Published Jul 29, 2024
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
If you’re a regular at Target (let’s be real, who isn’t?), you’re probably familiar with the store’s in-house label, up & up. To the delight of cat parents across the country, this store brand carries lots of pet essentials, including its own line of litter.
Up & up is a stand-out choice if you’re looking for a bargain. But does the appealing price mean a sub-par product? We take a closer look at three up & up litters to find out.
Ratings
- Variety of Products – 3.5/5
- Price Per Pound – 4/5
- Multi-Cat Formulas – 5/5
- Clumping Ability – 3.5/5
- Natural/Alternative Options – 1/5
- Dust/Mess – 4/5
Overall Score: 3.5/5
Why Trust Cats.com
Collectively, our team has tested over 30 popular litter brands. We’ve evaluated and compared their performance in several key areas, which I referenced while testing these three formulas.
For this review, I investigated the types of litter offered by up & up, noting the types of cat parents likely to find them a good match. Then, I used this litter for several weeks with my own two cats, observing how well it clumped, scooped, and controlled odors. I looked at details like the litter’s smell, texture, dust level, and cost. Finally, I read dozens of customer reviews to learn how other cat parents fared with this litter and how it might perform in different households.
Up & Up Cat Litter and Brand Overview
With locations in all 50 states, Target is a heavyweight in the world of big-box discount stores. The company’s in-store brand, up & up, launched 15 years ago, offering everyday essentials from personal care to pet products. The brand underwent a revamp earlier this year, with improvements in product designs and packaging.
Up & up carries a limited line of affordable clay cat litters, all made in the U.S. Along with the brand’s litter, you’ll find litter scoops, mats, litter liners in several sizes, and litter boxes (including an enclosed model).
What Kinds of Litter Does Up & Up Offer?
All of up & up’s litters are clumping—but some formulas form better clumps than others. Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Target’s in-house brand up & up offers a streamlined selection of cat litter. There are four litter options: regular and lightweight formulas in scented and fragrance-free versions. The fragrance-free formulas include baking soda to minimize odors. All litters are clumping and clay-based. They’re also suitable for all life stages and multi-cat households.
To break it down, up & up currently carries:
- Fragrance-free clumping litter w/ baking soda
- Lightweight fragrance-free clumping litter w/ baking soda
- Scented clumping litter
- Lightweight scented clumping litter
You won’t find any natural or non-clumping options. But if you’re just after a traditional, basic clay litter, up & up has you covered.
What Did Our Test Cats Think?
| Name | Materials | Clumping? | Lifestage | Cost |
| Up & Up Lightweight Fragrance-Free Clumping Cat Litter with Baking Soda | Clay | Yes | All | $0.86/pound |
| Up & Up Lightweight Scented Clumping Cat Litter | Clay | Yes | All | $0.99/pound |
| Up & Up Scented Clumping Cat Litter for Multiple Cats | Clay | Yes | All | $0.40 |
#1 Up & Up Lightweight Fragrance-Free Clumping Cat Litter with Baking Soda
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Because it’s unscented and lightweight, I fully expected to prefer this formula over the other two. To my surprise, I found it the weakest performing litter of the bunch.
First, the positives: this litter has virtually no smell. Not even a hint of the odor that most fragrance-free litter give off. This is a big win, particularly because our litter boxes share the space where we hang out in the evening.
The inclusion of baking soda contributed to effective odor control, and this litter did a good job at keeping stink to a bearable minimum. I observed some dust, mostly when pouring the litter into the bin. But that’s to be expected with lightweight litter. Nothing major.
Where this litter falls short, though, is its clumping action. Like many other cat parents, I was underwhelmed by the slightly sludgey clumps it made. Poorly formed piles were harder to scoop and left bits of stray crumbles behind. Far from the worst I’ve seen—but nothing to write home about.
My cats used this litter immediately, with no complaints to speak of. The packaging has a pull-tab with finger loops for opening, which I found easy enough, though some users struggled with it.
| Category | Rating |
| Price | 4/5 |
| Clumping Action | 2.5/5 |
| Odor Control | 5/5 |
| Dust/Mess | 3/5 |
| Scent | 5/5 |
| Easy to Scoop | 2.5/5 |
| Overall Rating | 3.7/5 |
What We Like:
- Two sizes available: 17.5 lbs & 21 lbs
- Free of perfumes and dyes
- Effective odor control
- Affordable
What We Dislike:
- Only available in pails
- Clumping action is sub-par
#2 Up & Up Lightweight Scented Clumping Cat Litter
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Normally, I’m averse to scented litters of any kind. However, this formula did not assault my nostrils the way most scented litters do. Truthfully, the scent was barely detectable (though, my daughter thought otherwise…maybe she just has a more sensitive sniffer). This will be a bonus for most folks, but if you’re looking for a more distinct fragrance, you may be disappointed.
This litter’s soft texture will appeal to sensitive cats or kittens with delicate paws. Again, we observed some dust when pouring, but that’s the tradeoff of a lightweight litter. If you’re careful to pour from a lower height, it’s less of an issue.
It appears this formula has undergone some recent changes that have disappointed former fans. While customer reviews are split on this litter’s clumping performance, personally, I was pleased with the tight, solid clumps it formed. Many customers also voiced displeasure with the new packaging, reporting the bags are prone to tearing.
| Category | Rating |
| Price | 4/5 |
| Clumping Action | 4/5 |
| Odor Control | 5/5 |
| Dust/Mess | 2/5 |
| Scent | 5/5 |
| Easy to Scoop | 4/5 |
| Overall Rating | 4/5 |
What We Like:
- Soft texture
- Clumped well
- Scent is mild, not overpowering
What We Dislike:
- Only available in two smaller sizes: a 10-lb jug or 12-lb bag
- A little dusty
#3 Up & Up Scented Clumping Cat Litter for Multiple Cats
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Of the three formulas, this was my favorite. It clumped well, controlled odors, and produced the least amount of dust. The granules have a nice, fine texture. And like the lightweight scented option, the smell is not offensively strong.
My positive experience with this litter mirrored that of other cat parents. This formula was the most favorably reviewed on Target’s site.
This litter is available in bags and pails. I tested the bag and had no issues with the packaging. It even featured an integrated handle to make pouring easier, a detail that comes in handy with heavy clay. Plus, the bags are resealable! However, I noticed a lot of complaints from other users about the bags ripping and leaking—something to consider if you’re having it shipped or delivered.
| Category | Rating |
| Price | 5/5 |
| Clumping Action | 4/5 |
| Odor Control | 5/5 |
| Dust/Mess | 3/5 |
| Scent | 5/5 |
| Easy to Scoop | 4/5 |
| Overall Rating | 4.3/5 |
What We Like:
- Available in two sizes: 20 lbs or 35 lbs
- Available in both resealable bags and jugs
- Forms tight, solid clumps
- Mild, barely detectable scent
- Budget-friendly option
What We Dislike:
- Slightly dusty
- Bags are prone to tearing
What Do Customers Think of Up & Up Cat Litter?
Positive Reviews
“I like that this litter seems to keep odors down. I rescue/foster cats, and this litter seems to really work well with multiple pets using it.”- Cat Crazy on Target.com (reviewing up & up Lightweight Fragrance-Free Litter)
“For the price, you can’t beat this! Inexpensive and the same quality as it’s overpriced competitors.”- LaJoyNJ on Target.com (reviewing up & up Lightweight Scented Litter)
For most customers, the major selling point of up & up’s litter line is its affordability. Plenty of reviewers were happy with its odor control. People also appreciated its subtle smell.
Negative Reviews
“Absolutely awful. Does not clump at all. Stuck to the walls of my litter robot and I had to take it apart and hose it out.”- on Target.com (reviewing up & up Lightweight Fragrance-Free Litter)
“Used to love until they put it in a bag. 2 bags were ripped when they got put in the car. These used to come in totes and were great. The bags can’t handle it, and the price didn’t drop with the inferior packaging.”- Lymira on Target.com (reviewing up & up Scented Clumping Litter)
A fair number of customers were displeased with up & up’s clumping ability, remarking that the lightweight formulas tended to break apart into tiny pieces. There are also complaints about the dustiness and tracking of the lightweight formulas (although, this is common with most lightweight litters). Finally, there were issues with the packaging. Some people struggled with the pull-tabs, and others reported that the bags ripped in transit.
How Much Does Up & Up Cat Litter Cost?
Target’s up & up cat litter is an affordable option, on par with Tidy Cat or Arm & Hammer. You’ll pay more for the lightweight formulas, but the regular litter is very budget-friendly.
Keep in mind that clumping performance factors into how much you’ll ultimately spend. Superior clumps mean less mess and better odor control—and a longer stretch between complete litter overhauls. The scented formulas clumped well for me, which could save you money in the long run.
Where Is Up & Up Cat Litter Sold?
Up & Up Cat Litter is a Target-exclusive brand. You can purchase it in-store or online. Target offers in-store pick-up, same-day delivery through Shipt (available to 80% of the U.S.), and standard shipping.
Overall, Is Up & Up Cat Litter a Good Choice?
For budget-conscious cat parents who just need a basic clay litter, up & up is a brand worth considering. It’s not perfect, and there’s not a ton of variety. But if you’re prioritizing low costs and convenience, it could make a good choice.
Ordinarily, I wouldn’t recommend a scented litter, but I was most impressed with up & up’s Scented Clumping Litter. It ticked all the boxes for me: it’s affordable, controls odors, and clumps well.
Ultimately, I think this litter will work best for multi-cat households looking for a reliable clumping formula that’s easy on the wallet. The subtle, barely-there scent also makes it a fine choice for smaller living spaces or homes where litter boxes share a room with guests.
Similar Brands
Looking for other cat litter brands similar to up & up? Check out some of our other brand reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is up & up cat litter made out of?
All up & up litters are made out of clay.
What type of litter is best?
There’s no one answer to this, as it depends on your cat’s individual preferences and your own unique needs. Every type of litter comes with a trade-off, so consider what’s most important to you. Clumping clay litter is a popular option because most cats like it, and it’s affordable and convenient to clean.
However, If you’d like to prioritize sustainability and health, a natural litter like grass or corn may be a better fit. Finally, silica crystals are ultra-absorbent and long-lasting. It may take some trial and error to find a favorite type that works for your household.
Do cats like scented litter?
Most cats are not fond of scented litter. In fact, most cat parents aren’t keen on it, either! Cats have sensitive noses, and most find the smell of scented litter overpowering. That said, every cat is different, and some will tolerate litter with fragrances just fine.
