Best scented cat litter of 2024: reviewed by cat parents

Choosing the right scented cat litter for your furry friend no longer has to be a problem. After all, if there’s one thing, we know about cats… they’re fussy. Super picky. Not only do you have to find cat litter that works for your lifestyle, but your cat has to be alright with it, too. Luckily, we’ve done the hard work for you and found the best scented cat litter, which is safe and will cover up any nasty smells.

When picking scented litter for litter boxes, there are a few things to look out for. Though we cover more in our litter buyer’s guide below, there are a few key decision-making factors to consider before you buy. These include the price, whether you opt for a clumping litter or not, the quantity and weight of packaging and, most interestingly, the type of scent. We’ve chosen tried and tested scented cat litter in our round-up, reviewed by cat parents and available in various freshening aromas.

Best scented cat litter at a glance

• Best scented cat litter overall: Ever Clean Lavender Clumping Cat Litter, 10L – View on Amazon UK
• Best value scented cat litter: Amazon Baby Powder Bentonite Cat Litter, 10L – View on Amazon UK
• Best scented cat litter freshener: Bob Martin Cat Litter Freshener Powder, 500g – View on Amazon UK

Cat litter, of any shape and size, is important for our indoor moggies. In the wild, cats bury their urine and faeces – so cat litter serves a similar purpose. Not only is a litter box a safe spot for a cat to do its business, but it makes removing and throwing out the waste a little more bearable, too. Indoor cat litter should have odour control, as they won’t be doing their business outdoors. You'll need a lot of cat litter over the years, so it is best to get the litter knowledge in early.

Texture, amongst other things, will be important to cats of all ages, as they’ll be stepping gingerly into their beloved litter box to do their business. For inquisitive younglings, litter for kittens should be either a non-clumping clay, natural pellet or crystal when under four months. All cats are perfectly unique in their own way – so finding the best scented cat litter is a must. Put your paw on the mouse and scroll down for our top litter picks, with FAQs answered.

Best scented cat litter for 2024

Verdict: Which is the best?

The Ever Clean Lavender Clumping Litter is a reliable, clumping and fresh-smelling pick.

How to choose a scented cat litter

If you're unsure about which scented cat litter to snag for your cat, we've written a short buyer's guide. Below, we have listed the important factors to consider from scent to odour control.

First, comes cat preference. After all, cats are fussy - and your furry friend may be sensitive to strong scents. Consider your cats' preferences and behaviours before introducing a scented litter.

Next, fragrance strength should be considered. For this, we recommend opting for a mild, natural fragrance that doesn't overwhelm your cat's sensitive sense of smell. See above for gentle scents.

Another important factor is odour control. Finding the cat litter for odour can effectively neutralise nasty smells without relying on fragrances. Baking soda and charcoal can help with elimination.

In this round-up, we have chosen litter with an above-average clumping ability. For this, ensure you choose a litter that clumps - as this will take away so much hassle when cleaning the litter box.

Dust level is something we've considered when picking our scented options above. In the interest of safety, cat litter should produce minimal dust to prevent respiratory issues for you and your cat.

Similarly, the composition of your cat litter should be made from non-toxic materials that are safe for your cat's health - and comfy for little paws. Choose reputable brands with cat parent reviews.

FAQs

Cat litter: scented vs unscented

This is a dilemma for all cat parents: do I opt for scented or unscented litter? While scented options promise a fresher-smelling environment, there are some things to consider before you buy. This is why, with the help of Christine O’Brien at Hill’s, we’ve listed the pros and cons of each:

Scented cat litter

Pros:

Masks odours effectively, leaving a fresher-smelling home.

Some cats may tolerate or even prefer scented options.

May contain additives to help neutralise odours.

Cons:

Fragrances can irritate a cat's sensitive nose, potentially causing discomfort.

Overpowering scents may deter cats from using their beloved eco litter tray.

Artificial fragrances may contain chemicals harmful to cats' respiratory systems.

Unscented cat litter

Pros:

Ideal for cats with sensitive noses, avoiding potential irritation.

Less likely to deter cats from using a litter tray - self-cleaning box - or not.

Allows pet owners to monitor their cats' health effectively.

Cons;

May not effectively mask odours as well as scented options.

Some pet owners may prefer a fresh scent in their home.

Lack of fragrance means it may not provide lasting odour control.

Is scented cat litter bad for cats?

Some scented cat litter may be unsafe for your cat, particularly strong, toxic fragrances that may cause some respiratory issues in some breeds. However, cat parents have reviewed and approved all of our picks. We've checked the composition, scent strength and additives to ensure they are cat-safe.

Opt for a reputable brand or high-quality product with plenty of cat owner-approved reviews.

Piper Huxley is a Homes, Garden and Wellness Product Writer for Take a Break, specialising in pet health. When she’s not barking about dog supplements, she’s online devouring cat content.