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Tidy Cats (made by Purina) and Fresh Step (made by Clorox) are two of the most widely sold cat litter brands in the US. Both make a range of clumping clay litters, lightweight versions and multi-cat formulas, so the real question is which product line suits your cats and your home. Formulas and names change over time, so this comparison focuses on their popular multi-cat clumping litters and what owners consistently report.
Our Quick Picks
- Best for Odor in Multi-Cat HomesTidy Cats 24/7 PerformanceCheck Price on Amazon
- Best for Less TrackingFresh Step Clean Paws Multi-Cat UnscentedCheck Price on Amazon
Short on time? These are our top choices. Full reviews and comparisons are below.
Tidy Cats vs Fresh Step at a Glance
| Feature | Tidy Cats 24/7 Performance | Fresh Step Clean Paws Multi-Cat |
|---|---|---|
| Litter type | Clumping clay | Clumping clay |
| Main focus | Long-lasting odor control for multiple cats | Less litter tracked on paws |
| Scent | Scented | Unscented option available |
| Lightweight version | Yes (LightWeight line) | Yes (in other lines) |
| Dust | Moderate, typical of clay | Designed to be low dust |
| Availability | Very wide | Very wide |
Clumping
Both brands form scoopable clumps. Owners of multiple cats generally report that Tidy Cats 24/7 Performance forms solid clumps that hold up to frequent use. Fresh Step Clean Paws also clumps well, with some owners finding its clumps slightly softer if the litter is too shallow. With either brand, keeping 2 to 3 inches of litter in the box makes a big difference.
Odor Control
Tidy Cats 24/7 Performance is built around odor control in busy boxes and includes a fragrance. Fresh Step uses its own odor-control technology across many lines, and the Clean Paws Multi-Cat Unscented version controls odor without adding perfume. If your home is sensitive to fragrance, or your cats are, the unscented Fresh Step option has the edge. If you want a scented litter that keeps smells down between scoops, Tidy Cats is a strong choice.
Dust and Tracking
Tracking is where Fresh Step Clean Paws stands out, since it is designed with larger granules that are less likely to stick to paws. Tidy Cats’ clay litters produce a typical amount of dust for clay. Any clay litter will create some dust when poured, so pour slowly and low.
Our Picks
1. Tidy Cats 24/7 Performance — Best for Odor in Multi-Cat Homes
A clumping clay litter made for multiple cats, with a focus on keeping odor under control between cleanings. It comes in large sizes that suit busy households.
- Designed for multi-cat boxes
- Firm clumps
- Large containers
Worth knowing: It is scented. Some cats avoid fragranced litter, so switch gradually.
2. Fresh Step Clean Paws Multi-Cat Unscented — Best for Less Tracking
A clumping clay litter designed to reduce the granules tracked around your home, in an unscented multi-cat version that suits sensitive cats and people.
- Designed to reduce tracking
- Unscented option
- Low dust design
Worth knowing: Keep the litter deep enough for firm clumps.
Which Should You Choose?
| If you… | Choose |
|---|---|
| Want the strongest scented odor control | Tidy Cats 24/7 Performance |
| Have cats who dislike fragrance | Fresh Step Clean Paws Unscented |
| Find litter all over the house | Fresh Step Clean Paws |
| Struggle to carry heavy containers | Tidy Cats LightWeight |
| Have allergies or sensitive airways at home | An unscented, low-dust option |
How to Switch Litters
- Mix about 25 percent new litter with 75 percent old.
- Every two or three days, increase the new litter.
- After 7 to 10 days, you should be on 100 percent new litter.
- In a multi-cat home, try the new litter in one box first.
- If any cat stops using the box, go back and switch more slowly.
If a cat keeps avoiding the box after a change, or you notice straining or changes in urine, talk to your vet. Litter box problems can have medical causes.
The Bottom Line
Both brands make good clumping litters. Choose Tidy Cats 24/7 Performance if you want strong, scented odor control for several cats. Choose Fresh Step Clean Paws Multi-Cat Unscented if tracking and fragrance sensitivity are your main concerns. In the end, your cats decide, so test before you stock up.
Value: Thinking Beyond the Bag Price
Litter value is not just about the price on the shelf. A litter that forms firm clumps wastes less, because you remove only the soiled part and the rest stays clean. A litter that crumbles forces you to top up more often and do full changes sooner. Lightweight litters cost more per pound but are used by volume, so a lighter bag can last about as long as a heavier one.
- Compare how many weeks a container lasts in your home, not the weight alone.
- Buying the largest size you can store usually lowers the cost per week.
- Subscribe-and-save style deliveries can help if you go through a lot of litter.
- Whichever brand you choose, scooping twice a day stretches each fill further.
Box Setup Tips That Help Either Litter
Even the best litter struggles in a box that is too small or in the wrong place. Choose a box about one and a half times your cat’s length, place it in a quiet spot with an easy escape route, and keep it away from food and water. In homes with more than one cat, spread boxes across different rooms and floors. A mat outside each box catches granules, and replacing scratched plastic boxes once a year keeps odor from building up in the plastic itself.
If you have kittens, senior cats or cats with mobility issues, a box with a low entry side makes it easier to get in and out, whichever litter you use.
Related Guides
- Best Cat Litter in 2026: 5 Picks and Every Litter Type Explained
- 6 Best Cat Litters for Multiple Cats (Odor Control That Keeps Up)
- Dr. Elsey vs Arm and Hammer Cat Litter: Which Is Better?
- How to Clean a Litter Box: Daily, Weekly and Deep-Clean Routine
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tidy Cats or Fresh Step better for odor?
Both control odor well. Tidy Cats 24/7 Performance adds fragrance and is designed for multi-cat boxes, while Fresh Step’s unscented line controls odor without perfume.
Which litter tracks less, Tidy Cats or Fresh Step?
Fresh Step Clean Paws is specifically designed to reduce tracking, so it usually has the edge here.
Is Fresh Step or Tidy Cats less dusty?
Both are clay litters and produce some dust. Fresh Step’s Clean Paws line is designed to be low dust. Pour slowly to reduce dust with either.
Can I mix Tidy Cats and Fresh Step?
You can mix them during a switch. Long term, it is simpler to stick with one litter your cats like.
Which is better for multiple cats?
Both brands have multi-cat formulas. Pick based on whether you want scented odor control or unscented, low-tracking litter.