One of the essential aspects of cat care is choosing the right litter for your kitty’s litter box. But with so many options available, how do you know which one is best for your cat and your home?

In this article, we will explore the different types of cat litter, their pros and cons, and how to find the best one for your specific needs.

Table of Contents 


Is clumping or non-clumping cat litter better?

One of the first things you need to decide is whether you prefer clumping or non-clumping cat litter.

Clumping cat litter

Clumping cat litter forms solid clumps when it comes into contact with moisture, making it easy to scoop out the waste and keep the rest of the litter clean.

The main advantages of clumping cat litter:

  • It reduces odour by trapping the urine and faeces in clumps
  • It lasts longer and requires less frequent changing
  • It is more economical and less wasteful

The main disadvantage of clumping cat litter is:

  • Some clumping cat litters, like clay-based litter, can be dusty and track around the house

Non-clumping cat litter

Non-clumping cat litter absorbs moisture but does not form clumps, so you need to replace the entire tray of cat litter more often.

The main advantages of non-clumping cat litter are that it’s:

  • Usually cheaper
  • Low tracking 
  • More absorbent 
  • Lightweight 
  • Kitten friendly

The main disadvantages of non-clumping cat litter are:

  • The entire tray needs to be changed more often and generates more waste 
  • It can be messy and hard to clean

Is clumping or non-clumping cat litter best for you?

The choice between clumping and non-clumping cat litter depends on your personal preference, budget, and lifestyle. Some cats may also prefer one over the other, so you may need to experiment with different brands and types until you find the one your cat likes best.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of cat litter. With our Litter Lover’s Guarantee, if your cat doesn’t love their litter, we’ll replace it!

Other cat litter features to consider

Low tracking

Some cat litters are designed to minimise the amount of litter that gets stuck to your cat’s paws and spread around the house. This can help keep your home cleaner and reduce the risk of your cat ingesting the litter.

Biodegradable /eco-friendly

Some cat litters are designed to be biodegradable or eco-friendly, meaning that they can be composted or disposed of in an environmentally responsible way. This can help you reduce your carbon footprint and support the sustainability of the planet.

Odour neutralising

Some cat litters are designed to neutralise or eliminate the odour of your cat’s waste, making your litter box more pleasant and less smelly. This can help you improve the air quality and comfort of your home, as well as reduce the risk of your cat rejecting the litter box due to a bad smell.

Health-monitoring

Health-monitoring cat litters are designed to monitor your cat’s health by changing colour or indicating the pH level of your cat’s urine. This can help you detect early signs of urinary tract infections, kidney problems, diabetes, or other issues that may affect your cat’s well-being.

What is the best cat litter substrate?

Another factor to consider is the material or substrate of the cat litter. There are many different substrates available, each with their own characteristics and benefits.

Recycled paper cat litter

This type of cat litter is made from recycled paper or cardboard, which is shredded, compressed, and sometimes treated with baking soda or other additives to reduce odour.

Benefits of recycled paper cat litter:

  • Soft and lightweight – ideal for cats with sensitive paws 
  • Dust-free – ideal for cats with respiratory issues  
  • Eco-friendly and biodegradable

Downsides of recycled paper cat litter:

  • Not very absorbent and non-clumping, so it needs to be changed frequently 
  • May not control odour well 
  • Not as long-lasting as some other litter substrates

Examples of recycled paper cat litter include:


Tofu cat litter

This is a newer and more innovative type of cat litter, made from soybean and pea byproducts that are processed into granules or pellets.  

Benefits of tofu cat litter:

  • Soft and lightweight 
  • Low dust levels 
  • Eco-friendly, biodegradable 
  • Highly absorbent, clumping, and odour-controlling – it contains natural enzymes that break down the waste

Downsides of tofu cat litter:

  • It can be more expensive 
  • Some cats may not like the texture or smell

Examples of tofu cat litter:


Eco-friendly guide to cat litter

Clay cat litter

This is the most traditional and popular type of cat litter, made from natural clay minerals that absorb moisture and form clumps.

Benefits of clay cat litter:

  • Highly absorbent 
  • Clumping 
  • Odour-controlling 
  • Relatively cheap and easy to find

Downsides of clay cat litter:

  • Can be heavy and dusty – may cause issues if your cat has respiratory problems 
  • Higher levels of tracking – not be ideal for your home’s cleanliness

Examples of clay cat litter:


Corn cat litter

This type of cat litter is made from corn kernels or cobs that are ground, dried, and sometimes treated with additives to enhance their performance.

Benefits of corn cat litter:

  • Soft and lightweight
  • Low dust
  • Eco-friendly and biodegradable – it decomposes naturally
  • Highly absorbent, clumping, and odour-controlling – it contains natural starches and sugars that bind the waste 
  • Long-lasting

Downsides of corn cat litter:

  • It can be more expensive
  • Some cats may not like the texture or smell

Examples of corn cat litter:

Natural and wood-based cat litter

This type of cat litter is made from natural materials such as bamboo, wood, pine, walnut, or coconut, which are processed into pellets, granules, or shavings.

>Benefits of natural cat litter:

  • Many are soft and lightweight 
  • Low dust 
  • Eco-friendly, biodegradable, and compostable as it comes from renewable sources.  
  • Highly absorbent 
  • Odour-controlling – it contains natural oils and resins that neutralise the waste.

Downsides of natural cat litter:

  • It doesn’t clump as well as some other cat litters – needs to be changed more often 
  • Best used with a sifting cat litter tray

Examples of natural cat litter:


Plant fibre cat litter

This type of eco-friendly cat litter is made from natural plant cellulose.

Benefits of plant fibre cat litters:

  • Eco-friendly, biodegradable, and compostable 
  • Highly absorbent 
  • Low tracking 
  • Natural odour control

Downsides of plant fibre cat litter:

  • Non-clumping – needs to be changed more frequently

Examples of plant fibre cat litter:


What is the best cat litter for me?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The best cat litter for you depends on your personal preference, budget, lifestyle, and your cat’s personality, health, and behaviour.

You may need to try different types and brands of cat litter until you find the one that works best for you and your cat. Don’t forget about our Litter Lovers Guarantee while you’re searching for the perfect litter.

Not sure where to start with litter? Ask the friendly staff members at your local Petbarn store for some recommendations.