10 Best Cat Litters for Automatic Litter Boxes: A Guide to Self-Cleaning Solutions

To find the best cat litter for automatic litter box, look for clumping action. Also, choose materials that make little dust and control odors well.

We tested many litters against others, like silica gel crystals and clay-based ones. Our goal was to find the top ones for self-cleaning systems.

Choosing the right litter can reduce dust and make a cozy spot for your cat. This post helps you pick the best litter for your automatic litter box.

1. PetSafe ScoopFree Premium Crystal Non-Clumping Litter

If you have an automatic litter box, PetSafe ScoopFree Premium Crystal Non-Clumping Litter is perfect. It lasts a long time. In a home with multiple cats, one bag can last for 1-2 cats up to 30 days.

This litter is easy to carry and dispose of. It works with almost every litter box, including robotic ones. Pair it with PetSafe Deluxe Crystal Litter Box for a better litter experience.

The 99% dust-free formula is a huge plus. Sweeping up litter dust is a chore. This litter reduces dust and mess, perfect for busy homes.

The low-tracking formula keeps litter off your cat’s paws and out of your home. These small details save a lot of time and effort daily.

Odor control is this litter’s strong point. It beats clay-clumping brands in controlling smells. Your home should smell fresh, not like a litter box.

The low-tracking crystals trap odors, keeping your home smelling clean. If your home smells like a litter box, this could be the solution you need.

This litter is also eco-friendly and non-toxic. It’s safe for your cat and the planet. You can feel good about your choice.

It may cost more than clay litter at first, but it lasts longer. One bag can last up to two months, saving you money and time. Check out self cleaning litter boxes for large cats.

2. Tidy Cats Breeze Cat Litter System Pellets

Tidy Cats Breeze Pellets provide a different, more innovative route to dealing with the best automatic litter boxes. These pads are specifically designed for use with the Tidy Cats Breeze Cat Litter Box System. Their adaptability makes them suitable with other litter boxes as well.

What sets them apart is the way they go about it—consistently delivering a clean, mess-free experience. They’re made to help you control messes from beginning to end. As stated by real users, these smart solutions save up to 90% litter outside the box than with a traditional alternative.

Or have you had to clean up that dirty paw print path of litter 3 times a day? If so, this new feature might be right up your alley! If they inadvertently roll away, you can easily throw the pellets back into the box. See, it’s just that simple!

They’re big, which means they won’t cling to your fuzzy friend’s paws as easily. This translates to less mess tracking around your home and even simpler cleanup for you! That being said, these pellets have more going for them than just convenience.

They are easily found online from sellers such as Amazon, making it easy to pick up a refill. Lastly, some users have seemingly experienced quality control problems. They’ve reported having some issues with the quality or inconsistencies of the pellets here and there.

The downside Monthly cost can get pretty high, especially with multiple cats. The cost may be a concern for multi-cat households, but it’s worth considering. Odor control is the second most important aspect to consider. The pellets attack urine odor on contact.

Users complain that it fails to cover up the smell of new poop. Depending on your Tidy Cat setup and how frequently you clean, this could be a dealbreaker or not. If you are seeking a more convenient and cleaner solution with less mess, these pellets fit the bill.

They’re perfectly compatible with your Tidy Cats Breeze litter system! Even if you don’t adopt that exact system, let it inspire you. Its versatility makes it a prime candidate for other automatic litter boxes.

Just be ready to consider the price and possible smell management issues as part of your deliberations.

3. Ökocat Natural Wood Cat Litter

Of all the options on this list, Ökocat Natural Wood Cat Litter is the most eco-friendly choice, even if your automatic litter box model isn’t in use. Made from 100% reclaimed wood, it’s the only smart choice for the eco-conscious consumer who wants to reduce their impact on the planet. This biodegradable litter is a responsible option, though Healthy Pet recommends against flushing it — better to dispose of it properly.

The litter does not contain synthetic fragrances, colors, or harmful chemicals. This is a super important benefit for finicky felines! With its natural formula, Ökocat serves as a wonderful way to pamper your best friend. It excels at minimizing harmful ingredients that most cat litters pack in.

What truly sets Ökocat apart, though, is its natural odor control. It is capable of tackling odors without the use of artificial fragrances. This method involves leaving your home smelling cleaner, without heavy fragrances. This is a particularly handy feature if you have an active cat family to take care of, or if you live in a more compact space.

Ökocat lasts longer than most conventional litters, making it a smart economical choice in the long run. The litter comes in five distinct formulas, so whether you have just one fluffy furbaby or a whole houseful, you’re bound to find a favorite litter that suits your needs! It’s flexible and adaptable, which is valuable when every home has its own unique situations.

Related to this is another bonus —the fact that Ökocat is 100% recyclable, which complements its biodegradability nicely. From biodegradable material to recyclable packaging, if you’re an eco-friendly pet parent, this litter is the complete package. With multiple disposable options available, you can rest easy knowing that you are reducing landfill waste.

Thousands of customers corroborate its quality. Retailing for under $10, this litter has an outstanding high consumer rating average of at least 3.5 out of 5 Chewy.com stars. Clearly, it’s cemented its place in millions of homes! That’s almost twice as many people who’ve put it to the test and found it worthy of a personal recommendation.

4. Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Lightweight Cat Litter

Plus, Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Lightweight Cat Litter is a brilliant choice for multi-cat households. It’s an excellent option for homes with sensitive kitties, too. Conveniently packed in 14, 19, 28, and 38-pound boxes, this clumping cat litter provides versatility to suit various needs.

If you’re going to be taking care of only one litter box, the easy-to-handle 8-pound size could be perfect for you. It’s an amazing value, most accessible in stores, and designed with a unique formula to make cat owners’ lives easier.

One of its most remarkable features is its focus on odor control. This unscented formula seals away 99% of odors for continuous odor control that helps your home feel fresh and clean. Testers loved how hard it made urine clumps, calling it one of the toughest clumping litters they’ve ever used.

There are no sopping or damp deposits to be found, so cleanup is much more of a breeze. Its 99% dust-free formula helps keep your home looking clean and fresh. This can help make it an excellent option for pet parents who are looking to control mess while using a friendly litter that reduces allergens for sensitive felines.

As great as it performs in every other regard, this litter can’t be used with the Litter-Robot 4. The clear or off-white colored granules interfere with the robot’s sensors which are used to properly gauge the litter and waste levels.

That one exception mentioned above notwithstanding, traditional automatic litter boxes really get the job done. They’re particularly great for homes with multiple cats where serious, heavy-duty performance is a must, especially when using a quality clumping cat litter like this one.

5. World’s Best Cat Litter Clumping Formula

Up next is the World’s Best Cat Litter Clumping Formula. That means it can provide reliable performance at a price everyone can afford. At only $1.21 per lb, it’s an affordable option.

On top of that, it delivers proven odor control for the full evaluation period. The medium-sized granules that are made from whole kernel corn are environmentally friendly and easy on your cat’s paws. The unique formula is free of dangerous chemicals and fake fragrances.

Breathe easier knowing you know what’s in it! While it’s a bummer the bag doesn’t include a full ingredients list, it’s still comforting to know the product steers clear of harsh, artificial ingredients.

The first important feature that we’re going to be looking at is its clumping ability, which deservedly earns a 8/10. Other testers had some difficulty with the clumps, describing them as a little harder to scoop out.

Otherwise, the litter formed fairly strong clumps that didn’t break apart too easily when cleaning. This product has a downside for those of you who use automatic litter boxes, making it slightly less convenient compared to the other competitors.

Remember, clumping performance is affected by moisture and frequency of litter box cleaning. The litter’s odor control was consistently solid during testing. It did a great job at controlling undesirable odors without the use of strong perfumes to cover them up.

The other remarkable thing is how little dust it creates. The formula is advertised as 99% dust free. When we tested it, it produced a fraction of the dust that Dr. Elsey’s Ultra produced.

That makes it perfect for homes with cats prone to allergies. Plus, it saves pet parents the hassle of a dusty cleanup! The lower dust is a nice touch too, keeping air quality around the litter box cleaner which any cat owner would appreciate!

What convinces us most on this litter is the common sense approach. We love that the natural, corn-based formula is so easy to scoop and pour. Its medium-sized granules ensure the ideal combination to be lightweight while not tracking all over the house.

This litter is all about making things convenient for the user. In general, it provides great value for cost and performance, but it definitely doesn’t get everything right.

6. Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Ultra Cat Litter

For this reason, Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Ultra is our top pick for the best clumping cat litter for automatic litter boxes. It provides excellent clumping, odor control, and moisture absorption—all in an affordable package. From what I’ve seen, this litter is the absolute best at keeping bad odors at bay. It makes hard clumps that are easy to scoop.

Since 2017 it’s been Wirecutter’s perennial favorite for all the right reasons. It always absorbs stink zone with no added perfumes—great for cats with sensitive noses or respiratory conditions. It’s safe for kittens from 8 weeks and effective for senior cats.

In our dust control testing, it failed to do its advertised “99% dust free” claim. It really did perform better than nearly all other brands. I found that when I looked back over time, the dust levels are highly variable. Originally it barely kicked up any dust, but in more recent use it has become quite noticeable.

On the plus side, the clumps it makes don’t fall apart as easily as others do. Readily dissolving into smaller pieces during use, all while remaining efficacious. This helps keep the litter box cleaner and can make scooping faster and less annoying, which is useful for busy cat owners.

One other thing to consider—even with lightweight litters—is the weight of the bag. So if you have any back pain or lack of upper-body strength pouring this litter into the pan can be a struggle. You may not even realize you’re exercising! Once it’s in, though, the ongoing results are definitely worth it.

The firm clumps and dependable smell control features provide it because the better choice for automated litter containers. Only thing to be aware of is, because the litter is ultra-fine, it does track outside of the box. Only after a week of use did I start finding little pieces of litter in odd spots. They were living under couches and all over other rooms.

The right litter mat can be a big help in reducing that, too, though. Considering the cost, Dr. Elsey’s Ultra is nearly impossible to top. If you’re looking for the best value litter without sacrificing quality performance, particularly when it comes to tackling odors and forming solid clumps, this is your best pick.

Even with a few small downsides, it is a very reliable choice for the majority of households using automatic litter boxes. Make life even easier with an automatic self cleaning litter box.

7. PetFusion BetterBox Cat Litter Box Liners

PetFusion BetterBox Cat Litter Box Liners make automatic litter box use hassle-free. They really do make everything cleaner and easier! These liners feature an extra-thick design that stands up to daily wear and tear like a champ.

Designed to fit in even the most opaque litter box, even the automatic ones. This thoughtful design makes it so that you never have to stress about uncomfortable fit or frequent readjustment. With liners that are a special kind of tear-resistant, you don’t have to worry about tearing a liner when you scoop or clean up.

It’s a simple addition that goes a long way in reducing the time and hassle involved with upkeep. One thing we really love about this product is that it’s super user-friendly. All you have to do is spread the liner within the box and tuck the sides over the edge to keep it in place.

When it’s time to clean, simply pick the liner up and tie it off! This entire process is simple and mess-free! This is a game changer if you are balancing several cats or just a busy lifestyle.

What’s more, it serves to prolong the lifespan of your litter box in the process, keeping the inside from getting scratched up or stained. That might seem like a small feature, but it really adds a lot of utility when it comes to maintaining a fresh and clean appearance over time.

One other feature that’s worth mentioning is the way these liners aid in odor control. These durable materials trap smells really well. That’s always a plus when dealing with cat litter!

You can use any type of litter with them, clumping, crystals, what have you. This flexibility allows you to try more than one type at a time! This level of flexibility is a dream come true to anyone who loves to shake things up.

It’s equally helpful for new cat parents still figuring out what’s most appealing to their kitty. If you or someone you know is done with the struggle of dirty litter box cleans, these liners are an excellent grab.

Not only do they save time and make the whole experience a whole lot easier, they keep it cleaner. Beyond just not having to replace them so often due to the added durability, you’ll likely find yourself spending less on liners in the long run, too.

8. Nature’s Miracle Odor Control Cat Litter

Making the switch to Nature’s Miracle Odor Control Cat Litter is an easy but impactful change you can make for yourself and your cat. Experience a fresher home and happier feline! If you’re looking for an alternative to heavy pine-based litter, lugging those bags can be a real chore. If you’ve struggled with it, then you know how frustrating it is! That’s just what got me to switch to Nature’s Miracle clumping cat litter.

I’ve been switching over to it slowly, with 3 out of my 7 litter boxes being switched so far. It’s really been a game changer for me! I intend to make the full conversion as soon as I go through my last stockpile of regular litter.

What really makes Nature’s Miracle stand out is its effectiveness in controlling odors, particularly feces. When it comes to cats, the stink can quickly become a problem, particularly in a bustling multi-cat home. Since this litter is clumping, it does a pretty good job at locking in odors, helping keep the whole kitty scene fresh and more manageable.

In the week and a half since, I’ve started to feel it. Even with a swap only on half a bridge, the difference is striking. It’s low-maintenance, which is 20 times more convenient when you’re caring for multiple litter boxes. The best part is that it works easily with automatic litter boxes, making it a great choice for cat owners. It clumps strong, so it’s easy to scoop up clean and mess-free every time.

The other thing I like in particular? It doesn’t feel like I’m sacrificing quality for convenience. The feel is soft on my cats’ paws and they have adapted to it with no problems. Overall, the transition has gone pretty well, which is a huge compliment coming from me since I know how finicky cats can be when it comes to their litter products!

In addition, it’s not super dusty, so it helps keep the area around the litter boxes cleaner. To me, that’s a success in every way. If you’ve been lugging around cumbersome, piney litter, you’d be in good company. With this practical solution, odor control can be one item you check off without breaking a sweat.

It’s lightweight and easy to handle, easily integrating into a busy lifestyle without creating more hassle. Zero effort on your part, you simply dump it in and let your automatic litter box model take over. To tell the truth, I regret not switching sooner.

9. Cat’s Pride Complete Care Cat Litter

Learn more about Cat’s Pride Complete Care Cat Litter! It’s a top choice for those looking for a non-clumping formula that is ideal for use in automatic litter boxes. Cat’s Pride has three non-clumping formulas, which is a testament to their level of quality.

It’s obvious that they’ve been working hard to fine-tune and improve this kind of product. What makes it best is the perfect mix of how affordable and how well it performs at that price, great for homes with many cats. Costing less than $0.75 per pound, it’s a highly economical option that doesn’t skimp on quality.

This kitty litter is designed from high-quality materials that are 100% sourced and made in the USA. Its reputation for outstanding odor control is legendary, and it’s a must-have for the owner of multiple cats.

It creates narrow, firm clumps which are easier for self-cleaning litter boxes to process. There’s some small trade-off there with its 99% dust-free guarantee. Overall it performs pretty well. You will want to be wary of dust when pouring it. This is unfortunate, but not a deal killer by any means.

The only thing we’d caution you on is that the litter spills out of boxes really easily. If you place your box in a busy area, such as near a doorway, you’ll be vacuuming more frequently. If your cats are big-time diggers, you’ll be cleaning up all the time for sure!

Not a big deal by any means, but worth noting for anyone who likes hands-off cat litter.

10. Fresh Step Clean Paws Cat Litter

Fresh Step Clean Paws Cat Litter provides advanced protection against litter tracking for pet parents. If you’re searching for the best cat litter for an automatic litter box model, this option stands out. One of its most exciting features is the inclusion of probiotics in its formula, enhancing the overall litter experience.

It features powerful probiotics that actively eliminate bacteria on contact in the litter box. This means less odor and less mess to manage. Pair that with Fresh Step’s ClumpLock technology, and you’ll be promised the tightest clumping cat litter available. Before you know it, cleanup becomes easier than ever!

If you’ve ever experienced frustratingly loose, crumbly, messy clumps, this will be a revolutionary experience. The 10-day odor control feature is another major selling point, preventing odors from building up during even the longest intervals between necessary scoops.

In fact, it’s so powerful, it can take on the smell even when the litter box isn’t scooped for a couple days. The silica gel in this litter works to combat bad smells by completely absorbing cat urine and the odor that comes with it. So, it’s powerful enough to destroy odors up to 99% of bad odors.

If your schnozz is on the sensitive side, this is no small matter. This makes caring for your home—and keeping it smelling clean—all the more easy. This litter is a stellar choice for homes affected by allergies, too.

Its low-dust formula keeps litter particles down, making life easier for both you and your cat. Whether you’re filling it up or your kitty’s scratching in the box, there’s no dusty mess to worry about. That’s a small change, but it adds up over the long haul.

Fresh Step Clean Paws fits conveniently in a 12-pound jug. This bulk value size strikes the perfect balance between max savings and portability and convenience. It’s enough litter to last a month or two but still easy to carry when it’s time to restock.

On top of that, it’s engineered to work effectively in automatic litter boxes, so you’re not compromising performance for convenience.

Conclusion

Choosing the best cat litter for an automatic litter box is easier than you might think. You’ve got features like superior odor control, low tracking, and easy cleanup. You have the option to use crystal litter for minimal dust. Or, choose wood-based products that are sustainable. If you’re looking for fast scoop, you’re in luck, too! It’s really a matter of finding what works best for you and your feline friend.

Every single product on this list is special in some way. Choosing the best automatic litter box for your cat will help reduce stress and improve quality of life at home. Read and learn, pick the option that best suits your household schedule, and create a cleaner, fresher litter box environment for all! That said, don’t overthink it—make life easy for yourself and begin with the one that most inspires you to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of cat litter works best for automatic litter boxes?

Crystal or non-clumping cat litters, like PetSafe ScoopFree Premium Crystal Gel Litter, are perfect for automatic litter boxes. These lightweight clumping litters provide superior moisture absorption, odor control, and a dust-free composition that protects the automatic litter box’s mechanism from clogging or damaging.

Are clumping litters safe for automatic litter boxes?

Confusingly, not every clumping cat litter performs the same. Look for alternatives that are lightweight, such as Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Lightweight Cat Litter, to ensure optimal performance and avoid heavy litter types that gum up the unit.

Can I use natural cat litter in an automatic litter box?

So yes—natural options, such as Ökocat Natural Wood Cat Litter, are safe to use in some automatic litter boxes for sure. Besides that, they’re very eco-friendly, dust-free, and 100% biodegradable, but do consult your automatic litter box’s manual for optimal performance.

How do I reduce odor in automatic litter boxes?

Choose an odor-controlling litter, like lightweight clumping litter such as Nature’s Miracle Odor Control Cat Litter or Fresh Step Clean Paws Cat Litter, which absorbs odors and helps maintain a clean litter experience for weeks.

Do crystal litters last longer than traditional litters?

Realistically, crystal gel litter such as PetSafe ScoopFree Premium Crystal Litter will last longer. This lightweight clumping litter controls odors better by absorbing more moisture, providing a more cost-effective and convenient solution for cat owners.

Are litter box liners necessary for automatic boxes?

Alternatives such as the PetFusion BetterBox Cat Litter Box Liners make cleaning a simple task for cat owners. They are not needed for most automatic litter boxes, so be sure to read your box’s instructions carefully for optimal performance.

What is the best lightweight litter for automatic litter boxes?

It’s our top pick for best lightweight clumping cat litter—so you have options! With excellent clumping, odor control, and tracking prevention, it works well in automatic litter boxes.