The Best Non Tracking Cat Litter

There’s few things more annoying and low-key disgusting than the granules that track out after a cat uses their litter box. Which is why we’re talking non tracking cat litter today. My cat and I like Dr. Elsey’s.

But litter can be a finicky thing, and what is best for my furry friend might not be for yours.

After researching the market and user experiences, I am happy to share the factors to keep in mind as you choose non tracking cat litter, as well as actual product recommendations.

These are the products we are reviewing (not all shown):

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What is Non Tracking Cat Litter or Low Tracking Cat Litter?

Tracking is when your cat carries litter particles from the box out of the box. Litter usually hitchhikes in your cat’s fur or paws. Moist litter travel easiest, but light weight, dry particles can also be susceptible to tracking.

Non tracking cat litter is designed to limit this process.

The no tracking cat litter market is actually quite varied and may be clay, natural materials, or crystal pellets, and be clumping or non clumping in formulation. So whatever litter and lifestyle your cat is into, there will be an option for her!

Tracking can be a big deal. Stopping litter being tracked all over your home decreases health risks like toxoplasmosis, giardiasis and harmful bacteria that hides in your cat’s feces.

Ultimately, we want what’s in the box to stay in the box as much as possible. No tracking is best, but we’ll take a low tracking cat litter too.

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Cat Litter That Doesn’t Track Buying Guide

These are basically the factors that stand out in this category of litter vs regular litter, and what I focus on in my reviews!

Heavier Granules

Finer grains are more likely to get trapped in your cat’s coat and paws.

That’s why no-track litters also use denser grains that are too heavy to track. That means fine particles won’t stick to paws and get everywhere.

(Of course, all litter can technically track because of its loose nature. The goal is low tracking or as little as possible.)

Clumping vs Non-Clumping

As mentioned above, cat litter that won’t stick to paws is not confined to either formulation because both can be effective in limiting tracking.

• Clumping litter, if situations are perfect, tends to be a better performer because of the absorbent nature of clay that forms quick, tight clumps. But if kitty steps in the soiled litter or somehow breaks it up, tracking is worse because of its sticky, fine nature. Clay can also be dusty, which sticks to fur.

• Non clumping litter often means natural materials like wood or coconut, which are larger, heavier particles and hard to track as well. Because their larger size keeps them from following a cat out of the litter box. Many of the best low tracking cat litters are natural pellets.

Dust-Free

Look for a product that markets itself as a low dust or dust free cat litter. Litter dust is another huge, and less visible method of how tracking gets you.

Common clay litters can be dusty, especially as your cat kicks up litter clouds doing their business. Plumes of this stuff end up in Fluffy’s fur, which then goes all over your house.

This is an area non clumping litters are better because the natural materials are simple not as dusty as clay.

Your Cat’s Preference

Remember to think about your cat’s current litter set up. If you switch suddenly to an entirely new less tracking litter type, there’s a chance they might develop problems.

Litter with large granules or pellets may feel harsh against your cat’s paws. Be prepared for your cat to look at you in confusion, or straight-up not use the box. There’s also a chance that your cat won’t care at all!

If you’re planning to change things up in the litter box, I highly recommend purchasing a small bag of experimental litter to see how your cat reacts before making a full-time switch.

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Best Non Tracking Cat Litter – Clay

Dr. Elsey’s does something really interesting with its litter mix by combining heavier non-tracking grains with medium-sized grains, resulting in one of the best non tracking cat litters.

It’s great because you’re getting a good mix of non-tracking features and comfort for your cat’s paws. Bigger grains = less irritating and potentially toxic litter dust, too!

And cat owners overall are really happy with this litter’s non-tracking and dustless performance.

The Dr. Elsey brand is held in wide esteem across the cat community for their products, and their litter is constantly sold out in at retailers.

This version is their most popular and offers fantastic clumping abilities and great odor control with no obnoxious scents.

With Dr. Elsey’s Premium Clumping Cat Litter, you use less litter as lasts longer and actually save money.

Note: Dr. Elsy also makes a “Clean Tracks” variant of this litter in a purple bag. Despite its name, users rate it lower than the Ultra (blue bag) in regards to tracking. Get the Blue Ultra bag.

Rating Breakdown:

What We Liked:

• Unscented
• Formula is terrific
• Great clumping
• Really eliminates tracking

What We Didn’t Like:

• Price initially

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Runner Up Non Tracking Cat Litter (Clay)

Seriously, if you’re looking for non tracking cat litter in clay, Boxiecat Premium Clumping Cat Litter should be worth a look ASAP. Their litter granules are heavy and big enough to resist tracking, but fine enough for your cat’s comfort.

Perfect for every home, this hypo-allergenic formula pours out with extreme dust control. In fact, this cat litter that doesn’t track is 99.9 percent dust-free.

I’m also not sure how they got this product to clump so quickly. Solid, easily scoopable clumps form right at the surface.

I want to put the spotlight on the odor control of this litter, because it is an unscented dream for anyone who is tired of overpowering litter smells in their home! That makes this a great choice if you’re in a small space.

You can get this litter in 16-pound and 28-pound bags.

Rating Breakdown:

What We Liked:

• Great tracking reduction
• No strong, artificial scent with powerful odor control
• As dust-free as can be for clay
• Fast clumping

What We Didn’t Like:

• Price

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Top Non Tracking Natural Cat Litter

Okocat makes the best non tracking natural cat litters, in my opinion. There are two versions I recommend:

• The clumping wood litter in the blue box. In the wood clumping version, the wood precision cut fibers are finer but still quite large. Tracking is much better vs clay litter. And the fiber is where you get those solid, scoopable clumps.

• The non clumping paper pellets in the green box. With these paper pellets, tracking is almost not possible. Big particles like that simply won’t stick to kitty’s paws and fur and leave the litter box.

No matter which you choose, you get a natural non-toxic product that fights odors, has virtually no dust, and is very absorbent. It’s just a matter of what your cat likes and your preference.

You can also feel good about this litter because it’s fully biodegradable and compostable. It’s also made without any GMOs, dyes or chemicals that can irritate of harm your kitty. This cat litter that doesn’t track comes in bags weighing 19.8 pounds.

Rating Breakdown:

What We Liked:

• Very little to no tracking
• Great odor control
• Natural, eco-friendly, non-toxic, hypoallergenic

What We Didn’t Like:

• Clumping does not compare to clay (wood)
• Some cats will not use pellet litter (paper)

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Best Lightweight Litter That Doesn’t Track

Purina Yesterday’s News Non Clumping Paper Cat Litter is a mainstream product that is both easy to find and affordable for cat owners not ready for boutique litters.

You’re not settling when you opt for this Purina low-tracking litter instead of okocat. Performance is very similar. It’s just that a giant 30-pound bag is cheaper than even a small bag of the “posh” litters on my list.

As our best lightweight non tracking cat litter, users say they easily carry the whole bag while moving or while replacing litter!

Purina Yesterday’s New’s pellet litter almost does not track since it lacks small particles. This is also the reason why it’s dust-free. Cat owners unanimously agree on these two points.

This litter is very bland, with no scent and harsh chemicals, making it completely biodegradable. But odor control could be better and I noticed the color of the litter can make it a little tough to detect used litter.

Note that the litter is a little thick for the grates in a litter scooper. As a result, scooping can take longer if you’re not willing to dump perfectly good litter.

Rating Breakdown:

What We Liked:

• Tracking-free
• Great price
• Very low dust
• Biodegradable

What We Didn’t Like:

• Sifting while scooping is harder due to large particles
• Odor control

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Ideal Non Tracking Litter for Multiple Cats

Fresh Step Advanced Multi Cat Clumping Cat Litter makes a really compelling non-tracking clay litter that works beautifully in a home with multiple cats.

This is a great choice for high traffic litter boxes because it combines the fast clumping power of clay with tough odor control, all in a large grain non tracking formula.

So pretty much all you want in a multi cat litter! One of our best non tracking cat litters at a very good price point.

Large grains also contribute to its 99.9% dust free rating, meaning less nasty litter dust everywhere.

I’ll also highlight the fact that Fresh Step “freshens up” this formula with a built-in Febreze scent. I know this is a love-hate thing for a lot of people because it can flare up allergies or cause an even worst smell.

But in this case, the fresh scent is necessary if it’s a “busy” litter box. Many buyers have said this is one of the best litters they’ve ever used and could never imagine leaving a review for cat litter!

This litter comes in 18.5-pound and 37-pound bags.

Rating Breakdown:

What We Liked:

• Great tracking reduction
• Great price
• Fast-forming clumps
• Good odor control

What We Didn’t Like:

• Scent (for some)

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Best Cat Litter for Smell and Tracking

For those dealing with intense odors from their litter box, Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Platinum Cat Litter uses odor eliminators and its signature baking soda to solve the problem.

In contract to the other litters on this list, Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Platinum’s litter grain consists of very fine sand-like granules that still manages to be dust-free.

And despite the fine litter, tracking is still minimal. Many reviewers mention that this cat litter doesn’t track, to their surprise!

As our best cat litter for smell and tracking, it instantly forms an odor-containing seal around liquid and solid waste once moisture is detected. This is why clumping action is so quick and so hard.

This litter does have a scent that’s mostly only noticeable when you pouring or sifting the litter in the box. It helps the odor fighting properties, but some people complained about it.

This litter comes in a 40-pound bag.

Rating Breakdown:

What We Liked:

• Good clumping performance
• Low dust
• Easy scooping
• Less tracking

What We Didn’t Like:

• Scent might not be for everyone

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Other Considerations for Litter That Doesn’t Track

What do you value? While non tracking or less tracking is a priority, don’t overlook other key litter characteristics. The goal is a balanced litter box and lifestyle that both humans and cats can live with.

Odor Control

You want litter that not only stops masks odors at the time your cat is using the box, but also fights ammonia odors long term, when the box and litter is not so fresh.

Brands employ numerous things to achieve this, from classic baking soda to proprietary ammonia-lock technologies and even charcoal.

Hypoallergenic

Do you or your cat suffer from asthma or allergies? (I do and asked myself if I even could bring a Maine Coon home!) If yes, consider a hypoallergenic cat litter.

Typically, they are made from natural materials like wood, paper, or nut shells, and lack the irritating silica dust clouds and fragrance that accompany clay litters.

Crystalline silica is actually a classified as a carcinogenic substance, and artificial fragrance can cause flare ups in those with asthma and allergies.

Budget

You can find cat litter at any budget. Generic clumping clay and wood pellet cat litter are potentially the cheapest, with higher end clay and more exotic natural formulations on the other end.

Remember: with litter, more isn’t always better. Quality products that form dry, tight clumps confine the mess to one area, and ultimately conserves and keeping neighboring litter clean.

Litter that does not absorb moisture or falls apart forces you to throw out good litter with bad as you clean. You can have cheap cat that doesn’t track but ends up being extra perfumed, extra dusty, and a bad performer.

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How to Reduce Cat Litter Tracking

Besides getting an awesome less tracking cat litter, here are some other ways to prevent your cat from tracking litter all over the dang place.

• Get a top entry litter box. These litter boxes often have grates near the entry hole that gently glide loose litter from paws.
• Use a litter mat and place in front of litter box to catch litter.
• Keep the litter clean by scooping daily or ideally, after every use. By removing soiled litter and solids, you you keep the litter clean and dry.
• If you have a long haired cat, trim their belly and hind leg fur. This fur often hangs down and catches litter.

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Looking for the Best Non Tracking Litter Box?

I recommend a high quality top entry litter box that has grates on the top lid area to help tracking. As your cat steps there after exiting the box, the grooves gently brush away litter stuck on on paws.

One of the best non tracking litter boxes is the Clevercat Top Entry Litter Box. It features that large grooved section on the lid that grips litter grains, and prevents it from getting on your floors.

What is the Best Cat Litter Box?

The best cat litter box depends on your cats needs and your home.

I have a large Maine Coon cat, so my personal choices skew towards larger capacity models. That being said, my picks below are solid for any cat.

• For an open litter box, I really like the Petmate Giant.
• My top entry litter box pick is the Clevercat Top Entry Litter Box.
• The covered or hooded litter box recommendation is the Catit Hooded Cat Pan.
• For a hidden litter box, I recommend the Good Pet Stuff Hidden Litter Box.

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FAQ

Why does my cat track litter everywhere?

Unfortunately, this is inevitable with litter boxes. However, the litter you’re using could be increasing tracking. Try testing out different cat litters that do not track. Generally, larger pellets track less. I

t’s also possible that extra litter is sticking to your cat’s coat because their coat is too long back there. Ask a professional groomer to do a “sanitary trim” around the hind area and behind the legs.

Is there any cat litter that doesn’t track?

No litter can eliminate all tracking. However, non-tracking litters and pellets can drastically reduce tracking down to almost nothing!

When shopping for non-tracking litters, purchase smaller bags to test out what works in your home. Keep in mind that some cats are picky when it comes to new litter.

How do I keep my cat from tracking litter everywhere?

In addition to switching to a no-track litter, there are some steps you can take to reduce tracking in your home. Place rubber mats down in front of your cat’s box to allow litter that they “shake off” when leaping out of the box to be trapped there.

Additionally, you can consider brushing or wiping your cats paws following box visits.

Never get upset with your cat for tracking. This is not something that cats do intentionally! In fact, your cat probably doesn’t enjoy the sensation of granules in her fur and paws.