A complete guide to choosing
the best cat litter for you and your cat
If you’re a cat lover you’ll know that cats can be quite (okay, very!) fussy so it’s important to choose a cat litter they approve of. Otherwise, they will probably just refuse to use the litter box!
With so many different types of litter out there, the choice can feel overwhelming. What’s the best cat litter for odour control and dust free? What’s the best litter for a kitten? What about if you have more than one cat? Relax though, because we have all the answers right here.
Article contents
The different types of litter
Litter boxes and other important questions
What cat litter is right for you and your cat?
What kind of cat litter should I use?
Broadly speaking, litters divide into two main types – clumping and non-clumping. There are also biodegradable litters and litters that are fragranced. Let’s look at some of that in more detail:
Clumping litter versus non-clumping litter
Wondering what the best type of cat litter is? Probably the first thing to say here is that one is not better than the other. It’s simply a matter of what you – or let’s be honest! – your cat prefers. Non-clumping litters absorb a large volume of liquid and lock away odours. This means if you remove any faeces daily, the litter tray will stay fresh for up to a week. Clumping litters, as the name suggests, form a solid clump around urine or faeces so that you can just remove that without having to empty the entire litter. This means you can do a thorough clean of the litter tray less often, although it’s important to remember that cats are fastidious about cleanliness. Want to know more? Check out Clumping cat litter versus non-clumping litter cat litter: The scoop
What are cat litters made of?
When cats first started living in people’s homes, litter boxes were filled with paper, ashes or dirt, none of which, unsurprisingly, were great at absorbing odours. We have come a long way since then though and, at Catsan™, we have spent four decades perfecting our ‘recipes’ and are proud of the high-quality, natural ingredients we use. These vary across the range. Catsan™ Hygiene litter, for example, is made with lime and white quartz, and Catsan™ Natural Clumping Litter is made with a by-product of the wheat industry.
What’s the best litter for kittens?
Kittens are inquisitive creatures who, like human babies, tend to explore the world with their mouths. For this reason, we recommend you use a coarse-grained non-clumping litter such as CATSAN™ Hygiene Plus Litter. This is less likely to cause a problem if eaten. Once your kitten is a year old, you can change to clumping litter if you prefer. Do make the transition gradually though by adding a little more of the new litter to the (clean) old litter every time you clean the litter box.
Biodegradable litter
If you and your cat are keen to reduce your carbon pawprint, you’ll be interested in biodegradable litter such as Catsan™ Natural Clumping Litter. This is made from a wheat by-product that would otherwise go to waste. It offers natural odour control and is a great choice for you, your feline friend and the planet.
What’s the best litter for small apartments?
If your living space isn’t very big, you’ll be particularly concerned about making sure your cat’s litter box isn’t whiffy. And the good news is that all Catsan™ litters are designed with excellent odour control. This means you can choose whichever litter your furry friend likes best and be confident your apartment will smell good. It’s also worth checking out the advice in How to stop your cat litter smelling.
What’s the best litter for multiple cats?
It’s recommended that you have one litter box for every cat plus one more. This means you can cater to everyone’s preferences! Do be aware that your cats might choose to use each other’s litter boxes though. This means if you have a kitten you’ll want to make sure all the litter in the house is suitable for them (coarse-grained and non-clumping).
Litter boxes and other important questions
Of course, getting your choice of cat litter right, though vitally important, is only the first step. You also need to make sure you get the right litter box, position it correctly and change the litter often enough. Our article on Cat litter tray basics is a mine of information, but here are a few tips.
Choosing a litter tray
There are lots of different types of litter tray out there and different cats will have different preferences. Do bear in mind though that many cats dislike covered litter boxes because they can’t see ‘threats’. Also, if you have a kitten or an elderly cat, don’t choose a litter box with high sides as this will be difficult for them to get in and out of.
How many litter trays should you have?
The rule of paw here is to have one litter box for every cat in your household plus one more. Kittens will also benefit from having multiple litter trays because they are often too busy playing to realise until the last minute that they need to go to the toilet!
Where should you position the litter tray?
Litter trays should be put in quiet undisturbed places and kept away from your cat’s food and water bowls (cats don’t like to pee and poop near where they eat). A lot of owners put the litter tray in the bathroom but other options include the living room or bedroom.
How often should you change litter?
This depends on a number of things, including what type of litter you are using and how many cats you have in your household. You will probably need to change non-clumping litter about once a week and should scoop clumps daily if you use clumping litter. This is just a guide though – there’s more detailed advice in 4 things you need to know about keeping a cat litter box clean.
What should you do if your cat is refusing to use their litter tray?
There are several different reasons why your furry friend might avoid their litter tray. Are they happy with their litter and their litter tray and where it’s positioned? Have there been any changes to their routine that might have made them anxious? There is lots of useful advice in Help, my cat is refusing to use their litter tray.
What cat litter is right for you and your cat?
CATSAN™
Hygiene Plus Litter |
CATSAN™
Smart Pack Litter |
CATSAN™
Ultra Plus Litter |
CATSAN™
Natural Clumping Litter |
CATSAN™
Wood Comfort Litter |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Non-clumping | Litter + liner | Clumping | Clumping | Non-clumping |
| Dust-free | 99.7% | No dust, as no litter needs to be poured into tray | 99% | 99% | 99.8% |
| Recommended for kittens | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Characteristics | Absorbs odours before they develop for long-lasting freshness | Easy and hygienic disposal | Small and stable clumps |
- 100% biodegradable - 100% natural odour control |
Made from soft wood granules that are naturally excellent in preventing odour formation |
| Available formats | Two pre-filled ready-to-use inlay packs | ||||
| Ideal for you and your cat if | You’re looking for proven odour-control | You’re looking for extra convenience | You’re looking for a long-lasting clumping litter | You’re looking for something that’s 100% natural and biodegradable | You’re looking for something that’s 100% natural and biodegradable |
