As a cat owner, few decisions are as fundamental—and as fraught with potential pitfalls—as choosing the right cat litter. Get it right, and you have a happy cat and a fresh-smelling home. Get it wrong, and you might be dealing with “accidents” outside the box, a cat on strike, and a nose-wrinkling odor that just won’t quit.
With a dizzying array of options lining the pet store shelves, how do you choose? This comprehensive guide will walk you through the 10 most common types of cat litter, comparing their pros, cons, and best uses, so you can make an informed decision for both you and your feline friend.
First, Consider the Feline: What Does Your Cat Want?
Before we dive into the litter types, remember the most important critic: your cat. They have innate preferences, often rooted in their wild ancestry. Most cats prefer a soft, sand-like texture that’s easy to dig in. They also generally dislike strong perfumes and loud, automated boxes. A sudden change in litter can cause stress and lead to avoidance. When in doubt, think “soft, unscented, and deep.”
The Ultimate Cat Litter Comparison: 10 Types Explained
Here’s a breakdown of the most popular litter types on the market.
1. Clay Clumping Litter
The most popular and widely available type.
- How it Works: Made from sodium bentonite clay, which forms tight, solid clumps when it gets wet. These clumps can be easily scooped out, leaving the rest of the litter clean.
- Pros:
- Excellent odor control (especially in scented versions).
- Very easy to scoop and maintain.
- Most cats are familiar and accept it readily.
- Affordable and easy to find.
- Cons:
- Dusty, which can be a problem for cats and owners with respiratory issues.
- Heavy to carry and pour.
- Not biodegradable; ends up in landfills.
- Tracking can be significant.
- Best For: First-time cat owners and households with cats who aren’t picky.
2. Clay Non-Clumping Litter
The old-school standard.
- How it Works: Made from absorbent clay (often fuller’s earth). It absorbs urine but doesn’t clump. You must stir it to distribute moisture and do a full litter change frequently.
- Pros:
- Very inexpensive.
- Readily available.
- Cons:
- Poor odor control as urine pools at the bottom.
- Wasteful and less hygienic, requiring complete changes more often.
- Can be very dusty.
- Best For: Those on an extremely tight budget, but it’s generally not recommended for long-term use due to hygiene concerns.
3. Silica Gel Crystal Litter
The high-tech, moisture-wicking option.
- How it Works: Made from porous silica gel beads. The crystals absorb urine and trap the moisture inside, locking away odor. Solid waste sits on top to be scooped.
- Pros:
- Superior odor control for urine; very low odor when maintained.
- Incredibly long-lasting—a single box can last a month for one cat.
- Very low dust and minimal tracking.
- Lightweight.
- Cons:
- The crunchy texture can be off-putting to some cats.
- One of the more expensive options.
- You need to watch for saturation; the crystals change color when full.
- Best For: Busy owners who want low-maintenance, long-lasting odor control and have a cat that accepts the texture.
4. Pine Litter
A natural and eco-friendly choice with a fresh scent.
- How it Works: Made from compressed pine sawdust. When urine hits it, the pellets disintegrate into sawdust, which falls to the bottom of the box.
- Pros:
- Excellent, natural pine scent that neutralizes ammonia odor.
- Very low dust and minimal tracking.
- Biodegradable and compostable (the sawdust).
- Affordable.
- Cons:
- The pelleted texture isn’t preferred by all cats.
- The sawdust must be sifted out, requiring a special sifting litter box.
- The pine scent is strong; your cat (and you) must like it.
- Best For: Eco-conscious owners whose cats don’t mind a pelleted litter.
5. Wheat Litter
A natural clumping alternative.
- How it Works: Made from processed wheat. The natural enzymes in wheat clump when wet and naturally neutralize odors.
- Pros:
- Clumps well and is flushable and biodegradable.
- Natural, light, pleasant scent (like baking bread).
- Soft, sand-like texture that most cats love.
- Dust-free.
- Cons:
- Can attract pantry pests if stored improperly.
- May develop a sweet, sour smell if not scooped frequently.
- Clumps can be stickier and break apart more easily than clay.
- Best For: Owners seeking a natural, clumping litter that is cat-friendly.
6. Corn Litter
Another excellent natural clumper.
- How it Works: Made from ground corn cobs. Similar to wheat, it uses natural plant enzymes to clump and control odor.
- Pros:
- Excellent clumping ability.
- Soft texture is a hit with most cats.
- Biodegradable and often flushable.
- Very low dust.
- Cons:
- Can also attract bugs.
- Some brands can have a faint corn chip smell.
- Can be more expensive than clay.
- Best For: A great all-around natural choice, especially for picky cats who prefer a soft texture.
7. Paper Litter
A soft, safe option for specific situations.
- How it Works: Made from recycled, shredded, or pelleted paper. It’s highly absorbent but typically non-clumping.
- Pros:
- Virtually dust-free.
- Very soft and comfortable on paws.
- Highly absorbent.
- Biodegradable.
- Cons:
- Very poor odor control; needs changing very frequently.
- Doesn’t clump, making cleanup messy.
- Can get soggy quickly.
- Best For: Post-surgery recovery (especially after declawing, which is not recommended), kittens who might ingest litter, and cats with respiratory allergies.
8. Walnut Shell Litter
A unique, natural option that’s dark in color.
- How it Works: Made from ground walnut shells. The fibrous material is highly absorbent and forms soft, firm clumps.
- Pros:
- Excellent natural odor control.
- Soft, sand-like texture.
- Biodegradable and eco-friendly.
- Low dust.
- Cons:
- The dark color can make it hard to monitor a cat’s urine output.
- Can be tracked and may stain light-colored floors.
- Not as widely available.
- Best For: Owners looking for an effective, natural clumping litter and who don’t mind the dark color.
9. Grass Seed Litter
A newer, sustainable player on the scene.
- How it Works: Made from fast-growing, renewable grasses. It forms remarkably hard, tight clumps that are resistant to sticking to the box.
- Pros:
- Forms some of the hardest clumps, making scooping a breeze.
- Very low dust and tracking.
- Soft texture.
- Biodegradable and sustainable.
- Cons:
- Can be one of the more expensive natural litters.
- May have a mild, grassy smell.
- Best For: Those who want the clumping power of clay but in a natural, eco-friendly form.
10. Recycled Newspaper Pellets
Similar to paper litter but in pelleted form.
- How it Works: Pellets made from recycled newspaper. They are highly absorbent and control odor through absorption.
- Pros:
- Extremely affordable and eco-friendly.
- Virtually dust-free.
- Non-toxic and safe if ingested.
- Cons:
- Non-clumping, requiring full changes.
- Pellet texture is often disliked by cats.
- Odor control is mediocre.
- Best For: Same as paper litter—great for recovering cats or as a temporary, low-dust solution.
Your Decision-Making Checklist
When standing in the litter aisle, ask yourself these questions:
- What texture does my cat prefer? (Soft and sandy is usually safest.)
- How important is odor control to me? (Crystals and clumping clay are top contenders.)
- Am I looking for low maintenance? (Clumping litters and crystals are easiest.)
- Is eco-friendliness a priority? (Look to wheat, corn, pine, paper, or grass seed.)
- Do I or my cat have dust allergies? (Avoid clay; choose crystals, paper, or natural litters.)
- What is my budget? (Non-clumping clay is cheapest upfront; crystals are cheapest long-term.)
The Final Scoop
The “best” litter is a partnership between your preferences and your cat’s instincts. If you’re switching, do it gradually by mixing the new litter with the old over a week. Pay attention to your cat’s behavior. If they are using the box consistently and without hesitation, you’ve found a winner. Happy digging