Clumping clay, wood pellets, paper, tofu or silica? We compare every cat litter type for odour, dust, cost and mess, plus litter tray tips.
Quick answer: clumping clay litter is the most popular choice for odour control and easy scooping, but it's heavy and dusty. Wood pellets are cheap, natural and great at absorbing smells. Tofu and corn litters are lightweight, low-dust and clump well. Silica crystals last a long time between changes. Paper litter is the gentlest option for kittens and cats recovering from surgery. The best litter is the one your cat is happy to use, so change gradually if you switch.
Cat litter types at a glance
| Type | Clumps? | Odour control | Dust | Weight | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clumping clay (bentonite) | Yes | Good | Can be high | Heavy | Easy scooping; cats who like sand-like texture |
| Non-clumping clay | No | Moderate | Moderate | Heavy | Budget option |
| Wood pellets | Usually no (some clumping wood types available) | Very good | Low | Light to medium | Eco-conscious owners; multi-cat homes on a budget |
| Tofu / plant-based | Yes | Good | Very low | Light | Low dust; lightweight to carry |
| Silica crystals | No (absorbs) | Very good | Very low | Light | Long-lasting; fewer full changes |
| Paper pellets | No | Moderate | Very low | Light | Kittens, post-surgery, sensitive cats |
Clumping clay litter
Made from bentonite clay, it forms firm clumps when wet, so you can scoop out just the soiled litter. Most cats like the fine, sandy texture. On the downside, it's heavy, can be dusty, and isn't biodegradable. Choose a low-dust, unscented version.
Wood pellet litter
Compressed wood pellets absorb urine and break down into sawdust. They're natural, often made from by-products, very good at neutralising ammonia smells, and usually cheap. Some cats dislike the hard pellet texture at first. A sifting litter tray system makes them easier to manage.
Tofu and plant-based litter
Made from soybean, corn, pea fibre or cassava, these litters clump well, produce very little dust and are lightweight. They often cost more. While some are marketed as flushable, many UK water companies advise against flushing any cat litter or cat faeces, because it can block drains and spread parasites into waterways. Bin it instead, or compost it in a dedicated non-food compost bin where appropriate.
Silica crystal litter
Silica gel crystals absorb liquid and lock in odour, and often only need a full change every few weeks. They're light and low-dust, but some cats dislike the crunchy feel, and they can be more expensive upfront.
Paper litter
Recycled paper pellets are soft, very low-dust and highly absorbent. Vets often recommend them for kittens and for cats after surgery, as they're less likely to stick to wounds. They're less effective at controlling odour, so change them more often.
How to switch cat litter
- Mix a small amount of the new litter into the old (around 25%).
- Gradually increase the proportion of new litter over one to two weeks.
- Watch for signs your cat dislikes it, such as toileting beside the tray.
- If your cat refuses it, go back to what they liked.
Litter tray tips
- Number of trays: one per cat, plus one extra.
- Location: quiet, easy to reach, and away from food and water.
- Depth: around 3 to 5 cm of litter suits most cats.
- Cleaning: scoop at least once or twice a day and do a full change and wash regularly. Avoid strong-smelling disinfectants.
- Scented litter: many cats dislike strong scents. Unscented is usually best.
- Catch scatter: a double-layer litter mat or paw-shaped mat traps litter from paws.
- Scooping: a metal litter scoop or a scoop with built-in bag holder makes daily cleaning quicker.
Toilet training a cat to use the toilet? See our cat toilet training kit. Note that flushing cat waste is not recommended by many UK water companies.
Pregnancy and toxoplasmosis
Cat faeces can carry toxoplasma, which is a risk in pregnancy. If you're pregnant, ask someone else to clean the tray if possible, or wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly. Scooping daily also reduces the risk.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best cat litter for smell?
Wood pellets, silica crystals and good-quality clumping litters are all strong at odour control, as long as trays are scooped daily.
What litter is best for kittens?
Many vets recommend paper or non-clumping natural litter for very young kittens, who may try to eat clumping litter.
Why is my cat not using the litter tray?
Common causes include a dirty tray, a change of litter, a stressful location, or a medical problem such as cystitis. If it continues, see your vet.
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