Best Cat Litter Options for Your Feline Friend

Cat Litter Types: Their Pros and Cons

1. PlantBased Litter

Plantbased litter, such as tofu litter and corn litter, has gained popularity. These products are made from soybean or corn waste.

Advantages:

Nontoxic, safe for accidental ingestion;

Forms clumps, lightweight;

Environmentally friendly with minimal dust; and

Can be flushed down the toilet.

Disadvantages:

Prone to bacterial and parasitic growth in humid summer weather;

Mostly imported, leading to higher prices.

2. Paper Litter

With strong water and odor absorption, paper litter does not clump, has no dust, can be flushed down the toilet, and is less likely to be carried out of the litter box, containing fewer chemical ingredients.

Advantages:

Excellent water and odor absorption;

Does not clump;

No dust;

Can be flushed down the toilet; and

Less likely to be carried out of the litter box, with fewer chemical ingredients.

Disadvantages:

Some products become pastelike after absorbing water, requiring more frequent cleaning;

Expensive.

3. Clay Litter

Clay litter is known for its strong water absorption, clumping, and moderate odor control. It offers the best foot feel and coverage among all types of cat litter.

Advantages:

Strong water absorption and clumping;

Medium odor control; and

The best foot feel and coverage among all types of cat litter.

Disadvantages:

Heavy weight and high usage volume;

Quality varies greatly between brands, with differences in dust and litter carryout; and

Quality can vary greatly between brands, with differences in dust and litter carryout.

4. Crystal Litter

Crystal litter has minimal dust, good water absorption and odor control, is more costeffective than clay litter, and is easier to clean, with moderate pricing.

Advantages:

Minimal dust;

Good water absorption and odor control;

More costeffective than clay litter; and

Easier to clean, with moderate pricing.

Disadvantages:

Not flushable;

Some cats may accidentally ingest it, posing a risk; and

Can lead to secondary pollution.

5. Pine or Wheat Litter

Pine or wheat litter has almost no dust, excellent water absorption and odor control, is more costeffective than clay or crystal litter, and is easier to clean. It can also be flushed down the toilet.

Advantages:

Almost no dust;

Excellent water absorption and odor control;

More costeffective than clay or crystal litter; and

Easier to clean. It can also be flushed down the toilet.

Disadvantages:

Prone to bacterial growth in humid summer weather;

Price is slightly higher than clay or crystal litter;

Some cats may dislike the smell of wood shavings and refuse to use it.

Tip: Click on the "Cat Litter Buying Guide" for more tips on choosing the right cat litter.