People who have never lived with a cat before might think that all cat litter is the same. Of course, cat parents know that’s not the case. There are so many varieties of cat litter that it can be just as difficult to choose as cat food. So, what are the types of cat litter? And how do you pick the best type of cat litter for your furry friend?
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Types of Cat Litter
Some types of kitty litter are definitely more popular than others. Yet, all options can provide a functional bathroom for your cat. So, let’s look at the features of each cat litter type, along with some examples of products of that litter type.
1. Clay Cat Litter
When someone mentions cat litter, clay litter is probably what most people think of. That’s because about 92% of cat litters are made with clay, making it the most widely available option. Since so many cat litters use clay, it comes in lots of varieties (it can be clumping or non-clumping, depending on your preference).
Clay was the first type of litter available, and it’s still the type of litter you’ll see at all pet supply stores. Different brands of clay litter have different features, such as scented options or ones that specialize in neutralizing odors. The ingredients can vary greatly among clay litters.
Even though clay is so popular, other litter types have emerged since it was created, and many cat parents choose alternatives to clay litter. Clay litter can be heavy, dusty, and not very eco-friendly. For those reasons, cat parents might want to explore other types. However, many people stick with clay cat litter because of how accessible and affordable it can be.
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2. Silica Gel Litter
Silica gel litter (also known as crystal litter) has been growing in popularity recently. It may not be as popular as clay litter, but it’s a great alternative because it has many features that clay litter doesn’t.
Crystal cat litter is a mineral-based option made of silica gel granules. It’s important to note that silica gel is different than crystalline silica, which is dangerous for pets. Many people love silica gel litter because it’s typically lighter, less dusty, and easier to keep clean. It can be more expensive, but the bags typically last longer than a clay litter bags of the same size, which is why many people are drawn to this new litter type.
Some crystal cat litter brands have color-changing litter, which can help you detect your cat’s health problems early on. I’ve always found these litters fascinating, and some of my cat-loving friends say it really works.
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3. Paper Pellet Cat Litter
Paper pellet litter is similar to the type of litter you’d find in a guinea pig litter box. It’s made from recycled paper, such as newspaper. Some types could include other recycled materials, such as leaves and sawdust. The paper materials are formed into large pellets to make them suitable for cat litter.
Some people like paper pellet litter because it’s eco-friendly and biodegradable. It also has little to no dust. However, it may not be as practical for cleaning. It doesn’t always have the best odor control, so it requires more frequent cleanings than other litters. Of course, this is worth it to many pet parents because of the recycled materials, but it means you’ll have to go through litter more frequently.
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4. Pine Cat Litter
Pine litter, also called wood litter, is made from pine tree wood. It’s usually formed into pellets. It’s considered an environmentally-friendly and non-toxic option. It’s often affordable and has minimal dust as well.
While pine litter has lots of benefits, it’s not as absorbent as other forms of litter, which could make it harder to clean. Also, even if the cat parent likes it, not all cats are fond of the texture. So, it’s worth trying if you’re interested in it, but if your cat doesn’t want to use their litter box anymore, you might have to choose one of the different types of cat litter instead.
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5. Corn Litter
Corn is another form of eco-friendly cat litter. It’s biodegradable, compostable, and non-toxic. It’s often flushable and has little to no dust. What sets corn litter apart from other natural litters is that most corn litters clump, making it easy to clean the litter box with corn cat litter.
The main issue with corn litter is spoilage. Mold growth could occur in this litter type, which could be dangerous to pets and reduce clumping abilities. If the litter box is cleaned frequently, it’s unlikely to cause issues, but not all cat parents are willing to deal with the risk.
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6. Wheat Litter
Wheat litter, like pine and corn litter, is another eco-friendly option. It comes from processed wheat, and it acts as an alternative to clay litter. It can control odors and clump together for easy cleaning. It usually doesn’t have any unsafe additives, such as dyes and perfumes.
While most aspects of this litter are great, it could be kind of dusty, and your cat might track it outside of the litter box. Yet, those downsides occur for a lot of popular clay litters too. It’s up to you to outweigh the pros and cons.
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7. Grass Litter
Grass litter isn’t a super common option, but it’s another eco-friendly one. It looks similar to pine, corn, and wheat litter. It’s made of dried grass seed litter, which is biodegradable. It naturally clumps and usually doesn’t include any added chemicals. It’s typically low-dust as well.
However, since it’s made of grass, cats may try to eat it. If you find your cat snacking on their grass litter, it’s probably best for you to choose a different type of kitty litter instead. Otherwise, grass litter is a great environmentally-friendly alternative to clay litter.
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8. Walnut Litter
Cat litter made of crushed up walnut shells is surprisingly effective. Walnut litter has good odor control, high absorbency, and effective clumping abilities. It has a similar texture to clay litter, but it’s good for the environment and generally has less dust. However, if your cat likes to kick their litter, it’s easy for walnut pieces to get all over the floor.
Walnut litter may spoil, causing it to not last as long as other kinds of cat litter. Since it’s a dark brown color like feces, it could also be tricky to scoop out the poop. Yet, it serves its purpose well otherwise.
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9. Tofu Cat Litter
You might be wondering why a food like tofu would be used in cat litter. It’s not the same as the tofu you’d cook with. It’s a new type of cat litter made from soybean fibers. It’s natural, biodegradable, non-toxic, and dust-free. It’s also flushable and lightweight with minimal tracking.
Tofu cat litter seems to have all the benefits that cat parents are looking for. Yet, it’s not super popular yet because it can be expensive and it can spoil. For cat parents with plenty of money saved up, it’s a great option to consider.
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Clumping vs. Non-Clumping Cat Litter
Most types of cat litter come in clumping and non-clumping options. While clumping seems to be more popular, one isn’t necessarily better than the other. Let’s look at the benefits and downsides of clumping litter to help you decide.
Pros of Clumping Cat Litter
Makes it easy to scoop out urine and feces
Locks in odors
Requires less full litter changes
Cons of Clumping Cat Litter
Could cause a blockage if your cat ingests it (since it expands when wet)
Often sticks to your cat’s paws and fur
At the end of the day, it’s up to you to decide if you prefer clumping or non-clumping litter. Overall, clumping is more convenient and easier to clean, but some could pose threats to your feline companion. Also, your cat may have a preference for one or the other, so take that into account.
What is the Best Type of Cat Litter?
The best type of cat litter isn’t just one litter type. Different types of cat litter work better for different households. It’s up to you to decide what kind of litter makes the most sense for you, your cat, and your home. The price, cleanliness, odor control, and environmental impact are all factors to consider.
But, of course, the biggest factor is your cat’s preferences. If your cat refuses to do their business on certain types of litter, then it doesn’t matter how great that litter is otherwise. If you’re unsure which one your cat likes, give them access to several litter boxes with different types to see which one they use. Then, your cat can make the final decision for litter type for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Use Cat Litter as Perlite?
It’s possible to use certain cat litters as perlite, but it’s not better than the real thing. Cat litter is formulated specifically for cats to do their business on, so it may not have the same benefits for gardening.
Why is My Cat Pooping Outside the Litter Box?
There are lots of reasons cats might do their business outside the litter box. Stress, territorial marking, dirty litter boxes, or an unappealing litter type are all potential reasons. If you’re worried it could be related to a health concern, talk to your vet.
How Often Should You Change a Kitty Litter Box?
Most cat parents change their litter boxes completely about once per week. Yet, the frequency greatly varies depending on the number of cats, type of litter, number of litter boxes, and bathroom habits of the cats.
Is it Safe to Change Cat Litter When Pregnant?
You can change cat litter while pregnant, but it’s best to have someone else do it if possible. Cat feces could spread toxoplasmosis, which is severely dangerous for the fetus. Thus, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
How Many Litter Boxes Per Cat Do You Need?
You should have at least one litter box per cat plus one extra. This gives your cats plenty of space to do their business, and it reduces territorial disputes if you have multiple cats.
Choosing Types of Cat Litter for Your Household
There are more types of cat litter than most people realize. While clay litter is the most common, there are other types that have unique benefits. Consider the pros and cons of each cat litter before deciding which one is best for you. Of course, also take your cat’s litter preferences into account.