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
Best Overall
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
Check Price
Best Value
Arm & Hammer Slide Cat Litter
Good for multi-cat households
100% dust-free
Great value for money
Check Price
Premium Choice
World’s Best Cat Litter Multiple Cat
Lightweight
Very little dust
Safe for septic and sewer systems
Check Price
Best for Multi-Cat
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
Check Price
Boxiecat Premium Clumping Cat Litter
Neutralizes odors well
Works great for cats with delicate paws
Dust-free
Check Price
The 7 Best Cat Litter in Canada
- Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Clumping Litter – Best Overall
Check Latest Price
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
- Arm & Hammer Slide Cat Litter – Best Value
Check Latest Price
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! 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
- World’s Best Cat Litter – Premium Choice
Check Latest Price
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 and 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
- Tidy Cats Lightweight Cat Litter – Best for Multi-Cat
Check Latest Price
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
- Boxiecat Premium Clumping Cat Litter
Check Latest Price
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. However, 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
- BLUE Naturally Fresh Quick-Clumping Cat Litter
Check Latest Price
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
- PURINA Yesterday’s News Non Clumping Cat Litter
Check Latest Price
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
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. Image Credit: Piotr Musioł, Unsplash 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: Piotr Musioł, Unsplash
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
Best Overall
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
Check Price
Best Value
Arm & Hammer Slide Cat Litter
Good for multi-cat households
100% dust-free
Great value for money
Check Price
Premium Choice
World’s Best Cat Litter Multiple Cat
Lightweight
Very little dust
Safe for septic and sewer systems
Check Price
Best for Multi-Cat
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
Check Price
Boxiecat Premium Clumping Cat Litter
Neutralizes odors well
Works great for cats with delicate paws
Dust-free
Check Price
The 7 Best Cat Litter in Canada
- Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Clumping Litter – Best Overall
Check Latest Price
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.
Check Latest Price
Material: Clay
Scent: Unscented
Clumping: Yes
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
- Arm & Hammer Slide Cat Litter – Best Value
Check Latest Price
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!
Creates tight clumps that are super easy to scoop
Very strong odor control for multi-cat households
Affordable
No artificial fragrance
- Creates tight clumps that are super easy to scoop
- Very strong odor control for multi-cat households
- Affordable
- No artificial fragrance
Produces a bit of dust
Only sold in heavy packages
- Produces a bit of dust
- Only sold in heavy packages
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
- World’s Best Cat Litter – Premium Choice
Check Latest Price
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.
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
- 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
Contrary to packaging claims, does not eliminate odors for 7 days
- Contrary to packaging claims, does not eliminate odors for 7 days
Material: Corn
Scent: Lotus blossom
Clumping: Yes
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 and 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
- Tidy Cats Lightweight Cat Litter – Best for Multi-Cat
Check Latest Price
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.
Lightweight
Very little dust
Safe for septic and sewer systems
Flushable
- Lightweight
- Very little dust
- Safe for septic and sewer systems
- Flushable
Gives off a strong scent that may bother some people
Very expensive
- Gives off a strong scent that may bother some people
- Very expensive
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
- Boxiecat Premium Clumping Cat Litter
Check Latest Price
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. However, 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.
Ammonia blocker prevents urine odor for up to 14 days
Clumps well and doesn’t scatter throughout the house
Lightweight and easier to carry
- Ammonia blocker prevents urine odor for up to 14 days
- Clumps well and doesn’t scatter throughout the house
- Lightweight and easier to carry
Not flushable
Expensive
- Not flushable
- Expensive
Pros
Neutralizes odors well
Works great for cats with delicate paws
Dust-free
Cons
Clumps tend to break easily
Pricey
- BLUE Naturally Fresh Quick-Clumping Cat Litter
Check Latest Price
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.
Neutralizes odors well
Works great for cats with delicate paws
Dust-free
- Neutralizes odors well
- Works great for cats with delicate paws
- Dust-free
Clumps tend to break easily
Pricey
- Clumps tend to break easily
- Pricey
Material: Walnut shell
Scent: Unscented
Clumping: Yes
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
- PURINA Yesterday’s News Non Clumping Cat Litter
Check Latest Price
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.
Good odor control
100% biodegradable
Soft on cats’ paws
Easy to scoop
- Good odor control
- 100% biodegradable
- Soft on cats’ paws
- Easy to scoop
Creates a ton of dust
Litter may track all over your house
Pricey
- Creates a ton of dust
- Litter may track all over your house
- Pricey
Material: Paper
Scent: Unscented
Clumping: No
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
Soft pellets for cat paws
Non-toxic option
Eco-friendly
- Soft pellets for cat paws
- Non-toxic option
- Eco-friendly
Significantly less absorbent compared to corn or clay litter
Expensive
Doesn’t neutralize odor very well
- Significantly less absorbent compared to corn or clay litter
- Expensive
- Doesn’t neutralize odor very well
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: Piotr Musioł, Unsplash
