Last Updated: 03/06/2025
What is the Best Cat Litter?
Discover our vet’s top picks for cat litter and find the best option for your feline friend!
Author: Dr Antonella Virina DVM
Reading Time: 57 minutes - long read
Ensuring a cat's litter tray setup is optimal not just for their health, but for your home as well. However, with so many options out in the market, selecting the right litter for your cat can be a messy business! Should you go for clumping or non-clumping? Biodegradable vs non-biodegradable? Fragranced or unscented? Corn, wood, clay, tofu, or crystals? Whether you've had cats your whole life or it's your first time having a feline friend, our guide can help you in deciding which cat litter options to consider for your kitty.
In this article
- Best Paper Litter Scrunch & Sticks Natural Recycled Paper Cat Litter
- Best Corn Litter: Worlds Best Cat Original Clumping Cat Litter
- Best Clay Litter: Catsan Ultra Cat Litter
- Best Tofu Cat Litter: Michu Tofu Cat Litter
- Best Crystal Litter: Fit Litter Health Monitoring Cat Litter
- Best Clumping Litter: Rufus & Coco Wee Kitty Clumping Corn Litter
- Best Non-Clumping Litter: Catmate Wood Pellet Cat Litter
- Best Litter for Kittens: Breeders Choice PLUS Kitten Litter
- What to look for in cat litter
Why is choosing the right litter important?
- Material: Cat litter can be made with a variety of different materials like paper, tofu, clay, wood, and crystals. Each of these have their own pros and cons. Some may be more absorbent than others, some may smell better or track less, while there are those that are biodegradable and can be disposed of more conveniently in the toilet or as garden mulch.
- Specific Preferences: Just like with many other pet species, cats may have their own individual preferences and this can include the type of litter they like to use. Some cats may dislike scented litter, while others may be more particular about the feel and texture. As they age, some cats may also decide they don't actually like their current litter, so it's important to provide them with a litter that they are happy to use to ensure an optimal toilet setup.
- Convenience: Cleaning up messes should not be a messy affair! Choosing the right litter isn't just for your cat but it is also for you and the cleanliness of your home. The right litter should be easy to use, clean up, or replace, depending on what works best for you. Some litters do last longer than others in between full tray clean outs but there are also those that may track around the house, which can mean double work for you. It's also good to keep in mind that if you use a specific litter tray system, it would be best to use a litter compatible with this.
- Health Conditions: Certain conditions like urinary or respiratory issues would also affect your decision in choosing the right litter. Cats with urinary problems would likely have to have to toilet more and this can affect the longevity of a bag of litter. Respiratory problems like feline asthma can also mean that you would want a litter less likely to irritate your cat, typically you would want something low dust or unscented for this case.
How we review our products
Our Vet team use their health and husbandry knowledge, along with their own personal and clinical experiences to evaluate each product and provide detailed, informative reviews, free of any commercial bias. We then collate this information into our 'best of' recommendations.
Top cat litter in Australia
Best paper litter
Scrunch & Sticks natural recycled paper cat litter
Pros
- Environmentally friendly
- Highly absorbent and easy to clean
- Unscented, low dust
- Comes in 3 different sizes (6L, 30L, 60L)
Cons
- Pellets may be too large
- Soiled pellets may not be as easy to distinguish from fresh litter
Scrunch & Sticks Recycled Paper Litter is a fantastic litter choice for not just your cats, but also for the environment! This biodegradable litter is made with A-grade recycled paper, great as garden mulch after use, making sure it doesn't go to waste.
Apart from its eco-friendly nature, this litter is highly absorbent, helping to keep odours at bay and make cleaning time easier and more convenient.
It's also a great choice for kitties who may benefit from using an unscented, low-dust litter, like those with existing respiratory conditions. The pellets are lightweight and so may seem to get readily flicked about or picked up between kitty paws, but as it's on the larger side, it's still a fantastic low-tracking litter option for a variety of cats.
What our customers say: "The first attraction was that it is made of recycled paper and comes in a paper bag, not plastic - take note, manufacturers, it can be done, who knew.We clean out the solids from the cat tray daily (as you should) and daily also empty and rinse the base tray. This litter makes such light work of it: it is absorbent, odourless, and very little of it breaks down to the base tray, making it extremely good value too. Rinsing out the base tray, there is none of that mucky residue of dissolved litter to wash away, just a small amount of the paper pellets that have broken down and so all you need is a couple of small rinses and it is done. Cleaning out the top tray is so much easier with this product, you don't get any of that sandy residue of the litter breaking down, the tray overall stays extremely clean. Yes, it does get tracked from our laundry slightly more than other litter, perhaps because the pellets are very light and are a bit more easily flicked and stick to the paws more than other varieties, but this is minimal and at least they are discrete little pieces that you can easily pick up and not a constant sprinkling of sandy residue. It is an excellent product."
Best corn litter
World's Best Cat Litter clumping formula
Pros
- Environmentally friendly, flushable, corn-based litter
- Unscented, quick to clump, easy to scoop
- Highly absorbent and lasts a long time
Cons
- May be easily flicked around the tray and track around the house
- May be dustier after a while
It's not called the Best for no reason! The World's Best Original Clumping Corn-Based Cat Litter is a household favourite. This natural, eco-friendly litter is made of sustainably grown, whole kernel corn compressed and processed into highly absorbent granules.
It contains no synthetic additives, chemicals, or fragrance plus it's quick-clumping, easy to clean, and does a fantastic job with odour control.
The granules are quite light and small however and the dust may build up after some time so there may be some minimal tracking, but it's still a reliable choice if you're looking for a natural, clumping litter that's good value for money.
What our customers say: "It's honestly the best litter I've found. The clumping is great, so you can scoop it out in a lump easily, and keep the tray going on the one lot for quite a long time - even my mother's sensitive nose agrees! It does get scattered about a bit depending upon the cat, but it's easy enough to vacuum up. - put the litter tray in a bigger tray, or enclosed tray to reduce it."
Best clay litter
Catsan Ultra cat litter
Pros
- Helps reduce tracking and has effective odour control
- Highly absorbent, making it long lasting
- Easy to clean up after use
Cons
- Litter may take a while to clump properly when soiled
- Clay litter is not biodegradable
- Not recommended for very young kittens due to risk of ingestion
Catsan's Ultra Cat Litter is a clumping litter made from naturally-occurring Australian bentonite, material known for its porous and absorbent properties. It quickly absorbs moisture and odours, and the clumps make cleaning and removal easy and convenient.
It also lasts longer than ordinary clay litter; for one cat, it can last up to four weeks with weekly litter top-ups. As clay litter is not biodegradable however, it's not eco-friendly and this is important to keep in mind for those who may prefer a litter that can be flushed or used for composting.
What our customers say: "I have tried numerous clumping litters of which have never bettered this product for odour control, cleanliness and ease of use. I have not required liners, no need and I have found the cleaning process so simple. My kiddies are healthy, happy and certainly have not complained and it makes my life easier due to health and mobility issues."
Best tofu litter
Michu tofu cat litter
Pros
- 100% tofu biodegradable clumping litter
- Flushable in small amounts*
- Low dust, low tracking
- Forms instant solid clumps for easy maintenance
Cons
- Formed clumps may stick to the tray
- Litter is scented so may not be suitable for all households
Michu Original Tofu Litter offers several key benefits centred around its natural composition, superior odour control, and convenient disposal. Made from biodegradable tofu dregs, it's an eco-friendly choice and is suitable for flushing (check local regulations and septic system compatibility first).The highly absorbent nature of the litter clumps quickly and effectively, making scooping easy and minimizing litter waste. This clumping action, combined with the tofu's natural odour-absorbing properties, helps control unpleasant smells. In addition, the soft texture is gentle on cats' paws.
This litter does have a vanilla scent, which may not suit all cats or households. Some pet parents also report that the tofu clumps can adhere to the bottom of the tray, meaning the tray needs to be completely cleaned and changed more regularly.
What our customers say: "I've been using cheap clay based clumping litters for years and spending time vacuuming the bits the two cats track through the apartment and having to regularly wipe down surfaces coated in the dust this type of litter creates. One cat has had an on/off regular bad cough and sometimes takes time to clear phlegm from his airways for years that hasn't responded to medication and my vet suggested changing to a dust free option like tofu. The changeover to tofu litter didn't faze the cats at all as I chose natural unscented. The tracking of litter on carpets and hard surfaces was immediately resolved and I haven't heard my coughing cat cough for over a week since the litter change. There is zero 'litter dust' on any surface in the room the litter box is in. It might work out three times the price of cheap clay litter but I now wish I had been spending that extra cost years ago. No dust, no tracking, no adverse health effects from dust on cats. Unlike other types of litter the clumps are flushable and everything disintegrates safely in the sewer system. That's a bonus and an immediately odour free disposal option"
Best crystal litter
Fit Litter health monitoring cat litter
Pros
- Changes colour to indicate abnormal urine pH
- Helpful in detecting urinary issues such as UTIs or increased risk of urinary crystals
- Low dust
- Highly absorbent for excellent odour control
Cons
- Not biodegradable or flushable
- May not be suitable for kittens or cats that have a tendency to eat litter
Fit Litter crystal cat litter offers several key benefits, including superior odor control, reduced maintenance, and health monitoring capabilities. Its unique micro-crystal technology effectively traps odours and evaporates moisture, keeping your home smelling fresh. The non clumping formula simplifies litter tray maintenance, saving you time and effort. Additionally, Fit Litter's colour changing indicators can detect abnormal urine pH allowing for early intervention and proactive care.
While it does not eliminate the need for regular vet visits and urine monitoring in cats with a history of urinary tract options, Fit Litter provides an extra level of monitoring that could potentially alert pet parents to a urinary health problem earlier.
What our customers say: "I love this litter and so do my cats. It's much like sand so doesn't hurt their paws. There is so much less odour since using this product and it's amazing that it lasts for a whole month! And so great I can monitor the health of my cats."
Best clumping litter
Rufus & Coco Wee Kitty
Pros
- Eco-friendly, made of corn and plant fibres
- Great clumping ability and odour absorption
- Flushable and may be used as garden mulch
- Bag is recyclable and resealable
Cons
- May be more expensive than other litter
- Fragrance may be too strong or heavy
Rufus & Coco Wee Kitty Clumping Corn Litter is our winner for this category for its superior clumping ability and high absorbency, making cleaning and scooping easy-peasy. It lasts long and does a fantastic job at odour control.
It's made with natural corn processed together with a binding agent and fragrance, with no other chemicals or additives. It can be flushed in small amounts or used as surface mulch. Plus the packaging is recyclable, a plus point for being eco-friendly!
Keep in mind though that it does have fragrance so may not be suitable for sensitive noses.
What our customers say: "I've used this kitty litter for about 2 years and I love it. It doesn't last as long as the package says but I have 3 cats. I usually buy the 9kg. I love that I can easily flush it down the toilet, it clumps really well and having 3 cats, there's never a smell of urine. Unlike regular kitty litters that seem to have a urine smell even when it's fresh, this litter has no odour when freshly poured. I absolutely love it!"
Best non-clumping cat litter
Catmate wood pellet cat litter
Pros
- Eco-friendly and compostable
- Made of clean, recycled pine wood
- Highly absorbent and great for odour control
Cons
- Pellets may be too big for some cats
- May break down too quickly
- Best used with a grated litter tray
For those looking for an easy-to-use, non-clumping litter, Catmate Wood Pellet Cat Litter is a solid choice! It's highly absorbent and helps keep odours and smells at a minimum thanks to the material's natural oils that help inhibit bacterial growth. This litter is also great for the environment as it's made using sustainably sourced pine wood destined for landfill. It's biodegradable and compostable ensuring minimal waste, making it a clean and eco-friendly litter option.
It's also a bit more friendly on the wallet as non-clumping litter is generally more affordable right off the bat than clumping ones. It can really just boil down to which litter works best for you and your kitties.
What our customers say: "I've tried a number of types of cat litters. This one so far is the best overall. It's more economical than Tofu and clay litter, less odour, more absorbent and convenient than recycled paper litter. It makes no dust and less mess than any other litters. My cats and I also liked Tofu litter as it clumps, flushable and gentle on paws but it's more expensive. The small bag doesn't last long at all. This wood pallet last quite long. I'm very happy with it overall."
Best litter for kittens
Breeder's Choice Plus kitten litter
Pros
- Natural, non-toxic litter
- Biodegradable and compostable
- Great for kittens, but suitable as well for adult cats
Cons
- More expensive than the regular Breeder's Choice Litter
- Not flushable
When kittens are still quite young, they are still learning to explore the world and interact with their environment. During toilet training, it's not unusual that they may try to eat their litter as they figure out how to use a litter box. Therefore, it's important to go for a non-clumping litter that is safe and non-toxic in case of accidental ingestion.
For young kittens, Breeders Choice PLUS Kitten Litter is our top pick. This litter is upcycled from 99% recycled paper, free from nasties and additives, making it not just a fantastic choice for your kitten, but for the environment as well.
In terms of odour control, the litter is infused with probiotics to combat odour-causing bacteria. This litter is designed to be soft, lightweight, absorbent, and comfortable to use for your kitten and its natural attractant helps make toilet training a breeze.
What our customers say: "Great product, my kitten took to using this really easily"
What to look for in cat litter
There are a number of factors to take into consideration when selecting the best litter for your cat.
Effectiveness
You're going to want a litter that does the job, and does it well. The best litter does what it says it does. Clumping litter should have good clumping ability and the clumps should be easy to remove. Litter labelled to be absorbent should be able to absorb moisture and urine well allowing for easier clean up. If a litter is said to have good odour control, your kitty's litter tray should have minimal to no smells.
We would also consider whether a litter lasts long and can easily be cleaned, replaced, or disposed of. After all, while your cat is the one who uses the litter, you are the one who does the clean up and disposal.
Suitability
A cat litter should be specifically suitable for your cat. It can take a bit of experimentation with a variety of litters, but offering your cat a smorgasbord of different litter types can help you narrow down which one they're most comfortable with using.
Perhaps your cat dislikes the feel of a new litter and refuses to use their litter tray until you switch back to their old one. Some cats may be happy with a certain litter, but it may have a tendency to stick around their paws and cause them to track this around the house. With kittens, it would be best to avoid clumping litter or crystal litter while they're still learning how to toilet as there is the odd chance they may try to eat or taste the litter, which isn't good for their little, delicate tummies.
Cost
As cat litter is something your cat uses regularly, it makes sense to go for a litter that's value for money, and this is especially true for multi-cat households! For multiple cats, you will be going through more litter so it may be more suitable to look for a litter option that comes in bigger size bags. While certain types of litter may be expensive up front, they may also last longer than others, which can save you some money in the long run.
Fragrance
Some litters are unscented, while others may contain fragrance to help mask odours and help with keeping your home smelling clean and fresh. Brands may even have both unscented and scented litters with the latter coming in a variety of different fragrance options, ranging from clean, mild scents to relaxing lavender, and even fruity berry scents.
While fragrance is not necessarily a dealbreaker, some kitties and humans may have respiratory conditions or just more sensitive noses, in which case, an unscented litter may be more suitable.
History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Tue Feb 11 2025
Edited by Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)Dr Antonella Virina DVM
Veterinarian (DVM)
Dr. Antonella graduated from university in 2019 with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine with a specialization in research and diagnostics. Enjoying the dynamic and continuous learning process that comes with being a vet, Dr. Antonella helps provide sound advice to pet owners to ensure the health and wellbeing of their pets.
