What Kind of Cat Litter Should Cat Owners Use?!

Cat litter is one of the essentials for cat ownership, but there are many types available. Choosing the right one involves considering materials, granule size, and price, and of course, it has to be something your cat will accept! So how should you choose the right litter for your feline friend? Let’s take a look at the commonly used types of cat litter on the market, along with their pros and cons.

Mineral Litter
Mineral litter is the most common type of cat litter. Most cats tend to accept it well. It has finer granules, high clumping ability, and good odor control, but it can easily be tracked outside the litter box. A single-layer litter box is sufficient.

Wood Pellet Litter
Clumping wood pellet litter comes in two types: clumping and disintegrating. Clumping wood pellets are similar to mineral litter, with larger granules and less dust, but they clump slowly. They are natural and environmentally friendly and require a double-layer litter box. However, many cats may not accept them easily; they are also known as pine litter.

Wood Pellet Litter
Disintegrating wood pellet litter breaks down into powder when it comes into contact with cat urine, creating more dust and making it harder to cover odors. This type also requires a double-layer litter box, allowing the powder to fall into the lower layer for easy cleaning. Most wood pellet litters can be flushed down the toilet or buried in the ground, making them more natural and eco-friendly.

Paper Litter
Paper litter is primarily made from natural, recyclable materials. It expands upon contact with urine, has larger granules that are less likely to be tracked outside the box, produces less dust, and is lighter in weight. Kittens can easily dig through it, and used litter can be flushed down the toilet. However, its clumping and odor control abilities are weaker, and a single-layer litter box is sufficient. It is also suitable for injured cats.

Tofu Litter / Corn Litter
Tofu litter or corn litter is made from food by-products—soybean pulp or corn—and is biodegradable. Some cats may eat clean tofu litter (or corn litter), so caution is advised! The granules are larger and less likely to be tracked outside the box, with strong clumping abilities and lightweight properties. However, in humid indoor environments, it can be difficult to store, prone to mold, moisture, insect, or bacterial growth, and has average odor control. A single-layer litter box is recommended.

Crystal Litter
Crystal litter is made from silica gel, producing no dust and having decent initial odor control. However, it does not clump waste effectively, leading to unpleasant odors. The granules are not easily tracked outside the box, and a double-layer litter box is necessary. It is advisable to place a pee pad underneath to extend the litter's lifespan, but some cats may reject crystal litter.

Alternative Uses of Cat Litter
Cats are very good at hiding pain, making it hard for owners to notice when they’re unwell. Testing the cat litter can help detect urinary health issues (such as cystitis, urinary obstruction, or bladder stones) by monitoring the pH levels in their urine. It is lightweight and economical, and it is recommended to use it once a month, ensuring it is used alone to avoid interference from other types of litter.