Table 1 . Pros and cons of common types of cat litter .
Litter type Pros Cons
Clumping • If used at an optimum depth of 3 – 5 cm , urine and faeces are absorbed or coated with litter , forming easy-to-remove clumps
Nonclumping
• Provided the clumps are removed daily , full litter changes can be less frequent
• Fine grain , which is more comfortable for cats with sensitive paws
• A thinner layer can be used compared with clumping litters , making it more economical to do a full litter change
• If only a thin layer is used , it congeals and sticks to the tray , making it difficult to clean
• Not flushable or compostable
• Heavy
• Can be dusty
• Can stain the paws of light-coloured cats
• Grain tends to be larger and less absorbent
• Requires a regular full litter change
• Not flushable or compostable
• Heavy
• Can be dusty
• Can stain the paws of light-coloured cats
Wood pellet • Made from reclaimed wood / shavings
• Biodegradable and compostable
• Relatively cheap , depending on brand
• Minimal dust Paper pellet • Made from recycled newspapers
• Lightweight
• Large pellets can be uncomfortable on paws
• Wet pellets expand into sawdust , which can get trapped in the fur of long-haired cats
• May not be flushable , depending on the product
• Often provides a low level of odour control
• Can stain the paws of light-coloured cats
Corn cob / wheat / walnut shell
• Good level of absorbency
• Biodegradable , compostable and flushable
• Minimal dust
• Flushable in small portions
• Safe for use with a septic tank
• Biodegradable and compostable
• Good absorbency
• Can harbour fungal spores , which become active when moisture is present
• Can get trapped in the fur of long-haired cats
Silica crystal • Great odour control
• Highest absorbency
• Expensive
• Not biodegradable
• Either a deep or a thin layer can be used with equal absorbency
• Does not congeal or degrade , so no residues are left in the litter tray when it is cleaned
• Not flushable
• Angular crystals can be uncomfortable for paws
Scented • Helps to cover offensive litter tray smells • Fragrance can be offputting to scent-sensitive cats
Indicator • Colour change can identify pH changes in the urine
• Can cause confusion in multi-cat households due to individual variations in urine pH
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