Updated July 2026
The best cat litter is not necessarily the one with the most impressive packaging, the strongest fragrance or the biggest list of features.
It is the litter your cat consistently feels comfortable using.
Cats can be particular about the texture, smell, depth and cleanliness of their litter. A product that seems convenient to us may feel unpleasant under a cat’s paws or smell overpowering to their much more sensitive nose.
In this guide, I look at the main types of cat litter, how to set up a comfortable litter tray, how often to clean it, and how to dispose of used litter responsibly.
For wider advice about feeding, enrichment, holiday care and keeping cats comfortable at home, visit my Cat Care Advice Hub.
Quick answer: which cat litter is best?
Many cats prefer a fine, unscented, sand-like litter that is comfortable to stand on and easy to dig in.
However, there is no single litter that every cat will accept.
The best choice will depend on:
- what your cat has used previously
- the texture they prefer
- their age and mobility
- whether they have sensitive paws
- how much the litter produces dust
- how easily it tracks around your home
- how often you can clean the tray
- whether you have more than one cat
Avoid changing a familiar litter without a good reason. When a change is necessary, introduce the new product gradually rather than suddenly replacing everything your cat recognises.
Why your cat’s preference matters
A litter tray is one of your cat’s essential household resources.
It should feel safe, accessible and predictable.
Some cats will tolerate almost any clean litter. Others may avoid a tray because they dislike:
- a strong fragrance
- large or sharp pellets
- excessive dust
- a covered tray
- a tray that is too small
- a noisy automatic cleaning mechanism
- an uncomfortable liner
- a tray placed in a busy area
- litter that has become wet or dirty
Cats Protection explains that many cats prefer fine, heavy, sand-like litter and advises avoiding strongly scented products. You can read its cat toileting and litter-tray advice.
A cat that stops using its tray is not being spiteful or deliberately difficult. Something about the tray, litter, environment or the cat’s health may have changed.
The main types of cat litter
Cat litter is available in several different materials. Each has advantages and disadvantages, but the final decision should be guided by what your cat will use comfortably.
Clumping clay litter
Clumping litter forms a solid clump when it absorbs urine. This allows soiled sections to be removed while leaving clean litter in the tray.
Possible advantages include:
- straightforward daily scooping
- good absorption
- easier monitoring of urine clumps
- a fine texture that many cats accept
- less need to replace the entire tray every day
Possible disadvantages include:
- it can be heavy to carry
- some products produce considerable dust
- fine particles may track through the home
- heavily fragranced versions may deter some cats
- it is not biodegradable
Choose an unscented, low-dust option where possible.
Non-clumping clay litter
Non-clumping litter absorbs moisture without forming a removable clump.
It is usually inexpensive and widely available, but urine can spread throughout the litter rather than remain in a single scoopable area.
Possible advantages include:
- generally lower initial cost
- familiar texture for many cats
- simple to use
Possible disadvantages include:
- the whole tray may need changing more frequently
- it can be harder to remove urine without replacing surrounding litter
- odours may develop more quickly if the tray is not maintained carefully
The lowest price per bag does not always mean the lowest cost over time. A cheaper litter that needs frequent replacement may not provide better value.
Wood pellet litter
Wood litter is usually supplied as compressed pellets. The pellets absorb moisture and gradually break down.
Possible advantages include:
- often made from a renewable material
- generally lightweight
- potentially less dusty than some clay litters
- absorbent
- some varieties are biodegradable before use
Possible disadvantages include:
- the pellet texture may feel unfamiliar
- larger pieces may be uncomfortable for cats that prefer fine litter
- damp pellets can break down into sawdust
- lightweight material may spread beyond the tray
- disposal instructions vary between products and councils
Do not assume that biodegradable packaging means used litter can be placed in your council’s food or garden waste collection.
Recycled paper litter
Paper-based litter is commonly sold as soft pellets or granules.
Possible advantages include:
- often relatively lightweight
- usually low in dust
- can feel softer than harder pellets
- may suit cats that dislike rough textures
Possible disadvantages include:
- it may not control smells as effectively as some alternatives
- urine may be harder to isolate
- some cats dislike the pellet shape
- it may need more frequent replacement
A paper product can still be rejected by a cat that has always used fine clay litter. Environmental benefits are only useful if the cat is comfortable using the tray.
Silica or crystal litter
Silica litter contains absorbent crystals that take in moisture.
Possible advantages include:
- strong moisture absorption
- comparatively lightweight
- good odour control when used and maintained correctly
- less frequent complete changes with some products
Possible disadvantages include:
- the crystals may feel hard or sharp under sensitive paws
- some cats dislike the sound or texture
- it is not biodegradable
- urine can be less visible than it is with clumping litter
- individual products have different maintenance instructions
Introduce crystal litter gradually and watch whether your cat continues entering, digging and covering normally.
Plant-based and tofu litter
Plant-based litters may be made from materials such as corn, wheat, pea fibre or tofu by-products.
Possible advantages include:
- often lightweight
- some products clump effectively
- may be made from renewable materials
- sometimes lower in dust than clay
Possible disadvantages include:
- performance varies considerably
- lightweight pieces may track
- some products are expensive
- not every cat accepts the texture
- storage and disposal instructions vary
Even when a manufacturer describes a litter as flushable, I would not put it down the toilet. Thames Water advises that only pee, poo and toilet paper should be flushed.
Scented or unscented cat litter?
Unscented litter is normally the better starting point.
A floral or perfumed product may smell pleasant to a person standing outside the tray, but it can be overpowering when a cat is inside it.
A strong fragrance also attempts to mask smells rather than address the cause.
Good odour control begins with:
- a suitable number of trays
- regular scooping
- complete cleaning when needed
- an appropriate litter depth
- good ventilation
- noticing changes in urine or faeces
- replacing damaged or heavily scratched trays
Avoid adding perfume, air freshener or strongly scented deodorising powder around the tray.
How large should a litter tray be?
Many litter trays sold for adult cats are surprisingly small.
International Cat Care recommends a tray approximately 1.5 times the cat’s length, measured from the nose to the base of the tail.
Your cat needs enough room to:
- enter comfortably
- turn around
- choose a position
- dig
- cover their waste
- leave without feeling trapped
A large plastic storage box can sometimes provide more space than a standard tray, though one side may need to be lowered safely for an older cat or one with limited mobility.
Read the International Cat Care litter-tray guide for more detailed advice.
Open or covered litter tray?
Neither design is automatically right for every cat.
An open tray provides:
- better ventilation
- more ways to see the surrounding area
- easier entry and exit
- fewer trapped smells
A covered tray may:
- contain some scattered litter
- provide privacy for a cat that prefers it
- reduce the visual impact of the tray in your home
However, a hood can trap odours inside. Some covered trays are also too small for an adult cat to turn around comfortably.
If the tray has a swinging flap, consider removing it. Some cats dislike pushing through a flap or feeling that their exit is restricted.
The important question is not which design looks tidier. It is which design your cat uses confidently.
How many litter trays do cats need?
A commonly recommended starting point is one tray for each cat, plus one extra.
A home with two cats would therefore ideally provide three trays.
Place them in separate locations rather than lining them up together. Several trays placed side by side may effectively feel like one toileting area.
Multiple trays give cats a choice and reduce the risk of one cat blocking another cat’s access.
Even cats that usually go outside should have access to an indoor tray. Bad weather, illness, injury, neighbouring cats or changes to the garden can make outdoor toileting difficult.
Where should a litter tray be placed?
Choose somewhere quiet and easy to reach.
Avoid positioning the tray:
- beside food or water
- next to a noisy washing machine
- in a busy hallway
- behind a door that may be closed
- where another pet can corner the cat
- near a cat flap used by unfamiliar cats
- in an exposed position beside a full-length window
- at the top of stairs for a cat with poor mobility
The tray must be accessible throughout the day and night.
In a multi-level home, an older cat may benefit from having a tray on each floor.
How deep should cat litter be?
Around 3cm is a useful starting depth for many cats.
Too little litter may leave the bottom of the tray exposed when your cat digs. Excessively deep litter can feel unstable and may cause more material to be kicked outside.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and watch your cat’s behaviour. Different products absorb and clump in different ways.
How often should a litter tray be cleaned?
Remove urine clumps and faeces at least once or twice each day. Some cats need the tray scooped more frequently before they will use it again.
During a cat-sitting visit, cleaning the litter tray is not simply a housekeeping job. It also gives me an opportunity to notice whether the tray has been used and whether something appears different from the cat’s normal routine.
The entire tray will also need to be emptied and washed periodically. The required frequency depends on:
- the type of litter
- the number of cats
- the tray size
- how frequently it is used
- whether the litter clumps
- the manufacturer’s instructions
- your individual cat’s preferences
Use hot water, mild washing-up liquid or a cleaner specifically described as safe for cats. Rinse the tray thoroughly and allow it to dry before adding fresh litter.
Avoid strongly scented disinfectants. International Cat Care warns that some disinfectants containing chloroxylenol, including some products that turn cloudy in water, are toxic to cats.
How to change cat litter without upsetting your cat
Do not suddenly replace a familiar litter unless there is an urgent safety reason.
The RSPCA recommends changing litter gradually over approximately a week.
You can mix a small amount of the new litter with the old litter, gradually increasing the new litter’s proportion. Another option is to offer the new litter in a separate tray while leaving the familiar tray available.
Watch which tray your cat chooses.
Change one thing at a time. Replacing the tray, moving its position and changing the litter on the same day makes it difficult to understand what your cat dislikes.
Read the RSPCA’s litter training and litter changing advice.
How should used cat litter be disposed of in North London?
Used cat litter should normally be securely bagged and placed in your general household waste.
The North London Waste Authority advises that cat litter:
- cannot be recycled
- should not be placed in council food-waste collections
- should not be placed in council garden-waste collections
- belongs in the general non-recyclable waste bin
Some unused plant-based litter may be described as compostable. Once litter contains urine or faeces, disposal becomes more complicated.
Read the North London Waste Authority cat-litter guidance and follow the instructions for your particular product and local collection service.
Do not flush litter or cat waste down the toilet. Thames Water advises households to flush only pee, poo and toilet paper. You can read its Bin It, Don’t Block It guidance.
Is cat litter useful for jobs around the home?
The original version of this article suggested using cat litter for gardening, removing smells, drying phones, deterring moles, providing tyre traction and absorbing garage spills.
I no longer recommend treating cat litter as a universal household product.
Modern cat litters vary enormously. They can contain clay, silica, wood, paper, plant fibres, fragrance, clumping agents and other additives. A use that may be possible with one plain mineral product may be ineffective or unsuitable with another.
In particular:
- do not put cat litter into a wet phone or electronic device
- do not spread used litter in the garden
- do not use scented litter around food-storage areas
- do not use litter to deter wildlife
- do not assume clumping litter will provide safe tyre traction
- do not handle oil-contaminated litter as ordinary household waste without checking local disposal guidance
Use a product designed for the particular job instead.
Unused litter should remain dry, sealed and safely stored away from children and pets until it is needed for your cat.
Used litter should never be repurposed.
What should you leave for a cat sitter?
Before going away, leave enough of your cat’s usual litter for the entire booking, with some extra in case of delays or accidents.
Your sitter should know:
- which litter your cat uses
- where spare litter is stored
- how much should be added
- how often the tray is normally scooped
- when a complete change is expected
- which cleaning products are safe
- where used litter should be placed
- what is normal for your cat
- whether there have been recent toileting changes
Your holiday is not the right time to test a completely different litter.
For more practical preparation advice, read my Cat Sitting Kit and Cat Sitting Frequently Asked Questions.
When litter-tray changes may need veterinary attention
Contact your veterinary practice when your cat develops a sudden or unexplained change in toileting behaviour.
Possible warning signs include:
- repeated visits to the tray
- straining
- crying or appearing distressed
- passing only tiny amounts of urine
- blood in urine
- urinating outside the tray
- diarrhoea or constipation
- a noticeable change in urine volume
- excessive licking around the urinary area
- avoiding a tray they previously used
- producing no urine
A male cat that is repeatedly straining but producing little or no urine may have a life-threatening blockage and needs urgent veterinary attention.
PDSA provides further information in its cat litter-training and urinary warning-sign guidance.
Cat sitting in Finchley
I provide calm, in-home cat-sitting visits in Finchley and selected nearby parts of North London.
Visits can include:
- preparing your cat’s normal food
- refreshing drinking water
- litter-tray care
- medication support where agreed
- play or gentle enrichment
- quiet company
- general welfare observations
- photographs and updates
- agreed basic home checks
I follow your cat’s established routine as closely as possible.
Some cats meet me at the door. Others watch from another room or remain in a favourite hiding place.
I do not force interaction. I work at your cat’s pace.
You can also view my current pet-care prices or contact me to discuss your cat’s needs.
Frequently asked questions about cat litter
What type of cat litter do most cats prefer?
Many cats prefer fine, unscented, sand-like litter. However, early experience and individual preference matter, so the familiar product may be the best starting point.
Should cat litter be scented?
Unscented litter is generally preferable. A fragrance that smells pleasant to us may be overpowering to a cat and could discourage them from using the tray.
How many litter trays should I provide?
A useful starting point is one tray for each cat, plus one extra, positioned in different quiet parts of the home.
How often should I scoop the tray?
Scoop urine clumps and faeces at least once or twice daily. Particularly clean cats may refuse a tray until it has been scooped.
Can I flush cat litter down the toilet?
No. Put used litter in your general household waste unless your local authority specifically instructs otherwise. Thames Water advises flushing only pee, poo and toilet paper.
Can cat litter go in the garden-waste bin?
North London Waste Authority says cat litter should not go in council food or garden-waste collections, even when the original product is described as compostable.
Why has my cat suddenly stopped using the tray?
Possible causes include an unclean tray, a new litter, poor tray placement, stress, another cat blocking access, pain or a urinary or digestive problem. A sudden change should be discussed with your vet.
Should I change litter before going on holiday?
Avoid making an unnecessary change immediately before you leave. Ask your sitter to continue using the litter, tray and cleaning routine your cat already knows.
Final thoughts
Choosing cat litter is not simply about finding the product that absorbs the most liquid or claims to remove every smell.
Your cat needs a tray that feels comfortable, clean, accessible and safe.
Start with what your cat already knows. Choose an unscented product where possible. Provide enough trays. Keep them clean. Position them away from food, noise and household traffic.
Most importantly, pay attention to any changes in your cat’s normal toileting behaviour.
For more practical advice, explore my Cat Care Advice Hub or read about my Cat Sitting Service in Finchley.
Related cat-care guides
- Cat Care Advice in Finchley
- Cat Sitting in Finchley
- Cat Sitting Kit
- Five Essential Cat-Care Tips
- Cat Sitting Frequently Asked Questions
- Cat Products and Equipment I Recommend
- Tried and tested ways to remove urine
Veterinary disclaimer
This guide provides general cat-care information and does not diagnose or treat illness.
Under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, the diagnosis of disease or injury and advice based on a diagnosis form part of veterinary surgery. Contact a registered veterinary surgeon when your cat is unwell, in pain or showing a significant change in toileting behaviour.
Seek urgent veterinary help if your cat, particularly a male cat, is straining to urinate but producing little or no urine.
