What Is the Best Cat Litter for Odor Control in 2026?
In the US, the best cat litter for odor control is usually an unscented clumping litter scooped at least daily, which the ASPCA says most cats prefer. Check ShopBack US before you check out at Chewy or Petco so part of the order comes back as cash.
In the US, the best cat litter for odor control is usually an unscented clumping litter that you scoop at least once a day. The ASPCA says most cats prefer clumping, unscented litter with a medium to fine texture, kept one to two inches deep. Clumps let you lift out the waste that causes smell, so the rest of the box stays fresh longer. Buy it at a store like Chewy or Petco, and check ShopBack before you check out.
ShopBack US is a free app and website that returns part of what you spend at partner stores as cash you can withdraw. You open ShopBack before you check out, and after the order is confirmed, cash comes back to your account. Join ShopBack US for free, then open the Chewy page on ShopBack or the Petco page on ShopBack before your next litter order.
What is the best cat litter for odor control?
The best litter for odor control is the one your cat uses every time and that lets you remove waste quickly; for most homes that is unscented clumping litter. Smell comes from waste left in the box. A litter that clumps firmly lets you take it out daily, and a cat that is happy with its litter keeps using the box instead of the carpet.
Here is how the main litter types usually compare on odor, based on how they work:
| Litter type | How it handles odor | Things to know |
|---|---|---|
| Clumping clay (bentonite) | Forms firm clumps you scoop out daily | Matches what the ASPCA says most cats prefer; can be heavy and dusty, so look for low-dust versions |
| Clumping plant-based (corn, wheat, walnut, grass, tofu) | Clumps vary by product; many are light and low dust | Read the label for disposal advice and clump strength |
| Silica crystal | Absorbs moisture into the crystals | Some cats dislike the texture; you still remove solids daily |
| Pine pellets | Absorb liquid and break down into sawdust | Non-clumping, so you change more of the box at a time |
| Litter with activated charcoal or baking soda | Added to help absorb smells without perfume | Check that the product is unscented if your cat is sensitive |
The short version: start with an unscented clumping litter, scoop at least once a day, and only switch type if your cat or your home needs it. The ASPCA also notes that a cat may prefer the litter it used as a kitten, so if you change, put the new litter in a second box beside the old one and let your cat choose.
Best cat litter for odor control in 2026: the habits that matter more than the bag
In 2026 as in any year, the habits around the box control odor more than any single brand of litter. The ASPCA's litter box guidance sets out the routine:
- Scoop at least once a day. The ASPCA says virtually all cats like clean litter boxes.
- Wash weekly. Once a week, clean the box with warm water and unscented soap, baking soda or no soap, and replace the litter completely, according to the ASPCA.
- Keep it shallow. Provide one to two inches of litter rather than three to four inches, per the ASPCA. Deep litter hides clumps you then miss.
- Skip strong scents. The ASPCA warns that a cat could develop an aversion to the scent of scented cleaners.
- Clean accidents properly. The ASPCA recommends an enzymatic cleaner designed to neutralize pet odors for any mess outside the box.
- Have enough boxes. One for each cat plus one extra; three cats need at least four boxes, per the ASPCA.
Good habits also cut cost, because litter that is scooped daily needs full changes less often. For the budget side, read our guide to the cheapest cat litter that is still good.
What is the best cat litter box to buy?
The best cat litter box to buy is a large, open box your cat can step into easily, placed somewhere quiet. The ASPCA says the majority of cats prefer large boxes that they can enter easily, and notes that plastic sweater storage containers make excellent litter boxes. Most cats do not like box liners or lids, according to the ASPCA.
What to look for:
- Size. Bigger is usually better. A cat should be able to turn around inside.
- Low entry. Kittens, older cats and cats with stiff joints need a low side to step over.
- Open top. The ASPCA advises removing covers and liners if a cat is avoiding the box.
- Easy-clean surface. Smooth plastic you can scrub weekly holds less smell.
- Placement. The ASPCA says cats like their boxes in a quiet place that is not cornered, where they can see others approaching and have more than one way out.
Go through ShopBack before you buy a litter box at Chewy or Petco, then check out.
Which automatic cat litter box is worth buying?
An automatic or self-cleaning litter box is worth buying if you are away for long stretches and your cat is happy to use it. The ASPCA says self-cleaning boxes are generally cleaner than traditional types and many cats accept them readily. It also says that if your cat starts going outside a self-cleaning box, you should try switching to a traditional box.
Before you buy one, check these points on the product page:
- Litter type. Many automatic boxes are designed for clumping litter, and some need the maker's own litter or trays. That affects running cost.
- Size and entry. The box should suit your cat's size and age.
- Waste drawer capacity. A larger drawer means fewer emptying trips, which matters in multi-cat homes.
- Noise and safety sensors. Read the maker's description of how the box detects a cat before it cycles.
- Return window. Some cats take time to accept a new box; a return window gives you a way out.
Keep the old box out during the switch. Put the automatic box beside your cat's usual box so your cat can choose, the same side-by-side approach the ASPCA suggests for trying new litter.
Best cat litter box and litter: best deals in the US for 2026
For litter you buy every few weeks, a steady repeat-delivery discount usually beats waiting for a sale; for a litter box, a big sale weekend is often the time to buy. In 2026, Black Friday is Friday, November 27 and Cyber Monday is Monday, November 30. Pet stores and big retailers often include pet supplies in those sales.
Ways to pay less:
- Repeat delivery programs. Chewy runs Autoship and Petco runs Repeat Delivery for items you reorder on a schedule. Check each store's site for the current savings.
- Price per pound. Litter sizes vary widely, so divide the price by the weight to compare.
- Shipping thresholds. Litter is heavy, so a free shipping minimum can change which store is cheaper.
- Promo codes. No code is needed for Cashback: go through ShopBack before you pay.
Read our US sale calendar for the main sale windows, and our guide to the cheapest way to buy pet supplies online.
Chewy vs Petco for cat litter and litter boxes: price comparison in 2026
Chewy and Petco are both strong places to buy cat litter and litter boxes, for different reasons. Compare the same product and size on the same day, by price per pound, including shipping.
Where Chewy is strong. Chewy is an American online retailer of pet food and pet products based in Plantation, Florida, founded in 2011. It sells a wide range of litters and litter boxes, and its Autoship program sets up repeat deliveries of things like litter.
Where Petco is strong. Petco, founded in 1965, is a US pet retailer with stores that offer services such as grooming and veterinary care. Its Repeat Delivery program handles regular orders, and you can usually see a litter box in a store before you buy.
How to choose. If you buy the same litter every few weeks, compare Chewy Autoship and Petco Repeat Delivery prices for your size. If you want to see a box in person, Petco's stores help. Either way, check ShopBack before you check out.
Other stores on ShopBack US that sell cat litter and litter boxes include Walmart, Target and Costco.
How ShopBack lowers what you pay for cat supplies
Cashback lowers what you actually pay for an order. It comes back as cash, so it works like a discount on the price, not like points or miles. Before you check out, go through ShopBack to get a post-purchase discount on the order.
Your effective price is what you pay minus the cash ShopBack returns. The live rate for each store is shown on its ShopBack US page.
How to use it:
- Open the store's page on ShopBack US, such as Chewy or Petco.
- Activate it and shop on the store's site as usual.
Using ShopBack with repeat delivery and card rewards
You can usually earn ShopBack cash and your card's rewards on the same order, because they come from different places. Our guide to using ShopBack with promotions explains how this usually works.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best cat litter for odor control?
For most US homes it is an unscented clumping litter that you scoop at least once a day. The ASPCA says most cats prefer clumping, unscented litter with a medium to fine texture, and clumps lift the waste that causes smell. Check ShopBack before you check out at Chewy or Petco.
Is scented cat litter better for odor control?
Not usually. The ASPCA advises unscented litter, and warns that a cat can develop an aversion to the scent of scented cleaners. Daily scooping and a weekly wash of the box do more for smell than added fragrance, and a cat that keeps using its box is the best odor control of all.
How often should I scoop and change cat litter to stop smells?
The ASPCA says to scoop at least once a day and, once a week, clean the box with warm water and unscented soap, baking soda or no soap, and replace the litter completely. Keeping one to two inches of litter rather than three to four also helps, according to the ASPCA.
What is the best cat litter box to buy?
The best cat litter box is a large, open box your cat can step into easily. The ASPCA says the majority of cats prefer large boxes and most do not like lids or liners, and it suggests one box per cat plus one more. Go through ShopBack before you buy one at Chewy or Petco.
Which automatic cat litter box is worth buying?
An automatic box is worth buying if you are often away during the day and your cat accepts it. The ASPCA says self-cleaning boxes are generally cleaner and many cats accept them readily, but if your cat starts going outside the box, switch back to a traditional one. Check the litter type the maker requires.
Do covered litter boxes control odor better?
A lid can keep smell inside the box, but the ASPCA notes that most cats do not like lids or liners on their boxes. If your cat avoids a covered box, the smell problem moves to your floor. An open box scooped daily is usually the safer choice.
Is Chewy or Petco better for buying cat litter?
Both are strong choices for different reasons. Chewy is an online pet retailer with an Autoship repeat-delivery program, and Petco has stores with vet care and grooming plus a Repeat Delivery program. Compare the same litter and size by price per pound after shipping, and open the store through ShopBack first.
Can I earn ShopBack Cashback on cat litter and litter boxes?
Yes, at stores with a ShopBack US page such as Chewy, Petco, Walmart, Target and Costco. Open the store's ShopBack page, activate it and finish your order.
What is the effective price of a litter order after ShopBack?
Your effective price is what you pay minus the cash ShopBack returns. The live rate is shown on each store's ShopBack page.
Related reads
Check ShopBack before you check out at: Chewy · Petco · Walmart · Target · Costco
About this guide
Litter and litter box guidance comes from the ASPCA's page on litter box problems. Company background for Chewy and Petco comes from public company summaries on Wikipedia, and program names from each store's ShopBack US page. Prices and rates change, so this guide points to the live rate on each store's ShopBack page instead of quoting one.
Disclaimer
The views and recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author. Product features, repeat-delivery savings, sale dates and Cashback eligibility vary by merchant and time and are subject to change. If your cat stops using its litter box, talk to your veterinarian, as it can be a sign of a medical issue. This article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered professional or veterinary advice.
Related guides
What Is the Cheapest Cat Litter That Is Still Good in 2026?
The cheapest cat litter that is still good in the US is usually a large box or jug of unscented clumping clay litter, often a store brand, bought by cost per pound at Chewy or Walmart. Most cats prefer clumping, unscented litter, according to the ASPCA. Compare, then start on ShopBack.
What Is the Cheapest Way to Buy Pet Supplies Online in 2026?
The cheapest way to buy pet supplies online in the US is to compare the final price, use repeat-delivery savings such as Chewy Autoship for food and litter, go through ShopBack US before you pay, and pay with your best rewards card. Chewy+ costs $59 a year after a 30-day free trial, according to Chewy.
US 2026 Sale Calendar
Time purchases around Prime Day, Back-to-School, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. Full US sale calendar with cashback timing.
Stack Cashback with Codes & Cards
Pay the sale price, go through ShopBack before you pay, and pay with a rewards card. Cashback is worked out on what you pay, and card rewards come separately from your card issuer.
