How to choose the right cat litter

Cat litter textures and scents

From non-clumping to unscented, get the scoop on the most common types of litter below.

Litter comes in both scented and unscented varieties	Scented cat litter	Scented litters are designed to mask litter odours But some cats dislike strong scents and prefer unscented litters
Litter comes in both scented and unscented varieties	Unscented cat litter	Unscented cat litter brands rely on ingredients such as carbon and natural plant extracts to help absorb odours from urine and feces and reduce litter box smells
Cat litter can also be clumping or non-clumping, impacting how pet parents clean and empty the litter box	Clumping cat litter	Clumping litters form scoopable, solid masses for quick and easy waste removal and generally provides reasonable odour control
	Non-clumping cat litter	Non-clumping needs to be fully replaced more often than clumping

What is cat litter made of?

Cat litter can be made from various ingredients with different properties and uses. See our list below for more details.

Litter type	Scented or unscented	Clumping or non-clumping	Features & benefits	Things to consider
Clay	Available in both scented and unscented varieties	Quick clumping	One of the most popular cat litter materials on the market Good odour control, many brands rely on ingredients such as plant extracts to absorb smells Clumps quickly for easy cleanup Typically needs to be changed less frequently than other litters	Not biodegradable and may create dust
Corn	Available in natural and scented varieties	Natural clumping	Dust-free Biodegradable and eco-friendly
Wheat	Naturally scented	Natural clumping	Naturally clumping and odour-absorbing Dust-free Biodegradable and eco-friendly	May not clump as firmly as clay litter Must be stored carefully to prevent pests
Wood	Naturally scented	Does not clump	Natural pinewood by-product Natural deodorizer Dust-free Environmentally safe and biodegradable Can be used to landscape mulch and composting
Recycled paper	Unscented	Does not clump	Eco-friendly Dust-free More affordable than most natural litters Great for cats recovering from surgery	Less odour control than other litters Not flushable or compostable May need more frequent changes other than litters
Silica	Unscented	Clumping	Highly absorbent Trackless and dust-free	Some cats may not like the feel of crystal litter on their paws
Grass	Naturally scented	Natural clumping	Lightweight Biodegradable Dust-free	Soft on paws

Ready to make the switch?

When changing litter, transition slowly by adding small amounts of new litter to the old over the course of 7 to 10 days until you have switched over entirely.

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Grey striped cat stepping out of a covered litter box

Choosing the right cat litter

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Does it matter what kitty litter you use?

Since there is such a wide range of cat litter on the market, it is worth experimenting with scented and unscented varieties as well as clumping or non-clumping litter. There are also many litter types, ranging from clay to wheat and grass. Each presents its own features and benefits that you can consider. Cats can have strong opinions about litter, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different types and textures.

What’s better clumping or non-clumping?

Non-clumping litter is good for removing urine odours as it is very absorbent. This is because most non-clumping types have additives such as baking soda which help control unpleasant smells. Clumping litter has the benefit of being easily removed from the box without having to empty all the litter at once. This means your litter box will stay cleaner longer and can simply be replenished with some fresh litter. Ultimately, your decision should depend on which your cat prefers and takes to.

Do you have to transition cat litter?

Most cats will adapt to a new litter without incident if you commit to a slow transition. Simply add a small amount of new litter to the old litter over a 7 to 10-day time span until you have switched over. Transitioning slowly is especially important when changing litter forms, as the new texture may cause your pet to alter their litter box behaviour. If your cat or kitten is avoiding their litter box, try giving them a simultaneous selection of different litter types to choose from. Put down three or four boxes with different litter in each one and see if your cat has a preference.

What do I do if my cat goes to the bathroom outside of their litter box?

When this happens, your first call should always be to your veterinarian. Many medical conditions can cause a change in a cat’s litter box habits.

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The best cat litter for your pet

Cat litter textures and scents

From non-clumping to unscented, get the scoop on the most common types of litter below.

What is cat litter made of?

Cat litter can be made from various ingredients with different properties and uses. See our list below for more details.

Choosing the right cat litter

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