- This article has been reviewed by a pet health professional. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
Cat guardians certainly don’t suffer from a lack of choice when it comes to litter. Today’s market is stacked with different types of cat litter, including traditional clay, silica crystals, and plant-based options like walnut, corn, and tofu. There are also clumping and non-clumping varieties, scented and unscented, and pellets vs. fine-grain formulas.
When choosing litter, your cat will have an opinion, too. They might prefer one type of litter over another based on its texture, shape, or smell. To make sense of all the options, we consulted feline expert Joey Lusvardi, a certified cat behavior consultant and the founder of Class Act Cats.
Different Types of Litter
There’s no one perfect litter type that works well for every feline household. As cat behaviorist Joey Lusvardi explains, all cat litters come with a tradeoff, so you’ll need to decide what features are most important to your particular situation.
For most cat parents, ease of use and effective odor control are top of mind. Cost, environmental impact, and potential health concerns are other considerations.
To help you decide, we’ve outlined the most common types of litter, each with pros and cons to weigh.
Clumping clay
“Clay litter is the most common litter for a reason,” says Lusvardi. “It’s cheap, it absorbs odor well, it clumps, and it’s close to what cats would use in nature.”
When exposed to liquid, the particles bind into scoopable clumps, making cleanup easy. It also locks odors inside. Most cats find the sandy texture of clumping clay appealing since it resembles the substrates they would instinctively use in the wild. This resemblance encourages cats to dig and bury their waste, helping keep the home fresher-smelling.
There are some downsides to consider, though. Clay produces a lot of dust, which may bother cats and humans with respiratory problems. It’s also heavy, which could be an issue when adding more in or completely switching litter out.
Pros:
- Low cost
- High odor control
- High absorbency
- High cat appeal
- Stays fresh for a long time (with daily scooping)
- Widely available
Cons:
- High dust
- Heavy
- Not sustainable or biodegradable
- Prone to tracking outside the litter box
Non-clumping clay
Non-clumping clay absorbs moisture without forming solid masses like clumping clay. You’ll scoop solid waste daily and stir remaining litter. Non-clumping litter tends to have weaker odor control than clumping clay. And there’s a bit more effort involved, since complete litter changes are needed more often (at least once a week).
Long-haired cats might appreciate non-clumping clay because it won’t get stuck to their fur. It’s often recommended for kittens as well, because it doesn’t expand in the digestive tract if accidentally swallowed.
Usually, non-clumping clay is cheaper upfront, but you’ll need to change the entire box more often, so the costs are often comparable to clumping clay. Additionally, the granules are typically larger and harder than clumping clay, which some cats may dislike.
Pros:
- Safer for kittens
- Doesn’t stick to long fur
- Less tracking (doesn’t stick to paws)
- Generally, less dust
Cons:
- Requires more frequent changes
- Weaker odor control than clumping clay
- Texture may be unappealing to cats
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Sergey Pakulin via iStock
Crystal litter
Made from silica gel, crystal litter is ultra-absorbent. Instead of forming clumps, the beads dehydrate solid waste and soak up liquid, trapping odors inside. Maintenance is super easy—just scoop poop daily and give the remaining litter a stir. Though it’s expensive, crystal litter lasts up to a month, which can offset the cost.
There are even health-monitoring crystal litters that change colors to indicate potential health problems—though Lusvardi says their accuracy can be unreliable.
Crystal litter may suit long-haired cats who need a non-clumping material that doesn’t get stuck in their fur. However, the crystals can be sharp, and many cats find the texture uncomfortable.
Pros:
- High odor control
- High absorbency
- Long-lasting
- Easy to maintain
- Lightweight
Cons:
- High cost
- Not environmentally friendly
- Moderate to low cat appeal—the rough texture can be off-putting
- Moderate to high dust
Pine
Pine cat litter is an eco-friendly option, made with by-products from the wood industry. It’s moderately absorbent, but not as absorbent as clay. While pine offers decent odor control, Lusvardi points out that it has a distinct scent that many cats find bothersome.
Pine litter comes in both clumping and non-clumping varieties. Typically, non-clumping formulas come in pellet form, which some cats dislike.
Pros:
- Moderate absorbency
- Moderate to high odor control
- Low to moderate cost
- Low dust
- Lightweight
- Sustainable and biodegradable
Cons:
- Moderate to low cat appeal—many cats won’t like the natural scent
- Pellet varieties may be unappealing to cats
Wheat
The starches in wheat are naturally binding, so this type of litter quickly forms solid clumps that are easy to scoop. It’s fairly absorbent and does a decent job controlling odors. Wheat litter is also lightweight and soft, making it ideal for cats with sensitive paws.
If exposed to moisture, wheat litter can develop dangerous molds, so you have to store it carefully. It’s also important to avoid using this litter for cats with known wheat allergies; even if they don’t nibble at it, they could ingest it while grooming.
Pros:
- Low dust
- Lightweight
- Sustainable & biodegradable
- High cat appeal
- Soft on paws
Cons:
- Susceptible to mold and insects
- May require more frequent cleaning to avoid mold & pests
- Prone to tracking
Corn
Like wheat, corn litter relies on natural starches for its binding power. It’s highly absorbent and offers good odor control. Corn is also lightweight, making it convenient for people who struggle to lift heavy litter pails. And it has a soft texture that will appeal to most cats.
But, like wheat, corn is susceptible to mold and bug infestations, and it’s not a safe option for cats with corn allergies.
Pros:
- Moderate absorbency
- Moderate odor control
- Low dust
- Lightweight
- Sustainable and biodegradable
Cons:
- Susceptible to mold and insects
- May require more frequent cleaning to avoid mold & pests
- Prone to tracking
Walnut
Made from ground walnut shells that would otherwise go to waste, walnut litter is a good choice for environmentally-conscious cat parents. It’s absorbent and offers moderate odor control. A unique perk is that the dark color camouflages waste, which some cat parents appreciate. Walnut litter has a soft texture that’s gentle on paws. It’s also lightweight, which makes it easier to manage.
Pros:
- Moderate odor control
- Moderate absorbency
- Low dust
- Lightweight
- Moderate to high cat appeal
- Soft on paws
- Sustainable and biodegradable
Cons:
- Moderate to high cost
- Susceptible to mold and insects
- May require more frequent cleaning to avoid mold & pests
- Unsafe for households with nut allergies
- Prone to tracking
- Could stain light-colored carpets or furniture
Tofu
Tofu litter is made from leftover soybeans from tofu production. It clumps well, which contributes to good odor control and easy clean up. It has a pellet shape, which helps minimize tracking, though some cats won’t love the texture. This type of litter tends to have a natural “coconut-y” smell, which can be another drawback. It’s also one of the more expensive litters you can buy.
Pros:
- Forms easy-to-scoop clumps
- Good odor control
- Low dust
- Lightweight
- Usually lower tracking
- Sustainable and biodegradable
Cons:
- Expensive
- Susceptible to mold and insects
- May require more frequent cleaning to avoid mold & pests
- Not suitable for households with soy allergies
- Texture may be unappealing to some cats
Paper
Paper litter is the best for allergy-prone cats and humans, since there’s almost no dust. It’s non-clumping, so it’s often recommended for kittens. It’s also a safe choice for cats recovering from surgery because the pellet particles won’t get stuck in wounds.
While it’s lightweight and affordable, it’s not very absorbent, and soggy paper is hard to clean. Odor control isn’t the greatest, either.
Pros:
- Low cost
- Low dust
- Lightweight
- Minimal tracking
- Sustainable and biodegradable
- Safe for kittens and cats recovering from surgery
Cons:
- Low absorbency
- Low odor control
- Requires frequent cleaning
- Some cats won’t like the pellet shape
Grass
Litter made from grass seeds or grass fibers is fast-drying and forms scoopable clumps. It controls odors well and is easy to maintain—as long as you keep up with regular scooping. Grass litter has a soft texture that will appeal to kittens, senior cats, and sensitive felines. However, it can develop mold if damp, so scoop often and take care with storage.
Pros:
- Good clumping ability
- Good odor control
- Low dust
- Lightweight
- Soft texture
- Sustainable and biodegradable
Cons:
- Prone to tracking
- Can develop mold when damp
- May require more frequent cleaning to prevent mold from forming
Best Litter Based on Cat Type
Every feline household has its own special concerns that may make one type of litter preferable to others. We break down common scenarios to help you find the best type of litter for your unique situation.
| Type of cat/scenario | Type of litter |
| Multiple cats | Clumping clay |
| Kittens | Non-clumping clay, paper, grass |
| Senior cats | Wheat, corn, walnut, grass litters |
| Long-haired cats | Non-clumping clay, crystal litter, paper pellets |
| Self-cleaning litter boxes | Non-clumping clay |
| Allergies | Tofu, paper |
| Picky cats | Corn, walnut |
Multiple cats
Homes with multiple cats have to contend with extra waste and extra smells, and you’ll be doing a lot more scooping and using a lot more litter. Ideally, you want a litter that’s affordable and easy to use. Since clumping clay lets you easily remove soiled litter, which extends freshness, you can go longer between complete changes—a huge relief when dealing with multiple boxes.
Kittens
Because clumping litter expands when it comes into contact with liquid, it can cause issues if ingested. As such, it’s not usually recommended for young kittens who are prone to curious nibbling. Instead, opt for a non-clumping litter that’s soft on their delicate paws. Non-clumping clay, grass, or paper pellets are all good options. Paper is also low-dust, so it won’t irritate young kitten lungs.
Senior cats
Senior cats can develop respiratory issues, so they benefit from a litter that produces minimal dust. A soft texture is also preferable for seniors who may be experiencing discomfort or arthritis in their paws. Wheat, corn, grass, and walnut litter make fine choices.
Long-haired cats
Cats with longer coats may find clumping litter troublesome because it tends to cling to their fur. Consider non-clumping options that are less likely to stick to fur, such as crystal litter, paper pellets, or non-clumping clay.
Self-cleaning litter box
Most automatic litter boxes work best with clumping clay, though some other clumping varieties can work, too. Always defer to the manufacturer’s instructions. Opt for low-dust formulas, since dust can interfere with the device’s sensors. A larger grain may also help with tracking—an important consideration for boxes with a wide opening, like the Litter Robot 4.
Allergies
Most plant-based litters, like tofu and paper, produce less dust, making them a good choice for cats (or humans) with allergies. If your cat will tolerate the pellet form, paper litter tends to create the least amount of dust—and it doesn’t come with any food allergy risks.
Picky cats
Cats can be finicky about litter texture. For these discerning felines, soft, fine-grain litters, like corn or walnut, can provide a more comfortable experience and encourage litter box use. Avoid rough-textured litters, like crystal, and fragrant litters, like pine.
How To Know When To Switch
If your current litter isn’t working for your cat, you’ll likely see the following signs that it’s time to switch:
- Accidents outside the litter box
- Reluctance to go in the litter box
- Scratching at the litter box from the outside
- Uncovered poop
- Perching on the rim of the box to avoid touching the litter
- Litter caught in your cat’s fur
- Cat nibbling on litter (especially common with corn and wheat litter)
When deciding on a new litter, try several options—preferably in different litter boxes throughout the house—before making your final choice. Take note of which litter type your cat uses the most and which is easiest for you to clean.
Give each test at least a week or two. Then, gradually make the change once you’ve found a winner.
