Last Updated: 22/10/2025
Cat Litter Guide: How To Choose The Best Litter For Your Cat
Feeling overwhelmed by cat litter choices? Our vet breaks down everything you need to know. Compare clay, crystal, and natural litters, and find the 'purrfect' match for your cat, whether they're a playful kitten or a wise senior.
Author: Dr Jacqui Victor BVSc MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats)
Reading Time: 6 minutes - short read
Whether you're already a crazy cat parent or about to adopt your very first feline friend, choosing the right cat litter can be a big task! You can choose from a wide variety of litter substrates nowadays including clay, crystal, tofu, corn, wood and paper. You also need to consider which litter factors are most important to you such as clumping vs non-clumping, litter tracking, environmental impact, odour control and cost. It can be overwhelming but rest assured we can help you find the best type of litter to suit both you and your cat's needs!
Types of litter
The traditional choice: clay litter
Clay litter is one of the oldest and most commonly used types of cat litter, and is available in both clumping and non-clumping varieties. Most cats prefer clay litter as it is similar to soil or sand that cats use in the wild, so if you are unsure about which litter to use, clay litter is usually a good place to start.
Clumping clay litter is made from natural bentonite clay which rapidly absorbs liquids for easy removal of waste. The downsides to clay litter are that it is less environmentally friendly and is associated with increased litter tracking. Avoid clay litter in cats with asthma or allergies as they are typically more dusty.
Pros
- Easier daily clean-up (for clumping clay litter)
- Longer lasting litter (for clumping clay litter)
- Readily available
Cons
- More litter tracking
- Less environmentally friendly
- Dusty - can cause respiratory issues in cats and humans
For superior odour control: crystal litter
Crystal litter is made from silica gel, which is highly effective at absorbing moisture and unpleasant odours. It involves less frequent cleaning and less litter tracking, however is not as environmentally friendly as other types of litter. Crystal litter is not suitable for young kittens who may eat their litter, as it can be toxic when ingested.
Pros
- Easier daily clean-up
- Dust free
- Improved odour control
Cons
- Dangerous if your cat consumes the crystals
- Can get stuck between paws
- Less environmentally friendly
Eco-friendly options: plant-based and natural litters
Plant-based litters are taking the market by storm and can be made from recycled paper, wood, tofu or corn. They are completely biodegradable, have high absorbency and are low tracking. As they are of course environmentally friendly, they are a great way to reduce your environmental paw print!
Tofu litter
Tofu litter is one of the newest types of cat litter available, made from natural soybean fibre. It is a popular litter as it is plant-based, environmentally friendly and biodegradable. It's also a gentle litter material, making it a perfect choice for kittens.
Pros
- Environmentally friendly
- Dust free
- Less litter tracking
Cons
- Higher cost
- Can go mouldy in high-moisture environment if bag unsealed
Corn litter
Corn litter is another popular and environmentally friendly litter option that is biodegradable, absorbent and provides high odour control. It is important to keep the bag well sealed, as unsealed bags can let in moisture which can lead to the development of toxic mould.
Pros
- Environmentally friendly
- High odour absorbency
- Dust free
- Less litter tracking
Cons
- Higher cost
- Unsealed bags can lead to toxic mould development
- Some cats don't like the feel of corn litter
Paper litter
Paper litter is made from recycled newspapers and is eco-friendly, safe and scent-free. Keep in mind though, that not all cats will use paper litter as some don't like the texture and feel of it.
Pros
- Environmentally friendly
- No added scents
- Dust free
- Less litter tracking
Cons
- Less odour control
- Requires more frequent changing
- Non-clumping
- Not all cats will use it
Wood litter
Wood litter is made from recycled wood pine and is eco-friendly, compostable and biodegradable. It is well known for its natural pine scent which helps to control odours.
Pros
- Environmentally friendly
- Less dusty
- Less litter tracking
Cons
- Non-clumping
- Not all cats will use it
- Some people find the pine scent too strong
What is the best litter for kittens?
As kittens are naturally curious and may play or eat their litter, avoid using clumping clay or crystal litters as they can cause gastrointestinal issues if ingested. Tofu or paper litters are much safer options for kittens. When selecting a litter tray, make sure it has low enough sides that are easy to access for little kitten legs.
Ask the shelter or breeder which type of litter and tray your kitten was previously using, so you can use the same ones when they come home. Selecting litter and trays that your kitten is already familiar with will make toilet training much easier. Cats don't like change so selecting a litter type and tray your kitten is already familiar with will ease their adjustment into their new home. You can always transition to another litter later on once your kitten has settled in.
Litter box considerations for senior cats
Cats are meticulous groomers, and this includes cleaning their paws after using the litter box. If you have an elderly cat who may struggle to lick their paws, choose a non-tracking litter made from larger granules that is less likely to get stuck between their toes, such as tofu, corn and other plant-based litters.
Elderly cats may have difficulty getting in and out of their litter box due to reduced mobility associated with arthritis. To make them more comfortable, select a litter box with a low entry for easy access, but high sides to prevent litter scattering as your cat digs. Large uncovered trays are best so they have plenty of room for your cat to be able to comfortably turn around in without having their movement restricted.
Litter Hygiene
Cats are very clean creatures, so it is important to keep their litter trays nice and clean too by removing waste at least daily and cleaning the trays once a week with a mild detergent. Make sure to provide your cat with enough litter trays (one tray per cat, plus one extra), and place them in easily accessible, quiet locations in your home with two-way access, away from their food and water bowls. These simple steps will make a world of difference to your cat!
FAQs
Choosing the right cat litter, along with proper litter box hygiene, makes a world of difference to your cat's happiness and health. By considering factors like clumping ability, material type, and your cat's life stage, you can confidently select the perfect litter for your feline friend. Remember, a clean and comfortable litter area ensures a harmonious home for both you and your beloved companion.
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Wed 8 Oct 2025
Edited by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)Dr Jacqui Victor BVSc MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats)
Veterinarian, MANZCVS (Feline Medicine)
Dr Jacqui graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2011 and has worked in various small animal practices around Melbourne. Dr Jacqui loves witnessing the human-animal bond, and feels privileged that she is in a profession which allows her to make a difference to so many people and their loved ones. Dr Jacqui has a special interest in Feline Medicine, and attained her Membership Qualification in Feline Medicine with the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in 2022.
