The Ultimate Guide to Cat Litter: Everything you need to know

In this ultimate guide about cat litter by PurrfectInsights, we dive into the fascinating world of cat litter, uncovering everything you need to know to make the cat litter use easy for you and your cat.

Link to Lordship

From its beginnings to the innovative options available today, we’ll explore the evolution of cat litter, discuss the best types for different needs, and provide expert tips on maintaining a clean, odor-free environment.

So whether you’re a seasoned cat owner or a new pet parent, this comprehensive guide will equip you with all the insights and knowledge to make informed choices for your furry companion.

Table of Contents

Importance of Choosing the Right Cat Litter

If you are a cat owner or going to be one remember one thing buying and finding the right cat litter that is suitable for both of you and your cat. The right litter can significantly impact your cat’s health, comfort, and overall well-being. Additionally, it can make maintaining a clean and odor-free home much easier for you. Here are a few key reasons why selecting the right cat litter is so important:

1. Health and Hygiene: The right cat litter helps to control odors, absorb moisture, and reduce bacteria growth. Some litters are formulated to be dust-free, which is beneficial for both cats and humans, particularly those with respiratory issues.
2. Cat Comfort: Cats are known to be finicky creatures, and their litter preferences can vary widely. Some cats prefer certain textures or scents, and the wrong choice can lead to litter box aversion, causing your cat to eliminate outside the box.
3. Ease of Maintenance: Different types of litter offer varying levels of clumping ability and odor control. Finding a litter that is easy to clean and manage can save you time and keep your home smelling fresh.
4. Environmental Impact: With growing concerns about sustainability, many pet owners are looking for eco-friendly cat litter options. Biodegradable and natural litter can be a more sustainable choice compared to traditional clay-based products.

For more insights on choosing the right cat litter, you can check out PetMD’s guide on cat litter.

Brief History of Cat Litter

The concept and the history of cat litter is relatively modern, with its origins tracing back to the mid-20th century. Here’s a brief look at how cat litter evolved over the years:

1. Early Days: Before the invention of commercial cat litter, people often used sand, ashes, or soil in their cat litter boxes. These materials were not very effective at controlling odor or moisture, making them less than ideal for indoor use.
2. The Invention of Clay Cat Litter: In , Edward Lowe, an entrepreneur from Michigan, revolutionized cat care by introducing the first commercial cat litter made from absorbent clay. This product was a game-changer because it effectively absorbed moisture and controlled odors much better than sand or ashes. Lowe’s brand, “Kitty Litter,” quickly became popular, and the name itself became synonymous with cat litter.
3. Advancements in Cat Litter Technology: Over the decades, various innovations have improved cat litter’s functionality and convenience. Clumping clay litter, introduced in the s, allowed for easier cleaning as it formed solid clumps when wet. This made it simple to scoop out waste, keeping the litter box cleaner for longer periods.
4. Modern Options: Today, the market offers a wide range of cat litter, including silica gel crystals, biodegradable options made from corn, wheat, and recycled paper, and natural wood-based litter. These alternatives cater to different preferences, such as low-dust formulations, enhanced odor control, and eco-friendly materials.

For a deeper dive into the history of cat litter, you can visit Catster’s article on the history of cat litter.

Choosing the right cat litter not only keeps your cat happy and healthy but also makes your life as a pet owner much easier. With the variety of options available today, you can find a product that fits your cat’s needs and aligns with your lifestyle preferences.

Types of Cat Litter

When it comes to choosing cat litter, pet owners are faced with a variety of options. Each type of cat litter has its unique characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. Understanding these can help you make an informed decision that best suits your cat’s needs and your lifestyle.

Clay Cat Litter

Clumping vs. Non-Clumping

• Clumping Clay Litter: This type is made from bentonite clay, which forms solid clumps when it comes into contact with moisture. These clumps are easy to scoop out, keeping the rest of the litter box clean.
  • Pros: Easy to clean, excellent odor control, widely available.
  • Cons: Can be dusty, not environmentally friendly, heavy to carry.

Here are some clumping clay cat litter.

Cleaning the litter box is often the most dreaded chore for any cat guardian, but using one of the best cat litters can make the task much easier. That said, what's ideal for us may not be what our cats prefer. If the texture isn't quite right or it has added fragrances, your cat may choose to do their business outside the box.

We set out to find the best cat litters that work well for both cats and their humans. To better understand what cats prefer, we spoke with five veterinarians. Based on their advice, we tested 30 different litters, including clay, paper, silica gel, wood, grass, and corn-based options. Our top pick is Tidy Cats Naturally Strong Unscented Litter, a clumping clay litter that's easy to scoop and does a great job controlling odors. For a more budget-friendly option, we like Dr. Elsey's Ultra Multi-Cat Strength Litter. It costs nearly 40% less than Tidy Cats, though you can expect odors to accumulate more easily.

Read more about how Insider Reviews tests and evaluates pet products.

Our top picks for the best cat litters

Best overall: Tidy Cats Naturally Strong Unscented Litter - See at Chewy

Best budget: Dr. Elsey's Ultra Multi-Cat Strength Litter - See at Chewy

Best natural: Sustainably Yours Small Grains Cat Litter - See at Chewy

Best paper: Ökocat Non-Clumping Paper Pellet Litter - See at Chewy

Best overall

Our top choice for the best cat litters, Tidy Cats Naturally Strong Unscented Litter, is a clay-based litter that's free of dyes and fragrances. It has a grainy, sandy texture that most cats prefer — or at least tolerate well. It also produces very little dust, which can irritate cats with sensitive respiratory systems.

This litter quickly absorbed liquids, forming tight, solid clumps that were easy to scoop out in one piece. Moisture rarely accumulated on the interior of the litter box. Plus, the litter contains activated charcoal, which provides superior odor control and effectively prevented unpleasant smells throughout our three-week testing period.

The litter is reasonably priced, typically costing about $0.30 more per pound than our budget pick, Dr. Elsey's Ultra Multi-Cat Strength Litter. Like most clay litters, a fair amount of Tidy Cats Naturally Strong tracks outside the box, but it's far less messy than some of the lighter-weight options we tested. To help cut down on litter scatter, we recommend pairing it with one of the best cat litter mats. –Shoshi Parks, Insider Reviews freelance reporter

Best budget

Several years ago, I switched my cat to Dr. Elsey's Ultra Multi-Cat Strength Litter on the advice of a veterinary behaviorist, and I've been using it ever since. I was curious to see how a budget-friendly cat litter would stack up against other brands. As it turns out, it held up quite well.

The unscented, medium-grain clay litter satisfies a cat's natural instincts to scratch, dig, and bury their waste. It produces very little, making it an excellent option for cats with respiratory issues. During testing, it absorbed liquid almost immediately and formed tight clumps. And because the grains are heavier, there was less litter tracked outside the box compared to our top pick.

At about $.52 per pound for a 40-pound bag, Dr. Elsey's is the most affordable option among the best cat litters. One downside is that it controls odors with 100% sodium bentonite clay rather than activated charcoal. If I neglect to empty and thoroughly clean the box every couple of months, odors can start to accumulate. Regular monthly cleaning with warm soap and water, as recommended, should help prevent this issue. –Shoshi Parks, Insider Reviews freelance reporter

Best natural

Thanks to its impressive odor control, this plant-based litter earned the top spot for the best natural cat litters, edging out our former favorite for this category, World's Best Multiple Cat Unscented Litter. During testing, there was no noticeable odor, even after a month of continuous use by two cats. A single 13-pound bag was enough to fill a large litter box, and despite average twice-daily use by both cats, the litter remained odor-free for the entire 30 days.

Made from a blend of corn and cassava — a starchy plant — this litter outperformed other brands in clumping, with the litter becoming scoopable in about 8 seconds for urine. The litter's texture was fine enough that our tester cats had no issues with it. They even seemed to enjoy using it, especially when it was fresh. While the finer consistency resulted in more tracking compared to other litters we tested, it was less bothersome due to its nonabrasive texture.

Another reason it's our top choice for natural litter is its very low dust, and one of the main reasons experts recommend natural litter over traditional clay. This makes it a good choice for cats or people with respiratory issues. –Jill Waldbieser, Insider Reviews freelance reporter

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Thin paper cat litter.

Best paper

Most paper litters come in the form of small, firm pellets and are a good choice for cats with respiratory issues. Of the five paper options we tested, Ökocat's Paper Pellet Litter performed the best in the initial round of testing, quickly absorbing liquid without falling apart right away.

Instead of forming clumps, paper pellet litters absorb liquid as much as possible before disintegrating. Among the paper litters we tested, these pellets were the softest and smallest, making them well-suited to a cat's natural scratching, digging, and burying behaviors.

Our tester cats were unwilling to use the paper litters, so we can't speak to how well Ökocat controls odors or holds up over time. However, the weight and shape of the pellets suggest they are much less likely to track than smaller-grained clay and natural varieties. While the litter is not entirely dust-free, it is close. The pellets are also biodegradable and unscented.

Ökocat Non-Clumping Paper Pellet Litter is 35% to 60% more expensive than the other paper litters we tested. Unlike most options, which are made from recycled paper, Ökocat uses sustainably sourced, dye-free white paper that is free from synthetic chemicals. While it may not be as eco-friendly as litter made from recycled materials, Ökocat prioritizes sustainability through its use of responsibly sourced paper and natural dyes. –Shoshi Parks, Insider Reviews freelance reporter

What to look for in cat litter

Choosing a cat litter used to be pretty straightforward, but now that there are so many different kinds on the market, it can be hard to decide on which one is best. "Many of the variations are made to appeal to owners, rather than the cats who are using them," says Dr. Elizabeth Whitlock, a veterinarian and partner at CityVet in Woodstock, Georgia. "I think the most important thing to consider is what a cat actually prefers. Because if cats don't like it, they won't use it."

It's also important to keep in mind what litter works with your litter box. The best automatic litter boxes, like Whisker Litter-Robot, often limit the type of litter you can use. "The litter must be able to clump quickly prior to cycling for proper use," Whitlock says.

For standard litter boxes, like our top pick for the best cat litter boxes, any type of litter should work. Still, there are other considerations. "Selecting the ideal cat litter involves considering various factors to ensure your cat's comfort level and convenience," says Dr. Joanna Herberger, a veterinarian with PetSprint. Those factors include:

Odor control: No one wants their house to smell like a litter box, but strong perfumes that claim to mask odors can be overpowering. "Cats are very sensitive to odors and may refuse a litter if the fragrance is too strong for them," says Whitlock. For that reason, an unscented cat litter is usually the best option for most cats. You can find products that have odor control without scents, including the best cat litters we recommend in this guide.

Scoopability: When it comes to cleaning the litter box, Herberger says litter that clumps or forms solids when it comes into contact with liquid makes it easier to scoop out both liquid and solid cat waste without having to change the entire box. Not only is it more convenient, but Whitlock says cats prefer it, too. "From my experience, many cats prefer a clumping litter over a non-clumping," she says.

Texture: Cats may get fussy about what they're squatting in, and Whitlock says some will object to natural substrates such as corn, pine, or nut shells. She has found that accidents may increase when cats don't like the texture of their litter. One of the most popular types of litter, clay, tends to be well-liked by most cats, however.

Cleanliness: Some litters claim to be low-tracking, meaning they keep the litter in the box where it belongs. Others are marketed as "low-dust," which can be useful for cats or people who suffer from respiratory issues.

Sustainability: The best cat litters are not always the best for the planet, and you may want to use eco-friendly litter for that reason. Know, however, that some cats will reject it. "The most accepted one I've seen is made from recycled newspaper," Whitlock says, adding that this type of litter requires more upkeep than the average clumping clay litter. So it's a matter of what you prioritize and what your cat will accept.

Price: Your budget also factors into the litter you choose to use. "It is essential to strike the right balance between quality and cost to ensure you get the best value for your product without breaking the bank," says Herberger. Clay litters tend to be less expensive than natural substrates or crystal or manufactured litters, Whitlock says.

How we tested the best cat litters

We tested the cat litters in two phases: a pre-cat phase and a cat phase. First, our testers compared litters belonging to the same category in heats of four at a time, assessing them for various factors, including clumping ability, dustiness, scent, and texture.

The top two litters in each heat went on to the next phase. Each one was poured into a litter pan for the cats to use for anywhere from one to four weeks to test for odor control and tracking. For each litter, we considered the following qualities:

Litter weight, shape, and softness: Cats typically prefer a soft, grainy litter that is easy to dig, so we evaluated the shape, texture, softness, and density of each litter. We measured 1/4 cup of each on a kitchen scale to compare their weights.

Dust and scent: Cats are sensitive to both dust and scent, so we measured the relative intensity of each. We also noted the amount of dust emitted when pouring and scooping the litter and how much peppered the sides of the bowl or litter box. For scent, we did a sniff test of each litter in both phases of testing, including the thankless job of checking clumps to gauge how much of an ammonia scent they emitted.

Clumping ability and ease of cleaning: In phase one testing, we compared a small amount of each litter in plastic bowls with slick interiors similar to a litter pan. We added 1/4 cup of water to each bowl in two separate trials to gauge how quickly and easily it was absorbed and how solidly it clumped and stuck together upon scooping. At the end of both trials, we emptied each bowl to look for moisture that had escaped the clumps and adhered to the bottom of the bowl.

Odor control and tracking: The top two litters from each category went on to phase two testing in a litter box for one to four weeks. We cleaned the litter pan twice daily, noting how easy clumps were to remove and how much ended up on the floor. A daily sniff test determined whether odors were under control. Because our tester cats refused to use the paper litters, we were unable to complete a phase two test on them.

Cost: We calculated the cost per pound of each litter and compared them. With lightweight clay litters, we first calculated their weight relative to a standard clay litter and adjusted the price accordingly.

Cat litter FAQs

What kind of cat litter is best?

Nearly every one of the more than a dozen veterinarians, veterinary behaviorists, and cat specialists we've spoken to about cat toileting behavior agrees that most cats prefer, or are at least more tolerant of, nonperfumed clay litters. "Generally speaking, I recommend a fine-grained, clay-based clumping litter that is unscented," says Dr. Karen Sueda, a veterinary behaviorist. While litter preferences vary from cat to cat, she says every feline wants a substrate they can easily dig and cover their waste in. Cats with sensitive feet may avoid using litters with sharper granules, such as crystal or pellet formulas.

What are the differences between clumping and non-clumping litters?

Clumping cat litters, including those made from clay, corn, wood, and grass, form solid masses when they come into contact with urine, and those must be removed from the litter daily. Non-clumping litters absorb urine, but instead of forming clumps, the granules of silica, wood, or paper become saturated. On each cleaning, the saturated litter must be scooped from the box. There is no difference between how non-clumping and clumping litters interact with solids — feces must also be scooped daily.

Is there a dust-free cat litter?

Dusty natural and clay litters can be problematic for both cats and people. Dust may cause sensitive cats, particularly those with allergies or respiratory issues like asthma, to cough, sneeze, or wheeze during or after using their litter box. Litter can produce the same effect in humans when they fill or scoop the box. While no litter is completely dust-free, those that produce very little dust are less likely to have respiratory effects.

Is fragrance-free cat litter better?

Our experts recommended sticking to an unscented litter. Because cats have an extremely strong sense of smell, the scent of a litter is a significant factor in whether they will use or avoid a litter box, says Dr. Christine Calder, a veterinary behaviorist. Even a natural scent may deter a cat.

How many times a day does a cat normally use the litter box?

On average, cats urinate two to four times a day, but Sueda says this can vary from cat to cat. Scooping litter boxes at least once daily can help guardians determine if there's a change in frequency, which may indicate a health problem. Typically, cats defecate one to two times a day, but this, too, can vary from cat to cat. Like with urination, sudden changes in frequency may indicate a health problem.

What size and how many litter boxes do I need?

A litter box should be at least 1.5 times the length of a cat, large enough for them to comfortably scratch and bury their waste. The standard rule of thumb is to have one litter box area per cat plus one extra, and ideally one on each floor of a home. In a home with multiple cats, Sueda says you may be able to get away with fewer extra-large litter boxes as long as they are scooped at least twice a day.

For more information, please visit Natural Wood Fragrance Cypress Fresh Cat Litter.