TYPES OF CAT LITTER
By: Door Buddy Editors | Published: 22 April 2025
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 “pawrent”. 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 odours, and it comes in a variety of materials:
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Clay (usually bentonite): The OG of cat litter. Super absorbent and clump-friendly.
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Silica Crystals: Fancy, shiny, and great at soaking up pee.
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Natural stuff: Think recycled paper, corn, pine, and walnut shells.
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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
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Made of: Bentonite clay
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The vibe: Clumps instantly when wet - makes scooping a breeze.
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Pros: Great odour control, easy daily maintenance.
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Cons: Dusty, heavy, and not eco-friendly.
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Best for: Multi-cat homes and people who love a tidy litter box.
2. Non-Clumping Clay Litter
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Made of: Basic absorbent clay (no clumping magic here).
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The vibe: Soaks up moisture, but you’ll need to change it more often.
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Pros: Usually cheaper.
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Cons: Messy and less odor control.
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Best for: Single-cat homes and budget-conscious shoppers.
3. Crystal Litter for Cats
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Made of: Silica gel beads (yes, like the “do not eat” packets).
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The vibe: Fancy, low-dust, and long-lasting.
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Pros: Excellent odour control, low maintenance.
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Cons: Can feel weird on kitty paws and isn’t great if ingested (especially for kittens).
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Best for: Chill cats and cat-dog households.
4. Natural & Biodegradable Litters
These eco-warriors include:
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Corn-based
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Wheat-based
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Pine pellets
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Recycled paper
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Walnut shells
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The vibe: Earth-loving and gentle on paws.
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Pros: Biodegradable, often flushable, low-dust.
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Cons: Might not clump as well and can be a bit pricier.
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Best for: Eco-friendly families and cats with allergies.
5. Scented or Novelty Litters
Think lavender, citrus, or even litter that changes colour to monitor health.
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The vibe: Extra fresh - but not every cat loves it.
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Pros: Helps with smells, fun features.
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Cons: Strong scents can irritate sensitive cats.
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Best for: Humans who love a little flair and cats who don’t mind it
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
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 “im-paw-tent” for kittens and cats alike, so start early and help your kitty get the hang of it!
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:
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Recycled paper
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Wood or pine pellets
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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 fur baby’s toilet habits. Here are some clever cat litter uses:
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Absorbing oil spills in the garage
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Deodorising shoes and gym bags
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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 CAT KITTY LITTER?
With so many options, here’s a quick cheat sheet:
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Best Budget: Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal
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Best for Odour Control: Fresh Step Advanced
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Best for Sensitive Cats: ökocat Wood Litter
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Best for Kittens: Purina Yesterday’s News (paper-based)
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Best Eco-Friendly: World’s Best Cat Litter (corn)
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Best for Busy Homes: Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Ultra
LIVING WITH CATS AND DOGS?
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)
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Low tracking (nobody wants a litter trail)
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Excellent at odour 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 prop/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.
Cat Door Prop
NEW LAUNCH
$34.00
Door Strap +
Door Stopper
$32.00
Dog Door Strap
Grey Chevron
$27.00
Dog Door Strap
Caramel
$27.00
LITTER BOX Q&A: BECAUSE WE KNOW YOU’VE GOT
A: Mix a little of the new stuff into the old litter over a week. Cats love gradual change.
A: Yes! The golden rule is: one per cat, plus one extra.
A: Try an unscented, fine-grain litter and move the box to a quieter spot.
Bonus: Litter Box Setup Tips
Want a box your cat actually wants to use? Here’s your starter kit:
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One box per cat, plus one extra
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Quiet, low-traffic location
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Scoop daily, deep clean weekly
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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.
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