Best clumping cat litter

Top pick: Special Kitty Clumping Clay Cat Litter, Fresh Scent, 45 lb box — the biggest bag here by a wide margin, and the lowest cost per pound of anything found. It clumps tightly, holds up in a multi-cat box, and the box format means fewer refills and less dust kicked up from pouring. If value per scoop is the whole question, this is the answer.

Who the others suit:

• Special Kitty 20 lb jug — same litter in a resealable jug; better if you want a tidy pour and smaller storage.
• Tidy Cats with Glade Clear Springs, 35 lb — the pick if odor control matters more than price; strong scent-blocking for a busy box.
• Arm & Hammer Clump and Seal Multi-Cat — best for hard, fast clumps that don't crumble on the scoop.
• Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat Attract, unscented — for cats who avoid the box or a household that dislikes perfumed litter.
• Fresh Step Multi-Cat — a solid all-rounder with the largest review base, if you'd rather stick with a name you know.

One caveat: the 45 lb box lists a 3-pack count in its specs, so confirm what you're getting before ordering.