Best Cat Litter

When it comes to the supplies that you need to keep a cat happy and healthy, litter definitely comes to mind. But what you might not realize if you’re new to being a cat parent is the fact that there are a lot of different litters you can choose from. And, while you might think that you can just pick the first litter you come across at the store, or the lowest priced option, the truth is that it might not suit your kitty’s preferences, and that could be a problem. So, shopping with care and being aware of the various litters that are out there is wise, as it can help ensure you will select the one that your cat won’t have a problem using.

Catering to your finicky feline’s whims isn’t always easy- and choosing the best cat litter can be a taxing process. Cats are notoriously picky when it comes to their toilets, ranging from those who prefer only one type of litter boxes, to those that will pee and poo outside the litter box if the litter is not to their liking. Needless to say, it’s important to get the litter just right, otherwise, you’re in for trouble. However, choosing the best cat litter is not as straightforward as it seems. The market offers a variety of litter types, and discovering your kitten’s preference can be a big challenge. We’re here to make that choice simpler – with this list of top 10 best cat litters on the market.

Types of Cat Litter

For kitties who do their business indoors, the sky’s the limit. There are as many types of litter as there are finicky kitties. From super-absorbing to natural and eco-friendly, various choices are available to pet parents and their feline friends. While it does sound pawesome to have all those choices, it can quickly become overwhelming, ESPECIALLY if you are a newbie. How the heck are you supposed to know if what your cat likes to cover her poop with? Well, while no one can guarantee that your cat will like the type of litter you choose from the first use, there are some pointers that could help guide you to the right decision for your pet’s needs.

Below are a few of the types of litter that are available, along with some their main features and their pros and cons. By keeping this information in mind while you shop, you might find it a lot easier to narrow down your many options to those that are most likely going to work for both you and your cat. Remember, you want to select a litter that your cat will feel comfortable using, but you also want it to be easy for you to clean daily. Plus, something that controls odor really well and doesn’t track dust everywhere will also be helpful for you when it comes to keeping your house clean.

Also, keep in mind that it might take a bit of trial and error to find the litter that will work for you and your cat. Reading a product’s label can give you insight into what a particular litter has to offer, but you won’t really know how effective it is until your cat starts using it. For example, you might buy a litter because it claims to control odor extremely well, only to find that it actually doesn’t. And a litter box that is too stinky might deter your kitty from using it—something that you definitely don’t want! Or, a product might claim to be a low tracking litter, but once you put it to use, you might discover that your kitty’s paw prints are all over the floor, there’s dust on her face after she goes in the box, or there’s litter on the floor around the box because it actually tracks a lot.

Although it might be a bit frustrating at first, finding the right litter is important. And once you have selected a product that gives you and your cat what you need, you can just stick with it without needing to think about it anymore.

The first thing you have to consider is the fact that there are different types of materials used to make cat litter. Not all of them will suit your cat’s preferences, no matter how popular or common they are. Some have an artificial base, enhanced with fragrances and chemicals, while others are eco friendly and are made from completely natural components. Now, your cat can prefer either one, but the options are still there to be considered. Here are most (if not all) types of litter material you can choose from:

Clumping clay

Some would say that clumping clay cat litter is the most common type out there- and it’s mostly because it’s affordable and practical to use. Clumping clay litter is made from bentonite clay and it works by, as the name suggests, clumping to a solid mass when in contact with liquids. So, when your cat pees in the clumping clay litter, it won’t spill all over, but rather turn into a clump that is easily scooped out of the litter box. This results in fewer smells and less mess, especially if the clumping clay litter is one of the scented ones (usually lavender or similar notes). Needless to say, the simplicity of this system makes clumping clay quite popular as it makes for a zero effort litter cleaning while still being affordable to boot. However, it’s not all ideal with clumping clay, otherwise, there wouldn’t be a need for any other type, would it?

Clumping clay litter is not biodegradable and eco-friendly pet parents won’t be able to use it. It’s also heavy to cart around and can be very dusty. There is a potential health risk, as well, since airborne particles of dust that comes as a part of the deal with clay litter can irritate your pet and even cause asthma in some cats. And if you have curious dogs in the house, clumping clay litter is a big NO-NO big if your dog helps himself to cat poop and eats litter with it, it can cause serious problems with their intestines.

Silica or crystal litter

The so-called silica crystal gel litter is made from silica beads that are ultra-absorbent and good at odor control. They are also completely dust free, so the mess is minimal. The only two downsides of silica litter are that it’s pricey in comparison with other types and it can be dangerous if ingested. Some cats tend to clean their paws after going to the toilet, and tiny beads can get stuck between the pads, resulting in them licking and swallowing the silica. In the long run, constant ingestion can cause health issues. Another potential issue that could bother some pet parents is that silica beads are far from a natural and eco friendly choice. If you want an ecological choice and natural materials for your cat’s toilet, you might want to look at other litter types.

Pine

The lumber scraps used to create this type of litter are treated beforehand to eliminate any potential toxins or allergens that could endanger your pet. Pine litter is usually in the form of pellets, although it can be roughly crushed or in granules. Even though non-clumping or minimally clumping, this eco-friendly litter is a popular choice. The pine scent is naturally deodorizing, and the low-tracking qualities of timber appeal to pawrents as well. Of course, pine litter is quite pleasant for your feline friend to use, too. It feels more natural in terms of scent and texture, and that can be just the helping hand you need when your cat is getting used to using a litter box!

Corn or wheat

Corn or wheat are somewhat less common options for natural biodegradable litter, but they can be a fantastic option for some cats. They are low-tracking, good at odor control, keep the mess to a minimum as they are low tracking, and they don’t produce dust. The only catch is that your feline friend might be allergic or sensitive to corn or wheat and using this type of litter could trigger an allergic response. Still, this type of litter is perhaps the most natural and eco-friendly choice you can make: it mostly relies on zero chemicals and is totally friendly to nature and your pet both.

Recycled (news)paper

Old newspapers, anyone? A few decades ago, shredded newspapers were the litter of choice for most, as there weren’t (m)any options back then. However, despite the variety that is available to pet parents today, recycled paper is still a strong contender in the litter market. The reason for this is that this type of litter is absorbent, affordable, low-tracking, and dust-free. As the recycled paper can be compressed into pellets or granules, though, the performance will vary due to the lack of clumping properties. The not-so-great odor control (paper soaked in urine is not the best scent in the world) might require more frequent cleanings to keep the stinkiness in check.

Wallnut shells

This is a fairly new type of cat litter but has already garnered a following, especially among eco-conscious pet owners and those who simply prefer natural litter. The litter is made from the shells of walnuts that would otherwise be thrown away. The shells are crushed to get the right texture, either coarse or fine. Surprisingly enough, the walnut shells are naturally quite absorbent and clumping, which makes them great at odor control and low-tracking. The potential issue is only the price tag- this is one of the priciest litters.

The choice of material is closely connected to texture or feel which also need to be considered- maybe your kitty prefers the slicker materials or chunkier pieces of litter, or they might be in the club of cats that only cover their poop if the litter is fine. Finally, there is the issue of the, well, smells in the litter. This is particularly important to cat owners who live in tiny flats or simply have small bathrooms and need to place the litter somewhere else. Of course, while you might prefer your cat’s poop being covered with lavender-scented litter, your pet might not share the same preference. There are unscented litters for felines with sensitive noses, scented in various fragrances for those who don’t mind it, and even some that contain odor-neutralizing properties, so all parties are usually happy.

Choosing the Right Cat Litter

Well, now that you do know what types of cat litter are there, does it mean you’re ready to make a decision? Umm, not so fast. While your kitty might want you to base all of your decisions on their preference only, it doesn’t mean that you should. After all, you’re the one that will be scooping the poop, so you do get a say! Don’t let Fluffy convince you otherwise. All jokes aside, there are other important considerations when it comes to choosing the best cat litter in addition to your cat’s preferences.

For instance, your cat might like a certain type of clumping litter that makes a lot of dust – which is not good for their health, and not particularly natural either. In these cases, it is best to transition your cat – step by step – to a healthier alternative, such as dust free litters. Similarly, some litters are notorious for their tracking properties, and you certainly don’t want to see cat litter all over the place. So, while your cat’s opinion of the litter will be a dealbreaker or a dealmaker, you should make sure that the litter is also up to your standards before offering it to your pampered pet. After all, it’s all about getting used to it!

Once you narrow down the type of the litter you know or think would work best for your four-legged companion, it’s time to hunt down the brand that delivers on its promises. Luckily- you won’t have to look far, as we’ve prepared a comprehensive guide on best cat litter the market has to offer. We’ve only selected the best of the best cat litters, so you can rest assured that hundreds and thousands of cat parents were happy with these particular brands. All that remains is to pick one!