Published Nov 6, 2019
The Scoop Away brand has existed for nearly three decades and, in many ways, has become synonymous with clumping cat litter. The first national brand of clumping cat litter, Scoop Away offer a variety of products at an affordable price point for all cat owners to enjoy.
Though some cat litter companies offer more choices (as well as natural or alternative litters), Scoop Away sticks to what they know, and their products are consistently well reviewed.
It may not be the top brand on the market, but it fills an important role by providing cat owners with an affordable, reliable brand of clumping cat litter that works just as well for single-cat and multi-cat households.
If you’re looking for a brand you can trust priced under $0.50, and you’re not concerned about variety, Scoop Away is a great option to consider.
Ratings
- Variety of Products – 4/5
- Price Per Pound – 5/5
- Multi-Cat Formulas – 5/5
- Clumping Ability – 5/5
- Long-Lasting Odor Control – 4/5
Overall Score: 3.75/5
How We Tested:
- We purchased 3 of the best cat litters Scoop Away has to offer
- We spent a few weeks testing the cat litters on several cats
- We did not receive these product in exchange for a favorable review, they were purchased with our own money
Brand Overview
Scoop Away’s story began in 1987 when A&M Products introduced clumping cat litter to the United States. Though production initially began in the founder’s garage, the company grew quickly and came to acquire the Black Hills Bentonite Company.
This gave them access to a guaranteed source of high-quality clumping clay – one that is still used today. In 1990, the demand for clumping cat litter had grown exponentially, and Catsanova’s Scoop Away litter was introduced. The Catsanova name was later dropped, and Scoop Away became the first national brand of clumping cat litter.
Over the years, A&M Products changed hands and names a number of times, but the Scoop Away brand stayed strong.
The brand itself has changed with the times, making innovative upgrades to their products including the use of Plus Crystals in 2002 and the switch from plastic jugs to recyclable cardboard cartons in 2009.
In 2016, Scoop Away introduced their low-dust formula with 5 times the protection of previous formulas, offering hard-clumping action, antimicrobial properties, and superior odor-fighting benefits. Today, Scoop Away offers six unique formulas.
| Products Included in This Review | ||||
| Name | Materials | Clumping? | Life Stage | Additional Features |
| Scoop Away Complete Performance Scented Scoopable Cat Litter | Clay | Yes | All | Clumping, Odor Control, Multi-Cat Formula, Scented |
| Scoop Away Super Clump Unscented Cat Litter | Clay | Yes | All | Clumping, Odor Control, Unscented |
| Scoop Away Multi-Cat Meadow Fresh Scent Clumping Cat Litter | Clay | Yes | All | Clumping, Odor Control, Scented, Multi-Cat Formula |
What Kinds of Litter Does the Brand Offer?
The Scoop Away brand offers six different formulas, all of which are clumping cat litters made with high-quality bentonite clay. Though this litter is made from natural clay materials, it is not biodegradable or flushable like some cat litters.
There are slight differences among the different formulas, but all six offer 5x protection, which includes the following:
- Waste and urine odors are absorbed and eliminated on contact
- Waste and fluids are easily removed from the litter box
- Bacterial odors are completely banished
- Paw-activated fresh scent is release with each use
- Lower dust formula keeps air and surfaces clean
The different formulas offer different degrees of odor control, including both scented and unscented options. All six recipes offer hard-clumping action because the granules themselves are very small and highly absorbent. They react to liquid quickly, forming solid clumps that control odor and make it easy to scoop and remove waste. Plus, it leaves virtually no used litter behind after scooping.
The three formulas we’re reviewing here are all clumping formulas.
Top 3 Cat Litters Reviewed
| Product Name | Type | Price | Overall Rating |
| Scoop Away Complete Performance Scented Scoopable Cat Litter | Clumping | $2.19 per lb | 4.25/5 |
| Scoop Away Super Clump Unscented Cat Litter | Clumping | $0.48 per lb | 4.5/5 |
| Scoop Away Multi-Cat Meadow Fresh Scent Clumping Cat Litter | Clumping | $0.43 per lb | 4/5 |
#1 Scoop Away Complete Performance Scented Scoopable Cat Litter
Scoop Away Complete Performance Scented Scoopable litter is designed to keep even the busiest of litter boxes odor-free for up to 10 days. Not only does it offer the odor control protection of premium clay materials, but it is treated with plant extracts to provide a boost of natural odor removal. Plus, the super-fine granules are paw-activated to release a fresh fragrance each time your cat uses the box.
In addition to being excellent for odor control, this Scoop Away Complete Performance Scented Scoopable litter makes cleaning the litter box easy. It forms hard, tight clumps that don’t break apart, leaving only fresh litter behind after you scoop the box.
We found that high volumes of liquid did occasionally soak through to the bottom of the box, but it was not a frequent problem. This supposedly low-dust formula did form a bit of a cloud when we poured it into the box, but it dissipated fairly quickly, and the tracking level was about average for a clay litter.
In reading reviews, we’ve noticed several customer complaints about the scent – some say it is too strong. In our experience, we didn’t find the scent to be overpowering and, in fact, it was almost too faint to be noticeable outside the litter box.
In terms of odor control, the fact that it quickly absorbs liquid and forms tight clumps around feces is a benefit. It works well, even in multi-cat households.
| Category | Rating |
| Price | 5/5 |
| Clumping Action | 5/5 |
| Odor Control | 4/5 |
| Dust/Mess | 3/5 |
| Scent | 4/5 |
| Easy to Scoop | 5/5 |
| Overall Rating | 4.25/5 |
Pros
- Forms tight, hard clumps that are easy to scoop with little waste
- Lightly scented with plant extracts for an added degree of odor control
- Very effective for multi-cat households
Cons
- Granules are very fine which may lead to increased tracking
- Liquid may stick to the bottom of the pan
- Some complaints about the scent not being noticeable
This litter comes in a 42-pound bag and a 4-pack of 10.5-pound bags. The litter comes in very fine granules which makes it easy to scoop, but it is still fairly heavy – especially since the smallest size is a 42-pound package inclusive of 4 bags.
#2 Scoop Away Super Clump Unscented Cat Litter
Some cat litters are so heavily scented that you might find yourself preferring the smell of the actual litter box over a wave of artificial fragrance. This Scoop Away Super Clump Unscented Cat Litter contains no artificial fragrances, but it still does an excellent job controlling odors. It promises 7 days of odor control, guaranteed, thanks to odor-eliminating ingredients to contain litter box smells and to quickly absorb liquid waste. Plus, the patented Ammonia Shield inhibits odor-causing bacteria.
What really makes this Super Clump formula unique is the fact that you get 5x protection in every box. Super-fine granules of premium clay form ultra-strong clumps to absorb liquid and eliminate feces odor on contact.
Plus, the addition of odor-fighting anti-microbial agents prevents bacterial odor from becoming a problem and eliminates ammonia smell outside of the litter box as well. Simply scoop clumps daily and top off the litter as needed.
In appearance alone, it was difficult to tell this Scoop Away Super Clump Unscented Cat Litter apart from the other formulas we tested. We did notice, however, that while there was a slight clay smell to the litter,
it was not as heavily scented. It absorbed liquid quickly, forming tight clumps that didn’t break apart during scooping and kept odors easily under control.
There was a little dust when pouring the litter, and the fine granules tracked more than some brands, but overall, we were pleased.
| Category | Rating |
| Price | 5/5 |
| Clumping Action | 5/5 |
| Odor Control | 4/5 |
| Dust/Mess | 3/5 |
| Scent | 5/5 |
| Easy to Scoop | 5/5 |
| Overall Rating | 4.5/5 |
Pros
- Forms hard, tight clumps to reduce waste and make scooping easy
- Unscented litter that still offers great odor control
- Anti-microbial protection against odor-causing bacteria
Cons
- Some complaints that it uses more litter to clump than other brands
- Some users still noticed a slight scent with the unscented formula
- Somewhat dustier than expected, may track with fine granules
This litter comes in 14- and 25-pound boxes. Because the litter is made from clay, it is fairly heavy. If you’re concerned about the weight, Scoop Away does offer a lightweight formula.
#3 Scoop Away Multi-Cat Meadow Fresh Scent Clumping Cat Litter
In a multi-cat household, controlling odor is a constant battle. No matter how many litter boxes you provide or how often you scoop them, you’re likely to notice some odor from time to time. This Scoop Away Multi-Cat Meadow Fresh Scent Clumping Cat Litter is some of the best odor control you’re going to get, and it is designed specifically for multi-cat households.
This cat litter formula features advanced odor elimination technology while making scooping the litter box fast and easy. The litter comes in ultra-fine granules that are highly absorbent, soaking up liquid and clinging to solid waste on contact for immediate odor control.
It also features patented anti-microbial protection against odor-causing bacteria. Simply scoop the litter box once daily and refill with fresh litter as needed. Due to the hard-clumping action, you’ll minimize waste and save money in doing so.
In testing this Scoop Away Multi-Cat Meadow Fresh Scent Clumping Cat Litter, we found the scent to be very strong – strong enough to be noticeable outside the litter box. While this will certainly be a point of contention with some cat owners, it didn’t bother our test cats.
The litter was, however, a little on the dusty side and tracking was an issue, as it was with the previous two formulas. We also experienced some issues with large amounts of liquid soaking through to the bottom of the box before being absorbed – this is an issue several other cat owners have mentioned.
| Category | Rating |
| Price | 5/5 |
| Clumping Action | 4/5 |
| Odor Control | 4/5 |
| Dust/Mess | 3/5 |
| Scent | 4/5 |
| Easy to Scoop | 4/5 |
| Overall Rating | 4/5 |
Pros
- Meadow fresh scent designed to maximize odor control
- Guaranteed 7 days of odor control even in multi-cat households
- Forms tight, hard clumps that scoop easily with little waste
Cons
- Large amounts of liquid may soak through before absorbing
- Still fairly dusty despite being sold as a low dust formula
- Ultra-fine granules track a fair amount
This litter comes in 14- and 25-pound boxes. Because the litter is made from clay, it is fairly heavy. If you’re concerned about the weight, Scoop Away does offer a lightweight scented formula.
What Do Customers Think of Scoop Away Cat Litter?
Generally speaking, customers who love the Scoop Away brand have been loyal to the brand for years. They love the affordable price and the hard-clumping action, so they are willing to put up with a few issues like dust and tracking.
There are, of course, some negative reviews about the scented formulas being too strong and some users had issues with large amounts of liquid forming a hard, sticky glue on the bottom of the litter box instead of clumping.
This being said, every customer’s experience is unique, and there are both good and bad reviews for the brand online. Keep reading to see a positive and negative customer review for each of the three cat litter formulas featured above:
Positive Customer Reviews for Scoop Away Cat Litter
“The litter itself does the job. I do not think there will ever be a litter that is truly 100% dust free/low dust. With that said, scoop away almost lives up to the low dust claim. It still contains dust but not a heavy dust cloud as other litters. I do like it forms solid clumps, scoops easy and is less trackable. It does stick to the sides of the pans, but if you can clean it before it is reused, it does help; otherwise, it’s like concrete removal. I do like that this litter comes in smaller packages, much easier to carry and dispense.” – LucyVanPelt88, reviewing Scoop Away Complete Performance Scented Scoopable Cat Litter
“I have been using this for years with my cats, and it is effective. It boasts of being low dust, but there is still a good bit of dust. It would be impossible to create a litter from the same ingredients and eliminate dust completely. I usually buy scented, but my daughter has MCS (multiple chemical sensitivity), and this eliminated the problem she was having with the heavy fragrance. — I normally have three to four litter boxes since I have three cats, but because there is limited space, I only have one. Even with one litter box, there is no odor because I clean it as needed. I don’t let a single day go by without cleaning the box. No litter will work if there isn’t sufficient and frequent scooping.” – DonnaJ, reviewing Scoop Away Super Clump Unscented Cat Litter
“Having 8 indoor cats means we use 5 litterboxes and a LOT of cat litter. After trying all the major brands, we like Scoop Away the best. It clumps very dependably, and we never have loose saturated litter that just falls through the scoop. And the odor control is very good, though I’m not certain about their 10-day odor guarantee. My only complaint about this litter is the amount of dust, though the box now says they have reduced the dust. We’ll continue using Scoop Away litter for a very long time.” – EightCatHousehold, reviewing Scoop Away Multi-Cat Meadow Fresh Scent Clumping Cat Litter
Negative Customer Reviews for Scoop Away Cat Litter
“Seriously, it is just like concrete, only without the dust. It does clump, but a metal scooper is needed to get it off the bottom of the litter box, not to mention the weight of the disposable litter! Not sure what scent the litter claims to be, I haven’t smelled any. I will have to buy another bag of something else, mix it in, to be able to remove the clumps. Maybe next time, I will just buy concrete, it’s probably cheaper.” – DivasMom, reviewing Scoop Away Complete Performance Scented Scoopable Cat Litter
“The box arrived quickly, only one tear in the cardboard and that had been taped. The litter clumps like it should. But I asked for unscented, and this definitely has a fragrance. I suspect that the same equipment is used for both scented and unscented litters and therefore carries over even when not intended. Because I am allergic to almost all fragrances, this is an important issue. I am only using this litter in the mudroom, not in the house so that I can avoid headaches.” – Unscented, reviewing Scoop Away Super Clump Unscented Cat Litter
“If you enjoy scooping (and scraping) stinky mud-like “clumps” that immediately get stuck to everything and track all throughout your house, then definitely buy this litter. However, if you are like me and want the opposite of those things, then save your money. This litter does not make tight clumps (more like loose clumps of mud) and does not mask odor very well. I had to add Arm & Hammer litter deodorizer several times a day just so my home wouldn’t smell like one giant litter box. I scoop the litterbox a minimum of 2-3 times a day but had to do so more while using this litter. I was trying to find a cheaper alternative to World’s Best Cat Litter and read several reviews prior to purchasing; however, this litter did not work for me or my three cats.” – TeamArrowCat, reviewing Scoop Away Multi-Cat Meadow Fresh Scent Clumping Cat Litter
How Much Does Scoop Away Cat Litter Cost?
As a whole, the Scoop Away brand of litter is very affordable. All three of the formulas we’ve reviewed here are priced under $0.50 per pound, and the savings are greatest when you buy larger packages. The fact that this litter forms tight clumps makes it easy to scoop, saving you the cost of wasted litter as well.
Overall, Is Scoop Away Cat Litter a Good Choice?
We are happy to report that Scoop Away cat litter is a brand we can recommend. It is highly affordable and forms some of the tightest clumps we’ve seen in testing. The dust and tracking may be an issue for some cat owners, but to some degree, these are problems you should expect with a clay litter.
One thing to be mindful of with this brand is that some formulas are heavily scented. The Meadow Fresh formula had a strong scent, and even the unscented formula seemed to carry a lingering bit of fragrance. If you or your cat are sensitive to smells, you may want to stick to unscented formulas.
All of Scoop Away’s cat litter formulas are clumping clay litters. This means that they absorb liquid and odor well, forming tight clumps that are easy to scoop away. It also means, however, that it is not biodegradable or safe to flush. You’ll need to dispose of used litter in a responsible manner.
Where Is Scoop Away Cat Litter Sold?
Scoop Away Cat Litter is sold online and in pet stores. You can find it for sale from online retailers like Chewy and Amazon as well as big box stores like Walmart and Target as well as local and national pet stores such as PetSmart and Petco.
Scoop Away is now using different clay and the product is no longer the same. I called the company to ask why the product is different in color and size of the granuals. They offered my $40 back for the product I had already bought. Please do a new review so hopefully they will go back to what they used to use.
Thank you for letting us know, Linda!
I thought my latest purchase was expired…or something…due to the darker color. I just filled litter boxes and hope that I will not be disappointed. I have always found it to be a great product and hope that this newer version will not disappoint.
TOTALLY agree, I wrote into them last week also to ask why the product I’ve been using for 25 years is not so drastically different and terrible. Disappointing!!
I agree Linda, This formula is not the same, they need to go back to the old one. It is not clumping like it used to.
Have been using scoop away since 2004. I just noticed that the formula has changed and it doesn’t perform. I will purchase another brand today and test other products. Hopefully I can find one that performs like scoop away used to.
Another one that’s noticed a negative change in the ScoopAway “formula” and looking to change. It’s a shame. I don’t know how they can proclaim to be “99% dust free” when I can now (as of recently) write smoke signals in the clouds that poof from the boxes. It’s just not the product that it used to be, as of early 2023.
Like the others, I’ve noticed a change in the formula as well. It’s AWFUL. It turns to cement and tracks like nothing else I’ve used. It gets stuck in my cat’s paws and she is constantly trying to chew it out. It sticks to everything – my cat’s feet, her fur, her claws – and she smells like pee. I HATE this new formula. Looking for something else now.
We just bought Scoop Away Complete at Costco, which we have done for years. Something is wrong. It doesn’t clump as well, it sticks to the stainless steel pan we use, it’s tracking around the pan area more and it is darker in color. It just doesn’t work well. Like a famous cola company, it seems some executive came up with a brilliant idea to save corporate some money and changed the formula. I want Scoop Away Complete “Classic”
I agree! As they say, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
The old Scoop Away was wonderful and I’d hoped the ‘new’ formulation was due to the pandemic and supply chain issues but they’ve not gone back to the original formula. It’s horrible and turns to mud! As soon asI finish up what I have, I am switching to a different brand.
I live in the country and have land where I have a small area I use to dispose of used litter since the transfer stations do not accept animal waste. Lately I have noticed something disturbing – the litter scent is attracting bumble bees…by the hoards. This has never happened before, with Scoop Away or any other brands. I can’t imagine this is good for the bees since they spend their days hovering around used litter instead of pollinating. Since May I have noticed the color and texture of Scoop Away has changed and also wonder if they are using different plant exrtacts for odor control. I wonder if the DEC or EPA is aware of this or any studies have been done to determine its effects on bees.
That’s fascinating. Thank you for sharing that.
Same here 🙁 one of my cat’s eyes are irritated and she has been sneezing. The only change has been the dark litter that scoop away has turned into. It tracks and so dusty! We have three more 4-packs as we buy them in bulk when they go on sale and I’m so disappointed!!
I also buy in bulk from Menards and the last couple of times I have made my purchase I noticed that the unscented litter (dark grey) is somehow getting placed into the Meadow fresh packages. I started saving the packages and taking pictures of the upc codes because somebody is packaging the litter incorrectly. It is super dusty now as well.
I agree with others, been buying this for many years (at Costco when on sale) and stock up as we have 3-cats. We just opened new bags. I clean out and reset monthly, putting the old in one box and the new in the other. The new is smaller, grey and they don’t like it. Granted it’s less dust than the old but they’ll use the older and we don’t find much in the new. Not sure how’ll they do when the old style is gone. We may be searching for another brand. As others have said, you need to do a review on this new one. Nothing was noted on the packaging either, just a surprise when opened. You can do better…
We have been using scoop away for years and this new formula is garbage. Very dusty and it does not clump as well. The cats have irritated nose, and eyes and a couple of them have stopped using the litter box. They go on the mat the box is on. The others dedicate and then will not cover.
Please switch back to the old formula.
I have 10 cat rescue. I buy about $300 Worth of litter at a time to save money. I have always used scoop a way as my cats prefer it. Now they won’t go near it. I had to buy another product just to mix in with the scoop a way. The new product is awful it doesn’t clump, is smells bad and it stays wet. It clumps on my cats paws and I’m constantly having to wash their paws and pick out the litter. I will be changing litter if they do go back to the old formula.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Jane.
The formula has changed and this is no longer a good product and certainly not the product reviewed. This review should be taken down or updated immediately.
Thank you for making us aware of this.
It certainly HAS CHANGED! It’s horrible. It’s darker in color. Doesn’t “clump” like it used to and turns into a muddy and disgusting mess that sticks to everything including the litter pan, the scoop, and the cats’ paws. Then, the cats track this muddy and urine-soaked sludge all over the floor. It is quite gross.
Especially offensive is the NEW line that Costco is selling – “Complete Performance Plus” with 50% more charcoal.
I’m super sad because we’ve been using the litter for more than 10 years. It’s literally WORSE than when there was no clumping litter.
We’re trying to find new litter that works like Scoop Away’s OLD formula.
Fingers crossed.
I agree with all previous comments. This new formula is horrible. Please bring back the old, original formula. I also will be looking for a different brand.
Yes my cat is sick from it, sneezing and really irritated eyes and dragging it everywhere
I have used Scoop Away for years, probably over 25 years, and something has changed, and NOT FOR THE BETTER. Even the smell of it has changed, it no longer has that fresh scent. It doesn’t clump the way it used too, and the color looks dirty. I will not be purchasing it anymore, I feel like I’m now using some cheap product that doesn’t work. It’s sad to have a great product like Scoop Away WAS and change it to an inferior product. I’m sure it’s done to save money, but to charge consumers more for an inferior product. Guess I will be looking for another cat litter…
I’ve been using this for years. It stinks now it doesn’t clump as well. Go back to the old. I have to find a new one now thank you. Scoop away your formula that is new is awful. I have multi cats and I never had an issue until now. now I have to find a new one. Don’t know what I’m gonna go to, but you lost my and my families future purchases. I have told a lot of people about your product and they loved it until now never again.
Sorry to hear it’s no longer working for you, Michelle! Maybe you can find a new option to try in our roundup of the best cat litters:
https://cats.com/best-cat-litter
I never had cats before, and had to take care of my son’s cat for a while. As my son recommended to me, I used Scoop Away. Then, I immediately noticed strong sent, and dust in the air( especially in the sun, I can see so much sand dust in the air!! ) in our room. As I work with ceramics, I am familiar with the Silicosis. I am so worried for cats inhaling this sand dust each time they use. Is there any study done for cat’s lung disease related to this product??? I even started to have cough myself when I stay in the same room where the litter box is. so I had to switch the litter box material a little by little to the natural walnut shells. Then, the dust got much less, I feel much better and safer for cats. I just want to know if this product really safe for cats to inhale, and consume small amount from licking their paws???
We understand your concern, MK! Dust is a common issue with clay cat litter. Unfortunately, there isn’t a lot of research about silicosis specifically in cats (plenty of research involving humans). It sounds like your switch to natural litter is working well, though. Glad to hear it!
I do not like the new formula Scoop Away is using. It does not clump the same and gets very sticky. I have used it for years and really liked the old product. I am going to switch brands
We appreciate the feedback, Kay. I’ve read similar comments from other users. Hope you find something that works for you and your cats!
I have been using Scoop Away unscented for the past 12 years. My most recent purchase was in January 2024. The formula is completely different. The litter is a very dark charcoal grey, its very fine and dusty. The litter sticks to my cats paws like mud and it is not clumping. It is very muddy and sticky. I contacted Scoop Away and the representative insisted there has not been a formula change. The new boxes have a printed code on the front LH233641657R which I was specifically asked to give to customer service. My other box had no such code on it and this litter was normal.