler. Silica gel products are produced that can be washed with water after use and put back into the tray after drying.

Pros:

• excellent clumping characteristics;
• instant absorption of secretions and odor;
• safe high quality raw materials;
• does not stick to paws;
• low consumption;
• can be flushed down the toilet.

Minuses:

• high price;
• You need to buy with a reserve, as sometimes it is out of stock.

Types of clumping litter

Depending on the material from which the hygiene product is made, its properties may differ. Compositions are classified according to a number of characteristics.

Compound. Materials can be the following: synthetic (silica gel), mineral (bentonite, zeolite) and vegetable (wood, grain).

Granule size. Depending on the size of the granules, the composition may be similar to sand or small stones. Small granules are approximately 1-2 mm in size, average size is 3-6 mm, large granules can be 1 cm in size.

Weight of granules. Depending on what material the granules are made of, the product can be light or heavy.

Additional properties. These properties include: special aroma, odor absorption ability, and the presence of a bactericidal effect. Some granulates have a hypoallergenic composition. They also produce fillers intended for certain breeds.

There is a type classification of clumping filler.

Woody. The material for such compositions is compressed sawdust. Wood clumping filler is absolutely safe for animals of any age and breed. When wet, the granules break down into sawdust and can spread throughout the house.

Cereals and paper. They are environmentally friendly and low cost. Paper ones absorb quickly and must be changed frequently. Cereals have a longer lifespan. These products perfectly absorb unpleasant odors. The granules are light and can spill out of the tray.

Mineral. The most popular among owners. The absorption capacity is well expressed. Bentonite granules, after being irrigated with liquid, swell and stick together. But mineral clumping filler cannot boast of the ability to mask the odor.

Soy. This composition contains soy pulp, corn starch and soda. Thanks to starch, the granules stick together when wet. Clumping corn litter is safe and economical. Doesn't generate dust when poured. Absorbs liquids and unpleasant odors well.

Silica gel. Synthetic material made using a special technology from polysilicic acid. It is highly hygroscopic. The clumping silica gel filler absorbs odors very well and locks them in securely even during long-term use. The cost of such a composition is high, but it is justified by its efficiency. Replacement is carried out on average once a month. Ideal for busy owners. The downside is the specific noise when the cat starts digging in the tray. Some pets may get scared and refuse to go to the litter box.

Silica gel fillers must be stored in an airtight container, otherwise they will begin to absorb moisture from the air.

Let's look at an example: Green Tea wood filler is clumping and does it really not crumble?

Review of the most popular fillers

Now let's look at what the manufacturers offer (information is provided in the tables), and then turn to real reviews from users who have tested the fillers on their pets. Their opinions are presented in the advantages and disadvantages of the product.

1st place. Mr.Fresh Smart

Advantages:

• can be flushed down the toilet;
• good clumping;
• complete absence of odor;
• ecologically pure;
• does not cause allergies;
• lighter than bentonite fillers;
• German quality;
• different shapes of granules;
• taking into account the length of pets' fur (there are fillers for short- and long-haired cats).

Flaws:

• not found.

Clumping litter Mr. Fresh Woody for short-haired cats (9 l) 9 l

2nd place. N1 Crystals

Advantages:

• ease of use;
• no need to change frequently, “locks the smell” for up to 3 weeks;
• pleasant appearance of fresh filler;
• The larger the package, the better the price. 30 liters is enough for several months.

Flaws:

• dusty;
• high price;
• different sizes of granules, from very small to pieces of 4 mm. If you step on your bare foot, you can get hurt;
• crunches under its paws, not every cat trusts it;
• cannot be flushed down the toilet;
• the granules stick to the paws and spread throughout the apartment.

Users are concerned about the high cost, but this is compensated by good efficiency and high odor absorption. The disadvantages are minor.

N1 Crystals

3rd place. Fresh Step Crystals

Advantages:

• economical. The tray may not be changed for up to three weeks;
• perfectly absorbs moisture and odors;
• optimal granule size;
• hypoallergenic.

Flaws:

• high price;
• light, crumbles around the tray.

Expensive filler, on the one hand, scares away buyers, and on the other, makes them think that the product is of high quality and worth the money. Indeed, these gel granules “lock” odors well and retain moisture, and most importantly, the filler can lie in the tray for a long time without replacing it with a new one.

Fresh Step Crystals

4th place. Catsan Hygiene Plus

Advantages:

• beautiful packaging;
• aesthetic white granules.

Flaws:

• Expensive;
• absorbs poorly and, as a result, does not “hold” the smell;
• uneconomical to use;
• has a lime aroma;
• causes allergies in some cats;
• spreads around the apartment on its paws.

According to users, there are significantly more disadvantages than advantages.
Beautiful appearance is not an indicator of quality. Catsan Hygiene Plus

5th place. Fresh Step Extreme Clay

Advantages:

• holds odor well;
• economical, lasts a long time (up to two weeks);
• easy to use;
• cats like it;
• has a natural aroma.

Flaws:

• cannot be flushed down the toilet;
• inconvenient packaging without a handle;
• gathers dust and spreads throughout the apartment;
• high price.

Quite an economical and acceptable option. The main thing is that it has a long shelf life and good absorption of odors and moisture. Unfortunately, debris spreads on the paws from almost all clay, wood and gel fillers.

Fresh Step Extreme Clay

6th place. Ever Clean Lavander

Advantages:

• complete odor absorption, good absorbency;
• it clumps well if you follow the instructions and add a layer of at least 7 cm;
• convenient to remove lumps;
• low dust content;
• beautiful stylish packaging with a handle;
• ideal for owners of multiple cats;
• hypoallergenic;
• Quite economical, the package lasts for a month.

Flaws:

• Expensive;
• the instructions on the packaging are too small;
• spreads throughout the apartment;
• cannot be flushed down the toilet.

The main thing is to follow the instructions correctly. Many users complain about poor quality and bad clumping, but then it turns out that they only added a small layer. Clumping litters require high trays and a layer of granules of approximately 10 centimeters. Then everything will work out for you - it will be easy to remove waste, and the efficiency of the filler will increase significantly.

Ever Clean Lavander

7th place. N1 Naturel Green tea

Advantages:

• can be flushed down the toilet;
• neutralizes odors well;
• economical, for one cat the package lasts from three weeks to 1.5 months;
• heavy small granules, do not spread throughout the apartment;
• does not stick to the tray, unlike clay ones.

Flaws:

• difficult to find on sale;
• not all cats are delighted with it;
• high price;
• Not all owners like the smell of green tea.

The manufacturer warns in advance that not every cat will accept this filler. However, if she likes him, you can't go wrong either. High absorbency, amazing efficiency and easy disposal will more than pay for all your costs.

N1 Naturel Green tea

8th place. Ever Clean Multi-Crystals

Advantages:

• easy to use;
• small granules with multi-colored crystals look very aesthetically pleasing;
• low dust content;
• clumps well, no extra granules are wasted;
• reliably “locks” odors;
• the tray does not get dirty;
• efficiency. The packaging lasts for more than two months;
• a variety of unobtrusive scents, you can choose the one you like best;
• convenient packaging with a handle, opens from the side, like washing powder, which allows you to dispense the filler.

Flaws:

• cannot be flushed down the toilet;
• high price;
• small granules get stuck in the paws and spread throughout the apartment.

A very convenient and effective filler, especially if you follow the instructions for use. The pros far outweigh the cons, and the high cost is offset by the low consumption.

Ever Clean Multi-Crystals

9th place. Cat's Best Original

Advantages:

• environmentally friendly, without chemical additives;
• perfectly absorbs odor;
• It clumps well and is easy to clean. The lumps are half as large as in clay fillers;
• does not generate dust;
• economical. The package lasts for 6-8 weeks.

Flaws:

• inconvenient instructions on the packaging;
• sometimes it sticks to the paws and spreads throughout the apartment;
• high cost, but compensated by efficiency.

Cats love natural ingredients, and sawdust in particular. What’s nice is that it’s economical, since moisture is “locked” in the granules and instantly turns into tiny lumps that are easy to remove.

Cat's Best Original litter (10 l)

10th place. Zoonik Clumping

Advantages:

• low cost;
• almost no dust.

Flaws:

• does not clump well, fresh lumps crumble;
• does not “hold” the smell;
• granules are spread throughout the apartment;
• requires frequent changes, high consumption;
• does not flush down the toilet.

Users are unhappy with this filler. The advantages are so scanty that they are not even compensated by the low cost. The manufacturer should think about product quality.

Zoonik Clumping

11th place. Cat Step Silica Gel

Advantages:

• absorbs odor well;
• aesthetic appearance;
• effective in combination with mineral filler.

Flaws:

• cannot be disposed of in the toilet;
• spreads around the apartment on its paws;
• high price;
• not very economical, packaging is not enough even for a month;
• gets a little dusty when poured;
• noisy.

The disadvantages are the same as any silica gel filler. The main thing is good absorbency, and all the disadvantages can really be compensated for by pouring a layer of mineral filler on top. Its granules are quite heavy and do not allow the gel balls to stick to the paws.

Cat Step Silica Gel

12th place. Pi-Pi-Bent Classic

Advantages:

• neutralizes odors, absorbs moisture well;
• does not generate dust when poured;
• forms strong lumps;
• convenient to clean;
• low cost;
• does not cause allergies.

Flaws:

• spreads throughout the apartment;
• cannot be flushed down the toilet;
• to achieve the desired effect you need a thick layer;
• sticks to the shoulder blade.

Support domestic producers. Believe me, it is not inferior to famous import brands. This brand annually ranks highly in the “100 Best Products of Russia” competition.

Pi-Pi-Bent Classic

13th place. Happy Paws Woody

Advantages:

• low cost, large packaging;
• ease of disposal;
• harmless to the body;
• economical consumption;
• There is no dust even at the bottom of the pack.

Flaws:

• spreads throughout the apartment;
• the granules quickly “trample” into small sawdust, odors appear and absorption decreases;
• fragility.

A budget option for unpretentious owners and their pets. Natural wood fibers are perfectly disposed of in the sewer system and do not cause the slightest harm to cats. The main thing is that the owner is not lazy and removes the contents of the tray on time, otherwise garbage and an unpleasant odor are guaranteed.

Happy Paws Woody

14th place. Golden Cat Ecoline Corn

Advantages:

• low cost;
• natural;
• absorbs odors well;
• does not cause allergies;
• has a pleasant light smell of corn;
• economical.

Flaws:

• It's hard to buy in a store, only online.

The filler is so good that users only complain about the inability to buy it, which is already expensive.

Golden Cat Ecoline Corn

Advantages and disadvantages

Clumping cat litter has its pros and cons. However, many owners prefer them.

Advantages:

• Absorbency. Due to their hygroscopicity, granules perfectly absorb moisture and reliably lock it inside.
• Safety. Natural composition, and from different materials. If wood is not suitable, then you can try mineral.
• Economical. The ability to remove only the contaminated part in the form of lumps. Significantly saves the consumption of hygiene products.
• Easy to use. Cleaning the tray does not take much time. It is enough to remove feces and formed lumps. If necessary, add fresh composition.
• Choice of animal. Usually cats are happy to go to this mixture. Its structure reminds cats of sand or earth.
• Versatility. Can be used for both kittens and adult cats.
• Adequate cost. Belongs to the average price category (300-450 rubles for 5 liters).

Flaws:

• Pollution. The woody species can be carried throughout the home on animal fur. Light granules may fall over the sides of the tray. Mineral soils can stick to the animal's paws.
• Smell. Not all representatives of clumping litters are able to absorb unpleasant odors.
• Dust. Clay compositions generate dust when poured into a tray.
• Number of animals. The clumping type of litter is intended for use by only one animal. If there are several pets in the house, then you need to put another tray.

Tips for cat owners

When cat lovers choose cat litter, the first thing they pay attention to is the cost. Of course, this is an important aspect, especially since cat litter is a consumable material and money is literally thrown away down the drain.

However, the high price is often compensated by the efficiency; some brands, with a small volume, are consumed in a few months. Agree, it's nice. Pay attention to large packages, they are much more profitable than small ones.

Economical options are wood, corn and clay, but they also have more disadvantages than more expensive materials. The leaders in the economy category are the brands “Supercat”, “Comfort”, “Chistye Paws”, “Golden Cat”. Slightly more expensive, but quite affordable - “Fresh Step”, “Katty”. The most expensive fillers (silica gel) are “Cat Step”, “No. 1 Crystals”, “Fresh Step Crystals”.

Many cats don’t care what their litter tray is filled with, but there are also some who are very picky. If you think that silica gel litter is an ideal option for you in terms of convenience and comfort, but your cat only wants clay litter, which she then carries on her paws to your bed, then there is nothing you can do about it. Humble yourself and submit to your pet, otherwise it could be worse; the wayward animal may find another place for the toilet and show you who’s boss.

To prevent particles of granules from spreading throughout the apartment, lay a rubber mat in front of the tray; most of the debris will linger on it.

When choosing a filler, pay attention to:

• good moisture and odor absorption;
• safety for your pet’s body;
• ease of disposal.

How to use and dispose of

The use of clumping litter for toilets may vary between manufacturers. The principle of operating mixtures is still the same.

1. For the filler to work effectively, it is necessary to provide a thick layer of soil in the tray (5-7 cm). It is better to choose a tray with high walls, which will help prevent the granules from falling over the sides. Make sure it is dry before pouring the mixture into the tray. A wet tray can degrade the properties of the material.
2. For a clumping mixture, it is worth purchasing a special spatula with holes. Using this tool, it is convenient to remove feces and stuck together litter when they appear.
3. Monitor the amount of filling in the tray. If necessary, add mixture to desired volume. If the composition is less than the instructions on the package require, then lumps will form poorly.
4. Once a month it is necessary to completely replace the mixture. The tray should be washed with disinfectants.

Dispose of clumping litter only in a trash bin. If you wash silica gel or mineral mixture down the drain, it will clog the pipes. The exception is wood composition and only in small portions.

Which is the best clumping litter?

It is very important to choose a high-quality filler that will perform all the functions characteristic of a clumping hygiene product. Preference should be given to proven brands. Now there are many different manufacturers on the pet products market, but not all of them produce good quality products. Before purchasing, you should carefully study the packaging.

You need to pay attention to the following indicators:

Compound. Choose natural compositions made from wood or clay (bentonite, zeolite). The natural composition will not cause allergies in the animal or the owner.

Aroma. No matter how much you like the smell of sakura or the sea, refrain from purchasing such a hygiene product. The pet may refuse to go to the toilet, which has an unnatural smell. In addition, aroma additives can cause an allergic reaction.

Granule size. For long-haired cats, it is better to choose large granules. Small ones, like sand, are good for kittens. The size of the granules can be determined by feeling them through the bag. It’s good when the packaging is transparent or has a transparent insert. In this case, it is possible to evaluate not only the size of the granules, but also their condition.

Additional properties. A useful addition is the antibacterial effect. Some manufacturers add bactericidal substances to the composition, which prevent the development of pathogenic bacteria.

You can finally make sure that a particular filler is suitable only in practice.

Top 7 rating of clumping litters

We present the best clumping cat litters, which we selected based on user reviews.

Even Clean

Unique filler. Perfectly absorbs odor, masking it with a pleasant fresh aroma. Thanks to activated carbon, it can suppress unpleasant odors for a month. Has an antibacterial effect. Contains clay of different types. The most remarkable thing about this mixture is the instant formation of dense lumps. You will have to pay an expensive price of 1,400 rubles per 10 kg for such a product.

Cat's Best

Cat's best clumping filler is presented in wood form, such as fir sawdust. Its advantage is that it is biodegradable, which means it can be disposed of in the sewer. There are two lines in different packaging: with odor protection and for long-haired cats. The cost of the Original line is 1400 rubles for 8.60 kg/20 liters.

Fresh Step

Safe natural composition. Reliably eliminates odor. Contains activated carbon. It has both clumping and absorbent options in its line. The cost for 10 kg of mixture is 800 rubles.

Clean paws

The basis of the composition of the clean paw clumping filler is bentonite. Safe, good product. The line includes absorbent and clumping ones, and you can also purchase scented ones. Very attractive for its price. The average cost is 550 rubles per 10 kg.

Canada Letter

Canadian made product. Made from clay or corn dust. The mixture is highly hygroscopic. Granules can absorb a volume of liquid 3 times greater than their own. Contains natural flavors. Safe for animals. Cost for 10 kg 850 rubles.

Pi-Pi-Bent

Pi-Pi-Bent clumping filler is a universal line. Mixtures are presented specifically for long-haired cats. A composition without chemical additives is suitable for kittens. Most of the mixtures in the line are scented, but there is also an unscented product. Cost 500 rubles per 10 kg.

Katty clumping cat litter is sold under such brands as Pi-Pi-Bent, Kotyara, Kotoff, and CC Cat.

Zoonic

Zoonik clumping filler is based on bentonite clay. Due to its high hygroscopicity, it forms lumps well and absorbs odor. Users note an acceptable price, but unstable product quality. The cost is 170 rubles for 5 liters.

Types of the best cat litters

It is difficult to single out one type and call it the best - the choice is very individual. Today in stores you can give preference to one of three groups: organic, silica gel or mineral. If you are in doubt which litter is better and safer for kittens, definitely look towards organic ones.

Silica gel

This is the most expensive option, but it also consumes less than others. Fillers are absorbent superporous granular mixtures based on silica gel. Capable of absorbing a volume of liquid exceeding the volume of the filler by 30 times.

Pros:

• very economical, require complete replacement every two to three weeks;
• absorbs moisture better than all others and blocks odors;
• the surface always remains dry.

Minuses:

• quite expensive;
• they creak when animals walk on them;
• not recommended for kittens, as they cause poisoning if swallowed;
• difficult to dispose of, since when flushed down the drain they are guaranteed to cause a blockage.

Silica gel extremely rarely causes allergies, even in sensitive cats. Large granules are suitable for long-haired individuals, small ones - for short-haired and elderly cats.

Woody

Wood-shaving types are made by pressing sawdust mixtures remaining after woodworking, and are fairly dense small granules of a natural color. When wetted, the granules swell, lose their shape and crumble.

Pros:

• they are environmentally friendly, suitable for both adult animals and kittens;
• hypoallergenic;
• cats can chew woody substrate, and this is completely safe for their health;
• prices for this type of substrate are quite affordable;
• They are very easy to dispose of, even down to flushing them down the toilet.

Minuses:

• the main drawback is that it does not lock out specific aromas well;
• is not economical, since it has to be changed much more often than, for example, mineral ones (depending on the individual characteristics of the pet, it may be necessary to replace the substrate several times during the day);
• lightweight, so it is scattered from trays by animals.

When choosing wood chip filler in a store, it is worth considering that imported products have the same composition as domestic ones, but differ significantly in price.

Mineral

These are compositions based on clay, zeolite, opalcristobalite and other minerals. They are absorbent and clumping. Compared to organic ones (wood, paper, soy), they are somewhat more practical.

Pros:

• perfectly locks out unwanted odors;
• excellent moisture absorption;
• clumping ones are easy to dispose of, as they form a lump that can be easily removed from the tray with a scoop;
• environmentally friendly;
• heavy, so they don’t fly out of the tray;
• have affordable prices.

Minuses:

• stick to the animal’s paws and spread throughout the apartment;
• sharp stones can injure paw pads;
• some species generate dust;
• difficult to dispose of: you have to pour the granules into a bag and then throw them in the trash;
• Not recommended for kittens, as if they enter the gastrointestinal tract they can cause blockage.

Mineral litter is sometimes combined with wood litter if the cat litter box consists of two parts: a tray and a grid. Wood pellets are poured under the grate, and mineral granules are poured onto the grate. Only the used bottom layer (sawdust) is removed regularly, and the stones can be changed much less frequently. The advantage of this use is that it is a natural replacement for chemical silica gel, and it is even cheaper.

Corn, starch and soy

These types of cat litter belong to the organic group and are considered the most environmentally friendly and safe today. No flavorings or various impurities are added to their composition. Corn filler can only be absorbent, while the other two types, due to the starch in the composition, form lumps.

Pros:

• low consumption;
• ability to flush down the drain;
• efficiency;
• nice smell;
• affordable price;
• Possibility of use for animals suffering from allergic diseases.

Minuses:

• not always easy to find on sale (more often they are ordered online on foreign sites);
• gets the animal's paws dirty.

Starch, soy and corn fillers have an absolutely natural composition, so they are in demand in families with small children.

Paper

Also belongs to the group of products made from organic raw materials. Presented in the form of pressed paper granules. Many pet owners distinguish it from other species.

Pros:

• has a natural composition;
• perfectly neutralizes unpleasant odors;
• it contains antibacterial additives, which prevents the growth of bacteria;
• does not rustle when the animal uses the toilet;
• is safe for cats with allergies;
• it can be flushed down the drain.

Minuses:

• does not absorb liquid well enough;
• some complain of a specific smell.

Previously, people used regular paper for cat litter. Now technology is very developed, and the paper filler that we see on store shelves is not just overpriced paper. This is a high-quality raw material with powerful absorbent and antibacterial properties.

Carbonic

Thanks to the unique porous structure and special treatment with activated carbon, this type of substrate has a positive difference in properties. The coal type continues to rapidly gain the trust of customers.

Pros:

• safe for animals even if swallowed;
• has a high level of fluid absorption;
• quickly forms a lump upon contact with liquid;
• is environmentally friendly;
• actively fights bacteria.

Minuses:

• gets the animal's paws dirty;
• not available in all stores.

For some consumers, a significant advantage is that after use, coal granules can be used as fertilizer. They do not harm the soil; on the contrary, they saturate it with nutrients.