Cats generally prefer unscented, fine-grained litters that mimic natural soil, like clumping clay or soft, sand-like textures, allowing for easy digging and burying; however, preferences are individual, so offering different types side-by-side (e.g., clay vs. paper vs. crystal) is the best way to find out what your cat likes, keeping it clean and shallow (2-4 inches).
Clay Litter
This is generally a cat's preferred litter. Most cats are happy with a medium or fine-grain clay litter because it resembles the sand or soil they'd choose outside. Clumping varieties are best for cleanliness.
Previous studies have shown that cats prefer clay clumping litter compared to other types (pellets and pearls). Likely due to the sensitive nature of cats' feet as well as their desire to dig and scratch in a substrate before and after eliminating, they prefer a very fine-grained litter.
However, you must shop wisely and avoid clay, wheat, corn, crystal, and wood clumping litters. These clumping litters pose serious health risks to you and your cat. Breathing in these litters can cause respiratory issues, cancer, and starch-based litters are at risk for deadly mold.
Vets often recommend unscented, low-dust, clumping litters like those made from corn, paper, or natural clay for good odor control and easier cleaning, with brands like Dr. Elsey's, World's Best Cat Litter, and Arm & Hammer Naturals frequently mentioned, but the best choice depends on your cat's preference, so some experimentation with soft, natural options like tofu or recycled paper might be needed.
The golden rules for litter boxes are: provide one box per cat plus one extra (N+1), place them in quiet, accessible spots on each floor, scoop daily, offer unscented litter, ensure 2-3 inches of depth for digging, keep them away from food/water, and avoid covered boxes if cats dislike them. Cleanliness, placement, and adequate quantity prevent stress and accidents, promoting good feline hygiene and behavior.
Our experts most often recommend clumping cat litter. Its ease of scooping and better odor control lend themselves to a more hygienic litter box.
Vets often discourage closed litter boxes because they trap odors, creating a stressful and unpleasant environment for cats with sensitive noses, and they make cats feel vulnerable by limiting their escape and ability to see potential threats, which can lead to anxiety or litter box avoidance and inappropriate urination/defecation, even though some studies show no universal preference if kept spotless.
"Number 1 cat litter" can refer to the brand Number-1 Cat Litter, known for odor control and eco-friendliness, or it could be a general request for top-rated litters like Boxiecat (probiotic clay), World's Best Cat Litter (corn-based), or Cat's Best (wood-based), all praised for strong odor control, easy scooping, and low dust, with choices depending on preference for clay, natural, or recycled materials.
Ammonia: Litter boxes are a perfect place for harmful bacteria and parasites to grow. Cat waste leads to ammonia. This colorless but odorful gas can cause respiratory, gastrointestinal, vision, and skin issues for both cats and humans.
The top "silent killers" in cats are Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), often progressing until 75% kidney failure, and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), a heart muscle disease, both often showing few symptoms until advanced stages, along with Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) and Hepatic Lipidosis (Fatty Liver), leading to sudden illness or organ failure if undetected. Early detection through regular vet check-ups, blood tests, and monitoring for subtle changes like increased thirst/urination, weight loss, or hiding is crucial for managing these common, often hidden, feline diseases, says this article.
Cats prefer environments that don't overwhelm them. A mild, odor-controlled litter keeps things fresh while still being gentle on their sensitive noses. On the other hand, heavily perfumed litters can create an unpleasant experience for cats, sometimes even leading them to avoid the box altogether.
Not only might catnip entice them to enter the carrier, but the scent of it once they are inside could calm them as well. The herb can also be used to attract cats to a new litter box and scratching post. Please remind anyone using catnip for these purposes that it is not a cure-all.
For happy cats, follow the "N+1" rule (one litter box per cat plus one extra), place boxes in quiet, accessible spots away from food/water, scoop daily, fully clean monthly, use unscented clumping litter (2-4 inches deep), and generally avoid covered boxes and liners, ensuring boxes are large enough for comfortable turning.
Many cats prefer clumping litter because it's easier for them to push aside, but some cats prefer a non clumping clay litter. Choosing the litter that your cat prefers makes it less likely that your cat will avoid the litter tray and find elsewhere to toilet.
Once scooped, the litter should be immediately placed in the trash bag, and the bag should be disposed of in an outdoor bin with a tight-fitting lid to keep odors contained and keep pests away. Regularly emptying and cleaning the bin where the litter is disposed of is crucial.
Any litter with sodium bentonite clay. Any litter with silica crystals or silica dust. Clay litters that claim to be dust-free (some sort of chemical dust suppressant was used)
Our Vet Pick: Best Natural Cat Litter
If you want to make a greener choice for your cat's litter box, our vets recommend Arm & Hammer's Naturals clumping cat litter. Made from plant-based corn fibers, this eco-friendly litter is highly absorbent and offers a more sustainable alternative to traditional clay options.
What are cat litter liners for?
New Cat? Set Realistic Expectations! You can expect that it will take your cat some time to get used to the new routines and environment. The 'Rule of Three' means that you can gauge the time it might take for your cat to fully acclimate to his home in threes: three days, three weeks, and three months.
Cats get most annoyed by loud, sudden noises (vacuums, thunder), strong smells (citrus, vinegar), changes in routine, dirty litter boxes, and unwanted handling like being picked up or stared at, as these disrupt their sense of security and sensory balance, triggering their sensitive hearing and instincts for control and safety. Unexpected movements, unfamiliar scents, and being forced into costumes also cause significant stress and annoyance for felines.
Digestive problems. Constipation, diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, or other digestive issues that can cause a cat to feel a sense of urgency or pain when pooping can lead to the cat avoiding the litter box. Arthritis. Mobility issues such as arthritis may make it difficult for cats to get into a litter box.
Non-clumping litters, such as Catsan™ Hygiene Plus Litter, 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 (that's if you're using Catsan™ - less high-quality litters will need changing every few days).
The healthiest cat litter options are natural, low-dust, and unscented, with popular choices including corn, wheat, tofu, grass, and recycled paper, offering biodegradability and gentleness for sensitive paws and respiratory systems, while silica gel (crystal) litters are excellent for odor control but pricier. Avoid heavily scented litters and focus on unscented, dust-free formulas to prevent respiratory irritation and box avoidance in cats, prioritizing plant-based or paper options for better health and environmental impact.
If you use non-clumping litter, urine will be absorbed by the clay or other ingredients such as corn or wood, with some falling to the bottom of the cat box under the litter. Clumping litters need changing less frequently because you can use a litter scoop to remove the coated clumps of cat pee and poop.