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Dr. Elsey's Ultra Premium Clumping Cat Litter vs Fresh Step Multi-Cat Clumping Litter

Dr. Elsey's Ultra is the better pick for owners who want a simple, unscented clay litter with hard clumps and very little dust. Fresh Step Multi-Cat is the better pick for odor control over long stretches and for households that want a scented litter with carbon and Febreze freshness. Both are clumping clay litters that work in sifting and automated boxes. Dr. Elsey's has the stronger reputation among owners of sensitive or allergic cats; Fresh Step has the longer advertised odor control.

  • Choose the Dr. Elsey's Ultra if you want an unscented, near-dust-free clay litter with firm clumps and no perfumes or deodorant additives.
  • Choose the Fresh Step Multi-Cat if you want a scented litter with carbon and Febreze freshness and the longest advertised odor control for a multi-cat home.

Prices

  • Dr. Elsey's Ultra Premium Clumping Cat Litter: $10.80 at PADI-Dja (checked today)
  • Fresh Step Multi-Cat Clumping Litter: $14.99 at PetSmart (checked today)
  • Difference: the Dr. Elsey's Ultra Premium Clumping Cat Litter is $4.19 cheaper than the Fresh Step Multi-Cat Clumping Litter today
Dr. Elsey's
Dr. Elsey's Ultra Premium Clumping Cat Litter, 40 lb

Dr. Elsey's Ultra Premium Clumping Cat Litter

Dr. Elsey's Ultra Premium Clumping Cat Litter, 40 lb

$10.80at PADI-DjaChecked 1 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit PADI-Dja
Pros
  • Unscented, so it suits cats and owners who react to perfumes
  • Very low dust, which helps around litter boxes and in small rooms
  • Firm clumps that hold together and are easy to scoop
  • Works in sifting and mechanical litter boxes
Cons
  • No added deodorizers, so odor control relies on scooping
  • Large volumes of liquid can overwhelm the litter
  • Not flushable
  • Heavy bag to carry and store
Fresh Step
Fresh Step Clumping Cat Litter, Multi-Cat, 30 lb

Fresh Step Multi-Cat Clumping Litter

Fresh Step Clumping Cat Litter, Multi-Cat, 30 lb

$14.99at PetSmartChecked 1 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit PetSmart
Pros
  • Advertised odor control lasts up to 21 days
  • Carbon and Ammonia Block Technology target ammonia smell
  • Febreze freshness keeps the box smelling scented between changes
  • Compatible with most automated litter boxes
Cons
  • Scented, which some cats and owners dislike
  • Larger particles can track more than fine litter
  • Odor control depends on keeping the box filled to 3–4 inches
  • Not flushable

What separates them

Dr. Elsey's Ultra Premium Clumping Cat LitterFresh Step Multi-Cat Clumping Litter
ScentUnscented, no perfumes or deodorantsScented with Febreze freshness
Odor control durationUp to two weeksUp to 21 days
DustMarketed as 99.9% dust-freeLow-dust
Granule sizeMedium grain with smaller granules mixed inLarger particles
Clump strengthForms clumps that hold together and don't breakStandard clumping clay
AdditivesNo plant proteins, deodorants or perfumesCarbon, Ammonia Block Technology, Febreze
Automated box useWorks with sifting or mechanical boxesCompatible with most automated boxes
Bag size40 lb bag30 lb bag, also sold in other sizes

Price history

  • Dr. Elsey's Ultra Premium Clumping Cat Litter: lowest $10.80 on Nov 10 at PADI-Dja.
  • Fresh Step Multi-Cat Clumping Litter: lowest $12.97 on Nov 10 at Walmart.

Prices at every store

Dr. Elsey's Ultra Premium Clumping Cat Litter

  • PADI-DjaNew

    In stockShips from Cameroon · duties may apply

    $10.80Checked 1 h ago
    Visit PADI-Dja
  • Chewy.comNew

    In stock

    $22.99+ $4.95 shippingChecked 1 h ago
    Visit Chewy.com
  • PetSmartNew

    In stock

    $22.99+ $6.99 shippingChecked 1 h ago
    Visit PetSmart
  • WalmartNew

    In stock

    $22.99+ $6.99 shippingChecked 1 h ago
    Visit Walmart

Also available at

  • Tractor Supply CompanyCheck price at Tractor Supply Company
  • TargetCheck price at Target
  • Newegg.comCheck price at Newegg.com
All 10 stores and price history →

Fresh Step Multi-Cat Clumping Litter

  • PetSmartNew

    In stock

    $14.99Free shippingChecked 1 h ago
    Visit PetSmart
  • TargetNew

    In stock

    $14.69+ $5.99 shippingChecked 1 h ago
    Visit Target
  • ShopRiteNew

    In stock

    $12.99+ $19.00 shippingChecked 1 h ago
    Visit ShopRite
  • WalmartNew

    In stock

    $12.97+ $19.95 shippingChecked 1 h ago
    Visit Walmart

Also available at

  • AmazonCheck price at Amazon
  • PetsenseCheck price at Petsense
  • Save MartCheck price at Save Mart

Specs compared

SpecDr. Elsey's Ultra Premium Clumping Cat LitterFresh Step Multi-Cat Clumping Litter
ClumpingYesYes
Dust Level99.9% dust-freelow-dust
Litter MaterialClaynatural clay
Particle SizeMedium grainlarger particles
Weight35 lb22 lb
Litter TypeClumping—
Odor Control TypeNatural ingredients—
AbsorptionHighly absorbent—
FlushableNo—
Absorption CapacityLarge volume of liquid can overwhelm the litter—
Tracking LevelLow Tracking—
Absorption SpeedAlmost immediately—
Show all 33 specsShow fewer specs
SpecDr. Elsey's Ultra Premium Clumping Cat LitterFresh Step Multi-Cat Clumping Litter
Lasting PowerUp to two weeks (odor control)—
Free OfHypoallergenic, Unscented—
Litter AdditivesNo plant proteins, No deodorants, No perfumes—
Package Size40 lb—
Package TypeBag—
Packaging MaterialHeavy plastic—
Scent TypeUnscented—
Granule SizeMedium grain—
Texture TypeFine Grain, Medium Grain—

What reviewers say

Dr. Elsey's Ultra Premium Clumping Cat Litter

Owners of Dr. Elsey's Ultra generally report strong clumping and low tracking, and many choose it because it is unscented. Complaints center on the weight of the bag and on clumps breaking down when a box gets a heavy soaking.

What people mention
  • ClumpingPraisedOwners say clumps stay firm and lift out in one piece.
  • DustPraisedReviewers report very little dust when pouring and scooping.
  • TrackingMixedMany find tracking low, but some still see grains carried out of the box.
  • ScentPraisedBuyers like that it controls odor without added perfume.

Fresh Step Multi-Cat Clumping Litter

Owners of multi-cat homes generally rate Fresh Step Multi-Cat well for odor control and clumping, and many say it holds up better than cheaper clay litters. Complaints center on the strength of the scent and on dust and tracking that some still notice.

What people mention
  • Odor controlPraisedOwners say it keeps multi-cat box smell down longer than basic clay litters.
  • Scent strengthCriticisedSome find the Febreze scent strong and off-putting to cats and people.
  • ClumpingPraisedClumps hold together and lift out cleanly during scooping.
  • DustMixedMost call it low-dust, but some still see dust when pouring a fresh bag.

Questions and answers

Which is better for a cat with allergies or scent sensitivity?
Dr. Elsey's Ultra. It is unscented and has no perfumes or deodorants, while Fresh Step Multi-Cat adds Febreze freshness. If your cat sneezes or avoids a scented box, the unscented litter is the safer choice.
Which controls odor longer?
Fresh Step Multi-Cat advertises up to 21 days of odor control, backed by carbon and Ammonia Block Technology. Dr. Elsey's Ultra advertises up to two weeks and relies on clumping and scooping rather than added deodorizers.
Which is less dusty?
Dr. Elsey's Ultra. It is marketed as 99.9% dust-free, while Fresh Step Multi-Cat is described as low-dust. Owners who keep the box in a bedroom or small bathroom usually notice the difference.
Do both work in an automatic litter box?
Yes. Dr. Elsey's says it works with sifting or mechanical boxes, and Fresh Step Multi-Cat is compatible with most automated boxes. Check your box maker's litter recommendations before switching.
Is it worth stepping up to the larger bag?
A bigger bag means fewer reorders and less chance of running out mid-week. Dr. Elsey's comes in a 40 lb bag; Fresh Step Multi-Cat is sold in several sizes, so pick the one that fits your storage space.
Which is better for a multi-cat home?
Both are marketed for multi-cat households. Fresh Step Multi-Cat leans on longer-lasting odor control, while Dr. Elsey's Ultra leans on firm clumps and low dust. Scoop daily either way.

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More comparisons

  • Dr. Elsey's Ultra Premium Clumping Cat Litter, 40 lb vs Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Platinum Clumping Cat Litter, 40 lb
  • Dr. Elsey's Ultra Premium Clumping Cat Litter, 40 lb vs Purina Tidy Cats 24/7 Performance Clumping Cat Litter, Clean Linen Scent, 35 lb Pail
  • Fresh Step Clumping Cat Litter, Multi-Cat, 30 lb vs Purina Tidy Cats 24/7 Performance Clumping Cat Litter, Clean Linen Scent, 35 lb Pail
All 7 stores and price history →
Biodegradable
No
—
Number Of CatsMulti-Cat—
Suitable Pet TypesCats—
Cat SensitivitiesAllergies—
Available sizes—22 Lbs, 38 Lbs
Odor control duration—21 days
Tracking—low-tracking
Odor technology—carbon, Ammonia Block Technology, and Febreze f…
Multi-cat suitability—multi-cat households
Automated box compatibility—Compatible with most automated litter boxes
Fill depth—3–4 inches
Product weight—22.5