50,000+ HAPPY CUSTOMERS

Types Of Cat Litter

Name: Door Buddy® Cat Door Prop
Brand: Door Buddy
SKU: DB-DOG-PROPW
Price: 20.99 USD
Availability: InStock

By: Door Buddy Editors | Published: April 22, 2025

Cat looking down into a litter box filled with white and blue crystal litter

Let’s face it - shopping for cat litter isn’t exactly glamorous, but it is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a pet parent. Whether you’re a first-time kitty owner or just wondering what is in cat litter these days, we’ve got you covered. From clumping clay to crystal litter, we’re diving into the many types of cat litters so you and your feline can live happily ever after - one scoop at a time.

So, What Is Kitty Litter, Anyway?

Great question! If you’ve ever stopped mid-scoop and wondered what cat litter is made of, you’re not alone. Kitty litter is designed to absorb moisture and trap odors, and it comes in a variety of materials:

Clay (usually bentonite): The OG of cat litter. Super absorbent and clump-friendly.
Silica Crystals: Fancy, shiny, and great at soaking up pee.
Natural stuff: Think recycled paper, corn, pine, and walnut shells.
Scented options: Like lavender or baking soda for that “spa day for your cat” vibe.

Let’s Talk About The Different Types Of Cat Litter

Not all litters are created equal. Some clump like a champ, while others go au naturel. Here’s the breakdown of the most common kitty litter types, with a sprinkle of pros and cons to help you decide what’s best for your home.

1. Clumping Clay Litter

Made of: Bentonite clay
The vibe: Clumps instantly when wet - makes scooping a breeze.
Pros: Great odor control, easy daily maintenance.
Cons: Dusty, heavy, and not eco-friendly.
Best for: Multi-cat homes and people who love a tidy litter box.

Calico cat stepping out of an open litter box with a scoop resting inside

2. Non-Clumping Clay Litter

Made of: Basic absorbent clay (no clumping magic here).
The vibe: Soaks up moisture, but you’ll need to change it more often.
Pros: Usually cheaper.
Cons: Messy and less odor control.
Best for: Single-cat homes and budget-conscious shoppers.

3. Crystal Litter for Cats

Made of: Silica gel beads (yes, like the “do not eat” packets).
The vibe: Fancy, low-dust, and long-lasting.
Pros: Excellent odor control, low maintenance.
Cons: Can feel weird on kitty paws and isn’t great if ingested (especially for kittens).
Best for: Chill cats and cat-dog households.

4. Natural & Biodegradable Litters

These eco-warriors include:

Corn-based
Wheat-based
Pine pellets
Recycled paper
Walnut shells

The vibe: Earth-loving and gentle on paws.
Pros: Biodegradable, often flushable, low-dust.
Cons: Might not clump as well and can be a bit pricier.
Best for: Eco-friendly families and cats with allergies.

5. Scented or Novelty Litters

Think lavender, citrus, or even litter that changes color to monitor health.

The vibe: Extra fresh - but not every cat loves it.
Pros: Helps with smells, fun features.
Cons: Strong scents can irritate sensitive cats.
Best for: Humans who love a little flair and cats who don’t mind it

Types Of Cat Litter: Pros And Cons At A Glance

Clumping clay — Clumps fast, easy to scoop. Heavier to carry and not biodegradable.

Non-clumping clay — Cheap and widely available. Needs full changes more often, and odor builds up faster.

Crystal litter — Low dust, lasts weeks. Higher upfront cost, and some cats dislike the texture.

Natural and biodegradable — Compostable, gentler on sensitive paws. Clumping power varies more by brand.

Scented or novelty litter — Helps with odor between changes. Some cats avoid strong scents altogether.

Clumping Vs Non-clumping: The Ultimate Face-off

Wondering about clumping vs non-clumping litter? Here’s a quick and dirty (well, not dirty) comparison

Feature	Clumping	Non-Clumping
Scooping	Easy daily scooping	Needs full litter changes
Odor Control	Strong	Moderate
Maintenance	Low	High
Ideal For	Multi-cat homes	Single-cat homes

Want Our Blogs Sent Straight To Your Inbox?

What Cat Litter Is Best For Kittens?

Kittens are curious (they eat everything), so it’s best to steer clear of clumping or crystal litters for now. The safest bet? Unscented, non-clumping natural options like paper pellets or corn-based litter. These are soft on tiny paws - and safe if licked! Don’t forget: litter training is important for kittens and cats alike, so start early and help your kitty get the hang of it!

Tabby kitten standing in a litter box filled with light-colored litter

The Eco Scoop: Let’s Talk Sustainability

Did you know the clay in kitty litter is often strip-mined? Not great for Mother Earth. If you’re looking to go green, try:

Recycled paper
Wood or pine pellets
Corn or wheat-based litter

They’re biodegradable, often flushable, and give your cat that rustic, back-to-nature experience.

Surprising Cat Litter Uses (Yes, Really)

Cat litter isn't just for your cat's toilet habits. Here are some clever cat litter uses:

Absorbing oil spills in the garage
Deodorizing shoes and gym bags
Keeping toolboxes dry

Stick to unscented, natural litter for non-cat purposes though - lavender-scented boots might be pushing it.

Top Picks By Category: What's The Best Kitty Litter?

With so many options, here’s a quick cheat sheet:

Best Budget: Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal
Best for Odor Control: Fresh Step Advanced
Best for Sensitive Cats: ökocat Wood Litter
Best for Kittens: Purina Yesterday’s News (paper-based)
Best Eco-Friendly: World’s Best Cat Litter (corn)
Best for Busy Homes: Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Ultra

Living With Cats And Dogs?

A dog peeks through a door with a white handle, secured by a Door Buddy Door Strap.

Yes, you can keep the peace in a multi-pet home - just choose the right litter. If you're wondering how cat litter fits into a dog-friendly household, check out our blog post here.

Non-toxic (in case your dog gets curious)

Low tracking (nobody wants a litter trail)
Excellent at odor control

Crystal litter and heavier clay litters are usually the MVPs here.

And if you're finding it tricky to keep your dog out of the litter box (or your cat’s food), consider installing a Door Buddy Door Prop OR Door Buddy Door Strap. It’s a simple Door Prop and Door Strap that lets your cat slip through a cracked door while keeping your dog out. It’s an easy way to create a safe, dog-free space for your kitty to do their business or eat in peace. Plus, it’s a great alternative to bulky baby gates or closed doors that block airflow.

Litter Box Q&A: Because We Know You've Got Questions

Q: How do I switch to a new litter without drama?
Q: Why does my house still smell like cat?
Q: My cat’s staging a litter box protest. Help?

Bonus: Litter Box Setup Tips

Want a box your cat actually wants to use? Here’s your starter kit:

One box per cat, plus one extra
Quiet, low-traffic location
Scoop daily, deep clean weekly
Skip the scented liners if your cat’s picky

Conclusion: Types Of Cat Litter

The truth is, the best litter is the one your cat actually uses and doesn’t kick all over the house. With so many types of cat litters out there - from tried-and-true clay to modern crystal litter for cats - there’s no shortage of options.

So go ahead and experiment. Your cat will thank you with a satisfied purr - and maybe even stop kicking litter onto your bathroom floor.

FIND THE BEST DOOR BUDDY FOR YOUR HOME

Tired of playing door referee? Door Buddy gives you an easy way to control access in your home, from curious cats to energetic dogs to busy little humans. Find the right fit below and take back control of your space.