You could improve your cat’s health issues and reduce the amount you clean your house in one easy switch with non-tracking cat litter.
By making small shifts to litter with larger granules and less litter dust, you’ll find that less litter is being tracked through your home.
Top Picks For Non Tracking Cat Litter
Best Overall (Recommended)
- VETERINARIAN RECOMMENDED: Ranked best...
- ADVANCED PROBIOTIC-POWERED ODOR CONTROL:...
- IDEAL FOR CATS ON A HIGH PROTEIN DIET:...
Runner Up (Recommended)
- OUTSTANDING ODOR CONTROL — Keep your...
- QUICK CLUMPING & EASY SCOOPING — No...
- FLUSHABLE* - SEPTIC SAFE — Skip the...
Best On A Budget
- PELLET CAT LITTER: Our next-generation,...
- New exclusive online packaging contains...
- EXCEPTIONAL ODOR CONTROL: Wood fiber...
Best For Odor Control
- PREMIUM QUALITY: A combination of...
- LOW DUST: Ideal for cats and owners who...
- HARD CLUMPING: Hard clumping medium...
Best Crystal Litter
- REMOVES ODORS QUICKLY: Crystal litter...
- LONG-LASTING: Just 1 bag can last up to...
- LESS MESS: Crystal litter is low...
Best For Multiple Cats
- Powerful, long-lasting odor control,...
- No added dyes or perfumes
- Veterinarian Recommended
Best Clumping
- FIGHTS ODORS LONGER: Fight litter box...
- LOW TRACKING LITTER: Clean Paws litter...
- LOW DUST CAT LITTER: For cleaner...
What Is Non Tracking Cat Litter?
Non-tracking cat litter is designed to reduce the amount of litter your cat tracks through your home. Non-tracking litter is generally heavier than traditional cat litter and is made to clump fast.
Using a non-tracking litter combined with a litter mat will significantly reduce litter tracking and help reduce cleanup time. It can also offer health benefits to your cat as it shouldn’t stick to their paws or fur.
This means they won’t be ingesting as much cat litter when grooming, helping them avoid any nasty chemicals that can be found in some litters.
Types Of Non Tracking Cat Litter
Non tracking litter is available in many substrates such as wheat, corn, paper, or natural wood. Some of the best substrates to reduce tracking include the following litter types.
Wheat And Corn Litter
Wheat and corn litter are great non-tracking options for natural litter. These aren’t as lightweight as other natural litter types making them less likely to stick to your cat’s fur. These are generally made of larger pellets which are again, less likely to track.
Wheat and corn litter can cause allergies in cats with grain intolerances, so it’s crucial to do an allergy test before switching to this kind of litter.
Store these litters in a cool dry place to avoid any fermentation and toxic gas build up.
Wood Litter
Wood litter is a heavier substrate compared to many other natural litter types which makes it a tremendous non-tracking option.
Wood litter doesn’t have any unpleasant artificial odors. It’s an unscented litter that comes free of artificial additives. This leaves a pleasant woody smell in your cat litter box as a natural deodorant.
Clay-Based Litter
Clay kitty litter is by far the most popular category of litter. It’s an excellent variety of clumping cat litter that’s ideal for reducing tracking. However, it’s known to create a lot of dust.
Since it binds together so tightly, your cat won’t be able to pick up chunks of clay clumping litter in its fur.
It’s easy to pick up both solid waste and liquid waste due to the clumping nature of the litter. This type of litter is perfect if you use a mechanical litter box.
While this substrate is ideal for clumping and non-tracking, it has a major impact on the environment. Sodium Bentonite is the primary ingredient in clay litter, and it’s mined in the western United States and parts of Turkey.
Mixed sodium/calcium bentonite is also mined in Greece, Australia, India, Russia, and Ukraine.
The method of mining causes huge environmental impacts on ecosystems and is seen by some as unsustainable.
Crystal Litter
Crystal litter is an excellent alternative to clay litter. It’s made of silica gel and is lightweight compared to other synthetic litter. The main difference between crystal and clay is that it’s non-clumping. To make up for it, the crystals are absorbent and make for easy cleanup.
Crystal litter is virtually dust-free, and it won’t stick to your cat’s fur when they use the litter box. It’s an excellent way of reducing tracking and traps in odor effectively with its fresh scent.
Best Non Tracking Cat Litters
Boxiecat Extra Strength Premium Clumping Cat Litter
- VETERINARIAN RECOMMENDED: Ranked best...
- ADVANCED PROBIOTIC-POWERED ODOR CONTROL:...
- IDEAL FOR CATS ON A HIGH PROTEIN DIET:...
Boxiecat litter is soft on your cat’s paws and there’s just something about this litter that cats seem to love.
It does a really good job of eliminating odor and clumps super fast. It’s easy to clean but there will still be some dust kicking up. It does a decent job at reducing tracking.
Although it comes at a slightly higher price point, you will end up using less litter compared to its competitors. It’s absolutely worth the extra money.
ÖKOCAT Natural Wood Clumping Litter
- PELLET CAT LITTER: Our next-generation,...
- New exclusive online packaging contains...
- EXCEPTIONAL ODOR CONTROL: Wood fiber...
There is no doubt that this is one of the most effective natural cat litter products available today. The litter is excellent at clumping, which makes it easy for your cat to eliminate it. It is quite expensive but, if you can afford it, it’s a great option.
It does an excellent job of eliminating odors. Many cat parents say there should be no odor in the house for one week, even if you have several cats.
If your cat has long hair, you may find that the clumps are sticky, and litter could be carried out of the litter box.
Tracking is reduced but not eliminated as it’s still possible that there might be some mess. If you want to further reduce tracking, pick yourself up a litter mat.
Dr. Elsey’s Ultra Premium Clumping Cat Litter
- PREMIUM QUALITY: A combination of...
- LOW DUST: Ideal for cats and owners who...
- HARD CLUMPING: Hard clumping medium...
A good non-tracking litter is known to be more expensive but, Dr. Elsey’s is a good compromise between a good non-tracking litter and a budget-friendly option. You won’t find any allergens or harmful chemicals in their natural litter.
This litter clumps quite well and eliminates odors quickly and effectively as they occur. With its clumping technology, it should help fight against odors for about a week.
It’s biodegradable and safe for your cat as well as the environment. If your cat suffers from any allergies or sensitivity then this is the pick of the bunch.
World’s Best Cat Litter Original Unscented
- OUTSTANDING ODOR CONTROL — Keep your...
- QUICK CLUMPING & EASY SCOOPING — No...
- FLUSHABLE* - SEPTIC SAFE — Skip the...
World’s Best Cat Litter has long reigned supreme however, its high price has seen it fall a few places on the list. This litter does everything a non-tracking litter should do by drastically reducing tracking throughout your home.
It’s also virtually dust-free and cats seem to enjoy using it. It forms tight clumps really well and doesn’t stick to your cat’s fur easily.
You’ll find this does a great job of eliminating those unpleasant odors and should control the litter box odor for about a week depending on how many cats you have.
Because it does so well at controlling tracking and dust you should find cleaning up a breeze.
PetSafe ScoopFree Premium Crystal Non-Clumping Cat Litter
- REMOVES ODORS QUICKLY: Crystal litter...
- LONG-LASTING: Just 1 bag can last up to...
- LESS MESS: Crystal litter is low...
PetSafe crystal cat litter is a lightweight litter that’s virtually dust free, and has really good reviews.
This litter really helps to keep your litter box clean, just scoop out the solids daily and give it a stir to mix up the moisture. PetSafe claims that one bag could last up to 30 days, making this litter exceptional value.
Odor control from the PetSafe litter is great with users reporting that it’s one of the best on the market.
Crystal cat litter offers exceptional odor control and reduced tracking and is a great alternative to clay litter.
In general, this litter has few downsides. If you are conscious about the environment and want to stay clear of clay litter, look no further.
sWheat Scoop Multi-Cat All-Natural
- Powerful, long-lasting odor control,...
- No added dyes or perfumes
- Veterinarian Recommended
The sWheat natural litter is a great fast-clumping litter that leaves little mess to deal with. Unfortunately, it’s not so great at controlling litter odor.
It’s not terrible at controlling odor but you will notice the difference between other litters especially if you have more than one cat using the litter box.
If you’re conscious about the environment this litter is 100% biodegradable and safe for cats.
It’s also a great litter for sensitive cats and those who don’t like overbearing litter scents.
Fresh Step Advanced Clumping Cat Litter
- FIGHTS ODORS LONGER: Fight litter box...
- LOW TRACKING LITTER: Clean Paws litter...
- LOW DUST CAT LITTER: For cleaner...
With its rapid clumping power of clay and tough odor control, this is an excellent choice for a multi-cat home.
It does a fantastic job at reducing tracking while still using large granules. It claims to be 99.9% dust-free but as with many litters, that’s not exactly the case.
This formula does include a Febreze scent. Unfortunately, this litter wouldn’t be suitable for cats suffering from allergies.
Should You Buy Non Tracking Cat Litter
You should buy non tracking cat litter if you are looking to reduce the amount of litter tracked through your home. Be prepared to pay a little more for this type of litter though.
Advantages of a non tracking cat litter
With less litter sticking to your cat’s fur you are reducing the amount of litter they will ingest. This is a major benefit for your cat as it reduces hairballs and over-grooming.
Cat litter contains allergens, like fragrance and dust, so keeping the litter spread to a minimum can help alleviate uncomfortable symptoms.
Disadvantages of a non tracking cat litter
Non tracking cat litter is typically not suitable for kittens. Kittens will usually try to eat cat litter as they get used to it and because most non tracking litters are made from clay they can contain nasty chemicals.
This type of litter is usually more expensive than ordinary litter. So, if you are looking for low-cost litter this wouldn’t be your first option.
Finally, consider the environmental impact of the litter you choose. Try to get a natural litter where possible and one that is 100% biodegradable.
Buying Guide For Non Tracking Cat Litter
Substrate
The substrate you use in your litter box is going to determine how much tracking you see. The ideal type of litter for reducing tracking is one that’s heavier by nature.
Many natural litters like tofu and coconut are incredibly lightweight and therefore stick to a cat’s fur more easily.
A popular substrate is clay or wood because they are enough to help reduce litter tracking.
Clumping vs. Non-clumping
Clumping litter isn’t ideal for kittens or small breeds. These types of litter are more likely to get into their fur and get ingested during grooming.
Since clumping litter can often be made of clay, this can impact the cat’s digestion negatively.
Therefore, the litter you choose for your kitten will likely be different from the one you choose for your adult cat.
Non-clumping litter won’t help reduce litter tracking all that much therefore making it redundant if you are looking for a non tracking litter.
Age Of Your Cat
Different substrates and litter types will benefit your cats in various ways as they age. For example, clumping litter isn’t ideal for kittens or small breeds. These litters are more likely to get into their fur and get ingested during grooming. Since clumping litter can often be made of clay, this can impact the cat’s digestion negatively or in some cases cause respiratory issues.
Therefore, the litter you choose for your kitten will likely be different from the one you choose for your adult cat. While clumping litter is best when it comes to reducing tracking, there are several alternatives to consider for the first year of your cat’s life.
Smell
Scented litter can be overpowering for us and our cats. It can cause them to not use the litter box at all. It’s recommended to use an unscented litter or one that has a natural smell such as wood.
If you’re unsure if your cat prefers scented or unscented, try getting natural litter first as it should be more appealing.
Best Non Tracking Cat Litter
Boxiecat Extra Strength Premium Clumping Cat Litter
Conclusion On Non Tracking Cat Litter
A litter with larger particles can reduce tracking through the home significantly. Most cat litter manufacturers make a non-tracking litter variety, but not all will work for your cat in the same way.
If you have a long haired cat you’ll want to make sure the litter states that it’s suitable for long hair breeds.
If using all-natural litter is a priority for you, look into heavier options like corn or wood.
If you want an absorbent litter that will be the most effective cat litter possible for reducing tracking, synthetic materials like clay formulas are your best option.
Last update on 2023-04-01 at 13:24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API