Spoilt for Choice? Discover Which Cat Litter is Best for Your Feline Friend
This article is written by Pet Circle veterinarian,
Whether you're already a crazy cat parent or about to adopt your very first feline friend, choosing the right cat litter can be a big task! You can choose from a wide variety of litter substrates nowadays including clay, crystal, tofu, corn, wood and paper. You also need to consider which litter factors are most important to you such as clumping vs non-clumping, litter tracking, environmental impact, odour control and cost. It can be overwhelming but rest assured we can help you find the best type of litter to suit both you and your cat's needs!
To Clump or Not to Clump?
Clumping technology involves litter bonding with urine to form easy to remove clumps, and is available in a variety of materials such as clay, crystal, tofu, corn and wood. Generally, clumping litter is a bit more expensive than non-clumping, but is associated with easier daily clean-up and longer lasting litter, making the price difference less significant.
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Choosing the Best Type of Litter for Your Cat
Clay Litter
Clay litter is one of the oldest and most commonly used types of cat litter, and is available in both clumping and non-clumping varieties. Most cats prefer clay litter as it is similar to soil or sand that cats use in the wild, so if you are unsure about which litter to use, clay litter is usually a good place to start. Clumping clay litter is made from natural bentonite clay which rapidly absorbs liquids for easy removal of waste. The downsides to clay litter are that it is less environmentally friendly and is associated with increased litter tracking. Avoid clay litter in cats with asthma or allergies as they are typically more dusty.
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Catsan Ultra Clumping Cat Litter
Catsan Ultra is a classic clay litter that forms tight clumps for easy removal of liquid waste, whilst also offering excellent odour control.
The Catsentials Zeolite Clay Cat Litter
The Catsentials Zeolite Clay Cat Litter is non-clumping and provides great odour control through its high absorbency.
Trouble & Trix Ultra Scoop Cat Litter
Trouble and Trix Ultra Scoop Cat Litter has a triple action formula to reduce odours with clumping technology.
Crystal Litter
Crystal litter is made from silica gel, which is highly effective at absorbing moisture and unpleasant odours. It involves less frequent cleaning and less litter tracking, however is not as environmentally friendly as other types of litter. Crystal litter is not suitable for young kittens who may eat their litter, as it can be toxic when ingested.
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Catsan Crystals Litter is a highly absorbent, long lasting cat litter with superior odour control.
Trouble and Trix Crystal Lavender Cat Litter
Trouble and Trix Lavender Crystal Cat Litter is long lasting, highly absorbent crystal litter features a delicate lavender scent to neutralise odours and is ideal for reducing dust and litter tracking through the house.
The Catsentials Crystal Cat Litter
The Catsentials Crystal Cat Litter is a budget friendly option for those who prefer low tracking and long lasting crystal cat litter.
Plant-based Litter
Plant-based litters are taking the market by storm and can be made from recycled paper, wood, tofu or corn. They are completely biodegradable, have high absorbency and are low tracking. As they are of course environmentally friendly, they are a great way to reduce your environmental paw print!
1. Tofu litter
Tofu litter is one of the newest types of cat litter available, made from natural soybean fibre. It is a popular litter as it is plant-based, environmentally friendly and biodegradable. It's also a gentle litter material, making it a perfect choice for kittens.| PROS | CONS |
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2. Corn litter
Corn litter is another popular and environmentally friendly litter option that is biodegradable, absorbent and provides high odour control. It is important to keep the bag well sealed, as unsealed bags can let in moisture which can lead to the development of toxic mould.| PROS | CONS |
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3. Paper litter
Paper litter is made from recycled newspapers and is eco-friendly, safe and scent-free. Keep in mind though, that not all cats will use paper litter as some don't like the texture and feel of it.| PROS | CONS |
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4. Wood litter
Wood litter is made from recycled wood pine and is eco-friendly, compostable and biodegradable. It is well known for its natural pine scent which helps to control odours.| PROS | CONS |
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Scrunch and Sticks Natural Tofu Clumping Cat Litter
Scrunch and Sticks Natural Tofu Clumping Litter is made from natural soy pellets, without the use of any chemicals. It has excellent absorbency, natural odour control and is low tracking.
Rufus & Coco Wee Kitty Clumping Corn Litter
Rufus & Coco Wee Kitty Clumping Corn Litter is completely biodegradable, flushable and forms tight clumps which rival traditional clay clumping litters.
Scrunch & Sticks Natural Recycled Paper Cat Litter
Scrunch and Sticks Natural Recycled Paper Litter is natural, biodegradable and eco-friendly. It is scientifically proven to be the most absorbable and odour-controlling paper-based litter on the market.
Catmate Wood Pellet Cat Litter
Catmate Wood Pellet Cat Litter is a fully biodegradable wood pellet litter that offers excellent absorbency and odour control.
Litter Needs for Kittens
As kittens are naturally curious and may play or eat their litter, avoid using clumping clay or crystal litters as they can cause gastrointestinal issues if ingested. Tofu or paper litters are much safer options for kittens. When selecting a litter tray, make sure it has low enough sides that are easy to access for little kitten legs.
Ask the shelter or breeder which type of litter and tray your kitten was previously using, so you can use the same ones when they come home. Selecting litter and trays that your kitten is already familiar with will make toilet training much easier. Cats don't like change so selecting a litter type and tray your kitten is already familiar with will ease their adjustment into their new home. You can always transition to another litter later on once your kitten has settled in.
Kitten Litter Recommendations
Breeder's Choice is made from recycled paper making it light, cost effective and highly absorbent.
Oz Pet Animal Pine Wood Litter
Oz Pet Animal Pine Wood Litter is an environmentally friendly, non-clumping litter that is highly absorbent.
The Poowee Cat Litter Tray has easy access for your kitten whilst still helping to contain litter scatter. It also comes in a variety of sizes to accommodate your kitten as it grows.
Urine Off Cat And Kitten Formula Spray
Urine Off is useful for cleaning little accidents and preventing lingering odours.
Litter Needs for Senior Cats
Cats are meticulous groomers, and this includes cleaning their paws after using the litter box. If you have an elderly cat who may struggle to lick their paws, choose a non-tracking litter made from larger granules that is less likely to get stuck between their toes, such as tofu, corn and other plant-based litters.
Elderly cats may have difficulty getting in and out of their litter box due to reduced mobility associated with arthritis. To make them more comfortable, select a litter box with a low entry for easy access, but high sides to prevent litter scattering as your cat digs. Large uncovered trays are best so they have plenty of room for your cat to be able to comfortably turn around in without having their movement restricted.
Senior Cat Litter Recommendations
Rufus & Coco Wee Kitty Eco Plant Clumping Litter
Rufus and Coco Wee Kitty Eco Plant Clumping Litter is vegan-friendly, extremely absorbent and long lasting.
Rufus & Coco Wee Kitty Clumping Corn Litter
Rufus & Coco Wee Kitty Clumping Corn Litter is completely biodegradable, flushable and forms tight clumps which rival traditional clay clumping litters.
SmartCat Corner Litter Box Grey
The SmartCat Corner Litter Box conveniently fits into corner spots in your home and has a low entry with high sides to avoid your senior cat kicking litter out.
Make cleaning up after your cat a breeze with this Rufus & Coco Litter Scoop that features a handy clip that attaches to the side of most litter trays.
Litter Hygiene
Cats are very clean creatures, so it is important to keep their litter trays nice and clean too by removing waste at least daily and cleaning the trays once a week with a mild detergent. Make sure to provide your cat with enough litter trays (one tray per cat, plus one extra), and place them in easily accessible, quiet locations in your home with two-way access, away from their food and water bowls. These simple steps will make a world of difference to your cat!
Further reading
Inappropriate Toileting in Cats
Want to know more? Check out our Discover Page for more tips on keeping your pets happy and healthy.