Exploring the Different Types of Kitty Litter
- Ray Duck
- Oct 3
- 5 min read
Introduction
Choosing the right kitty litter isn’t just about what keeps your home smelling fresh—it’s also about what works best for your cat’s preferences and your lifestyle. Whether you're concerned about the environment, your cat’s health, or your cleaning routine, there’s a wide variety of litter types to explore.
In this guide, we’ll break down biodegradable and non-biodegradable kitty litters to help you make an informed decision that suits both your feline friend and your values.
🟢 Biodegradable Kitty Litter
Biodegradable kitty litter is made from natural, renewable resources like plants, wood, and recycled materials. These litters are designed to break down naturally over time, making them an eco-conscious choice.
✅ Pros of Biodegradable Litter:
Environmentally friendly
Made from renewable or recycled materials
Often compostable (in specific situations)
Lighter in weight than clay litters
Generally dust-free or low-dust
❌ Cons of Biodegradable Litter:
May be more expensive than traditional litters
Can have inconsistent clumping or odour control
May be more appealing for cats to eat or chew
Some types are harder to find in stores
Common Types of Biodegradable Litter:
1. Wood-Based Litter (Pine, Hardwood, Softwood, etc.)
Material: Shavings, sawdust, or reclaimed wood.
Texture: Comes in pellets, granules, or fine shavings.
Clumping: Some versions clump; others turn into sawdust when wet.
Odour Control: Naturally deodorizing due to wood oils (especially pine).
Pros:
Excellent odour absorption
Often made from waste wood products
Low dust and lightweight
Compostable (with restrictions)
Cons:
Pellet forms may be uncomfortable for cats
Some cats dislike the natural wood smell
May need frequent sifting or mixing
Best for: Eco-conscious households, cats with respiratory sensitivities, and those looking for a low-dust option.
2. Paper-Based Litter
Material: Recycled newspaper or cardboard.
Texture: Soft pellets or shredded material.
Clumping: Typically non-clumping.
Odour Control: Moderate; some versions contain baking soda.
Pros:
Great for cats with injuries (soft texture)
Highly absorbent
Lightweight and gentle on paws
Made from recycled materials
Cons:
Doesn’t control odours as well as other types
Needs more frequent changing
Non-clumping makes scooping harder
Best for: Post-surgery cats, kittens, or households focused on recycling.
3. Corn-Based Litter
Material: Ground whole corn or corn cobs.
Texture: Fine, soft granules.
Clumping: Yes – forms soft clumps.
Odour Control: Moderate to high.
Pros:
Flushable in small amounts (check local laws)
Natural clumping
Lightweight
Minimal dust
Cons:
Can attract insects (especially in humid climates)
Mould risk if not stored properly
Some cats might eat it
Best for: Households looking for a flushable or easy-to-handle option.
4. Wheat-Based Litter
Material: Ground wheat.
Texture: Fine particles, similar to clay.
Clumping: Yes – enzyme-based clumping.
Odour Control: Natural enzymes help control odours.
Pros:
Clumps well
Natural scent
Flushable (check local guidelines)
Biodegradable
Cons:
Can be dusty
Attracts bugs if not stored properly
Some cats may have wheat allergies
Best for: Owners wanting a natural, clumping option that’s gentle on paws.
5. Tofu Litter
Material: Soybean pulp fibres.
Texture: Cream coloured pellets or spheres.
Clumping: Yes.
Odour Control: High – excellent natural odour neutralisation.
Pros:
Low litter tracking
Strong odour control as soybeans have natural odour-inhibitor
Eco-friendly and biodegradable
Lightweight
Low dust
Cons:
Susceptible to mould
Doesn’t like high humidity
More expensive than standard litters
Best for: Multi-cat households or homes needing serious odour control. People looking for a sustainable option of using a waste by-product. Safe food grade compliance.
6. Bamboo Litter
Material: Bamboo Fibres.
Texture: Light and dark pellets.
Clumping: Yes.
Odour Control: High – added charcoal infused for odour absorption.
Pros:
Strong odour control
Eco-friendly, sustainable and biodegradable
Lightweight
Flushable in small amounts (check local laws)
Low dust and tracking
Cons:
Pellet forms may be uncomfortable for cats
More expensive than standard litters
Best for: Multi-cat households or homes needing serious odour control.
🔴 Non-Biodegradable Kitty Litter
Non-biodegradable litters are typically made from mined or synthetic materials like clay, silica, or crystals. These are the most common litters on the market due to their affordability and effectiveness.
✅ Pros of Non-Biodegradable Litter:
Widely available
Excellent odour control (in most cases)
Strong clumping ability (especially clay)
Cost-effective options available
❌ Cons of Non-Biodegradable Litter:
Not environmentally friendly
Heavy to carry and dispose of
Can be dusty (especially clay)
Not flushable
Common Types of Non-Biodegradable Litter:
1. Clay-Based Litter (Clumping / Sodium Bentonite)
Material: Sodium bentonite clay.
Texture: Fine granules, similar to sand.
Clumping: Yes – extremely strong clumps.
Odour Control: Excellent (especially scented versions).
Pros:
Fast, hard clumping makes scooping easy
Affordable and easy to find
Widely used and accepted by most cats
Cons:
Not biodegradable
Very dusty (can affect cat and human lungs)
Heavy to carry and dispose of
Mining has environmental impacts
Best for: Multi-cat households, budget-conscious owners, or cats used to traditional litters.
2. Clay-Based Litter (Non-Clumping)
Material: Non-bentonite clay (like sepiolite or attapulgite).
Texture: Coarser granules.
Clumping: No.
Odour Control: Moderate – often relies on added deodorizers.
Pros:
Affordable
Simple and straightforward
Common in shelters and vet clinics
Cons:
Needs full changing more often
Poor odour control over time
Dusty
Best for: Temporary or short-term litter use, or for cats who don’t like clumping textures.
3. Silica Gel / Crystal Litter
Material: Silica crystals (sodium silicate).
Texture: Large, translucent granules or beads.
Clumping: Usually non-clumping (though clumping varieties exist).
Odour Control: Excellent moisture and odour absorption.
Pros:
Long-lasting (change every few weeks)
Minimal dust
Low tracking
Very lightweight
Cons:
Expensive compared to clay
Some cats dislike the texture
Not biodegradable
Crystals can be sharp on sensitive paws
Best for: Low-maintenance households, single-cat homes, or people sensitive to odours and dust.
♻️ Biodegradable vs. Non-Biodegradable:
Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
Feature | Biodegradable Litter | Non-Biodegradable Litter |
Eco-Friendliness | ✅ High | ❌ Low |
Clumping Ability | ✅ Varies by type | ✅ Strong (especially clay) |
Odour Control | ✅ Moderate to High | ✅ High (especially silica/clay) |
Dust Levels | ✅ Low (most types) | ❌ High (especially clay) |
Cat Preference | ✅ Varies | ✅ Commonly preferred |
Cost | ❌ Often higher | ✅ Usually cheaper |
Availability | ❌ Less common in stores | ✅ Widely available |
Flushable/Compostable | ✅ Sometimes (check laws) | ❌ No |
🐾 Final Thoughts: What Should You Choose?
Every cat (and cat owner) is different. The best litter for your household depends on your priorities:
Environmentally conscious? Try biodegradable options like corn, wheat, or recycled paper.
Dealing with strong odours or multiple cats? Clumping clay or silica might be your best bet.
Have a kitten or a senior cat? Soft-textured litters like paper or grass are gentler on sensitive paws.
On a tight budget? Non-clumping clay litters are often the most affordable.
Don’t be afraid to experiment (gradually) with different types until you find the one that suits your cat’s preferences and your lifestyle. And always transition slowly when changing litter types to avoid litter box aversion.
🧼 Bonus Tips for Litter Box Success
Scoop daily, regardless of litter type
Deep clean the litter box weekly
Use 2-3 inches of litter for best performance
Consider a litter mat to reduce tracking
Provide one litter box per cat, plus one extra
Be careful, flushing litter can block plumbing
Your cat deserves a clean, comfortable place to do their business—and you deserve a home that stays fresh and odour-free. Whether you go green with biodegradable litter or stick to the classics, the right choice starts with understanding the options.
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