Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Cat Litter for You and Your Cat
There are sooo many cat litter options, so how do you choose the one that’s right for your cat and you?
Many cat owners choose eco-friendly options because they want to protect the environment but eco-friendly cat litter isn’t always better for cats. Cats with allergies or asthma will have more specific litter needs that won’t be met with environmentally-friendly litter options.
Types of cat litter
Clay litter
Clay litter, typically made from bentonite clay (volcanic ash), is absorbent and inexpensive. Not all clay litters are created the same. Even 100% clay cat litter will vary in size, dust levels, and shape.
This is because cat litter companies follow different processes. Some use fillers, too, because cat litter is unregulated. This is true of all cat litter, not just the clay ones.
Clay litter is NOT clumping by default, so that is something to watch for if you want or need clumping litter. Multi-cat households, and even homes with one adult cat, benefit most from clumping litter, since it traps odors better and is easier to scoop.
Lightweight clay litter is often more expensive, and the only difference is in the weight.
Tidy Cats litter is less dusty than most department store cat litters, but dustier than Arm & Hammer cat litter.
Non-clumping clay litter dries out poo and absorbs cat urine, turning the litter darker in color. Clumping litter will form clumps around urine and feces, which helps trap odors better since the urine isn’t out in the open. You will be able to see cat poo with non-clumping litter.
Clay litter is not biodegradable and must be disposed of in the garbage, but you can use biodegradable trash bags.
Natural/biodegradable litters
Natural cat litters are made of eco-friendly materials and usually lightweight. Some biodegradable litters are low-dust, but many aren’t. Corn and paper litter is higher in dust, unless it is in pellets.
Natural litter doesn’t usually clump well and is more expensive than clay litter.
Cats with allergies and asthma may not be compatible with litter made of wood, specifically pine and cedar.
Soy litter, also known as tofu litter, is dust-free, but it’s susceptible to mold when not stored properly or scooped regularly.
Emergency cat litter
Rice can be used as emergency cat litter, but you will need to completely switch it out every 1-3 days, depending on how often your cat uses it. The longer you leave wet rice alone, the more it ferments and causes an odor. This isn’t safe for you or your cat. Rice doesn’t absorb cat urine.
Oats can be made into litter with baking soda and salt.
Neither of these options are amazing long-term, but they work in a pinch. You can also use potting soil mix; be wary of dirt, sand and soil from outside because there could be fleas.
Crystal litter
Crystal litter is also marketed as silica gel; they are the same thing.
Crystal litter has about the same tracking as clay litter, but some cats don’t like the texture. Crystal litter is also more expensive. Odor control is generally good, unless you have a cat with a bladder infection or a cat with a higher concentration of the fel d 1 protein.
Crystal litter dries out feces, but does not work as well on non-solid feces, complicating the scooping process. Urine will turn the crystal litter yellow, unless it’s the type of litter that changes color based on your cat’s health.
Crystal litter shouldn’t be used for kittens, who may swallow the crystals while grooming. That is at least a $400 vet visit that might not even be covered by pet insurance.
Adult cats might swallow crystal litter, too, but kittens are smaller and often messier in the litter box, thus more prone to litter box catastrophes.
Choosing the right litter
Here are some tips on choosing the litter that will work for both your cat and you.
1. Litter box preferences and habits
Consider your cat’s preferences and litter box habits. You can buy small containers of litter until you find the one your cat most prefers.
According to Dr. Pam Perry, a feline behavior specialist at Cornell University of Veterinary Medicine, most cats prefer fine-textured clumping clay litter that is unscented.
If litter frequently gets kicked out of the box or you find litter a few feet from the litter box, look for low-tracking options.
2. Match absorbency level to number of cats and boxes
Some brands make litter specifically for multiple cats. Arm & Hammer litter includes baking soda, but you can also mix baking soda into some litters by yourself if you prefer other brands.
3. Get lightweight litter if you need to frequently carry and empty it
If you need to transport litter to various places in your home, or can’t lift litter easily, look for lightweight litter. The only difference in lightweight litter is that it’s not as heavy as the regular stuff. The particles in lightweight litter are usually more porous, meaning they have more holes, than the regular litter, which creates more airflow (lighter feel).
4. Clumping vs. non-clumping
Choose clumping vs non-clumping based on your cleaning needs.
Choose clumping if you want to scoop urine and feces out of the box.
Choose non-clumping if you don’t mind if you see feces and don’t care about scooping urine. Non-clumping litter may last longer, since you’re not scooping as many large clumps. Non-clumping litter is also better if you need to monitor your cat’s bathroom habits (but so is some crystal litter).
5. Odor control
Prioritize odor control if your cats produce more fel d 1 than typical cats in their urine, or your cat generally has gastrointestinal issues. Even cats with gastro issues on a medical treatment plan may still need litter with odor control.
Activated charcoal deodorizers — both powders specifically for litter boxes and pouches — can help absorb odors associated with litter boxes. Baking soda also helps, but will create additional dust.
Ease your cat into lightly scented litter rather than springing it on them out of nowhere.
6. Dust
If you or your cat have respiratory conditions — like allergies or asthma — opt for low-dust options. Some cat litter labeled “low dust” is not actually low-dust. Tidy Cats Instant Action (the blue carton) is one of these; every time your cat uses the litter, the dust will permeate the air.
7. Budget
Clay litter is the cheapest cat litter, if budget is a concern. Crystal and natural cat litters cost more due to the materials involved.
Homemade litter options, like oatmeal or paper — both in crumbles and pellets — may be cheaper in the long run for cat owners who need to save on cat litter.
The best cat litter depends on your cat’s needs and your own. Experiment to see which litters your cat likes best, that also work for you (since you’ll be the one scooping it!).