When it comes to cat litter, pet parents want the best for their feline friends. But with so many options on the market, it can be tough to decide which litter is right for your cat and your home. Two of the most popular cat litter brands are Fresh Step and Scoop Away. But how do you choose between these two heavyweights in the cat litter world?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the key differences between Fresh Step and Scoop Away litters to help you determine the right pick for your cat.
We’ll compare odor control, dust levels, clumping ability, tracking, price, and more. Read on for the full scoop on Scoop Away and Fresh Step!
A Brief Comparison Table
| Factors | Fresh Step | Scoop Away |
| Odor Control | Good | Excellent |
| Dust Levels | Low dust options | Low dust options |
| Clumping Ability | Excellent | Good |
| Tracking | More potential for tracking | Less potential for tracking |
| Price | $$ | $ |
| Availability | Widely available | Widely available |
| Health and Safety | No major concerns | No major concerns |
| Eco-Friendliness | More eco-friendly | Less eco-friendly |
Odor Control
One of the main reasons we use clumping cat litter is to help control odors in between full litter box cleanings. So odor control is a major factor to consider when choosing a cat litter brand.
Both Fresh Step and Scoop Away offer multiple litters designed to help neutralize nasty cat box smells. Fresh Step has their Double Duty and Multiple Cat litters infused with Febreze or activated charcoal for extra odor elimination. Scoop Away also has litters containing odor eliminating additives like ammonia destroyers and fragrance crystals.
When it comes to odor control power, Scoop Away’s litters tend to rate slightly higher than Fresh Step. This seems to be thanks to their use of ammonia destroyers like ammonium carbonate. The activated carbon in some Fresh Step litters also does a decent job, but may need to be changed more frequently than Scoop Away for optimal odor control.
Winner: Scoop Away
Dust Control
Breathing in clay dust when you scoop the litter box is annoying at best and problematic for those with allergies at worst. So low dust clumping litters are ideal, especially if the box is scooped daily.
Both Fresh Step and Scoop Away offer low dust options to help keep airborne particles to a minimum. Fresh Step’s Multi-Cat and Unscented litters are 99% dust free per the company’s testing. Scoop Away also has low dust litters including their Classic and Complete Performance brands.
When it comes to dust, there’s no clear winner here. Both companies aim to minimize dust in their clumping litters and even have dust-free promises on select varieties. For low dust litters, you can’t go wrong with either brand.
Winner: Tie
Also Read: Differences Between World’s Best Cat Litter Multi-Cat And Regular.
Clumping Ability
No one wants to deal with crumbly clumps or clay sticking to the litter box when scooping. We need clumps that hold firm for easy, clean scooping.
Fresh Step tends to have better clumping power overall compared to Scoop Away. Even their more basic Multi-Cat and Unscented litters form hard, coherent clumps.
Scoop Away is a decent clumping litter but can be prone to crumbles occasionally. Their newer Immediate Odor Control litter does clump more firmly than the regular Complete Performance though.
So if rock solid clumps are a top priority, Fresh Step takes the win here. Their Double Duty and Multiple Cat formulas really can’t be beat when it comes to clumping.
Winner: Fresh Step
Tracking And Scattering
One of the most annoying things about clay litter is finding it all over your floors after your cat exits the litter box. Tracking and scattering of granules is an issue with any clay-based clumping litter to some degree. But some are worse offenders than others when it comes to flinging litter all over the place.
Both Scoop Away and Fresh Step have medium sized granules in the standard litters. These more dense clumps don’t tend to get embedded in paws quite as much as fine particles. However, Fresh Step’s Multiple Cat litter does contain some smaller granules that can be more prone to tracking.
As far as scattering or flinging, that again comes down more to the individual cat’s digging and covering habits. Though some Fresh Step users do report the rounded shape of the granules allows them to scatter more easily.
Due to the mix of small and large granules, Fresh Step likely has a bit more potential for tracking and flinging overall. But results really depend most on your cat when it comes to these issues.
Winner: Scoop Away
Price Comparison
Cost always factors into any purchase decision including cat litter. As popular premium brands, neither Fresh Step or Scoop Away are the cheapest options on the market. But between the two, which gives you more bang for your buck?
On average, Fresh Step litters are a bit pricier than comparable Scoop Away varieties. Their standard clumping litters typically run about $15-$20 for a 10-lb jug. Whereas you can usually find Scoop Away clumping litters for $10-$15 per 10-lb container.
When it comes to specialty litters like lightweight, odor control, or multi-cat formulas, pricing is pretty comparable between the two brands. Though Scoop Away’s Immediate Odor Control does seem to be the most budget-friendly effective odor control option by far.
If price is your biggest factor, Scoop Away tends to be the more wallet-friendly choice overall. But loyal Fresh Step fans contend that the slightly higher cost is worth it for the quality.
Winner: Scoop Away
Availability
Convenience is key when it comes to cat litter. You want a brand that’s easy to pick up from multiple stores in your area. Fresh Step and Scoop Away are both made by major manufacturers (Clorox and Church & Dwight respectively) that distribute widely to national chains.
You shouldn’t have an issue finding either litter brand at Walmart, Target, pet stores, warehouse clubs, grocery stores, etc. Both litters are mass-produced and widely available at retailers across the country. There may be more selection variety in stores for Fresh Step. But popular Scoop Away litters should be stocked at most locations that sell cat litter.
Due to their comparable availability nationally, it’s another tie when it comes to convenience. Pick up either brand at your local big box or pet store.
Winner: Tie
Also watch this video of Fresh Step!
Health And Safety
Safety is also key when choosing any product for your pets. We want to pick cat litters that won’t negatively impact kitty’s health with their ingredients or dust.
Fresh Step and Scoop Away both use a clay base for their standard clumping litters. Non-clumping varieties utilize silica or pine. These materials are all generally safe for cats when used as directed. Just monitor your cat when switching litters in case they have an allergy or sensitivity.
Both brands also offer low dust options to minimize airborne irritation of respiratory systems. And their scented litters use fragrances and oils deemed safe for felines in the small amounts present. As with any product, supervise your cat and stop use if any symptoms develop.
There are no major health or safety concerns associated specifically with either the Fresh Step or Scoop Away product lines. Just pick an unscented style if your cat has scent sensitivities. And buy low dust to limit airborne irritants.
Winner: Tie
Eco-Friendliness
Many pet parents also consider the environmental impact of cat litters today. If eco-friendly factors into your decision, which brand compares better?
Fresh Step tends to be a bit more environmentally-conscious overall versus Scoop Away. Many of their litters are made from 100% natural clay and plant materials. Fresh Step also uses 30% less packaging than comparable leading brands. This allows them to ship more litters per truck lowering emissions.
Scoop Away does offer an unscented litter made of natural materials for cats with sensitivities. But most contain synthetic fragrance crystals and some even antimicrobials. Their packaging is also not generally as eco-friendly.
So for the more sustainably-made option, Fresh Step takes the win. Their natural clay litters and reduced packaging make them a bit gentler on Mother Earth.
Winner: Fresh Step
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No, Scoop Away and Fresh Step are made by different manufacturers – Church & Dwight and Clorox, respectively. They have similar clay clumping litters but differ in ingredients, scents, dust levels, and more.
Scoop Away reformulated their litters in 2018 to change the look and performance. Many cats and owners preferred the old version. But new ammonia blockers help the current Scoop Away better trap odors.
There are a few top contenders for best odor eliminating cat litter. Scoop Away’s Immediate Odor Control and Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal stand out for odor-destroying power. Fresh Step with Febreze and Dr. Elsey’s Ultra litter also rate well for neutralizing nasty smells.
Scoop Away is quite effective at controlling odors, especially formulas like their Immediate Odor Control litter. The antimicrobials, ammonia neutralizers, and fragrance beads combine forces to trap and mask smelly odors from cat waste. Their new litters are improved versus old versions when it comes to eliminating smells.
Also Read: Is World’s Best Cat Litter Better Than sWheat Scoop?
The Verdict
So when it comes to the Fresh Step versus Scoop Away debate, who comes out on top in this cat litter showdown?
For superior clumping power and tracking reduction, go with Fresh Step. Their hard clumps and mix of granule sizes help minimize messes.
For the best odor control on a budget, choose Scoop Away. Antimicrobials and fragrance boosters eliminate smells at bargain prices.
If eco-friendly is most important, pick Fresh Step. Their natural plant-based litters and reduced packaging have less environmental impact.
For widest selection availability, either brand works. Both are readily available at major retailers across the country.
The bottom line is you can’t go wrong with either of these cat litter giants. While one may edge out the other in certain areas, they both make quality clumping litters. So consider your cat’s needs, preferences, and your own priorities to decide if Fresh Step or Scoop Away fits best for your feline. Your cat will happily use the box as long as you provide a clean, inviting litter they enjoy digging in.