Skip to main content

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

The best cat litter under $25 that doesn’t stick to paws

You’ve carefully placed your cat’s litter box in an area that’s quiet and out of the way, and you’ve made sure that it’s on a floor that’s easy to clean, like tile or linoleum. You may have even purchased a litter-catching mat to help keep your cat from tracking the litter through your home, but you can still see trails of litter that follow your cat from room to room. Litter tracking is a common issue, and some litters are worse than others when it comes to sticking to your cat’s paws. We’ve highlighted three top-reviewed cat litters that are all under $25. These litters are designed to minimize tracking and to not stick to your cat’s paws, so they get left behind in the box instead of finding their way into your home.

Dr. Elsey’s Ultra Premium Clumping Cat Litter

Dr. Elsey’s Ultra Premium Clumping Cat Litter is a premium litter full of qualities that make it a top choice. It’s 99.9% dust-free and is unscented, so it won’t irritate sensitive respiratory systems. This low-tracking formula won’t stick to paws, so more of the litter stays in the box instead of on your floor. It’s hypoallergenic and made with natural ingredients like bentonite clay, plus it clumps for easy scooping and sifting. This multi-cat formula effectively controls odors to keep the box more appealing to cats.

Pros:

  • Hypoallergenic and 99.9% dust-free.
  • Low-tracking formula.
  • Made with natural ingredients.

Cons:

  • On the more expensive side.
  • Quite heavy.

Recommended Videos

Yesterday’s News Unscented Non-Clumping Paper Cat Litter

Yesterday’s News Unscented Non-Clumping Paper Cat Litter puts recycled newspaper to work for a more eco-friendly approach to traditional litter. These pellets of recycled paper are low tracking, so your cat is less likely to spread them throughout your home. The formula is three times more absorbent than clay, making it ideal for multi-cat homes. It’s also 99.7% dust-free, perfect for cats and humans with sensitive respiratory systems.

Pros:

  • Uses recycled newspaper for eco-friendly benefits.
  • Pellets are low tracking.
  • Highly absorbent.

Cons:

  • Requires frequent cleaning.
  • More expensive than clay litters.

Arm & Hammer Feline Pine Non-Clumping Cat Litter

Arm & Hammer Feline Pine Non-Clumping Cat Litter puts the power of baking soda to use to keep your cat’s litter box pleasant and inviting. The pine pellets are highly absorbent, creating a box that’s dry and more appealing to your cat. The formula is low dust and is designed to stay in the box rather than sticking to your cat’s paws. There are no added fragrances, so you don’t have to worry about artificial, irritating smells. Best of all, this litter is less than half the weight of clay litter, meaning it’s easier to move, store, and pour. All the pine used in this litter is sustainably sourced, and no new trees are cut down to create this litter. Instead, the litter is made with reclaimed lumber shavings, so you can feel good about choosing this product.

Pros:

  • Made from sustainably sourced pine shavings.
  • Baking soda helps control odors.
  • Less than half of clay litter’s weight

Con:

  • More expensive than clay litters.

Choosing the right cat litter can help minimize tracking through your home, making it easier to clean up after your cat. If you decide to change your cat’s litter to one of the products above, then make that change gradually. Cats can be very particular, and your cat might not love suddenly having a new litter in his box. To avoid this, gradually add new litter to your old litter. Each time you change the box, add a little more new litter while using a little less of the previous type of litter. It’s also a good idea to change the litters in only one of your cat’s boxes at a time, so if he really protests the new litter, he still has another box to use.

Topics
Paige Cerulli
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Paige's work has appeared in American Veterinarian, Business Insider, Healthline, and more. When she's not writing, Paige…
Why do cats spray? This obnoxious behavior, explained
It's important to understand why cats do this
A fluffy cat in a cardboard box

Cats can be a curious bunch. They attack the holiday tree annually and stare at you until you start questioning what's happening in their heads. The hijinks may leave you thinking, "Cats, can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em."

If you have chosen to shack up with a cat (or keep an indoor-outdoor or solely outdoor kitty), you know you signed up to deal with some potty scooping up. For indoor cats, this means cleaning a litter box. The good news? Cats are pretty reliable about going in the box once trained and not around your home. Why do cats spray, though? You may ask this question if you notice small amounts of urine around your pad. You'll want to get to the root cause (and determine if a cat is spraying in the first place) so you can fix the issue and save your sofa and carpet.

Read more
The best cat tree of 2024
Cats on Cat Tower

In the world of cat care, finding the perfect blend of comfort and stimulation for our feline friends is paramount. A cat tree stands out as an indispensable haven that satisfies their urge to climb, scratch, and lounge. The MUTTROS Cat Tree Tower, with its hammock, large perch, and natural sisal rope, takes the top spot in our selection for indoor medium cats. It's designed not just for play but also for rest, making it an ideal choice for cat owners looking to enrich their pets' indoor lives. Check out more options below to find the ultimate playground for your purring companion.

MUTTROS Cat Tree
Buy Now

Read more
6 common reasons your cat sleeps under the covers and how to prevent it
Suggestions to help you and your cat get a good night's sleep
Gray cat curled up under a fluffy blanket

If your cat sleeps under the covers with you, you're not alone. While having your fur baby curled up against you sounds like a cozy way to fall asleep, it's not always good for your sheets -- or your health. Not only can cats leave behind some of their hair, but there's also the possibility that they'll bring in traces of litter into your bed. Yuck!

If you don't want your cat under the covers with you, or if you're worried that it might be unsafe, then this is the guide for you. We'll walk you through all the reasons your cat sleeps under covers with you and what you can do to discourage it.

Read more