The Ultimate Guide to Types of Cat Litter: Finding Your Cat’s Perfect Match

Choosing the right cat litter is more important than many owners realize. The type of litter you select impacts everything from odor control to how comfortable your cat feels using the box. The wrong choice can lead to unpleasant smells, messy cleanups, or even a cat refusing to use the litter box altogether.

The right litter, however, can make life easier for both you and your cat. It can reduce odor, simplify scooping, and encourage consistent litter box habits.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the most common types of cat litter, their benefits, drawbacks, and which homes or cats they’re best suited for. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of the different types of cat litter and be ready to find your cat’s perfect match. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing Cat Litter

Not all cat litters are created equal. The right choice depends on your cat’s needs, your household, and your personal priorities whether that’s odor control, sustainability, or ease of cleaning. When browsing Purina cat litter options, keep the following factors in mind:

Odor Control

One of the most important features of any litter is how well it manages smells and odor control. The best cat litter for odor doesn’t just mask odors – it actively neutralizes them. Some litters rely on absorption (like silica gel and clay-based cat litter), while others use additives such as activated charcoal or baking soda to trap odors. Options like Tidy Cats with charcoal are especially effective for multi-cat homes where odor builds quickly.

Weight

Some brands carry lightweight cat litter, which can make a huge difference in litter heaviness during scooping and cleaning. Not only does the lesser weight make it easier to carry the litter into the home from the store, but these lightweight options come in multiple scented and unscented varieties for all types of household needs. The best part is these are made in a way that doesn’t compromise litter amount, but still weigh less than traditional clumping litters.

Clumping Ability

Clumping litter makes cleanup simple by forming scoopable, solid clumps when it comes into contact with moisture. This allows you to remove waste daily and keep the box fresher for longer. Clumping clay litter is the most common choice, though some natural cat litter types like corn cat litter also clump well. Non-clumping litter can still work for low-maintenance households but typically requires more frequent full litter changes.

Dust Level

Dust free litter is important for keeping household surfaces clean and minimizing airborne dust. A high-dust litter can cause irritation to people and cats with lung sensitivities and can leave a fine film on floors and furniture. Low dust cat litter and no dust cat litter options, such as paper cat litter, pellet litter, charcoal litter, and silica gel, are great choices for kittens, sensitive cats, and tidy households.

Tracking

No one enjoys finding litter scattered throughout the house. Tracking happens when small particles stick to your cat’s paws and are carried outside the litter box. Larger granules, such as pellet litter or wood-based pine litter, tend to track less than fine clay litters. Some low-tracking cat litter formulas also reduce tracking while still offering clumping ability.

Cat Preference

At the end of the day, your cat has the final say. Some cats are picky about texture, scent, or feel, and if your cat doesn’t like the litter, they may refuse to use the box. Many cats prefer unscented cat litter or soft-textured formulas that are gentle on their paws. If your cat won’t use the current litter, consider transitioning their cat litter gradually to a new type of litter they will use.

Environmental Impact

For eco-conscious owners, alternative cat litters can be attractive options. Pine litter, walnut cat litter, corn cat litter, and other natural cat litter types, are made from renewable or recycled materials. Although some are marketed as flushable cat litter, flushing used litter can create environmental harm and is a violation of certain state and local regulations.

Cost

The cost of cat litter isn’t just about the price tag on the bag; it’s about how long-lasting cat litter is and how frequently it needs to be replaced. Clumping formulas often last longer because you mostly only remove waste rather than dumping the entire box. Multi-cat litter, such as Tidy Cats® Lightweight With Glade® Clear Springs® Multi-Cat Clumping Litter, is usually designed to handle more waste, which can stretch your budget further in busy households.

Common Types of Cat Litter

With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to decide which cat litter is best for your home. From traditional clay to innovative natural alternatives, each type offers its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Some prioritize strong odor control, others are designed to be eco-friendly, and a few focus on specialized needs like health monitoring or low tracking.

In this section, we’ll explore the most common types of cat litter available today. You’ll learn what makes each unique, their pros and cons, and which households or cats they’re best suited for. Whether you’re considering switching cat litter or just want to understand the different types of cat litter more fully, this guide will help you make an informed choice.

1. Clay Litter

Clay litter is the most traditional and widely used type, typically made from montmorillonite and bentonite clays.

• Clumping Clay Litter: These clumping options form solid masses for easy scooping. Often marketed as scoopable cat litter, it’s available in many formulas, including  multi-cat litter.
• Non-Clumping Clay Litter: Non-clumping options absorb moisture without forming clumps, and they are often more affordable.

2. Silica Gel (Crystal) Litter

Made from porous silica gel beads or crystals, this dust free cat litter absorbs liquid and traps odor. It’s lightweight, long-lasting, and often marketed as odorless cat litter. One version is health monitoring litter, which changes color to indicate potential health issues. 

3. Wood Litter

Wood litter is made from recycled wood products such as pine or cedar. This natural cat litter is often considered eco-friendly.

• Pellets: Pine litter pellets break down into sawdust when wet.
• Clumping Wood Litter: Designed to form clumps like clay.

4. Paper Litter

Paper cat litter is made from recycled paper, often formed into pellets or soft shredded pieces. It’s a low dust cat litter option, making it ideal for kittens or cats with respiratory sensitivities.

5. Pellet Litter (e.g., Breeze System)

Pellet litter is a dust free litter option made from zeolite, wood, or paper. An example of this is our Tidy Cats Breeze Litter System that uses specially designed zeolite pellets paired with a pad to absorb liquid separately in order to reduce odor and tracking while simplifying cleanup.

6. Other Natural Litters

Other natural cat litter options include:

• Walnut Cat Litter: Ground walnut shells, known for natural odor control.
• Corn Cat Litter: A cat litter that clumps naturally.
• Grass, Tofu, and Other Natural Litters: Lightweight cat litter alternatives with good clumping and odor control.

Common Types of Cat Litter: Comparison Chart

Key Features and Benefits Across Litter Types

When choosing between the different types of cat litter, it helps to understand the key features that make one formula stand out from another. The right combination of dust control, odor management, and special features can make a big difference in both your cat’s comfort and your daily cleanup routine.

Dust Control Litter

High levels of dust can irritate people and cats with sensitive airways and leave a fine layer of residue around the litter box area. Opting for low dust cat litter or no dust cat litter reduces the need for extra cleaning. Excellent options include silica gel litter, paper cat litter, and larger-grain pellet litter, which produce very little dust compared to traditional clay-based cat litter. This makes them especially useful for kittens, senior cats, and multi-cat households where dust can accumulate quickly.

Odor Control Litter

Maintaining a fresh-smelling home is one of the top priorities for cat owners. The best cat litter for odor works through one or more of the following mechanisms:

• Absorption: Litters like silica gel and non-clumping clay trap moisture and odors inside the particles.
• Clumping: Scoopable cat litter such as clumping clay litter or corn cat litter forms solid clumps that seal odors in, making it easy to remove them daily.
• Additives: Some litters contain charcoal, baking soda, or other odor-fighting agents, such as the Tidy Cats formulas with charcoal mentioned above.
• Natural Odor Control: Cat litter like pine litter, walnut cat litter, and grass litter naturally neutralize odors without added chemicals.

Choosing the right type depends on your cat’s tolerance for scents, the size of your household, and how often you’re willing to scoop.

Multi-Cat Litter Formulas

If you have more than one cat, regular litter might not hold up under the extra use. Multi-cat litter is specifically designed to handle higher volumes of waste while keeping odors under control. These formulas usually offer stronger clumping power, enhanced odor-blocking technology, and better absorbency. Popular choices include clumping clay litter and some natural cat litter options designed for busy households. Purina Tidy Cats multi-cat formulas are a great place to start and will even work for single cat households as well.

Health Monitoring Litters

One of the newest innovations in the litter world is health monitoring litter. Products like Tidy Cats Tidy Care Alert Health Monitoring Cat Litter change color in response to your cat’s urine pH, which may indicate potential health issues. While this doesn’t replace veterinary care, it can provide early warning signs and help you seek treatment sooner. This feature adds an extra layer of peace of mind and you can even combine it with Petivity's Smart Litter Box Monitor System for further health insights.

How to Transition Your Cat to a New Litter

Cats thrive on routine, and sudden changes to their litter can be stressful. Transitioning cat litter gradually is the best way to encourage your cat to accept a new formula without creating litter box aversion. If your cat doesn’t take to the new litter at first, don’t worry – patience and consistency are key.

Gradual Introduction

Start by mixing a small amount of the new cat litter into the old one. Over the course of 7–10 days, gradually increase the amount of new litter while reducing the old. This slow process allows your cat to adjust to the new texture, scent, or clumping style.

Multiple Boxes

If possible, set up two litter boxes during the transition: one with the old litter and one with the new. This gives your cat the freedom to explore the new litter at their own pace while still having the security of their familiar box. Once they are regularly using the new litter you can look to take the older litter option away.

Patience

Transitioning cat litter doesn’t happen overnight. Some cats adjust within a few days, while others may take weeks. If your cat won’t use the new litter right away, simply slow down the process and allow them more time. Avoid scolding or forcing them, because it can make the problem worse.

Avoid Sudden Changes

Switching cat litter too quickly can lead to litter box avoidance, which is one of the most common behavior issues cat owners face. Sudden changes in scent, texture, or dust level can make your cat uncomfortable. Always take a gradual approach to minimize stress.

For step-by-step tips, visit Purina’s guide on how to switch cat litter.

When it comes to cat litter, there’s no single “best” option. The ideal choice depends on your cat’s preferences, your household needs, and your lifestyle. From clay-based cat litter to natural cat litter like walnut or corn, every option has unique pros and cons.

By understanding the different types of cat litter, you can confidently select one that encourages consistent use, controls odor, and makes cleanup easier.

Ready to explore your options? If you're still unsure, try the Tidy Cats Litter Selector tool. Or, visit Purina’s cat litter selection to find the perfect fit for your kitty and discover products designed to keep your home fresh and your cat happy.

For more expert tips on cat litter, explore our other cat litter behavior articles.