Choosing the right cat litter isn’t just about convenience - it’s essential for your cat’s health, hygiene, and comfort. With dozens of materials and formulations available, the options can feel overwhelming. This comprehensive guide dives into every major type of cat litter, how each one works, what kind of cats it suits, and exactly how often you should clean or replace it.

Whether you're a new cat parent, a multi-cat household, or you’re simply looking to upgrade your current setup, this guide will help you make an informed choice.

Why Cat Litter Matters More Than You Think

Cat litter does more than absorb waste. It affects:

• Your home’s odour and cleanliness

• Your cat’s willingness to use the litter box

• Daily maintenance time

• Environmental impact

• Your overall spending

Cats are naturally clean animals; if their litter box isn’t up to their standards, many will simply avoid it - leading to stress and unwanted accidents. Understanding the different types of litter helps you create a setup that keeps both you and your cat happy.

Types of Cat Litter (In-Depth Guide)

Below is a detailed breakdown of the most common cat litter types, how they work, and who they are best for.

1. Clumping Clay Litter

Clumping litter is the most widely used type. Made from bentonite clay, it forms firm, scoopable clumps when it comes into contact with moisture. This makes it easy to remove urine and feces separately.

How It Works

Bentonite clay expands and coagulates when wet, creating tight clumps that trap urine and odour.

Best For

• Busy owners who want quick daily maintenance

• Multi-cat households

• Cats who prefer a fine, sandy texture

Pros

• Excellent odour control

• Easy scooping - waste is removed fully

• Good for picky cats who like soft substrates

• Wide range of scent and unscented options

Cons

• Can be dusty (low-dust options available)

• Heavy to carry

• Not biodegradable - less eco-friendly

• Can track onto floors

How Often to Change Clumping Clay Litter

• Scoop: At least once daily (twice for multi-cat homes)

• Top up: Every few days to maintain a 7–10 cm depth

• Complete litter change: Every 2–4 weeks

• Wash the box: With mild soap every complete change

Intersand Odourlock Cat Litter Unscented £20.89 and Intersand Odourlock Baby Powder Cat Litter £20.89

2. Non-Clumping Clay Litter

This is the "classic" litter many households used before clumping formulas became standard.

How It Works

The clay absorbs liquid but does not clump; urine settles at the bottom of the tray, and odour control relies on the litter’s absorbency.

Best For

• Owners on a budget

• Cats who dislike clumping textures

• Kittens learning to use the litter box

Pros

• Affordable

• Simple to use

• Often lightly scented for odour masking

Cons

• Less odour control

• Must be replaced more frequently

• Can become muddy at the bottom of the tray

• Dusty and heavy

How Often to Change Non-Clumping Clay Litter

• Scoop: Daily to remove solids

• Full change: Every 7 days (more often if odour builds up)

• Wash box: Weekly

3. Biodegradable Cat Litter (Eco-Friendly Options)

These litters are made from renewable materials: wood pellets, compressed sawdust, paper, corn, wheat, walnut shells, tofu, grass, etc.

Each operates slightly differently, so here’s a breakdown by material:

Wood Pellet & Wood Fibre Litters

Often pine-based.

How It Works

Pellets absorb urine, then break down into sawdust. Many systems use a sifting tray to separate used sawdust from clean pellets.

Pros

• Excellent natural odour control (pine neutralises smells)

• Biodegradable and compostable (check local rules)

• Low dust and low tracking

• Lightweight

Cons

• Some cats dislike the texture or scent

• Requires a sifting system for best results

• Not clumping (unless using sawdust clumping varieties)

Change Frequency

• Scoop solids: Daily

• Sift pellets: 2–3 times per week

• Replace pellets: Every 1–2 weeks

Fresh Paws Cat Litter £6.99

Recycled Paper Pellet Litter

Soft, absorbent pellets made from compressed paper.

Pros

• Dust-free and gentle on sensitive paws

• Great for kittens and declawed or senior cats

• Eco-friendly

Cons

• Weaker odor control

• Doesn’t clump

• Needs frequent replacement

Change Frequency

• Scoop: Daily

• Replace entire box: Every 5–7 days

Fresh News Cat Litter Recycled Paper Pellets £9.19

Natural Clumping Litters (Corn, Wheat, Walnut, Tofu)

Closer to clay in performance but biodegradable.

How They Work

Plant fibres bind when wet, forming clumps that can be scooped like clay.

Pros

• Lighter weight than clay

• Biodegradable and flushable (check local regulations!)

• Lower dust options available

• Good odour control

Cons

• Can attract insects if not stored properly

• Some cats dislike plant scents

• Generally pricier

Change Frequency

• Scoop: Daily

• Full change: Every 2–3 weeks

Worlds Best Cat Litter £45.59

4. Crystal (Silica Gel) Litter

Made from silica dioxide, this litter absorbs liquid and traps odour inside the crystals.

How It Works

The crystals draw moisture into microscopic pores, locking odour and liquid away.

Best For

• Owners wanting low-maintenance litter

• Cats who dislike dust

• People sensitive to litter odours

Pros

• Exceptional moisture and odour control

• Almost dust-free

• Lightweight

• Long-lasting - one bag can last weeks

Cons

• More expensive

• Crunchy texture may bother some cats

• Not biodegradable

• Can be harsh on kittens’ paws

Change Frequency

• Stir: Daily

• Replace entire tray: Every 3–4 weeks for one cat

• For multiple cats: Every 1–2 weeks

How Often Should You Change Cat Litter? (General Guidelines)

Different households need different cleaning schedules. Here’s your quick-reference guide:

Daily Tasks

• Scoop solid waste

• Remove urine clumps (for clumping litters)

• Stir crystal litter

• Check depth and top up if needed

Weekly Tasks

• Wash the litter box (for non-clumping or heavily used boxes)

• Replace litter fully if using paper, pellets, or non-clumping clay

Monthly Tasks

• Replace all litter in clumping or crystal systems

• Deep-clean the litter box with warm water and mild soap

• Replace scratched or worn litter boxes every 1–2 years (scratches trap bacteria)

How to Know It’s Time to Change the Litter (Signs to Watch For)

Even with a schedule, your cat will tell you when it’s time. Look for:

• Strong ammonia smell

• Urine pooling at the bottom

• Wet, crumbling clumps

• Excessive tracking

• Your cat pawing at the edges or refusing to enter

• More frequent accidents outside the box

If you notice any of these, refresh the litter sooner.

How Many Litter Boxes Should You Have?

The golden rule:

One box per cat + one extra

For example:

• 1 cat → 2 boxes

• 2 cats → 3 boxes

• 3 cats → 4 boxes

This prevents crowding and odour buildup—especially in multi-cat homes.

Tips for Making Your Litter System More Effective

• Keep litter depth around 7–10 cm (cats love to dig).

• Use a high-quality scoop designed for your litter type.

• Use mats to reduce tracking.

• Keep the litter box in a quiet, low-traffic area.

• Avoid strong-scented litters - cats’ noses are sensitive.

• Try a larger litter box; many commercial boxes are too small.

• Replace boxes yearly - they wear out and absorb odour.

Litter Genie Litter Scoop £6.89

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right cat litter is a balance between:

• Your cat’s preferences

• Your cleaning routine

• Odour control needs

• Environmental values

• Budget

The perfect litter box setup is the one your cat uses consistently - and that keeps your home fresh and comfortable.