Fresh Step cat litter: review and reviews

About the filler

The secret of the long and successful existence of the Fresh Step brand in the cat litter market lies in the concern for quality and constant improvement of existing formulas. Manufacturer and developer - the American company Clorox has existed since 1984.

Each filler has its own audience. In addition to special treatment of conventional materials, they are enriched with activated carbon and antimicrobial agents that control toilet odors. This allows us to talk about enhanced antibacterial and absorption properties.

Types of cat litter

1. Wooden (wooden). Made from sawdust and wood shavings. It looks like granules about 1-2 centimeters in size. It is one of the cheapest and most environmentally friendly. Hypoallergenic and safe, it will not harm if the kitten swallows the granules. The wood smells nice. When using wood filler, the toilet can not be changed for about a week; it retains the smell of urine well. Can be flushed down the toilet. Wood filler can be recommended to the happy owners of a small kitten.
2. Corn. Like wood, it is safe for kittens and adult animals. It is often used by rabbit and guinea pig owners. It is natural and holds odors well. Soft and pleasant for cat's paws. Suitable for allergy sufferers, both humans and cats. The disadvantages of corn filler include the fact that when buried, it scatters a lot around the tray, since it is very light.
3. Clay. Otherwise called bentonite. This type of filler is made from bentonite. Its main advantages are price and availability. Clay filler can be bought cheaply at any supermarket. It can be poured under the grate in a tray with a grate to retain the smell. The main disadvantage of clay litter is the dust that the cat carries around the apartment on its paws. You cannot throw it down the toilet, only in the trash can.
4. Mineral. Consists of porous minerals. It can be flavored. Many cats like this type of mound; it is small and pleasant to dig. An ideal solution for cat owners who have picked up an animal from the street. The clumping version of the mineral filler is very convenient; it generates less dust and spreads around the house. After the cat goes to the toilet, the lump is thrown into the trash.
5. Silica gel. The most modern and expensive type of filling. Looks like small white or colored gel balls. Made from dried silicic acid gel. The most economical type of filler to use, you need to change it in the tray every two to three weeks. Not all cats like silica gel. Since it hisses when it gets wet and rustles loudly, some animals are afraid to step on it. Some cats are amused by this feature, and they enjoy using such a tray. When using silica gel, owners must ensure that the cat does not grab or swallow it. Silica gel is one of the most expensive fillers, this is its drawback.
6. Paper. Otherwise called cellulose. Made from recycled paper products. It comes in both white and colored. When moisture gets in, the granules become soggy and turn into a lump. The smell doesn't hold very well. Advantages: does not stick to the cat’s paws, can be disposed of in the sewer.
7. Herbal. Made from grass clippings, crushed and compressed. It often clumps, so it doesn’t get pulled around the apartment. Environmentally friendly, has a pleasant grassy smell. Does not contain flavorings or chemical additives. Can be used on rodents as it is safe to swallow. The downside is that the grass does not hold the smell of cat feces well.

Diversity

Fresh Step produces several types of litters. Packages from 7 to 42 liters.

Clumping with the function of air freshening from natural materials, namely clays. In addition to binding liquid waste and enveloping solid waste, they guarantee odor control with the help of special additives - fresheners. Available with the Febreze Freshness label.

This:

• Multi cat;
• Odor Shield;
• Extreme and Extreme Light Weight, which differ in granule density but are equally designed for large volumes of absorption;
• Total Control.

Ordinary clumping ones, which do not contain an air freshener, but must contain activated carbon. They have the same locking and antibacterial properties.

• Triple Action;
• Multi Cat;
• Odor Shield;
• Extreme.

Absorbent products are available in the Ultra Care line.

Blue, green and blue granules provide more than just aesthetics. They guarantee the elimination of specific problems inherent in cats of different age categories:

• for kittens, pets over 10 years old or those who shit a lot - Kittens;
• for adult cats – Adults;
• for cats over 10 years old – Seniors.

In the absorbent series, Extreme filler is available separately.

In addition to classic mineral fillers (regular density or lightweight), Fresh Step also has the latest developments: silica gel filler - Crystals. It has the highest absorption coefficient of all.

The best wood litter for cat litter. TOP 5

Woody Kuzya for cats

This filler is produced in Russia, and therefore is considered the most popular in this country.
The woody version is sold in most specialized stores at a low price, which pleasantly surprises every cat owner.

It consists of small granules made by pressing sawdust.

This raw material is natural and free of toxins released into the air. This litter is suitable for all cats and any litter trays. In addition, it has antiseptic properties and a natural aroma for pets. It is for these features that most buyers prefer this product.

In addition, it does not leave negative impressions.

Happy Paws Woody

Absorbent wood filler is sold in large packages and is used sparingly.

People say the following are its advantages:

• Possibility of flushing down the toilet,
• aromatization,
• antibacterial properties,
• complete protection against unpleasant odors,
• biodegradability,
• pine aroma.

In addition, owners are delighted by the absence of chemical additives and the ease of use of the product.

But along with the positive aspects, people also point out one drawback, the essence of which is that the compressed particles are too thin - some pets do not perceive them.

Cat's Best Smart Pellets

An excellent choice for long-haired cats, it contains biodegradable plant fibers and no artificial additives.

This filler has granules made from recycled materials.

It attracts the attention of buyers due to its favorable price, but also due to the absence of dust when pouring and the easy removal of formed lumps. Quite a lot of positive feedback has been received regarding the economical use of the product and the naturalness of the composition.

Quite a lot of positive feedback has been received regarding the economical use of the product and the naturalness of the composition.

N1 Naturel Green tea

Chinese tray cleaner is a biodegradable product.

It is produced using patented technology, which was developed and repeatedly used by Australian specialists.

The filler does not contain chemical additives, so it can be safely considered safe and reliable.

Buyers and their pets are especially pleased with the symbiosis of tea and wood, which provides a wonderful aroma.

Other positive qualities of the product:

• efficiency,
• Possibility of use as a natural fertilizer for plants,
• quick elimination of odors.

My beast

The litter is suitable for small kittens - it helps them get accustomed to the litter box faster.

Here the manufacturer used special granules that retain the odor when exposed to the sprays included in the kit. Kids always reach for this scent when they want to go to the toilet, so they quickly get used to it.

The size of the granules reaches only 3 mm; they do not crumble and do not create dust when poured into the tray.

At the same time, the filler has one small drawback - it does not always eliminate the specific aroma.

Terms of use

Considering that Fresh Step cat litter is available in fundamentally different types, for proper use you must follow the instructions exactly. However, all toiletries have common points:

1. The litter is poured into a clean, dry cat litter box. Layer: 5–6 cm. If there are several users of one tray in the house, then more.
2. As they appear, solid waste or formed lumps are removed with a special scoop.
3. Each type of filler must be mixed daily. This is done so that liquid does not form at the bottom of the cat litter and the granules do not lose their adsorbing properties.
4. Mineral fillers can be added as they decrease in the tray.
5. A complete replacement is made as needed: clumping and absorbent ones are recommended to be changed after 10 days, and silica gel - when the crystals become uniformly yellow.
6. Fresh Step is thrown into containers along with the trash. They cannot be disposed of in the toilet.

Features and types of Fresh Step filler

Premium Fresh Step fillers are manufactured at the Clorox plant in the USA. Moreover, they are produced not only from standard materials (bentonite clay, silica gel), but also from red cedar wood and activated carbon. The composition depends on the type of hygiene product.

Pet owners leave mostly positive and even rave reviews about Fresh Step litter. However, some were confused by the change in packaging. In July 2022, the company rebranded, changing the product labeling from kilograms to liters.

Table: compliance of the new filler markings with the old one

Unfortunately, some buyers remain dissatisfied with their purchase. Therefore, it is so important to understand the types, pros and cons of filler.

Photo gallery: types of Fresh Step fillers

FRESH STEP CLUMPING is a clumping filler made from clay and some other components. FRESH STEP EXTREME filler is absorbent

FRESH STEP EXTREME

FRESH STEP EXTREME absorbent filler contains clay, activated carbon, minerals and flavor. Thanks to these components, the product, according to the manufacturer, instantly absorbs odor and prevents its appearance by blocking the growth of bacteria. The filler granules are small, pleasant blue, cyan and gray in color. Cat owners note that it is not painful to step on spilled particles even with bare feet.

EXTREM filler granules are small, but not sharp

Available in packages of 6, 12, 18 and 30 liters. The corresponding cost is approximately 450, 900, 1200 and 2500 rubles. The package lasts up to three weeks for the owner of one pet.

Using the filler is not at all difficult: it is recommended to pour a layer of the product into the tray at least 5 cm thick or more (depending on the number of pets). It is recommended to completely change the contents of the tray at least once a week, regularly removing solid waste. At the same time, many cat owners manage to change the contents in the tray no more than once a month.

The filler (one mound of 1.5–2 kg) is enough for a month, or even more. It absorbs just perfectly! The smell appears only at the end of this period. The only negative is that it is carried out of the tray with its paws, but this is a complaint more likely to our cat, he is also a fan of raking with shovel paws. Moreover, it also removes any other filler.

mirca2006

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EXTREM absorbent filler is easy to use

Most reviews of FRESH STEP EXTREME claim that the filler intensively absorbs odor and is easy to use. But there are also nuances.

What is very important is that I get an ALLERGY if the cat actively scratches this filler with its paws. And when I change the filler, and its fine dust begins to fly around the room, my nose itches terribly and I sneeze. I consider this a minus for allergic people, but I am not reducing the stars, because, in principle, I am also allergic to dust and ragweed. In addition, I minimized this by using a closed toilet... In general, of all the fillers I tried, this one seemed to me the most successful. Both in price and quality. And, of course, there was no smell, even when there were three animals.

Zhanna Mjatta

https://irecommend.ru/content/ochen-ekonomichnyi-napolnitel-glavnoe-nikakogo-zapakhano-allergiya-u-menya-istoriya-kak-my-p

And occasionally you can read extremely negative reviews.

The cat became a drug addict and an asshole, and the rabbit died... Too strong aromatization, dusty, causes unpleasant consequences for animals! Unsafe!!!

Inexplicable things began to happen to the cat: she really became an asshole! I walked about 5 times a day, with normal formed stools! I ate a lot! And she was as thin as a bicycle! She was digging the pot all the time very maniacally, as if she was “stuck” by the aroma of the filler. After we bought a regular, non-scented litter, dramatic changes occurred with the cat: she lost such an unhealthy interest in her potty, and simply started going into it when she needed to - poop once a day, pee 3 times a day. She dripped a little and went about her business. Now we sleep peacefully at night, because the kitty is not addicted to drugs in her litter box!

grafinia

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FRESH STEP CRYSTALS

The next type of filler is absorbent FRESH STEP CRYSTALS, which is traditionally made from silica gel crystals.

Silica gel does not leave dust, but a cat can carry its stuck small granules on its paws throughout the apartment, and silica gel particles are sharp and painful to step on with bare feet.

Silica gel granules are beautiful but sharp

This filler is poured into the tray at a level of 4 cm or more (depending on the depth of the tray). Solid waste must also be removed regularly, and the rest of the filler in the tray must be mixed with a scoop. If you want to remove stained silica gel particles, there will be no problems - they change color from blue to dirty yellow. And it’s better to remove solid waste as soon as possible - silica gel filler absorbs odors less intensely and more slowly than clay filler.

A cat litter box has never seen such beauty)) Bright blue color, complete absence of odor for three weeks (yes, it’s not enough for a month), and the most important thing is to remove only solid waste! Just a miracle! This is the pinnacle of the evolution of fillers)))

tangerine duck

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Experienced breeders do not recommend mixing FRESH STEP CRYSTALS with other fillers. Cats that prefer silica gel tend to be fussy and are unlikely to appreciate a mix of scents or textures. FRESH STEP CRYSTALS is not suitable for timid and fearful cats, since silica gel hisses when wet and can scare pets.

FRESH STEP CLUMPING

FRESH STEP CLUMPING is a clumping litter made from high quality clay, activated carbon and plant extract with reduced dust content.

The granules of clumping litter are much smaller than the particles of absorbent litter. They do not have a distinct odor, stick to the paws, but do not prick.

Granules of clumping filler are significantly smaller than particles of absorbent

FRESH STEP CLUMPING is poured into the tray in a layer of 5–7 cm. The cat’s owner can only regularly remove lumps that form upon contact with moisture. The manufacturer claims that the lumps are super durable, and thanks to the special formula, bacteria will not form in the tray for up to 10 days.

The product is sold in packages of 6.35 kg and costs about a thousand rubles. For one pet, the package is enough for up to three weeks. True, it is better to use this type of litter if there is no more than one cat in the house.

In theory, lumps should have formed, but either my cats have a horizontally directed stream, or its speed is too high, but the lump did not have time to form. And all the mess had to be scraped off from the bottom of the tray with a scoop. And the resulting substance is then washed away with great difficulty. The filler “leaked” before our eyes: a pack of 6.35 kg was enough for two cats for exactly 8 days. A pack of Fresh Step absorbent filler 6.35 kg is enough for a little over a month.

akira_yamaoka

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Advantages

Over many years of impeccable quality and meeting expectations, Fresh Step fillers have acquired an army of fans. Their reviews indicate the following advantages of the brand:

• big variety. It is possible to choose a filler that suits the individual needs of the cat;
• economical, it does not require frequent replacement;
• absorbs moisture;
• perfectly withstands the load of several cats;
• easy to use;
• reliably eliminates odors, prevents bacterial growth;
• Doesn't stick to cat's paws.

The best corn litter for cat litter

Homecat Ecoline Corn

100% natural product. Contains low-fat soy powder, corn flour and flavoring. It is light granules two centimeters in size. It clumps up nicely and the lumps can be thrown down the drain. Packed in a 6 liter plastic bag. The package has a handle for easy carrying. Produced in the Moscow region. Shelf-life Unlimited.

• Crumples beautifully.
• Natural and eco-friendly.
• Absorbs odor well.
• A pack is enough for a month (for one cat).

Disadvantages: several times more expensive than wood.

Golden Cat Corn

It is made from dried corn stalks and contains no chemical additives. Absolutely harmless. Kittens can chew it without problems. The packaging is a black plastic bag with a window through which the granules are visible. The granules are uneven, rather like lumps, light brown in color. The pack comes in four and six liter volumes. The manufacturer claims that one kilogram can absorb two liters of liquid. However, according to reviews, it does not absorb such a volume of liquid. It has no expiration date and does not deteriorate during storage.

• Good price.
• Eco-friendly and natural.

Doesn't matter, doesn't smell bad. Poorly absorbs urine

Disintegrates when buried.

Barsik Corn

Made in Krasnodar. Made from compressed corn stalks. Externally, it is granules about a centimeter in size. The color is light brown. It smells like boiled corn. The product is packed in a thick plastic bag with a volume of 4.5 liters. An excellent solution for those who have a toilet-house. It spills out of a regular litter tray when the cat buries it behind itself.

• Great price.
• Availability, available in many stores.
• Natural and environmentally friendly.
• The used filler can be used as fertilizer in the country.

• Absorbs moisture worse than wood or clumping.
• After two to three days, the tray begins to smell unpleasant.
• Requires frequent replacement.

Crystal filler

The American manufacturer’s line also includes Fresh Step Crystals cat litter – a silica gel type. This variety is developed on the basis of quartz sand and is characterized by powerful absorbing qualities. One package of product with a volume of 1.8 kg is enough for a cat for one month. The filler consists of clear crystals that fade to yellow as they are used. This is also a wake-up call to change your substance.

Even if you use Fresh Step Crystals for several days in a row, you don’t have to worry about a bad odor. When it gets into the soil, such a filler breaks down into safe elements.

The best wood litter for cat litter

N1 Naturel Green tea

Excellent quality clumping wood filler. Made from high mountain Himalayan cedar and green tea. Completely plant-based product. Tea smells nice. Combines the advantages of wood and clumping filler. There is only one packaging option on the market with a volume of 4.5 liters.

Advantages:

• Nice smell.
• Great composition.
• It clumps when exposed to moisture.

Flaws:

• Quite expensive.
• No big packages.

Kuzya

Advantages:

• Inexpensive. The cost of packaging is about 100 rubles.
• Pleasant smell of pine wood.
• Excellent absorption and retention of urine odor.

No shortcomings were noticed.

Clean paws

Natural filler, contains only wood. Does not cause allergies. Easy to recycle, can be used as fertilizer. The granules are smooth and small. Packaged in a beautiful paper box with handles. There are two packaging sizes: 4.5 and 14 kilograms. The manufacturer included a gift in the package - a small ball.

Advantages:

• Low cost.
• Sold in many stores.
• Has a pleasant smell of wood.
• Absorbs moisture well.

Flaws:

• Users report poor urine odor retention.
• Scattered from the tray and spread throughout the apartment.

The best mineral litter for cat litter

Sanicat Classic

Classic mineral filler. Product from the mineral sepiolite. Without fragrances or additional additives. Outwardly similar to beige grains. Doesn't clump. Very soft to the touch and pleasant for cat's paws. Packed in a paper bag with handles. Packages of 10, 20 and 30 liters are available for sale.

• Doesn't clump.
• Disintegrates when buried.

Sepiolsa Natural

Sepiolsa is a Spanish company engaged in clay mining. It also produces products for animals. The consistency of the product is fine, similar to gray sand. Doesn't clump. Packaged in bags of 5, 10 and 18 kilograms.

• Soft and crumbly.
• Absorbs and locks in odor normally.

• It generates dust and spreads throughout the house.
• Not economical.

Cat without worries Absorbent

Produced in Moscow. This product contains only the mineral diatomite. According to the manufacturer, diatomite absorbs better than other minerals. Does not contain flavorings or chemical additives. Compared to other mineral fillers, it has a large fraction, the particle diameter is 6-10 cm. It is safe if swallowed by a cat.

• Absorbs animal urine well.
• Large particles do not stick to the paws.
• Doesn't stick to fur.
• Economical.

Judging by the reviews, it has no shortcomings.

Source

Kinds

All fillers are divided into several types based on the composition of the raw materials. There is no ideal content for cat litter: choose a brand that is suitable for your pet.

Clay (mineral)

Made from different types of clay rocks. The quality and properties of the filler depend on what minerals are included in the clay used by a particular manufacturer. Absorbent and clumping grades are available.

Bentonite is the best material for making filler.

Popular brands: Pi-Pi-Bent, Clean Paws, Fresh Step.

Pros:

• natural structure that attracts the cat;
• harmlessness;
• cheapness.

Minuses:

• fine granules are suitable for kittens, but they create a lot of dust;
• granules of a large fraction do not generate dust, but can injure the delicate paws of babies;
• may stick to paws;
• do not retain moisture well if an unscrupulous manufacturer uses unsuitable raw materials.

Woody

It is made from small sawdust of different types of wood, pressed into granules. There are brands that are 100% sawdust, and sometimes they are one of the filler components. Small sawdust will not damage sewer pipes - the contents of the tray can be flushed down the toilet.

Popular brands: PrettyCat, Homecat, Happy Paws.

Pros:

• natural raw materials;
• you can purchase a brand with granules of the appropriate size;
• absorbs liquid well and retains odor;
• low price.

Minuses:

• a pet digger will scatter granules throughout the bathroom;
• sticks to paws;
• It is necessary to change the contents of the tray frequently.

Silica gel

This type is made from silica (silicon dioxide), a natural substance that is the main component of almost all rocks, processed using special technology. The finished product has almost zero humidity, and due to the high porosity of the internal structure of the granules it is able to absorb a large volume of liquid.

The high price is not a big disadvantage: it is very economical.

Popular brands: Smart Cat, Cat Step, N1 Crystals.

Pros:

• perfectly retains secretions and odor;
• The contents must be removed once every two weeks;
• aesthetics: beautiful appearance and pleasant aroma.

Minuses:

• not every cat will use such litter - it is very different from the structure of earth or sand;
• the crunch of the granules scares away some animals;
• with its unusual appearance, it arouses gastronomic interest in kittens, which, if the granules are swallowed, can lead to gastrointestinal obstruction.

Corn

Corn cobs have recently been used to make cat litter. Such products are convenient for owners and animals like them. It can be flushed down the toilet or used as fertilizer.

Popular brands: Nature's Miracle, Golden Cat.

Pros:

• absorbs moisture and odor well;
• great even for small kittens;
• environmentally friendly: made from natural raw materials without additives.

Minuses:

• a diligent digger will easily scatter light granules throughout the bathroom and beyond;
• not all stores offer such goods;
• high price.

Paper

Produced by recycling and pressing paper waste. A good option for filling a tray, but slightly inferior in characteristics to clay or silica gel. Used cat litter contents should be thrown into the toilet in small portions.

Popular brands: A'Mur, NeoSuna.

Pros:

• quickly absorbs liquid and odor;
• does not stick to paws;
• even large granules cannot damage the delicate skin of a kitten.

Minuses:

• requires frequent replacement;
• high price;
• rustles when the cat is enthusiastically fiddling around in the litter.

Carbonic

This is a mixture of clay and activated carbon. It has excellent characteristics and is comfortable for cats. Coal particles effectively absorb unpleasant odors.

Popular brands: Molly Goddle, Fresh Step.

Pros:

• instantly absorbs moisture and odor;
• economical;
• has an antimicrobial effect.

Minuses:

too hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from the air) - it is not advisable to place the tray in a bathroom or combined toilet.