Are you looking for a cat litter box attractant to train your cat to use the litter box or correct inappropriate elimination?
Keeping the house urine-free can be a tough challenge when your cat avoids its toilet box and pees all over the furniture.
So, let’s take a look at the best cat litter attractants and cat attract litters and how to use them.
This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.
Top Litter Attractants for Cats at a Glance
- Winner: Fresh Step Litter Box Attractant
- Best for Clumping Litter: Dr. Elsey’s Litter Box Attractant
- Best Long-Lasting Cat Attract: Cat Attract
- Best for Clumping Litters – Feline Litter Magnet
- Best Attractant Litter: Dr. Elsey’s Cat Attract for Multiple Cats
Don’t have time? Here is a quick comparison of our favorites!
7 best Litter Box Attractants for cats – Review
Do you know why cats use a litter box? Felines have the natural instinct to bury their waste to cover its smell from predators, something they learn from their mothers to survive in the wild.
And as Pam Johnson-Bennett, a behavior consultant, says, “Even our pampered indoor cats have this instinct.” (1)
But some kittens don’t understand how to use the litter box, and some cats even stop using the best cat litter box due to stress, medical issues, or wrong litter box locations.
Fortunately, you can retrain your cat to use the toilet box with the right litter attractant product and reduce the risk of inappropriate elimination.
But which is the best cat attractant for litter box? Let’s see the best 7 top picks for cat owners.
#1 Winner: Fresh Step Litter Box Attractant
Fresh Step is one of the most popular litter brands, and it has developed one of the best cat attractants for litter boxes.
This litter is pet friendly and can help cats of all ages learn how to use the litter box. It’s really easy to use and has natural ingredients.
Features & Attributes
- A herbal-based formula with natural ingredients
- Suitable for all litter types
Measurements
- Available in a single container of 9 oz or a pack of three 9-oz containers
Made in the USA with pet-friendly ingredients with no added chemicals, perfumes, or harmful additives
Benefits of Fresh Step Litter Box Attractant
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Uses natural herbs to attract cats back to the litter box and stop cats from peeing outside the litter box | This litter additive doesn’t work on all cats |
| An excellent choice for tiny kittens, senior adult cats, and multi-cat households | |
| Suitable for all types of cat litter, so you can use it with wood pellets or non-clumping brands | Small package, so you’ll run out of it quickly |
| Made in the USA with pet-friendly ingredients with no added chemicals, perfumes, or harmful additives | |
| Conveniently shaped container so that owners can add the attractant without getting their hands dirty | |
| Great training tool for kittens and suitable for attracting cats to use automatic litter boxes |
How it Compares to Others
- Unlike other litter attractants for cats, you can use Fresh Step with any type of litter, including scented crystal litter
- The bottle is easier to use than pouches
Expert Tips
- Add Fresh Step’s cat attractant every time you change the litter, and don’t forget to scoop the toilet box daily.
- Keep it away from children, and wash your hands well if the attractant comes in contact with your skin.
Testimonials
Most cat parents are happy with Fresh Step’s cat attractant and highly recommend it for retraining cats to use their litter box.
And as this cat parent shares, “Fresh Step litter attractant seemed to work for me. my cat didn’t even look at the litter until I used this. Weird but kinda a miracle for us.” (2)
- MAKES KITTY LITTER TRAINING EASY — Fresh Step cat litter attractant...
- VERSATILE — Cat attract litter additive is pet-friendly and...
- SIMPLE TO USE — The kitten attract litter additive is easy to use,...
#2 Best for Clumping Litter: Dr. Elsey’s Litter Box Attractant
Dr. Elsey has a safe litter attractant for cats, making it a suitable option for multi-cat households.
Features&Attributes
- Dr. Elsey’s formula contains only natural herbs that attract cats,
Measurements
- Available in a pouch of 20-oz
Benefits & drAWBACKS of Dr. Elsey’s Litter Box Attractant
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| All-natural ingredients, safe for cats and kittens | It doesn’t work with non-clumping litter or natural litters (wheat, corn, paper, pine pellets, etc) |
| Useful for feline behavior modification or cat litter box training since the scent attracts cats and kittens | It doesn’t affect all cats |
| One pouch is enough for 100 pounds of cat litter | |
| Great odor control, so it reduces the unpleasant litter box odors | |
| Affordable | |
How It Compares to Others and Why
- Relatively cheap compared to other cat attractant options
- It works only with unscented, clumping litter, unlike Fresh Step
How Does it Evolve
- New pouch package instead of a bottle
Expert Tip
- Do not add baking soda or other fragrances to the litter box because they’ll mask the scent of the attractant and reduce its efficiency.
Testimonials
Most owners praise Dr. Elsey’s cat attractant and say that it solved their cat’s litter box issues quickly and efficiently.
As this cat owner shares, “I always sprinkle some Dr. Elsey’s Ultra Litter Attractant on the litter. Seems to work like a charm.” (3)
- PREMIUM QUALITY: An all-natural proprietary blend of herbs works by...
- FELINE BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION: Designed to provide a solution to...
- GREAT FOR TRAINING: Ideal for piquing a kitten’s curiosity to use...
#3 Best Long-Lasting Cat Attract: Cat Attract
Cat Attract has another vet-approved cat attractant to encourage your feline friend to use its toilet box and prevent inappropriate urination.
Features & Attributes
- Pet-safe herbal mixture
Measurements
- Available in a 20-oz pouch
Benefits & drawbacks of Cat Attract
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Made from natural cat-attracting ingredients to encourage proper litter box habits and correct inappropriate urination | This cat litter additive works the best with unscented clay litter, so you can’t use it with plant-based litter or other natural alternatives. |
| Long-lasting cat attractant – one pouch is enough to treat up to 100 pounds of cat litter | |
| Suitable training tool for kittens or adult cats who’ve never used a cat litter box | |
| Easy to use |
How it Compares to Others
- More effective than Dr. Elsey’s regular attractant
Expert Tips
- Mix with fresh cat litter and add a little bit every time you add new litter to the toilet box.
Testimonials
Most owners are happy with this cat attractant and highly recommend it for getting cats to pee inside the litter box because of its outstanding results.
- Helps bring problem cats back to the litter box
- Great training litter for kittens
- One bottle treats 100 lbs. of litter
#4 Best for Clumping Litters – Feline Litter Magnet
JorVet’s Feline Litter Magnet is a great choice for training kittens and encouraging adult cats to pee/poop inside the box.
Features & Attributes
- All-natural, cat-safe herbal ingredients
- Earthly scent
- A pour lid
Measurements
- Available in a bottle of 20 oz
Benefits & drawbacks of Jorvet’s Feline Magnet
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| All-natural herbal mix without any harsh chemicals | Feline Magnet works the best with clay-based litter |
| Easy to use and mess-free, thanks to the shake and pour lid | The scent is too strong, according to some reviews |
| It comes with an educational brochure | |
| One bottle lasts for 100 pounds |
How it Compares to Others
- Convenient bottle for mess-free application
- Stronger scent than other cat attractants
Expert Tips
Fill your standard litter box with litter and mix the all-natural Feline Litter Magnet in it. Add 1/8 of the attractant whenever you clean the toilet box.
Testimonials
Most cat owners say that Feline Magnet works like a charm and is perfect for cat litter box training.
- 20 oz. bottle with a shake and pour lid
- Treats 100 pounds or more of clumping/scoopable clay litter
- Its rich earthy fragrance to attract the cat to its litter box
#5 Best Attractant Litter: Dr. Elsey’s Cat Attract for Multiple Cats
Dr. Elsey has a cat attract litter, perfect for cat owners who have trouble training their felines to use the toilet box.
Features & Attributes
- Sodium bentonite clay
- Natural herbal attractants
Measurements
- Available in 20-pound bags
Benefits & drawbacks of Dr. Elsey’s Cat Attract Litter
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Uses natural herbs to attract cats and keep them in the toilet box with no artificial chemicals | Not the cheapest option, especially for multiple cats |
| Extra-strong formula to handle multiple cats | |
| No need to wonder how much cat attractant to mix since the litter is ready for use | |
| The fine-grain texture appeals to most cats |
How it Compares to Others
- More expensive than cat additive powders but mess-free and convenient
Expert Tips
You need to fill the cat toilet box with three-four inches of Dr. Elsey’s Herbal Attractant litter for the best results.
Testimonials
As this owner shares, “I got Dr. Elsey’s Cat Attract Litter, and it worked like a charm instantly.” (4) And most pet parents agree that Dr. Elsey’s cat products are perfect for attracting cats to use their toilet boxes.
Dr. Wiskerton tells you a bit more about hor Dr. Elsey’s Cat Attract works
- PREMIUM QUALITY: A combination of premium texture and granule size...
- HARD CLUMPING: Hard clumping medium grain clay helps prevent moisture...
- LOW DUST & LOW TRACKING: Ideal for cats and owners who suffer from...
READ MORE: Multiple Cat Household Tips
#6 Best For All Life Stages: Naturally Fresh Herbal Attraction
Naturally Fresh is an excellent choice when you want an eco-friendly brand to stop peeing outside the toilet box.
Features & Attributes
- Walnut-based litter
- Herbal mix
Measurements
- Available in 14-pound bags
Benefits & drawbacks of Naturally Fresh Herbal Attraction
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| All-natural cat product designed to attract cats of all ages | Expensive |
| Suitable for training a new kitty to use the litter box | Moderate tracking |
| Cats hate the smell of dirty litter boxes, but walnut shells are great for neutralizing odors | |
| No harmful additives, perfumes, or fragrances |
How it Compares to Others
- Great clumping power and superior odor control compared to cheap clay alternatives
- Minimal dust production
Expert Tips
Do not flush this walnut cat litter. Dispose of it in the trash.
Testimonials
Pet parents praise Naturally Fresh’s brand and say that it solves their cat’s litter box avoidance problems. But as this video review shows, the litter tracks around the house.
- 14 lb bag
- Fourteen Pound Bag
- Made in the USA
#7 Best for Kittens: Dr. Elsey’s Kitten Attract
Dr. Elsey has you covered if you’re looking for cat litter attractant for kittens with their excellent Kitten Attract Clumping Litter.
Features & Attributes
- Clumping clay
- Kitten-specific herbs
- Unscented
Measurements
- Available in a 20-pound bag
Benefits & drawbacks of Dr. Elsey’s Kitten Attract
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Specifically designed to attract kittens to the litter box | Expensive |
| Superior odor control for a clean litter box | It can be dangerous if your kitten eats too much of this clumping clay litter |
| Extra-strong formula, suitable for multiple kittens | |
| Small litter particle size, suitable for sensitive kitten’s paws, and fine texture to appeal to the kitten’s senses | |
| Suitable for automatic litter boxes | |
How it Compares to Others
- Smaller in size and finer in texture to suit kittens’ needs
Expert Tips
Don’t use this brand for kittens younger than 8 weeks, and keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t snack on the litter.
Testimonials
Most kitten owners are happy with Dr. Elsey and praise its cat attractant formula for being the best for litter training difficult kittens.
And as this reviewer says, “We recently changed over to using Dr. Elsey’s cat attract litter, and it’s a game changer.” (5)
- All-natural training litter with ideal granule size and texture for...
- Contains kitten-specific natural herbal attractant
- 99% dust free, hard clumping
Do Cat Litter Attractants Work?
Cat litter attractants use natural herbs that attract cats, similar to the catnip in cat toys. However, not all cats are affected in the same way by the scent.
So, do cat litter attractants work?
Studies have concluded that “an attractant may be more effective in eliciting usage for urination, as compared to a litter without the additive.” (6)
So, cat litter attractants are worth trying if your cat urinates or defecates outside the toilet box or has a surface preference.
What is the Importance of a Litter Box Attractant?
Most cats know how to use the litter box with minimal training – you just put them in the box, and they quickly figure out the rest.
However, young kittens and rescued stray cats don’t always adapt well to a litter box because they’ve never used one.
As such, using the best cat litter box attractants can bring your cat back to the toilet box and encourage them to use it with minimal stress.
Why Use Cat Litter Attractants?
Since you already know everything about the best cat litter attractants and cat attract litters, you may be wondering why you should use them:
- Cat attractants reduce the risk of inappropriate urination by luring your cat to the toilet box.
- They can be a helpful training tool for small kittens that don’t know how to use the litter box.
- Some cats develop surface preferences when you ignore inappropriate elimination, but a cat attractant can encourage your cat to use the litter box again.
- The best cat attract litters, such as Dr. Elsey, don’t allow urine to pool at the bottom of the box, so you don’t have to wonder how to keep litter from sticking to the box.
How To Choose the Best Cat Litter Attractant?
Let’s talk a bit about what features to consider when choosing the best cat litter attractant for your feline friend.
#1 Ingredients
Pick a litter attractant with natural ingredients, free of artificial chemicals or additives that can upset your cat’s sensitive nose.
#2 Litter Compatibility
When you purchase cat attractant, check what litter types you can use it with. Some cat attractants work only with clumping brands, while others will work with pellets and crystals.
#3 Your Cat’s Health
Cat litter attractants are safe for use around healthy cats. But you should be careful if your pet has allergies because not all cat attractants list their ingredients on the label.
FAQs
DOES CAT LITTER ATTRACT ANYTHING?
Cats have a superb sense of smell, so cat litter box attractants entice them to check out the toilet box and do their business.
IS CAT LITTER ATTRACTANT SAFE FOR YOUR CAT?
Yes, cat litter attractants are safe for cats because they contain natural cat-attracting herbs and no artificial chemicals.
HOW DOES CAT LITTER ATTRACTANT WORK?
Cat attractants emit a scent that most cats and kittens find irresistible. The scent lures them to the litter box, so they can do their business in the right spot.
WILL CATNIP ATTRACT CATS TO THE LITTER BOX?
Yes, catnip can attract some cats to the litter box. However, catnip doesn’t affect small kittens, and some cats are indifferent to its scent.
Conclusion
Cat litter box attractant can be handy when you have a kitten needing litter box training or a stray cat that has never used a litter box.
These attractants can also help you deal with cats that stop using the litter box. But often, cats avoid their toilet because they’re in pain and need medical treatment.
So, if you don’t have any luck using cat attracts to lure your cat back to the litter box, it’s time to speak to your vet and rule out a medical issue.
What do you think about these 7 best cat litter box attractants? Have you ever used them? Share your opinion in the comment section.
Resources:
- 1. Litter Box Training: Why Setup and Placement Matters [Internet]. www.petmd.com. Available from: https://www.petmd.com/cat/care/litter-box-training-why-setup-and-placement-matters
- 2. tiigiibii96 (u/tiigiibii96) – Reddit [Internet]. reddit. 2022 [cited 2022 Jun 4]. Available from: https://www.reddit.com/user/tiigiibii96/comments/
- 3. r/Feral_Cats – Day 3. Still very scared. And still not using the litterbox. My stinky babes. [Internet]. reddit. 2016 [cited 2022 Jun 4]. Available from: https://www.reddit.com/r/Feral_Cats/comments/i4acfy/day_3_still_very_scared_and_still_not_using_the/
- 4. r/cats – My cat won’t stop peeing anywhere but his litter, need help. [Internet]. reddit. 2016 [cited 2022 Jun 4]. Available from: https://www.reddit.com/r/cats/comments/42r90u/my_cat_wont_stop_peeing_anywhere_but_his_litter/
- 5. r/CatAdvice – What is you Cat Litter Philosophy? [Internet]. reddit. 2021 [cited 2022 Jun 4]. Available from: https://www.reddit.com/r/CatAdvice/comments/l7hk5k/what_is_you_cat_litter_philosophy/
- 6. The Behavioural Effects of Innovative Litter Developed to Attract Cats [Internet]. Research Gate. 2019 [cited 2022 Jun 5]. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335850973_The_Behavioural_Effects_of_Innovative_Litter_Developed_to_Attract_Cats
Olfa knows how to get things done and has a keen business sense that others admire. She’s always on the go, coming up with new ideas! Her ability to anticipate the needs of her readers and deliver information that they want is what makes CatVills such a success. She loves cuddling her cat Picaciu. He is her inspiration.
Last update on 2023-06-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Oh wow, I need one of these for our litter box. I’ll try one that’s available locally.
wow If I had a cat, I would be glad to use one for my litter box thanks for sharing
I will be trying some of these for sure! The box area can reek sometimes even after I clean it and it’s nasty.
I’ve not heard of litter attractants before. Good to know for the next cat we get.
My husband I were actually looking into getting a cat! I have never owned an inside cat so this was very helpful!
My sister is going to be fostering some kittens soon, this information will be very helpful to her.
My brothers cat tends to pee on the carpet. I will share this info with him.
So many great options, thanks for compiling this list.
I’ve never considered using an attractant to help aid my past litter box woes! Since I don’t have any pets any more, I CAN think of a few people with cats, I might have to ask around to see if anyone’s having any issues and link this blog! I’m really curious to see how well it works out for them!!!
I just recently learned about attractants in pet litter and or pee pads. Interesting that just a certain scent can attract them to pee..
My friend has 2 cats that tend to make messes outside of their litter boxes. Thankfully I’ve never had that problem!
This is a great resource for people who have cats as pets.
I need to share this post with my cat mommy friends 🙂 They’ll find it super helpful for sure.
We have talked about trying these with our cat. It was interesting to learn about how they work.