Do you have a kitty at home? Okay, this article is tailor-made for you. As cute as these pets can be, they can also leave behind a mess that takes hours of energy to clean. The thing is that cats tend to kick litter out of the box, and their hair can cling to furniture, bedding, and floors. That’s where the best vacuum for cat litter comes in. Today, you can find a vacuum specifically designed to clean up cat mess. So, we conducted several tests to recommend five vacuums that can make quick work of cat litter. Read on to find out!
Will Vacuums be Damaged by Cat Litter?
The answer is yes: cat litter can damage your vacuum if it doesn’t come with the capabilities to handle such dirt. The thing is that some cat litter can be sharp or hard, which may directly cut the vacuum filter. In addition, hard litter can escape into the motor or fan, causing potential breakdown. Note that vacuums with weak motors can overheat when dealing with large litters.
Another thing to watch out for when dealing with cat litter is brush roll issues. As you may already know, most vacuums come with rotating brush rolls. These rolls can contact wet cat litter, which can cause tangling. Some brush rolls can also scatter cat litter instead of sucking them in, making cleaning a messy process.
How to Avoid Vacuum Damage Caused by Cat Litter
Your vacuum is an expensive investment that you should handle with care, especially when dealing with stubborn cat litter. That’s why we have created this section to share with you several tips to prevent damaging your vacuum when cleaning cat litter.
1. Choose the Right Litter
Avoid clumping clay litter: It hardens when exposed to moisture, potentially clogging your vacuum. Opt for non-clumping, silica gel, or low-dust litter instead.
Sweep first: Remove large clumps or scattered litter manually before vacuuming.
2. Don’t Vacuum Wet Litter
Avoid vacuuming wet or clamped cat litter at all costs. Instead, you can scoop up web litter before vacuuming the spot. The thing is that damp litter can stick to horses or damage your brush rolls. In worst-case scenarios, this can clog vacuum filters.
3. Empty the Bag/Bin Regularly
We understand that some high-end robot vacuums come with self-maintenance stations. However, regularly emptying the dust bag/cup can prevent clogs and maintain optimal performance. If possible, empty the bin after every use.
4. Regularly Clean Your House
You should regularly clean your house to prevent cat litter and hair buildup. This way, your vacuum may not need to strain when dealing with pet messes in your home. You can have a cleaning routine of, let’s say, daily or weekly.
What’s the Best Vacuum for Cat Litter?
As mentioned before, dealing with cat litter effectively requires carefully selecting a vacuum cleaner. This can ensure efficient cleaning while significantly minimizing repair costs. Below are our top choices for cleaning cat litter:
1. eufy e20 – Best Overall
This powerful vacuum is our top choice for cleaning cat litter in 2025. It comes into this list as the winner of the CES Best Innovation Award, thanks to its 3-in-1 design. The flexible design makes it the best handheld vacuum for cat litter while also providing stick and robot vacuum modes. This combo gives you the most control when dealing with cat litter in any cleaning situation.
Other handy features of eufy e20 include:
- 30,000pa of suction power to effectively suck and clean cat messes.
- A 3L bag to hold up to 10 weeks of cat mess before self-emptying.
- A Pro-Detangle comb for reverse rotation to prevent hair tangling.
- AeroTurboTM five-stage filtration system for capturing 99.97% of fine dirt.
- Customizable cleaning modes and scheduled cleaning.
2. eufy S1 Pro Omni – Best Robot Vacuum
Good looks and cleaning efficiency are the two words that describe this premium-grade robot vacuum. S1 Pro Omni boasts sport and durable build, making it stand out in your home. This robot vacuum can easily glide through your floor to vacuum and mop cat litter with ease. It can deliver up to 1kg of downward pressure, meaning cat litter and debris don’t stand a chance against its cleaning prowess.
Here are a few features to note:
- 8,000pa of potent suction power for effectively cleaning up cat messes.
- Corner-to-Edge design for effectively reaching hidden cat litter.
- Washable filter for easy maintenance and long-lasting performance.
- Customizable mop and vacuum modes to suit your cleaning needs.
- A Pro-Detangle brush roll to prevent pet hair tangling.
3. BISSEL CleanView Swivel Rewind – Best Stick Vacuum
Stick vacuums can give you more control over cat litter and other dirt in your home. With this BISSEL vacuum, you can enjoy more upright cleaning, as well as clean up hard-to-reach surfaces like stairs and furniture. It’s a lightweight vacuum, so you can carry it anywhere and clean up pet messes without spending too much energy.
Let’s list some of its features below:
- Strong suction to suck in pet hair and cat litter effortlessly.
- Specialized pet tools and accessories for efficiently cleaning cat litter.
- Quick-release extension wand for effective and efficient cleaning.
- Washable motor filter to prevent clogs and maintain performance.
4. Hoover ONEPWR Evolve Pet Cordless Vacuum – Best Bagless Vacuum
Are you tired of frequently spending money on vacuum bags? You can kiss goodbye to those expenses with Hoover ONEPWR Evolve Pet. It’s a lightweight stick vacuum with a 1L capacity, enough to last you a few sessions of cleaning up pet messes. According to the manufacturer, that’s a 3x larger dirt cup than competitors.
Below are some of its features:
- Strong suction to clean up pet hair and litter effortlessly.
- Lightweight and cordless design for cleaning pet hair anywhere in your home.
- Adjustable brush roll and suction power for efficient cleaning.
- Antimicrobial QuickPass brush roll to prevent odor and bacteria.
The Summing Up
We hope you enjoyed reading this guide. Buying the best vacuum for cat litter can significantly make a difference when looking to maintain a clean and odor-free home. When choosing a vacuum for cleaning pet messes, consider vital features like suction power, filtration system, and brush roll design. If you ask us, the eufy e20 ticks most boxes, coming with an incredible 30,000pa of suction power and a flexible design for cleaning convenience. However, choose what’s best for your needs and budget. Happy cleaning, kitty owner!