Sensitive Paws? Try These 7 Gentle Sands for Your Cat

Small gray kitten in plastic litter cat on floor

Key Points

  • Hypoallergenic, unscented, and low-dust formulas are better for cats with sensitive noses.

  • Cats typically prefer smaller litter pellets because it's softer and more comfortable on their paws.

  • Litters made from recycled paper or trees are biodegradable and better for the environment.

Scooping litter is a necessary part of owning a cat. If your cat has sensitive paws, not just any litter works for them. Some litters are hard, rough, or have offensive smells for cats. The wrong type of litter may have your cat going outside the litter box — and you don't want that.

These issues aren't a problem with the litters on this list.

Here's the "scoop" on some of the gentlest cat litter on the market, including their unique features and benefits.

Cloud Control Platinum Multi-Cat Clumping Cat Litter
$26.99

by Arm & Hammer 

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08/18/2024 02:45 am GMT
Arm & Hammer Cloud Control Platinum Clumping Cat Litter

Most people know Arm & Hammer as a leading brand in baking soda and toothpaste. It's no surprise they also make deodorizing cat litter. It comes in different-sized packages to make it easy for you to handle and fit your budget.

Hypoallergenic Formula

Arm & Hammer Cloud Control is an excellent choice for sensitive cats due to its hypoallergenic formula, which is free from irritating fragrances and dyes. This prevents discomfort or allergic reactions when using the litter.

Odor Control Strength

One of this litter's standout features is its powerful odor control by the Arm & Hammer baking soda crystals. Cats don't like to use dirty litter boxes, and you don't like smelling them.

Make sure you're both happy by eliminating the odor.

Low Dust and Tracking

This litter produces little dust and keeps tracking to a minimum, clearing the air for both you and your feline friend. The fine particles form tight clumps, which are easy to scoop and prevent tracking litter throughout your home.

Premium Clumping Clay Cat Litter
$44.92

by Boxiecat 

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08/17/2024 07:51 pm GMT

Boxiecat Extra Strength Premium Clumping Clay Cat Litter

Boxiecat is an easy-clean litter that's easy on your cat and you. With this litter, your cat "enjoys the go" and it makes the unpleasant task of cleaning the litter box a little less unpleasant.

Hard Clumping for Easy Scooping

Boxiecat's Premium Clumping Clay formula is beautiful for sensitive cats. Its hard-clumping feature makes scooping an easy task. The litter forms flat, solid clumps that don’t break apart during cleaning, keeping the rest of the litter clean.

Unscented Formula

Free from fragrances or artificial additives, Boxiecat's unscented formula suits cats that don't like the fresh or flowery scents of other litter.

This is an excellent option for cats with sensitive paws and noses.

99.9 Percent Dust-Free

This litter is 99.9 percent dust-free, ensuring a cleaner environment for your cat and home. Dust-free litter is especially beneficial for cats prone to respiratory issues or ones with shorter noses like Persians, Himalayans, and Burmese.

Premium Clumping Cat Litter
$20.99

by Dr. Elsey’s 

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03/09/2024 12:45 am GMT

Dr. Elsey's Ultra Sensitive Hypoallergenic Cat Litter

This litter boasts "hard clumping," which is great at preventing moisture from reaching the bottom of the litter pan where it must be scraped off. Amazon rates it as its number one cat litter.

Plant-Derived Particles for Gentle Texture

Dr. Elsey's Ultra Sensitive Hypoallergenic Cat Litter features plant-derived particles, creating a light and gentle texture that's softer on your cat's sensitive paws. This formula is ideal for cats with allergies and sensitivities or those recovering from surgery.

Odor-Neutralizing Technology

This litter uses natural ingredients to eliminate unpleasant smells without using fragrances or chemicals that might irritate your cat. It traps and neutralizes ammonia and other odor-causing substances to leave a fresh-smelling environment.

Low Dust and Tracking

Dr. Elsey's uses 100 percent bentonite clay that's low in dust and reduces tracking. It forms easy-to-scoop clumps and minimizes the mess common with other litter.

Clumping Cat Litter
$32.39

by Fresh Step 

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03/09/2024 12:55 am GMT

Fresh Step Clean Paws Unscented Clumping Cat Litter

This is another option free of fragrances and dyes. It's in the list of the top 10 cat litters and is featured in a June YouTube video reviewing the top three cat litters of 2023.

Activated Charcoal for Odor Control

Fresh Step Clean Paws Unscented Clumping Cat Litter uses activated charcoal technology to eliminate odors for 10 days at a time without using harsh chemicals or fragrances. This ensures that both you and your feline enjoy a clean and pleasant-smelling home.

Low-Tracking Granules

Its unique, low-tracking granules don't stick to your cat's paws, reducing the mess they leave on your floors. This litter forms tight clumps, leaving no stinky crumbs behind.

Clumping Formula With Paw-Friendly Texture

Fresh Step's clumping formula is easy on your cat's sensitive paws while providing efficient absorption. The small, smooth granules provide a comfortable experience for your cat while they "do their business" in the litter box.

The experts at Catonsville Cat Clinic in Maryland reveal some truths about cat litter.

"One of the biggest differentiators in types of litter are the particles, from pellet and crystal-like to fine grain, clumping clay litter," they say. "Generally speaking, cats prefer the feel of finer particles."

That makes sense. Think about it. Are you more comfortable walking on the beach — or a bed of hard crystals?

Clumping Litter Formula
$33.99

by World's Best Cat Litter

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08/17/2024 09:56 pm GMT

World's Best Cat Litter Multiple Cat Unscented Clumping Formula

Corn is not a great choice in your carnivorous cat's food, but it's not so bad in their litter. It's a unique formula that's natural and safe.

Made From Whole-Kernel Corn for a Soft Texture

The World's Best Cat Litter uses a whole-kernel corn formula that is soft and gentle on your cat's delicate paws. It is a comfortable and non-irritating alternative for cats with sensitivities to clay or other litter materials.

Outstanding Odor Control

This litter's effective odor control comes from its quick absorption, made possible by the whole-kernel corn formula. It rapidly absorbs moisture and traps odor-causing substances, effectively ridding unpleasant smells from your home.

Pet, People, and Planet-Friendly Ingredients

World's Best Cat Litter commits to creating a product that is safe for your cat and kind to the environment.

A bag of their litter lasts 67 days for two cats, making it a budget-friendly choice. Unlike most other cat litter brands, World's Best is flushable.

Yesterday's News Non Clumping Paper Cat Litter

by Purina 

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Yesterday's News Unscented Paper Cat Litter

Just like yesterday's news stories, your cat's waste is history. Leave it in the past with no remaining remnants or odor.

Made from Recycled Paper Materials

Yesterday's News is an innovative cat litter made from recycled paper materials, making it an eco-friendly and non-toxic option. It's perfect for cats with sensitive paws or those preferring a softer texture.

It's even shipped in a recyclable box!

Low Tracking and Non-Abrasive Texture

This litter made from paper has a non-abrasive texture that's easy on your cat's sensitive paws. Since it doesn't stick to their paws, there is less litter tracked throughout your home.

It's great for kittens just learning to use the litter box or for cats recovering from surgery.

Three Times More Absorbent Than Clay

Yesterday's News Unscented Paper Cat Litter is up to three times more absorbent than traditional clay-based litter. The paper material makes it quick drying.

This superior absorption controls odors and minimizes the amount of litter needed, making it a cost-effective choice.

Super Soft Natural Wood Clumping Cat Litter
$26.25

by ökocat 

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08/17/2024 09:12 pm GMT

Ökocat Natural Wood Clumping Cat Litter

If you want a litter that's easy on your cat's paws and easy on the environment, here it is.

Like Yesterday's News, it also comes in a recyclable box with a leak-proof and weather-safe bag.

Made from Reclaimed Wood Fibers

Ökocat Natural Wood Clumping Cat Litter uses reclaimed wood fibers, providing a natural, eco-friendly option for your sensitive cat. The unique composition creates a soft texture that is gentle on your cat's paws while offering excellent absorption and odor control.

Biodegradable and Compostable

This litter is not only an eco-friendly choice in terms of its materials, but is also biodegradable and compostable. When it's time to dispose of the used litter, you feel good knowing it returns to the earth in an environmentally-conscious way.

A large box may last up to three months with two cats, so it's good for your cat, good for the environment, and good for your budget.

Superior Odor Control and Absorption

Ökocat Natural Wood Clumping Cat Litter's natural wood fibers offer superior odor control and absorption. These fibers prevent enzymes from bonding with urine and waste to stop odor.

Get the Scoop

With so many options available, how do you choose the right litter for your cat? The best answer to that question is to do your research. Fortunately, this guide does that for you by looking at some of the top brands and noting each one's advantages and unique properties to simplify your selection process.

Use this information as a good starting point in choosing the litter that best meets the needs of your cat. Think about your cat and be sensitive to their sensitive paws and noses.

They use the litter box several times a day and they don't want litter that irritates them.

You're just a scoop away from providing the best litter for your sensitive cat.

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