Dr. Elsey vs Arm and Hammer Cat Litter: Which Is Better?

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Dr. Elsey’s and Arm & Hammer are two of the best-selling clumping cat litters in the US, and cat owners often debate which is better. In this Dr. Elsey vs Arm and Hammer comparison, we look at Dr. Elsey’s Ultra Unscented and Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Platinum, and compare clumping, odor control, scent, dust and multi-cat performance so you can pick the right litter for your cat.

Dr. Elsey vs Arm and Hammer at a Glance

	Dr. Elsey’s Ultra Unscented	Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Platinum
Type	Clumping clay	Clumping clay
Odor control	Firm clumps, no added fragrance	Baking soda plus sealing clumps
Scent	Unscented	Light scent
Clumping	Very firm clumps	Firm clumps designed to seal odor
Dust	Low	Low (marketed as low dust)
Multi-cat	Works well	Formulated for multi-cat homes
Best for	Scent-sensitive cats, vets’ favorite	Busy multi-cat boxes, odor-focused owners

Clumping and Scooping

Both litters form firm clumps that are easy to scoop. Dr. Elsey’s Ultra is well known for very hard clumps that don’t crumble, which keeps the rest of the litter cleaner and helps it last longer. Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal forms clumps designed to seal around waste to trap odor, and they are also easy to lift out.

Odor Control and Scent

This is the biggest difference. Dr. Elsey’s controls odor by clumping tightly, with no added fragrance. Arm & Hammer adds baking soda and a light scent. Many cats are sensitive to perfume and may avoid a scented box, so if your cat has had litter box problems, an unscented litter like Dr. Elsey’s is the safer choice. If your cats are happy with a light scent and you want extra help with odor in a busy box, Arm & Hammer is a strong option. For more options, see our best cat litter for odor control guide.

Dust and Tracking

Both are marketed as low dust, and both are clay litters, so some dust when pouring is normal: pour low and slowly. Neither is especially low-tracking; a litter mat helps with either. See our cat litter mats.

Who Should Buy Which

Choose Dr. Elsey’s if…	Choose Arm & Hammer if…
Your cat is sensitive to scents	You want baking soda odor control
Your cat has avoided the box before	You have several cats sharing boxes
You want very hard clumps	Your cats are fine with a light scent
You want a simple, vet-favorite litter	You want a widely available brand

The Two Litters

1. Dr. Elsey’s Ultra Unscented Clumping Litter — Best Overall

An unscented clumping clay litter that forms very firm clumps with low dust. It’s a favorite of many cat owners and clinics and our top pick in the best cat litter guide.

• Unscented, cat-friendly
• Very firm clumps
• Low dust
• Economical in large bags

Worth knowing: Clay litter is heavy; large bags take effort to carry.

2. Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Platinum — Best for Multi-Cat Homes

A multi-cat clumping litter with baking soda odor control and sealing clumps, marketed for extended odor control. A strong choice for busy boxes.

• Baking soda odor control
• Designed for multi-cat use
• Firm, sealing clumps
• Widely available

Worth knowing: It has a light scent; switch to unscented if your cat avoids the box.

How to Switch Litter Without Upsetting Your Cat

1. Mix about one quarter new litter with three quarters old litter.
2. Over one to two weeks, gradually increase the new litter.
3. Keep the box in the same place and scoop daily.
4. Watch that your cat keeps using the box normally.
5. If your cat avoids the box, go back to the old litter and switch more slowly, or try an unscented option.

Our Verdict

In the Dr. Elsey vs Arm and Hammer comparison, Dr. Elsey’s Ultra is the better choice for most cats, especially scent-sensitive cats and those with a history of litter box problems. Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Platinum is a great pick for multi-cat homes that want extra odor control and whose cats accept a light scent. Remember that daily scooping and enough boxes matter as much as the litter; see how many litter boxes you need.

Getting the Most From Clumping Litter

• Keep litter 2 to 3 inches deep so urine clumps before reaching the bottom of the box.
• Scoop at least once a day, and twice for multiple cats.
• Use a large, uncovered box where possible; see our litter boxes for large cats.
• Store litter sealed and dry so it keeps clumping well.
• Wash the box with mild, unscented soap during full changes.

If your cat suddenly changes litter box habits, strains, or produces much larger or more frequent clumps, contact your vet, as these can be signs of a health problem rather than a litter issue.

Related Guides

• Best Cat Litter in 2026: 5 Picks and Every Litter Type Explained
• 5 Best Cat Litters for Odor Control (That Actually Work)
• How Many Litter Boxes Do You Need Per Cat? (The N+1 Rule Explained)
• 4 Best Cat Litter Mats in 2026 to Stop Litter Tracking

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dr. Elsey’s better than Arm & Hammer?

For scent-sensitive cats, Dr. Elsey’s unscented formula is often the better choice. For multi-cat homes wanting baking soda odor control, Arm & Hammer is a strong option.

Which litter controls odor better?

Both control odor well when scooped daily. Arm & Hammer adds baking soda and scent, while Dr. Elsey’s relies on firm clumping without fragrance.

Do cats prefer unscented litter?

Many cats do, as strong scents can put them off. If your cat avoids a scented box, try an unscented litter.

Can I use these litters in a self-cleaning litter box?

Firm clumping clay litters are commonly used in sifting self-cleaning boxes. Check your box maker’s litter recommendations.

How often should I change clumping litter?

Scoop daily, top up to 2 to 3 inches, and do a full change every two to four weeks.