The 8 Best Kitten Litters for the Littlest of Kitties

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Kittens rely on their moms to keep them clean for the first few weeks of their lives and quickly learn from them how to use a litter box. For many kittens, any type of cat litter is perfectly safe. However, if you notice your little friend rolling in the litter and then licking their fur, or nibbling at the litter as if it were kibble, you may want to switch to a type of litter that won’t cause problems if it’s ingested. Here’s a quick review of the types of cat litters safe for curious kittens and our pick of the best kitten litters (and a litter box) for your tiny furball to use as intended.

Cat Litter for Kittens: The Basics

Most kittens quickly recognize cat litter and how to use it. If your little guy or gal isn’t sure, check out these tips from PetMD for litter training. You also want to make sure the litter is in a litter pan with low sides (or at least with a low entry) so it’s easy for them to get into the box.

If you are concerned that the kitten may try to eat the litter or lick litter dust from their fur, fill the box with a kitten-safe litter. There are several types that you can try:

• Plant-based pellets. These include pellets made of pine, walnut, coconut shells, or paper. (But be careful with wheat or corn pellets, which can develop aflatoxin mold if stored improperly.)
• Non-clumping clay litter. While most clay litter is clumping (made of sodium bentonite), there are still some traditional sandy litters (made of calcium bentonite) on the market. You’ll have to change the litter more often if you opt for an old-school litter.
• Unscented litters. Strong perfumes and deodorizing chemicals can irritate kittens or make them want to avoid the box. Stay with an unscented litter, and, if you are concerned about litter box smell, look for a litter with baking soda to reduce odor.

The Best Kitten Litter

We’ve put together a list of some very kitten-friendly litters, including plant-based litters and non-clumping clay litter. Your adult cats might like them as well.

Feline Pine Original Non-Clumping Kitten Litter

The secret of Feline Pine is highly absorbent pine fibers. The lightweight litter pellets are clay-free, perfume-free, and kitten-friendly. Need a bit more odor control? There is a baking soda version.

Jonny Cat Unscented Non-Clumping Clay Litter

This inexpensive old-school litter, sandy and non-clumping, will need to be changed a bit more than the newer clumping clay litters. But if you are dealing with only one kitten and scooping solid waste daily, this should keep everyone happy—and your kitten safe from ingesting clumps of clay.

SmartCat All Natural Plant-Based Clumping Kitten Litter

This litter is made entirely from grass and forms clumps for easy scooping. The smooth, sandy texture is gentle on kittens’ paws, and the litter is free of scents and chemicals.

CatSpot Coconut Kitten Litter

With this dark brown, non-clumping kitten-friendly litter, you scoop every day to remove solid waste and then stir the remainder, which absorbs urine. Depending on the number of cats using the litter, you will need to replace it every few weeks. The highly absorbent material is 100% coconut fiber—no perfumes, no clay. It’s pricey, but it could be worth it.

Purina Yesterday’s News Non-Clumping Paper Litter

A two- or three-inch layer of these pellets (made of recycled paper) is all you need to absorb waste. Scoop solid waste from the pan every day, and replace the paper pellets. It’s that easy.

Naturally Fresh Walnut Shell Non-Clumping Cat Litter

You’ll get amazing odor control from this natural litter made of walnut shells. It’s unscented and dust-free. The pellets are a bit larger and harder than most litters, so if you are introducing your kitten to this litter, transition them gradually from their usual stuff.

Frisco Natural Unscented Clumping Grass Kitten Litter

If you want easy-to-scoop clumps without clay, Frisco’s fine-textured clumping grass litter may be the answer. It’s easy on tender kitten feet, and free of harsh perfumes.

Lucky Champ Litter Pan

This sturdy litter box is designed especially for young kittens (and older cats) who may need a lower entry to the box. We like the durable plastic and the easy-to-clean design.

Further Reading

• Take a Deep Breath—We’ve Found the Best Odor-Reducing Cat Litter
• In It Together: The Best Cat Litters for Multiple Cats
• Come Clean With These Dust-Free Cat Litters