Ever stared down the endless aisle of cat litter at PetSmart and felt completely lost? You are not alone! Choosing the perfect litter for your feline friend can feel like a huge task. Do you need clay, silica gel, or maybe something natural? Each bag promises odor control and easy cleanup, but which one truly delivers for your cat and your home?
The wrong choice can lead to messy tracking, persistent smells, and even a finicky cat who refuses to use the box. We know you want a clean home and a happy kitty, but navigating the sheer volume of brands and formulas at a big store like PetSmart is overwhelming. It’s time to cut through the confusion and find the best fit without wasting money on bags that just don’t work.
In this guide, we break down the best cat litter options available right now at PetSmart. You will learn the pros and cons of popular types, understand what those fancy labels really mean, and discover tips for keeping that litter box fresh. Get ready to stop guessing and start choosing with confidence. Let’s dive into making litter box duty easier!
Top Cat Litter At Petsmart Recommendations
- MADE FROM GRASS: Clumping at litter made from all natural 100% grass seed grown in the USA, SmartCat is both biodegradable and renewable 99% dust free cat litter.
- NO SMELL - CAN'T TELL: SmartCat natural cat litter combats odor without relying on harsh chemicals and artificial scents, while also being 99% dust free natural cat litter.
- EASILY ADAPTABLE: Our natural 99% dust free cat litter has a soft texture and sand-like appearance, great for the new kitten or that cat who's particular about their paws.
- LIGHTWEIGHT CLUMPING: Excellent clumping capability (that does not stick to the pan) ensures that your pet's waste stays out of both sight and smell, in an easily changeable alternative to dense clay litters or cat pellets litter. Test out this lightweight 99% dust free cat litter today!
- CHOOSE WHAT FITS: SmartCat All Natural Clumping Cat Litter is offered in 5 pound, 10 pound, and 20 pound bags.
- PREMIUM QUALITY: A combination of premium texture and granule size made with 100% bentonite clay for maximum clumping creates litter particles that are just the right size.
- LOW DUST: Ideal for cats and owners who suffer from allergies with a 99.9% dust-free and hypoallergenic litter formulation.
- HARD CLUMPING: Hard clumping medium grain clay helps prevent moisture from reaching the bottom of the tray and forms hard clumps that won't break down, making it easier to scoop.
- SUPERIOR ODOR CONTROL: Formulated for single or multi-cat households with natural ingredients to keep your home smelling clean and fresh between litter box cleanings.
- LOW TRACKING: A unique formulation of medium grain clay helps keep litter in the box where it belongs.
- EZ Clean Technology – ARM & HAMMER SLIDE cat litter patented non-stick formula slides cat litter out easily for no-scrub clean-up
- No-Stick Litter Box Cleaning – Prevents residue build-up for a cleaner box every time, can also be used with automatic litter boxes and litter robots
- 14-Day Odor Control Guarantee – A great litter for odor control, keep your home fresh with powerful odor eliminators
- 10% More Odor Eliminators – Platinum enhanced formula with ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda for maximum odor control
- Rock-Hard Clumps – Clumping cat litter with moisture-activated granules form tight clumps for easy scooping and easy litter box cleaning
- PREMIUM QUALITY: A combination of premium texture and granule size made with 100% bentonite clay for maximum clumping creates litter particles that are just the right size.
- LOW DUST: Ideal for cats and owners who suffer from allergies with a 99.9% dust-free and hypoallergenic litter formulation.
- HARD CLUMPING: Hard clumping medium grain clay helps prevent moisture from reaching the bottom of the tray and forms hard clumps that won't break down, making it easier to scoop.
- SUPERIOR ODOR CONTROL: Formulated for single or multi-cat households with natural ingredients to keep your home smelling clean and fresh between litter box cleanings.
- LOW TRACKING: A unique formulation of medium grain clay helps keep litter in the box where it belongs.
- No-Scoop Cat Litter and Tray: Designed for use with ScoopFree self-cleaning automatic litter boxes, this crystal litter and tray does all the work for you with no scooping, cleaning or refilling for weeks
- Odor Control and Leak Protection: Low-tracking 99% dust-free crystal litter absorbs urine and dries solid waste to quickly remove odors 5x faster than clumping clay litter; Disposable tray features a plastic liner to protect floors against leaks
- Leak Proof Litter: Lightweight, leak-proof plastic liners make this disposable litter tray ideal for pet parents everywhere
- Your Pet Deserves the Best: Explore all our products including leashes and harnesses, bark collars and wireless fences, pet doors, self-cleaning litter boxes and accessories, fountains and feeders, dog and cat toys and more
- Unleash a Lifetime of Joy: Since 1998 we’ve been on a mission to create places and spaces where pets are happy, healthy and safe; Our US-based customer care experts are available to answer your questions by phone, email or chat
- CLUMPING LITTER: One 17.5-lb. box of Amazon exclusive Fresh Step Advanced Heavy Duty Clumping Litter With Febreze Freshness, featuring 3X odor-eliminating carbon (1) for Fresh Step's longest odor-fighting formula (3)
- 3X ODOR-ELIMINATING CARBON (1): Fresh Step clumping cat litter formulated with black carbon odor shield granules to trap and neutralize unwanted litter box smells
- 30-DAY ODOR CONTROL GUARANTEE: Odor-fighting clumping cat litter fights odor on contact and guarantees 30 days of odor control (2)
- FORMS TIGHT CLUMPS: Fresh Step cat litter heavy duty formula has ClumpLock technology that forms tight, easy-to-scoop clumps around liquid and cat urine
- FRESH, CLEAN SMELL: Fresh Step Heavy Duty Cat Litter combines natural clay with carbon, Ammonia Block Technology, and Febreze freshness for next level odor control
- EZ Clean Technology – ARM & HAMMER SLIDE cat litter patented non-stick formula slides cat litter out easily for no-scrub clean-up
- No-Stick Litter Box Cleaning – Prevents residue build-up for a cleaner box every time, can also be used with automatic litter boxes and litter robots
- 14-Day Odor Control Guarantee – A great litter for odor control, keep your home fresh with powerful odor eliminators
- 10% More Odor Eliminators – Platinum enhanced formula with ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda for maximum odor control
- Rock-Hard Clumps – Clumping cat litter with moisture-activated granules form tight clumps for easy scooping and easy litter box cleaning
- LIGHTWEIGHT CAT LITTER: 23lbs (2 x 11.5 lb. packs) of Fresh Step Odor Shield Light Weight Advanced Multi Cat Clumping Litter (Package May Vary)
- ADVANCED FORMULATION: This proprietary lightweight litter blend is an advanced formulation with more ammonia block technology (2) for powerful odor control
- PAW ACTIVATED FRESHNESS: Smart, science backed innovations like paw activated freshness and activated carbon deliver a proactive, superior litter experience that works the moment your cat steps in
- MULTI CAT LITTER: Strong enough for multi cat households, this clay cat litter from Fresh Step is also lightweight and easy to store and carry, making every litter box change smooth and simple
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Finding the Purrfect Cat Litter at PetSmart
Choosing the right cat litter is a big deal for any cat owner. Good litter keeps your home smelling fresh and makes your cat happy. PetSmart offers many types. This guide helps you pick the best one for your furry friend.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop at PetSmart, look closely at these important features:
- Odor Control: This is the most important feature for you! Good litter locks away smells fast. Look for labels that say “Maximum Odor Control” or “Activated Charcoal.”
- Clumping Ability: Clumping litters form hard balls when wet. This makes scooping easy and clean. Non-clumping litters are cheaper but require changing the whole box more often.
- Dust Level: Low-dust or dust-free litters are better for your cat’s lungs and your air quality. High dust can cause sneezing.
- Texture/Feel: Cats are picky! Some like fine, soft textures, while others prefer larger granules. Check the packaging to see if it mentions a soft texture for sensitive paws.
Important Materials Used in Cat Litter
The material inside the bag changes how the litter works. PetSmart sells litters made from several main things:
- Clay (Bentonite): This is the most common. It clumps very well. Older clay litters can be dusty.
- Silica Gel (Crystal Litter): These tiny clear crystals are great at absorbing liquid and controlling odor for a long time. They last longer than clay.
- Natural Materials: You can find litters made from corn, wheat, or wood. These are often biodegradable and have a lighter, natural smell. They are a great choice if you want eco-friendly options.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all litters perform the same. Good quality litter makes your life easier. Poor quality litter creates problems.
What Makes Quality Better:
- Strong Clumping: When the clump holds together and doesn’t crumble, the quality is high. This means less residue left in the box.
- Added Scents: Some litters add baking soda or charcoal. These ingredients actively fight bad smells instead of just covering them up.
- Lightweight Options: Newer, high-quality litters use special technology to reduce weight while keeping absorbency high. This makes carrying the box from PetSmart easier!
What Lowers Quality:
- Excessive Dust: If you see a cloud every time you pour or scoop, the quality is low. Dust irritates your cat.
- Weak Clumps: If the wet litter falls apart when you try to scoop it, you end up leaving dirty bits behind. This ruins odor control quickly.
- Strong Perfumes: While some people like scented litter, strong perfumes can actually scare cats away from using their box. Cats prefer natural smells.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about your own home and your cat’s needs when buying. This affects your daily experience.
- For Multi-Cat Homes: You need the toughest odor control. Choose heavy-duty crystal or charcoal-enhanced clay litters. These handle more waste.
- For Small Apartments: Low-tracking and low-dust litters are best. You do not want litter kicked all over your floor.
- For Kittens or Older Cats: Fine, soft-textured litters are gentle on sensitive paws. Avoid large, sharp crystals for these groups.
10 FAQs About Buying Cat Litter at PetSmart
Q: What is the best type of litter for odor control?
A: Crystal (silica gel) litters and clay litters with activated charcoal usually give the best odor control.
Q: Should I buy scented or unscented litter?
A: Most cats prefer unscented litter. Strong perfumes often bother their sensitive noses, so unscented is usually the safer choice.
Q: How often should I scoop the litter box?
A: You should scoop solid waste out of the box at least once every day. This keeps the box fresh.
Q: What does “low-tracking” mean?
A: Low-tracking litter means the small pieces do not stick to your cat’s paws as easily when they jump out of the box. This means less litter on your floor.
Q: Are natural litters (like corn or wheat) better than clay?
A: Natural litters are often better for the environment because they break down easier. They can sometimes cost more, but many cats like their texture.
Q: Can I mix different types of litter together?
A: It is generally not recommended to mix them. Mixing different materials stops them from clumping correctly or absorbing odors the way they are designed to.
Q: What is the difference between clumping and non-clumping clay?
A: Clumping clay forms solid balls that you can scoop out. Non-clumping clay absorbs liquid but does not form hard balls, so you must replace more of the litter each time you clean.
Q: Is dust bad for my cat?
A: Yes, too much dust is bad. It can irritate your cat’s nose and lungs, so always look for low-dust options at PetSmart.
Q: How deep should I pour the litter into the box?
A: Most manufacturers recommend pouring about 3 to 4 inches of litter depth. This gives your cat enough material to dig and cover their waste properly.
Q: Which litters does PetSmart carry for sensitive paws?
A: Look for brands that specifically state they use “soft texture” or “ultra-fine” materials. These are usually softer clay or corn-based litters.