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The Litter Box Lowdown, Part 1: Best Cat Litters for Odor Control & Low Tracking

June 11, 2025

Let’s face it—cat litter can make or break your indoor cat experience. A great cat litter keeps your home fresh, your floors clean, and your feline friends happy. But with so many options on the market, how do you find the best cat litter for odor control and low tracking? This guide dives deep into the top-rated litters designed to neutralize odors and keep the mess contained, so you can spend less time cleaning and more time cuddling. Whether you're a multi-cat household or simply want a fresher-smelling home, we’ve rounded up the best choices to make your life easier and your cat’s litter box experience better.

Why Low Tracking and Odor Control Matter

When it comes to choosing a cat litter, two of the biggest concerns are odor control and tracking. Odor is the first thing guests notice (and what you live with daily), while litter that tracks through your house creates a mess that’s just plain annoying.

But did you know that litter tracking isn’t just a cosmetic issue? Litter particles can harbor bacteria, spread around allergens, and even end up in your bed or on your countertops. And poor odor control? It’s not just unpleasant—it could also mean your cat avoids the box, which leads to bigger problems.

Low-tracking litters use heavier pellets or special coatings to reduce the amount of litter stuck to your cat’s paws. Meanwhile, effective odor-control litters often incorporate activated carbon, baking soda, or natural plant fibers to lock away smells for days. Whether you’re dealing with one cat or a full feline crew, choosing the right litter can make a world of difference.

So, how do you find the perfect balance between freshness and cleanliness? Keep reading to explore our top 10 best cat litters that excel at both.

Top 10 Cat Litters for Odor Control & Low Tracking

Product Name	Price Range	Details
ökocat Less Mess Low Tracking Wood Clumping Cat Litter Mini- Pellets, Unscented, 14.8 pounds - Natural Ingredients, Stops Odor, Clumps Solid, 99% Dust Free, Great for Long-Hair Breeds, All Cats	$20–$30	Natural wood fibers, ideal for long-hair breeds, 99% dust-free.
Dr. Elsey's® Clean Tracks Clumping Clay Cat Litter 40 lb. Bag	$15–$25	Hard clumping, 99% dust-free, designed to minimize tracking.
Cat's Pride Max Power: UltraClean Low Tracking Multi-Cat Clumping Litter - Keeps Paws & Home Clean - Up to 10 Days of Powerful Odor Control - 99% Dust Free - Unscented, 15 Pounds	$10–$20	Ultra-clean formula, up to 10 days odor control, multi-cat approved.
Purina Tidy Cats Free and Clean Unscented Cat Litter - 38 lb. Box	$18–$28	38 lb box, free of fragrances and dyes, strong odor control.
Fresh Step Clean Paws Cat Litter with Febreze Freshness, Advanced Multi Cat Low Tracking Clumping Litter, 37 lbs. (2 x 18.5 lb. Box)	$20–$30	Multi-cat formula, Febreze freshness, low tracking design.
Arm & Hammer Cloud Control Platinum Multi-Cat Clumping Cat Litter with Hypoallergenic Light Scent, 14 Days of Odor Control 18lb	$17–$27	Hypoallergenic, 14-day odor control, low dust and low tracking.
WORLD'S BEST CAT LITTER Low Tracking & Dust Control Multiple Cat Unscented 32-Pounds - Natural Ingredients, Quick Clumping, Flushable & Made in USA - Long-Lasting Odor Control & Easy Scooping	$25–$35	Flushable, natural, long-lasting odor control, great for multi-cat homes.
Boxie® Unscented 30 Day Natural Odor Control Cat Litter, 16lb Clumping Clay Kitty Litter	$18–$26	Clay-based, unscented, long-lasting odor control.
PetSafe ScoopFree Premium Crystal Cat Litter - Outperforms Clay Litter - Less Tracking, Dust for A Fresh Home - Non-Clumping - Two 4.3 lb Bags of Litter (8.6 lb Total) - Original Blue	$20–$30	Non-clumping, less tracking, outperforms clay litters in freshness.
ARM & HAMMER Clump & Seal SLIDE Platinum Multi-Cat Clumping Litter, Easy Clean, Superior Odor Control, 18 Lbs	$18–$28	Easy-clean formula, strong odor lock, 18-lb box.

Conclusion

Choosing the right cat litter can transform your home and your cat’s happiness. With the perfect blend of odor control and low tracking, these top 10 picks offer a clean, fresh, and hassle-free litter experience. Whether you're drawn to natural ingredients, hypoallergenic features, or ease of cleanup, there's a litter here for every cat parent. Remember: the best cat litter is one that both you and your feline approve of—so don’t hesitate to try a few and see what works best. Happy scooping!

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