As a cat owner, finding the best dust-free cat litter for your feline friend is crucial for both their health and yours. Dust-free cat litters are specially formulated to minimize the amount of dust and debris that is released into the air during use, reducing the risk of respiratory issues for both cats and their human companions. With so many different types and brands of dust-free cat litters on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is the right choice for you and your cat. In this article, we will take a closer look at the best dust-free cat litters available, so you can make an informed decision and keep your home and your cat healthy.
What’s the Best Dust-Free Cat Litter in 2023?
- ökocat Super Soft Natural Wood Clumping Litter, Dust Free
- ökocat Natural Paper Cat Litter, Dust Free
- sWheat Scoop Multi-Cat All-Natural Clumping Cat Litter
- Cat’s Pride Fresh and Light Multi-Cat Premium Scoopable Litter
- Northeastern Products Cedarific Natural Cedar Chips Cat Litter
Types of dust-free cat litters
- Paper-based litters: These litters are made from recycled paper products and are known for being dust-free and biodegradable. They also tend to be more absorbent than other types of litters, and they are often more affordable than silica gel litters.
- Corn-based litters: These litters are made from dried corn kernels and are known for being dust-free and biodegradable. They are also often more absorbent than other types of litters, but they can be more expensive than traditional clay litters.
- Wheat-based litters: These litters are made from wheat and other plant fibers and are known for being dust-free and biodegradable. They are also often more absorbent than other types of litters, but they can be more expensive than traditional clay litters.
- Crystal Litter: These litters are made from mineral-based crystals that absorb moisture and control odors. They are also dust-free and low tracking.
How We Tested
When testing the best dust-free cat litters, we considered a variety of factors to ensure that our recommendations would provide the most comprehensive and accurate information for our readers. Some of the key considerations that we took into account during our testing process include:
- Dust content: One of the most important factors when it comes to dust-free cat litters is, of course, the amount of dust that is released into the air during use. We carefully measured and evaluated the dust content of each litter in our test to ensure that they met our standards for low dust output.
- Clumping ability: The ability of a cat litter to clump is an important consideration, as it can make clean-up easier and more efficient. We tested the clumping ability of each litter and evaluated how well they formed clumps and how easy they were to scoop.
- Odor control: Many cat litters are formulated with odor-control agents to help reduce unpleasant smells. We evaluated the effectiveness of these odor-control agents, and how well they were able to keep odors at bay.
- Biodegradable options: We also looked for biodegradable options as it is an eco-friendly option, which can help reduce the environmental impact of cat litter.
- Price and value: We took into account the price of each litter and evaluated whether or not it provided good value for the money.
We also considered feedback from cat owners who have tried the litter and their experience with it. All the data we collected was analyzed and we made the best recommendations for our readers.
Features to look for in a dust-free cat litter
When looking for a dust-free cat litter, there are a few key features that you should consider to ensure that you are getting a high-quality product that will meet your needs and keep your cat healthy.
- Low dust content: As mentioned earlier, one of the most important factors to consider when looking for a dust-free cat litter is the amount of dust that is released into the air during use. Look for litters that are specifically formulated to minimize dust and debris, so you can breathe easy knowing that your cat and your home are protected from harmful particles. Another important feature when it comes to dust content is the texture of the litter. Some litters have a finer texture which can generate more dust, while others have a coarser texture which generates less dust. Some litters may have dust-reducing agents added to them, which can help to keep dust levels low. To ensure that you are getting a truly dust-free product, look for litters that are labeled as “low dust” or “dust-free” and check the ingredients list for dust-reducing agents.
- Clumping ability: When looking for a cat litter with good clumping ability, you should consider the type of litter. Some litter like clay-based litters tend to clump better than others like paper-based litters. Clay-based litters, for example, are known to form tight clumps that are easy to scoop and dispose of, while other types of litters may not clump as well.
- Odor control: there are several types of litters that are formulated to neutralize or mask odors. Some litters contain natural odor-control agents like baking soda, while others use synthetic agents such as charcoal or zeolite. Another type of litter that can help control odor are scented litters, which often contain fragrances like lavender or pine to help mask any unpleasant smells. However, not all cats like scented litters, so it’s best to test a small amount before committing to a large bag.
- Biodegradable options: Many cat litters are formulated from non-biodegradable materials that can have a negative impact on the environment. Consider looking for litters that are biodegradable and can break down naturally in the environment.
Comparison Chart of Top 5 Dust Free Cat Litter
| Product Name | Type | Dust Content | Clumping Ability | Odor Control | Biodegradable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ökocat Super Soft Natural Wood Clumping Litter | Wood | Low | Good | Good | Yes |
| ökocat Natural Paper Cat Litter | Paper | Low | Good | Good | Yes |
| sWheat Scoop Multi-Cat All-Natural Clumping Cat Litter | Wheat | Low | Good | Good | Yes |
| Cat’s Pride Fresh and Light Multi-Cat Premium Scoopable Litter | Clay | Low | Good | Good | No |
| Northeastern Products Cedarific Natural Cedar Chips Cat Litter | Cedar | Low | Good | Good | No |
Note:
- Clumping ability: Good = forms clumps that are easy to scoop and dispose, Excellent = forms very tight clumps, No Clumping = doesn’t form clumps.
- Dust Content: Low = minimal dust and tracking, High = produces a lot of dust and tracking.
- Odor control: Good = effectively controls odors, Not effective = does not control odors effectively.
#1: ökocat Super Soft Natural Wood Clumping Cat Litter, Dust Free – Best Overall Kitty Litter
Would you prefer a dustless cat litter that is healthy for you, your cat, and the environment? That’s basically what the ökocat Super Soft Natural Wood Clumping Litter is. Made from a blend of spruce, fir, and pine, this cat litter is biodegradable and flushable. Most importantly, it guarantees that it won’t produce any airborne dust, so it’s safe for cats with allergies as well as for asthmatic owners.
One thing we like about the ökocat is that it’s true to its name. Take note that this litter is made in Germany, and “öko” is the German term for “eco” or “ecological.” Indeed, the ökocat Natural Wood Litter is eco-friendly.
In fact, the fiber suppliers for the ökocat have complied with the policies of the FDA, making sure that this cat litter is safe with human-grade ingredients. Also, under the name of CAT’ BEST, it has been awarded as Europe’s number one natural litter for 15 years now. Just think about how many cat owners absolutely love this cat litter!
99.9% dust-free
The ökocat Natural Wood Clumping Litter is 99.9% dust-free. You’ll be glad to know that its makers made sure they have screened their wood litter just before packaging so that what ends up in your package has virtually no dust!
Well, you may spot very little remaining dust on the surface of each pellet, but that’s just because of unavoidable bumps and movement during transportation. Still, the 99.9% dust-free rating should be safe enough for the kitties and yourself, so you don’t need to worry here.
In our experience, the ökocat Natural Wood Clumping Litter actually produces no airborne dust! As such, we find this very helpful for cat owners and cats who have asthma or allergies. Even our picky cat likes it a lot!
7-day odor-control guarantee
One of the best features we like about the ökocat Natural Wood litter is its effective mechanism for odor control. In fact, it includes a 7-day odor-control guarantee.
Because it’s made of wood, it has an incredible natural absorbency. Thus, you’ll know for sure that urine won’t collect at the bottom of the litter tray. So, how is that beneficial? Of course, when there’s no liquid waste left on the litter box, there’s no urine odor to circulate around your house.
Absorbent more than natural clay
The secret behind the ökocat natural wood litter’s natural absorbency feature is simple. It’s because of the capillary system within the pellets! Thanks to Mother Nature, the ökocat pellets absorb moisture and hold it within the pellet’s fiber walls. It’s even more absorbent than natural clay!
Amazing clumping ability
If you’re looking for a dustless cat litter with an amazing clumping ability, this is probably it. The makers of the ökocat Natural Wood Clumping litter have made sure that they would use the best natural ingredients that are approved by the FDA as GRAS (generally accepted as safe) even for humans. Moreover, the ökocat litter is able to achieve optimum clumping performance through these high-quality natural ingredients.
In fact, the ökocat Natural Wood Clumping Litter immediately reacts with moisture. Once it makes contact with cat urine, it encapsulates the liquid and begins to harden quickly. Thus, it traps the urine along with the odor within! So, there’s no way the urine soaks into the bottom of the litter tray. That means you don’t have to scrape into the bottom of the box — you only have to collect the clumps. How convenient!
Moreover, the ökocat Natural Wood Litter also attaches to the moisture in cat feces. It might not be as solid as the urine clump. Still, it’s incredibly beneficial because it makes cleaning up so much easier.
Easy to clean
As we’ve mentioned above, the ökocat Natural Wood Litter has an efficient clumping mechanism that makes it so easy to clean. Keep in mind that wood cat litter is, by nature, super absorbent. That means your cat won’t be standing in his urine while he’s relieving himself.
The quick clumping mechanism of this natural cat litter also makes it easy for your cat to clean himself up. That’s actually doubly beneficial for you because now you’re quite sure you won’t have to deal with any extra mess when trying to clean up his box.
With the ökocat litter’s high absorption rate, you’re ensured of seeing a minimal amount of litter being wetted. That means you only have to scoop away a small amount of litter and leave the rest of the clean pellets for your cat’s next use. Yes, there’s no need to get through the litter tray’s bottom since the ökocat formulation doesn’t allow the litter to cake into the bottom. Isn’t that good news?
Finally, take note that when you’re refilling, be sure the cat litter tray is clean. Pour 2 to 3 inches of fresh litter into a clean litter box. Scoop daily and refill as needed so you can maintain the standard depth of litter. The base litter can last from 4 to 6 weeks.
Drawback
You’ll probably agree with us that the ökocat Natural Wood Clumping Litter can easily be the best dust free cat litter you can buy. Still, though, it’s a little more expensive than the other cat litters. But, if you really love how it’s eco-friendly and hypoallergenic for your cats and yourself, then we’re pretty confident you’ll agree that the price is just worth it.
- Biodegradable
- Flushable
- FDA-approved
- Safe for asthmatic owners
- Hypoallergenic, so it’s safe for cats with allergies
- 99.9% dust-free
- Naturally absorbent
- Quickly traps urine and odor
- 7-day odor-control guarantee
- Expensive
#2: ökocat Natural Paper Cat Litter – Best Hypoallergenic Litter
Apparently, the company behind the ökocat Natural Wood Clumping Litter also has a variant made of natural paper. It’s called the ökocat Natural Paper Litter: Dust Free. Made in Germany, this high-quality paper litter is produced through a process of pressing together moist paper fibers.
Such fibers are typically made up of cellulose pulp from trees. No — they’re not made of those recycled newspapers that still have inks (as in other paper litters). Instead, the ökocat Natural Paper Litter comes from natural wood fibers, processed carefully so that the resulting pellets are actually organic, hypoallergenic, and without dust. Also, since it’s made from paper, it’s soft on the cat’s paws — and our cat likes it a lot!
What’s even more amazing about the ökocat Natural Paper Litter is that it’s 70% lighter than clay, so you would save some energy by bringing in a large bag of this litter. Despite being light, the ökocat paper litter just has the same ability to absorb moisture as clay litters, easily locking in moisture and odor. This means it’s a really great choice for cats with asthma and even for asthmatic owners or those recovering post-surgery. Plus, it can absorb 200% (or double) its weight, which means you can save a lot of cat litter over time.
99.9% dust-free guarantee
The ökocat Natural Dust Free Cat Litter is quite true to its name. Made with an efficient dust-free formula, this litter doesn’t cause us tracking problems when we try using it! In fact, the makers of this cat litter can give you a 99.9% dust-free guarantee, since they carefully screen the litter before putting it into the package.
Since the ökocat Natural Paper Litter is basically without dust, it makes filling and cleaning the litter box so much easier. If you use this cat litter, you don’t need to worry about aggravating allergies. Plus, this cat litter leaves the least mess, saving your time cleaning up the furniture around your house (which could possibly have paw prints in them)
Odor Shield technology
The ökocat Natural Dust Free Cat Litters is able to bind and trap odor within its pellets through its Odor Shield technology. It doesn’t have any chemical additives, dyes, scents, and harmful materials, so you can be sure it’s unscented and hypoallergenic.
So, how come the ökocat paper litter is so efficient in terms of odor control? Its secret is within its main ingredient, which is basically paper fibers. The odor is basically trapped within the paper fiber, so what’s left behind is only a very faint natural scent.
Perfect for the environment lover
The ökocat Natural Dust Free Paper Litter is actually non-clumping, which is quite the opposite of the ökocat Natural Wood Clumping Litter that we’ve first discussed above. This means its litter pellets absorb waste and then disintegrate. That’s quite understandable since we know this ökocat Natural Dust Free Litter is made of paper fibers. So, if you’re looking for a non-clumping and dust-free litter, this could be your best choice.
Easy to clean
Since the ökocat Natural Dust Free Paper Litter (as we’ve mentioned above), you don’t get to scoop clumps for this litter. Nonetheless, it’s still easy to clean. Here’s how.
Basically, the method of cleaning is still scooping. Simply scoop the solid waste each day. Then, gently shake the litter box so that the disintegrated parts would fall into the bottom of the litter tray. The dry pellets, on the other hand, will remain “floating” on top.
So, aren’t you supposed to take away the disintegrated paper pellets at the bottom? Well, not yet. Those will actually continue to absorb moisture and help in odor control.
It’s only when you notice that the litter box is almost full of disintegrated parts or “sawdust” that you need to replace the whole litter box. Dispose of all of the content, and then refill with 3 to 4 inches of new paper litter.
Drawback
With all the great things about the ökocat Natural Dust Free Paper Litter, it still has a slight drawback. It’s non-clumping, so some of the used litter pellets will just get mixed up with the rest of the clean ones.
- Organic
- Hypoallergenic
- Soft on cat’s paws
- 70% lighter than clay
- 99.9% dust-free
- No chemical additives, scents, and dyes
- Paper fiber traps odor naturally
- Non-clumping
#3: sWheat Scoop Multi-Cat All-Natural Clumping Cat Litter – Best Natural For Cat
If using a flushable cat litter is important for you, then you may vote for the sWheat Scoop Multi-Cat All-Natural Clumping Cat Litter as the best cat litter. Made from 100% wheat, this cat litter has no dyes or perfumes (which, of course, means it’s unscented), is excellent for multi-cat homes, and is actually flushable! In fact, many veterinarians recommend the sWheat Scoop Clumping Cat Litter.
The makers of this cat litter are proud to partner with farmers throughout the US and Canada in producing this amazing product. Indeed, the sWheat Scoop litter is 100% biodegradable, with a fast clumping and efficient odor control mechanism.
No dust at all
The sWheat Scoop Cat Litter does not create the fine dust that most clay litters would create. We’ve witnessed how this cat litter leaves very little to no dust at all — which is quite excellent considering that this litter is made from wheat!
So far in our experience, the sWheat Scoop Litter didn’t produce dust when we poured it into the litter box. There might be some slight dust in the air when opening the package, but that’s quite normal considering this natural litter’s components. It’s safer compared to clay litter dust, too, and doesn’t smell like the chemicals in clay litters!
Noble Ion® Technology
Since the sWheat Scoop Litter is all-natural, the wheat enzymes within its pellets quickly act to neutralize odor upon contact. It’s also powered by Noble Ion® Technology for total odor elimination — thanks to its quick clumping mechanism. We really love this feature because it can eliminate odors without masking the smell with artificial fragrances. Yes, it’s unscented, which is quite great for cats that are sensitive to unnatural smells.
Clumping
The sWheat Scoop’s natural wheat starches quickly clump for hassle-free scooping. It means you can save more time and energy when trying to clean up the litter box!
Tracking
If you’re concerned about tracking, it would be wise for you to take note that the sWheat Scoop Multi-Cat All-Natural Clumping Cat Litter may track a little but not too bad. We think it’s because of this cat litter’s wheat component.
Easy to clean
Would you like a cat litter that clumps really easily so that you don’t have to waste time cleaning up? If so, you may really like the sWheat Scoop Litter’s natural clumping mechanism. The secret? Wheat starches clump firmly for easy scooping, making the litter box so easy to clean.
So, you only need to scoop out the clumps daily. Then, refill the litter box with up to 3 inches of sWheat Scoop litter. Here’s a tip: wait about 1.5 to 2 hours before cleaning up urinations. This will give the sWheat Scoop litter time to form really hard clumps which are super easy to scoop.
Meanwhile, you only need to do a full litter change every 2 to 3 weeks. After emptying and cleaning up the litter box, you can fill it with 2 to 3 inches of fresh sWheat Scoop litter.
Drawback
One of the things that you might need to watch out if in case you’re choosing the sWheat Scoop Litter is that it must always be stored in a cool, dry place. For best results, store the unused product in a closed bag or container. Also, take note that the sWheat Scoop litter can track a little bit but not too bad. Well, these drawbacks are, of course, due to the fact that it’s 100% made of wheat.
- Unscented, so it works well with sensitive cats
- No dyes or perfumes
- Compatible with multi-cat households
- Recommended by vets
- 100% biodegradable
- Tracks a little
#4: Cat’s Pride Fresh and Light Multi-Cat Clumping Clay Litter – Best Clay Cat Litter
Tired of cleaning up clouds of dust around your cat’s litter box? Well, the Cat’s Pride Fresh and Light Multi-Cat Premium Scoopable Litter might be the solution for you. It’s hard clumping and at the same time lightweight, plus it instantly absorbs and locks in urine. Made from natural minerals, the Cat’s Pride Scoopable Litter is actually a clumping clay litter. Surprisingly, this cat litter is 25% lighter than other litter, yet it’s really heavy on performance. In fact, it’s excellent for a multiple-cat household given its multiple-cat formula!
Moreover, this Cat’s Pride Litter has no added fragrance (unscented) and has no added dye. Since it doesn’t contain sodium bentonite (as tested in laboratories), it’s safe to flush!
What’s even more amazing is that the company, Cat’s Pride, has a generous pledge for our beloved felines across America. Yes, Cat’s Pride pledges as follows: “for every GREEN JUG of Cat’s Pride cat litter sold, we will donate a pound of litter to shelters across America to help more cats find forever homes.”
Also, for every green pail or box of Cat’s Pride litter that we purchase, the company will donate two pounds of litter to their nominated shelters. Isn’t that awesome? This fantastic offer, however, is only permanent to (48) continental the United States or the District of Columbia (excluding Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, and other United States territories).
Lowest dust
We really like the fact that the Cat’s Pride Scoopable Cat Litter produces, as much as possible, the lowest dust your cats may suffer from. In fact, it’s guaranteed to be 99% dust-free. It means there’s no need for you to worry about those annoying dust clouds that can harm your cats as well as your lungs.
Thanks to its low-dust formula, the Cat’s Pride Scoopable Litter prevents tracking! We’ve had no problem with dust while opening the package, pouring the pellets into the litter tray, and sifting through the litter. How incredible!
Light scent but strong odor effective
To maximize its control of the feces and ammonia odors, the Cat’s Pride Scoopable Litter makes use of fragrances and ingredients that all passed a safety review conducted by scientists. It’s just a light scent, but it totally depends on your cat if he likes it or not. As for our cats, well, they find the scent not really that disturbing.
Long-lasting
We’ve found by using this cat litter that it lasts longer than the Tidy Cat Litter. Yes, we can say it’s really long-lasting — up to 1.5 months for a 28-lb pack for our one cat!
Easy to clean
Since the Cat’s Pride Scoopable Litter is clumping and thereby, scoopable, it’s really easy to clean! The company behind this litter also has a few recommendations when it comes to tidying up the litter box or the floor.
To clean these surfaces, just use mild soap and water. Avoid using any cleansers or cleanup products because the chemical components of these products might react negatively to the ammonia created by your cat’s urine.
Drawback
One thing we’re not really sure about the Cat’s Pride Scoopable Litter is that it has unknown ingredients. The makers may have indicated that it’s made of natural minerals and clay, but it’s not really specified. Plus, it tracks a little more than we would like it to.
- Clumping and scoopable
- Excellent for multi-cat homes
- Doesn’t contain sodium bentonite
- Safe to flush
- 99% dust-free
- Has unknown ingredients
#5: Northeastern Products Cedarific Natural Cedar Chips Litter – Best Cedar
Would you prefer a cat litter that can be composted or even incinerated? If that’s what you’ve been looking for all this time, then you should probably try this Northeastern Products Cedarific Natural Cedar Chips Cat Litter. It’s actually made from reclaimed, renewable wood fiber, and that’s why it’s 100% biodegradable and eco-friendly, with no added chemicals.
Moreover, the Cedarific Cat Litter has a lightweight, soft texture, which might give more comfort to your cat while he’s relieving himself. It also offers high absorption of moisture, making it efficient for odor control. Of course, it’s dust-free which is great for asthmatic owners and for cats with allergies.
Virtually dust-free
Thanks to its thorough screening and aspiration process, the Cedarific Cat Litter is virtually dust-free, making it safe for cats with asthma. It also doesn’t contain clay or silica dust, so it’s safe and hypoallergenic even for yourself. Because it has zero dust and zero chemical smell, cats love this cat litter!
Natural cedar scent
Made with softwood chips and fibers, the Cedarific Cat Litter gives off a natural cedar scent. Our cat likes it a lot since it feels and smells like he’s relieving himself in the great outdoors!
Long-lasting
As much as we don’t like buying cat litter packs, again and again, we’re glad that a 50-lb pack of Cedarific Cat Litter can last for 2.5 months for our one cat!
Easy to clean
The Cedarific Cat Litter is quite easy to clean, too. Remember that it’s 100% biodegradable and compostable, so you can dispose of used litter in an eco-friendly way as well! If you wish to, you can still throw it all in a trash bag. The makers of the Cedarific Cat Litter recommend using a biodegradable bag though so that it will just decompose together with the litter and the waste.
There’s also another convenient way of disposing of the used Cedarific Cat Litter, and that is to throw it into the woods. And, of course, as we’ve mentioned above, you can compost the litter in the compost bin — but only after scooping out the cat waste.
If you wish to reduce tracking, you may use a mat in front of your cat’s litter box. Meanwhile, when cleaning up the box, the makers of the product recommend sprinkling a layer of baking soda at the litter tray’s bottom just before you pour in the new litter (about 3 to 4 inches). This way, you’ll be keeping the litter fresh for longer.
Finally, it’s best to assign one litter box per cat, plus one extra (so that means if you have 2 cats, be sure you have 3 litter boxes). Also, prepare at least one litter box on each level of your home.
Drawback
One thing we don’t like about the Cedarific Cedar Chips Cat Litter is that it tracks a little bit. Well, you might counter that by simply using a mat in front of the litter box. Moreover, it’s more expensive than other litters.
- 100% biodegradable and compostable
- No added chemicals
- Hypoallergenic
- Soft texture for sensitive paws
- Doesn’t contain silica and clay dust
- Has natural cedar scent
- Tracks a little bit
Interesting:
Conclusion
After we’ve carefully gone through all the features of the five cat litters above, we’ve finally made our choice for the best dust free cat litter. It’s the ökocat Super Soft Natural Wood Clumping Litter! Here’s why:
- It’s 99.9% dust-free, so it’s guaranteed safe for cats with asthma, cats with allergies, and asthmatic owners.
- It’s organic and eco-friendly.
- Since it’s clumping, it makes scooping and cleaning very easy.
- It has a natural odor control mechanism. The wood pellets have a natural capillary system within them, making the litter quickly
- absorbent, locking in both moisture and odor upon contact.
Finally, we think that while the ökocat Super Soft Natural Wood Clumping Litter may already be on the higher end of the budget, it’s totally worth it. After all, keeping your cat safe and healthy is your topmost priority, right?