Are you confused by all of the different types of cat litters?
How do you know which litter will be best for your cat?
Are there particular types of litter that you should use for your cat with allergies?
What is clumping litter?
What is the best cat litter for multi cat households?
What are the pros and cons of different types of litter?
The answer to those questions and many others are below.
Different Types of Cat Litter
You can have the best cat litter in the world but you still need a cat litter mat that works and is easy to manage, like this one
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1. Clay Cat Litter
Clay cat litter is one of the oldest and most popular types of cat litter. It is available in two forms – clumping and non clumping.
Clumping clay litter
Clumping clay litters are made of clay materials (bentonite clay) that clump together when wet, allowing for easy scooping of both urine and solid waste.
This type of litter tends to last longer and keeps the litter box fresher with daily scooping.
Pros
Clumping clay litter is easy to scoop from the box, using a cat litter scoop, because urine and faeces form solid clumps.
The litter can be scooped as needed instead of discarding the entire box of litter. The box can then be topped topped up with litter.
This avoids having to empty the entire litter box when cleaning.
A pretty good list of pros making it easy to see why it is so popular worldwide.
Cons
Clumping clay litter can be dusty.
This dustiness varies from brand to brand and it really is trial and error on your part.
Your idea of dusty might not be my idea of dusty and so on. It’s always helpful to read reviews on the product page.
Non-clumping clay litter
Non-clumping clay litter is more affordable than clumping clay litter but requires dumping the entire litter box contents when cleaning, as it does not form clumps.
Non-clumping clay litter doesn’t clump because it’s made from materials like clay (without sodium bentonite) that absorbs moisture but doesn’t bind together.
Instead of forming solid clumps, it spreads the liquid throughout the material, controlling odor but making it harder to scoop compared to clumping litter.
The clay in non-clumping litters still provides absorbency and odor control properties.
Pros
Is more affordable.
Cons
Requires dumping the entire litter box contents when cleaning, as it does not form clumps.
2. Crystal (Silica Gel) Cat Litter
Silica gel in cat litter is a form of desiccant (a substance that absorbs moisture) made from sodium silicate. It usually comes in the form of small, clear, or colored beads or crystals that can absorb a significant amount of liquid and help control odor.
1. How is silica gel made into cat litter?
Silica gel is produced by combining sodium silicate with water and acid to form a gel-like substance.
This gel is then dried and broken into small beads or crystals.
For cat litter, these beads are often treated to neutralize odors and might be colored (with safe dyes) to indicate when they are saturated with moisture.
2. Is silica gel toxic?
In cat litter form, silica gel is designed to be safe, but ingestion in large amounts could cause digestive discomfort.
3. Is silica gel bad for the environment?
Silica gel cat litter is less eco-friendly than biodegradable options like wood, corn, or paper.
While it’s non-toxic and doesn’t release harmful chemicals, it:
- Doesn’t break down easily in landfills since it’s a synthetic product.
- Requires energy intensive processes for production. If environmental impact is a major concern, you might consider more natural, biodegradable litters.
4. Is silica gel an expensive form of cat litter?
Yes, silica gel cat litter tends to be more expensive than traditional clay based litter but lasts longer since it absorbs moisture efficiently and controls odor well.
You might find that the higher price is balanced out by less frequent changes.
5. Is silica gel cat litter heavy?
Silica gel litter is generally lighter than traditional clay (especially clumping) litter.
The beads are porous and less dense, making bags easier to carry and handle.
Pros
Crystal litter is lightweight.
Only need to remove the solid waste.
Cons
Crystal litter can be more expensive than other types of litter.
Some cats don’t like the sound or feel of the silica gel beads.
3. Wood Cat Litter
Wood litter is a more natural litter option, made from compressed wood shavings or pellets, typically from softwood trees like pine or cedar.
Wood litter is eco friendly and absorbent.
The wood is heat treated to break down tough fibers, making it gentle on paws while effectively controlling odor and moisture.
Wood cat litter is typically made from softwoods like pine or fir, as well as hardwoods such as beech or oak.
Pine is the most common choice because it is naturally absorbent, controls odor well, and contains antimicrobial properties.
The wood is kiln dried or heat treated to remove oils and sap, making the litter soft and safe for cats.
Pros
This type of litter could be preferred by pet owners seeking a more eco-friendly alternative.
It has a light, natural scent.
Wood is lighter weight than clay litter and easier on joints and muscles for older cats.
Cons
Wood litter may track more than clumping clay litters due to small particle size
4. Recycled Paper Litter
Recycled Paper Litter is made from recycled paper or cardboard and comes in paper pellets or a granule form.
It is biodegradable and dust free, making it suitable for cats with allergies or asthma.
Pros
Paper litter is made from recycled materials so it’s an eco-friendly option.
It has low dust and is generally scent free.
Paper litter minimizes tracking around the home compared to clay or silica litters.
Cons
It may not absorb odors as effectively as clay.
Pellet litter can be messy if the pellets break down too much.
May not be suitable for multi cat households due to increased waste.
5. Flushable Cat Litter
Flushable litter is another eco friendly option, typically made from materials like corn, wheat and plant fibers that are designed to break down rapidly in water.
Note: Flushable litter is not able to be used in some states (California) by law.
Pros
Flushable litter is more environmentally friendly than clay litter since the contents can be flushed down the toilet.
Flushable litter produces less waste sent to landfills than non-flushable litters.
Cons
Even “flushable” litters may not fully break down in septic or sewer systems and could cause plumbing issues.
It does not clump as effectively as clay litter, making it messier to use.
Flushable litter is typically more expensive than clay or silica litters.
It may be illegal to use in your area – check before purchasing.
6. Wheat Cat Litter
Wheat cat litter is made from processed wheat and is designed to be biodegradable, flushable, and natural.
Here’s how it’s typically made:
Whole wheat or wheat by products (like wheat starch, bran, or middlings) are sourced from farms or milling operations.
The wheat is ground into a fine powder or small granules.
Some manufacturers may mix in wheat starch or enzymes to enhance clumping ability.
The ground wheat is sometimes moistened to help it form uniform granules.
The processed wheat is compressed into small pellets or granules.
Some versions remain in loose ground form instead of being turned into pellets.
The pellets or granules are dried to remove excess moisture, improving shelf life and clumping performance.
Once dried, they are cooled to stabilize the final product.
The litter is tested for consistency, absorbency, and clumping ability.
It’s then packaged into bags or boxes for sale.
Because wheat contains natural enzymes, it helps neutralize odors and break down waste.
It’s also biodegradable and safer for the environment compared to clay-based litter.
Pros
Wheat litter is a natural, plant based alternative to clay.
It clumps urine well and controls odor fairly effectively.
Cons
Wheat litter is prone to developing fungus if allowed to get too moist.
Odor control is not as good as clumping clay for faeces.
It tends to be more expensive than clay litter
Would you like a recommendation for a good wheat cat litter brand?
7. Corn Cat Litter
Corn cat litter is made from ground corn cob particles, husks, and fibers, which are processed into granules or pellets.
Corn cobs are a by product of corn processing, so corn litter is a natural and biodegradable option.
The manufacturing process typically involves:
- Grinding & Processing – Whole corn or corn byproducts are ground into small particles.
- Drying & Dehydration – Moisture is removed to prevent mold growth.
- Binding & Clumping Treatment – Some brands add natural starches or plant-based binders to enhance clumping.
- Scent Control Additives (Optional) – Some formulations include baking soda or natural enzymes to help neutralize odors.
- Pelleting or Granulation – The material is shaped into pellets or small granules.
Will Cats Try to Eat It?
Some cats may be curious about the scent and texture, especially if they already enjoy nibbling on grains or plant based materials. However, most cats don’t eat litter regularly.
Is It Safe If Eaten?
Corn cat litter is generally non toxic, but eating large amounts could be harmful. Risks include:
- Digestive Issues – Corn is not meant to be consumed in large quantities and could cause blockages.
- Mold Growth (Aflatoxins) – If improperly stored, corn based litter can develop mold, producing toxic aflatoxins harmful to cats.
If your cat eats corn litter frequently, you may want to switch to a different type or consult a vet.
Pros
Corn litter is natural, dust-free, and lightweight. It’s gentler on cats’ paws than clay.
It clumps urine well and controls odors fairly effectively.
Cons
Odor control is not as strong as clay litters, especially for faeces.
Some corn litters are prone to mold/mildew growth if allowed to get too moist.
8. Grass Cat Litter
Grass litter is another natural option that offers excellent clumping properties and is biodegradable.
Grass cat litter is made from various dried grasses such as wheatgrass, oat grass or barley grass.
The harvested grass is thoroughly dried to remove moisture, which prevents mold and bacteria growth.
It is then ground into fine fibers or small pellets.
The grass fibers may be heat treated or undergo a sterilization process to kill bacteria and remove impurities.
Some formulations add natural plant based binders to improve clumping ability.
The dried grasses are processed into litter.
Pros
Grass litter is a natural, biodegradable option that is plant-based.
It has a light, natural scent and clumps urine well
Cons
Like other plant based litters, the odor control might not be as good as clay litters. There may also be mold growth if the litter get too moist.
9. Scented Cat Litter
Scented cat litter has additional fragrances like lavender or vanilla added to the litter. This is usually clay litter that has been infused with synthetic scents.
Types of Scents Used in Cat Litter
Artificial Fragrances – Synthetic perfumes, often floral or fresh scents, are commonly used to mask odors.
Essential Oils – Some natural litters use essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus to provide a more natural scent. However, some essential oils can be harmful to cats in high concentrations.
Activated Charcoal or Carbon – Instead of adding a fragrance, some litters include activated charcoal or carbon to absorb odors without a strong smell.
Baking Soda – Some litters include baking soda, which neutralizes odors rather than adding a distinct scent.
Zeolite or Silica Gel – These minerals help trap odors naturally while sometimes having a mild added fragrance.
How the Scent is Added
- Many clumping and non-clumping litters have fragrance-infused coatings on the granules, which release scent when moisture is detected.
- The fragrance is sometimes mixed directly into the clay, silica, or biodegradable material during production, ensuring even distribution.
- Some litters contain scented microbeads or crystals that slowly release fragrance over time.
- Some formulations are designed to release fragrance only when the litter comes into contact with moisture, helping to reduce strong smells when a cat urinates.
Pros
Scented litter can help mask odors in the litter box.
Cons
Strong scents can cause some cats to avoid the litter box or develop health issues.
Synthetic scents can irritate a cat’s respiratory system.
10. Unscented Cat Litter
Unscented cat litter does not contain any added fragrances. It is typically just the base litter material like clay, wheat, wood, etc. without synthetic scents.
Pros
Hypoallergenic – Less likely to cause respiratory issues for cats.
Cons
No cons. The odor in litter box will be based on the particular litter used.
11. Tofu Cat Litter
Tofu cat litter is made from made from soybean by products (like okara, the pulp left over from tofu production) and is known for being lightweight, biodegradable, and good at controlling odors.
The tofu is dried and compressed into litter granules.
Pros
Plant-based and natural material makes it a sustainable option.
Clumps urine well due to high protein content of tofu.
Less dust than clay litter, reducing respiratory issues for cats and humans.
Lightweight.
Cons
Stronger odors are not absorbed as well as clay.
May not be as readily available as other litters.
Requires more frequent changes than clay.
Because it’s made from food-grade materials, it may spoil if exposed to moisture for too long.
12. Walnut Cat Litter
Walnut litter is made from crushed walnut shells, offering a natural, eco-friendly, and highly absorbent option.
Walnut cat litter is made from crushed or powdered walnut shells.
Pros
Natural and biodegradable plant based material.
Made from a renewable resource and compostable
Has a soft texture that is gentle on paws.
Cons
Grinding shells could potentially damage septic systems.
Needs to be changed more frequently than clay.
May not be as readily available as other litters.
Some users report that the litter sticks to their cat’s paws and gets spread around.
Since it’s organic, some users notice it can attract insects if not stored properly.
13. Pine Cat Litter
Pine cat litter is made from softwood shavings or pellets. The softwood pine materials are dried and processed into litter.
Pros
Biodegradable material from a renewable resource.
Pine has natural absorbency and odor-fighting properties.
Unlike clay litter, pine litter produces minimal dust, making it a good choice for cats and humans with allergies.
Cons
Strong odors are not as well masked as clay.
Need to monitor pH levels as pine can be acidic.
More dust may be produced than clay.
Some cats might not like the feel of pellets compared to fine-grain clay litter.
14. Pretty Litter
Pretty Litter – Pretty Litter is a brand of litter but I have included it here because of the unique properties.
Pretty Litter is a clumping clay litter that changes color to indicate your cat’s health.
It starts blue and turns green when wet (normal) or other colors for potential health issues.
Pros
Provides a visual health indicator by changing color for pH levels.
Clumps waste like traditional clay litter.
May help catch health issues earlier.
Cons
More expensive than regular clay litter.
Color changes don’t replace annual vet check ups.
Cats may try to eat or play with colored litter.
Odor control may not be as effective as scented litter.
Significant Features of Different Types of Cat Litters
Different cat litters come with different features that help cater to the preferences of both cats and their owners.
Some of these features of cat litter include odor control, absorbency, texture, weight, and scent.
Odor Control Of Cat Litter
Odor control is an essential aspect to consider when choosing cat litter. Litters with good odor control can efficiently neutralize or suppress the strong smells from cat waste.
Clumping litters, for instance, are known for their ability to trap urine and ammonia odors.
Absorbency Of Cat Litter
A cat litter’s absorbency plays a crucial role in maintaining a clean and dry litter box.
Highly absorbent litters can quickly soak up cat urine and help prevent a soggy litter box.
Clay based litters, for example, are known for their high absorbency.
Texture Of Cat Litter
Cats tend to prefer certain textures in their litter, which can affect their willingness to use the litter box.
Soft textures are generally preferred, as they are gentle on cat paws and encourage digging and burying.
Some common textures in cat litters include a sand like texture, a pellet based texture, and a granular texture.
Weight Of Cat Litter
The weight of cat litter can impact the ease of handling and cleaning.
Lightweight litters are easier to transport and pour into the cat’s litter box, while heavyweight litters might provide firmer and more stable footing for cats.
It’s essential to strike a balance between the ease of use and a cat’s preferences.
Scented vs Unscented Cat Litter
Cat litters come in scented or unscented varieties.
Scented cat litters typically contain artificial fragrances to help mask odors, whereas unscented litters rely on their natural odor control properties.
Scent preferences can vary among cats, and some may be sensitive to strong fragrances, making unscented litters a more suitable choice in such cases.
Low Tracking Of Cat Litter
Low tracking litters help reduce the spread of litter outside the box, making clean up more manageable.
Non clay litters, such as wood or paper based litters, tend to be low tracking due to their larger size and lower dust production.
Tight Clumps Cat Litter
Some litters form tight clumps when moistened, such as clumping clay litters, which can make scooping waste much easier.
Tight clumps can also aid in odor control by isolating waste and preventing it from permeating the surrounding litter.
Environmental Considerations Of Different Cat Litter
Eco Impact of Cat Litter
Traditional cat litters, mainly made of clay, can have a significant impact on the environment.
The extraction of most clay litters contributes to land degradation, soil erosion, deforestation, and depletion of natural resources.
When disposed of, clay based litters can take a long time to decompose, adding to the volume of waste in landfills or incineration facilities and emitting greenhouse gases. A massive problem!
The use of non renewable resources, such as the silica gel litter, can further exacerbate the environmental implications.
Standard cat litters can contain harmful additives like fragrance and synthetic chemicals, which can leach into the soil and water systems, affecting ecosystems and wildlife.
Biodegradable Cat Litters
Biodegradable cat litters offer a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional litters. They are typically made from renewable, natural materials, such as:
Wheat
A prime example is SwheatScoop Natural Wheat Litter that employs enzymes from renewable wheat crops to counter odors. This product is low-dust, low-tracking, biodegradable, and compostable.
Recycled paper
Fresh News Recycled Paper Litter is made from reclaimed paper with no added chemicals, making it eco-friendly and safe for the environment.
Wood Litter
Ökocat Original Natural Wood Cat Litter uses sawdust and wood shavings, which are by products of lumber production. This option is biodegradable, and it can also be composted.
Walnut shells
Naturally Fresh Cat Litter, made from crushed walnut shells, is a sustainable alternative, given that walnut trees are a renewable resource
These biodegradable litters not only reduce the environmental footprint but also maintain a good level of odor control, moisture absorption, and easy to scoop qualities.
Issues Related to Different Types Of Cat Litter
Respiratory issues can be a significant concern for both cats and their human companions.
The dust generated by some cat litter types, such as clay, can cause or aggravate respiratory conditions like asthma.
It is essential to look for low dust or dust free cat litters to minimize respiratory problems.
Other health issues may arise from the use of certain cat litter types. For example, some cats may experience allergies to specific materials, such as wheat or corn litter or walnut shells. It is crucial to monitor your cat’s reaction to any new litter type and be willing to switch if you notice any adverse effects on their health.
Messes can be a common problem for cat owners, especially when using non-clumping litters.
Cats may inadvertently kick the litter out of the box, causing it to scatter around the area.
Clumping litter can help reduce mess by easily removing soiled litter. However, even with clumping litter, some cats may still track particles throughout the home.
Dust and tracking are closely related issues. When cats exit the litter box, they may carry litter particles on their paws. Make sure you have a decent cat litter mat.
This tracking can lead to the spread of litter dust around your home, thus contributing to respiratory issues.
Choosing a low tracking litter with larger or denser granules may help mitigate this issue.
Different Litter Selection for Kittens
Kittens are more likely to ingest litter while learning to groom themselves, so a non toxic, dust free, and unscented litter is recommended.
Clay or clumping litter should be avoided until the kitten is at least four months old.
Instead, pet parents should opt for paper or wood-based litter, since these materials pose fewer risks if ingested.
Some suitable types of cat litter for kittens include:
Paper- based litter
Paper cat litter is made from recycled paper and has a soft texture that’s gentle on kittens’ paws. This litter is biodegradable and less likely to cause harm if ingested by the kitten.
Wood- based litter
Made from wood shavings or sawdust, this type of litter is eco-friendly and has a natural scent. The soft texture will also be comfortable for kittens to walk on.
Cat Litter Considerations for Cats Recovering from Surgery
When a cat is recovering from surgery, selecting the right type of cat litter is essential for the cat’s health.
Post operative complications can be minimized by choosing a litter that is gentle on the cat’s paws and incision site.
Pet parents should avoid harsh materials as well as scented litter which can both cause irritation and discomfort. A paper pelleted litter or low dust cat litter is a good choice in this case.
