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Last updated on October 16, 2026
Dr. Elsey’s cat litter comes in several formulas that look almost identical on the shelf. Four are clumping clay and one is silica crystals, with each formula positioned for a different use. Here’s what each one does, where it falls short, and how to pick.
Quick Picks
Everyday Multi-Cat Pick: Dr. Elsey’s Ultra Unscented
Original Formula Pick: Dr. Elsey’s Classic
Tracking Pick: Dr. Elsey’s Clean Tracks
Herbal Formula Pick: Dr. Elsey’s R&R Respiratory Relief
Silica Pick: Dr. Elsey’s Crystal Attract
Dr. Elsey’s Cat Litter Formulas Compared
| Formula | Material | Clumps? | Positioned For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultra | Clay | Yes | Hard clumps for multi-cat boxes |
| Classic | Clay | Yes | Larger, denser granules for lower tracking |
| Clean Tracks | Medium-grain clay | Yes | Marketed for lower tracking |
| R&R Respiratory Relief | Clay with herbal essences | Yes | Marketed by Dr. Elsey’s as low dust |
| Crystal Attract | Silica gel with herbal attractant | No | Absorbing urine without clumps |
Dr. Elsey’s Ultra Unscented
Why It Stands Out
Nearly every reviewer reports very hard clumps that don’t break apart when you scoop. It’s unscented, and multiple reviewers in the US and UK use it in automatic boxes.
Possible Downsides
It comes in a 40 lb bag that’s heavy to lift and pour. One long-time buyer feels it’s dustier than it used to be.
Best For
Multi-cat homes that want a dependable unscented clumping clay.
Dr. Elsey’s Classic
Why It Stands Out
Dr. Elsey’s calls it its original litter and sells it as 99% dust free. Most reviewers report low dust, hard clumps and low tracking, and one uses it in a Litter-Robot.
Possible Downsides
Classic uses a larger, denser particle, so the texture differs from Ultra even though both are unscented clumping clay. Some reviewers still report fine dust when pouring a fresh bag.
Best For
Owners who want the brand’s original unscented clay with a heavier granule.
Dr. Elsey’s Clean Tracks
Why It Stands Out
Dr. Elsey’s uses a medium-grain formula and markets Clean Tracks for lower tracking. Most reviewers report hard clumps, and two who have used both found it lower in dust than Ultra.
Possible Downsides
It cuts tracking but doesn’t stop it, so a mat near the box still helps.
Best For
Homes where litter keeps ending up across the floor.
Dr. Elsey’s R&R Respiratory Relief
Why It Stands Out
Dr. Elsey’s markets R&R Respiratory Relief as a low-dust clay litter with herbal essences. Chewy currently titles the same listing R&R Stress-Reducing, so you may see both names at retailers. Most reviewers report low dust and hard clumps, and one uses it in a Litter-Robot 3.
Possible Downsides
The respiratory and stress positioning is Dr. Elsey’s own marketing. If your cat has breathing symptoms or litter-box changes, follow your veterinarian’s guidance rather than relying on a litter change.
Best For
Owners who want Dr. Elsey’s herbal clay formula. Our full Dr. Elsey’s Respiratory Relief review covers it in depth.
Dr. Elsey’s Crystal Attract
Why It Stands Out
It’s silica gel that absorbs urine instead of clumping. Dr. Elsey’s says it contains a natural herbal attractant. Most reviewers report good odor control from the crystal format.
Possible Downsides
There are no urine clumps to scoop, so you remove solids and replace the crystals following Dr. Elsey’s directions. The crystal texture is a big change from clay.
Best For
Owners who want silica instead of clay. Our Dr. Elsey’s crystal cat litter review goes deeper.
Dr. Elsey’s also sells Cat Attract, a clay litter with a natural herbal attractant that the brand markets for litter-box training. It isn’t one of the linked formulas reviewed in depth here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dr. Elsey’s cat litter unscented?
Ultra, Classic and Clean Tracks are sold as unscented. R&R and Crystal Attract add herbal ingredients, so check the bag if you want plain unscented litter.
Does Dr. Elsey’s cat litter work in automatic litter boxes?
Reviewers report Ultra, Classic and R&R working in automatic boxes. Crystal Attract doesn’t clump, so it won’t suit machines that need clumps. Check your machine’s manual first. Our guide to the best cat litter for automatic litter boxes covers other options.
Why are clumps sticking to the bottom of the box?
If clumps are sticking to the bottom, first check that you’re following Dr. Elsey’s fill directions on the bag and scooping according to the product directions.
How do I switch to a different Dr. Elsey’s formula?
Check the bag first. If it gives no directions, set up a second box with the new litter beside the old one so your cat can choose.
