The invention is directed toward a high performance clay-based animal litter that is comprised of a clay-based liquid-absorbing material, and at least one filler coated with at least one clumping agent. The particle size of the liquid-absorbing material is small and provides the litter with a “sandy” appearance. The high performance litter is found to be surprisingly effective in containing odors and reducing tracking and dusting. It does not contain foaming agents and/or acids to trigger foaming, and does not utilize foams to block odors.