Cat litter guide
The best litter is the one your cat will use. Many cats prefer unscented, fine-grained, clumping litter, but every cat is different. Here's how the common types compare, plus the litter box basics that prevent most problems.
Litter types compared
| Type | Clumps? | Dust and tracking | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clay, clumping | Yes | Can be dusty; tracks | Easy to scoop; the most popular choice. Heavy to carry. |
| Clay, non-clumping | No | Can be dusty | Inexpensive, but the whole box needs changing more often. |
| Silica crystals | No | Low dust | Absorbs urine and odor well; some cats dislike the texture. |
| Pine pellets | No | Low dust; low tracking | Breaks down to sawdust. Natural pine smell. |
| Wheat or corn | Usually | Low to medium | Plant-based and lighter. Store dry to prevent mold. |
| Walnut shell | Usually | Medium | Dark color hides dirt but also hides changes in urine. |
| Recycled paper pellets | No | Very low dust | Soft and low-dust; often suggested after surgery. Ask your vet. |
Change litters gradually by mixing the new one into the old over a week or two. Don't flush cat litter unless the package says it's safe for your plumbing and local rules allow it. We don't recommend brands.
Litter box basics
- 1 + 1One box per cat, plus one extra.
- 1.5×A box about one and a half times your cat's length.
- DailyScoop at least once a day.
- QuietEasy to reach, away from food and noisy appliances.
Call your vet if your cat starts peeing outside the box, strains in the box or goes much more often. Litter box changes can be a sign of illness. A cat that strains with little or nothing coming out needs a vet right away.
Read litter box basics and signs your cat is unwell, or estimate litter and other costs with the cat cost calculator.