Let’s be honest – cat litter isn’t the most glamorous part of pet parenting, but it is one of the most important.
The right litter keeps your home smelling fresh, your clean-up routine simple, and your cat feeling comfortable every time they need to go.
This guide will help you find the best fit for your home and your cat – plus a few handy tips if things aren’t going quite to plan.
Different types of cat litter – and how they compare
Clumping cat litter
Clumping cat litter is usually made from bentonite clay, which absorbs moisture and forms tight clumps when your cat does their business. There are also natural clumping options, such as corn, tofu, bamboo and soy.
These clumps are easy to scoop out, so you can remove waste daily without needing to replace the entire tray. It’s one of the most popular choices – and for good reason.
Pros: Easy to clean, controls odour well, lasts longer between full changes.
Cons: Can be dusty, not always biodegradable, may track outside the tray.
You’ll still need to do a thorough clean of the whole tray every so often – just not as frequently as with non-clumping litter.
Non-clumping cat litter
Non-clumping litter soaks up urine and traps it at the base of the tray but doesn’t form solid clumps.
It’s often made from silica, wood or other absorbent materials, and is a more traditional go-to for many cat owners. That said, you’ll need to replace the whole tray regularly to keep things fresh.
Pros: Usually low dust, often more affordable, gentle on sensitive paws.
Cons: Can get smelly faster, harder to spot clean, needs frequent replacing.
Recycled paper cat litter
Recycled paper litter is an eco-friendly option that's made from compressed pellets of recycled paper.
It’s soft, highly absorbent and doesn’t create dust – which makes it a great choice for kittens, post-surgery recovery, or cats with respiratory issues.
Pros: Biodegradable, low dust, lightweight and gentle.
Cons: Doesn’t clump, may not control odours as well, needs regular full changes.
Natural cat litter
Natural cat litters are made from plant-based materials like tofu, corn, wheat, or wood.
Many are biodegradable – and some are even flushable (just be sure to check the packaging first, and with your council). Depending on the type, natural litters may be clumping or non-clumping.
Pros: Earth-friendly, often low-dust and lightweight, some are clumping.
Cons: Can be more expensive, odour control varies, not always as absorbent.
How to choose the right litter for your cat
Every cat is a little different, so the “best” litter really comes down to what your cat prefers – and what works for your household.
Some cats are fussy about texture and might steer clear of anything that feels too rough under their paws. Others may not tolerate strong scents.
If your cat has asthma or sensitivities, you might want to go for low-dust or natural litters. Clumping litters can be a big help in multi-cat homes, where trays need more frequent cleaning.
As for being kind to the planet, biodegradable or recycled options are well worth exploring.
You might need to try a couple of types before you find ‘the one’ – and that’s completely normal!
Where should you put your cat’s litter box?
Cats like a bit of privacy when they go, but they also need to feel safe – so avoid loud or high-traffic areas like the laundry (especially if there’s a noisy washing machine) and near their food and water bowls.
A quiet corner in a low-stress part of the house is ideal. If your home has more than one level, pop a litter tray on each floor so your cat never has to travel too far.
And once you find a spot they’re comfortable with, try not to move it – consistency helps build good litter habits.
Litter box hygiene and maintenance
How often should you change cat litter?
A clean litter box makes a big difference to your cat’s comfort – and your home.
Most cats won’t go near a tray that’s too dirty, which can lead to accidents in all the wrong places.
Scooping once a day is a good habit to get into (twice if you’ve got more than one cat) and replacing the litter completely every week or so helps keep smells under control.
When it’s time for a full change, give the tray a quick wash with warm soapy water before refilling. It’ll keep things fresher and help stop any build-up.
Tips to keep the litter area tidy
If your cat loves to dig, chances are you’ll find litter scattered nearby. A simple litter mat can catch any bits they flick out – or try a tray with higher sides to help keep things contained.
Covered litter boxes can work too, as long as your cat’s comfy using one.
Keep the tray in a quiet, well-ventilated spot – it’ll help keep the peace and make your life easier when it comes to cleaning.
How many litter boxes should you have?
The general rule of thumb? One tray per cat – plus one extra.
So, two cats means three trays. Three cats means four trays. (And so on, and so forth.)
This helps reduce stress and territorial behaviour, which can sometimes lead to litter box avoidance.
Even in single-cat homes, having a second tray in a different location can be helpful – especially in bigger homes or multi-level spaces. It gives your cat options and keeps accidents to a minimum.
Why is my cat peeing outside their litter box?
There are a few reasons your cat might be avoiding the litter box.
Your first stop should be the vet. Medical issues like urinary tract infections are common causes and need to be ruled out sooner rather than later.
It might also be a litter issue. Maybe the texture’s changed, it hasn’t been cleaned recently or there’s a scent your cat doesn’t like. Similar to how you'd swap cat food, you can try transitioning the litter slowly over the course of 6 days. Start by replacing one-third of the old litter in the box with new litter. Then slowly start increasing the new litter every day until you’ve completely transitioned. This will help your cat adjust.
Stress is another factor. A new pet, change in routine or even rearranged furniture can throw some cats off.
And of course, make sure the tray is in a quiet, easy-to-access spot and cleaned regularly.
Ready to find the right litter? Shop all types of cat litter and accessories today!