Types of Cat Litter: Clumping, Crystal and Natural Compared

There is no single best cat litter, but most cats prefer unscented, medium to fine-grained clumping litter in a layer about 1 to 2 inches deep, according to the ASPCA. The Cornell Feline Health Center gives similar advice: unscented, finer-textured litter about one to two inches deep. Everything else (silica crystals, plant-based blends, non-clumping clay) is a trade-off between dust, odor control, cleanup effort and what your cat will actually use.

This guide compares the four main litter types, explains scented versus unscented, and walks through switching without upsetting your cat. For more litter and box topics, see our Litter & Litter Boxes category.

Cat Litter Types Compared

The table below summarizes how each type compares on the points most owners care about. It draws on the overview from VCA Animal Hospitals and the change-frequency guidance covered later in this article. Individual brands vary a lot, so treat it as a starting point and read the label.

Litter type	Dust	Odor control	Cleanup and changing	Relative cost	Main trade-off
Clumping clay	Can be dusty	Absorbent	Easy to scoop; full change roughly every 2 to 4 weeks with daily scooping	Budget-friendly	Dust
Non-clumping clay	Varies by brand	Absorbs, but no clumps to remove	Full changes more often, roughly weekly to twice a week	Varies by brand	Frequent full changes
Silica crystal	Check the label	Strong odor control	Needs changing less often	Varies by brand	Can feel hard on sensitive paws
Plant-based (corn, wheat, pine, paper)	Lower dust	Varies by material	Biodegradable; clumps less well	Costlier	Cost and weaker clumping

Bag weight also differs a lot between types and brands, so check the package if you carry litter up stairs or have limited storage.

Clumping Clay Litter

Clumping clay is the familiar default. The same VCA overview describes it as inexpensive and absorbent, and easy to scoop because urine forms a clump you can lift out. The downside it names is dust.

Clumping litter also lines up with what cats seem to like. The ASPCA notes that most cats prefer clumping litter, and that is a good reason to start here if you are choosing for a new cat or kitten.

If dust bothers you or your cat, look for labels that describe lower-dust formulas, and pour slowly close to the bottom of the box. Do not assume any litter is completely dust-free.

Even with clumping litter, daily scooping matters. VCA’s house-soiling guidance suggests scooping clumping litter daily and changing all of it every 2 to 4 weeks.

Non-Clumping Clay Litter

Non-clumping clay soaks up urine without forming scoopable clumps. You can still remove solid waste each day, but the wet litter stays in the box, so the whole box needs refreshing more often.

Sources give slightly different schedules. International Cat Care suggests emptying and washing the tray weekly for non-clumping litter, while Humane World for Animals says clay litter generally needs changing about twice a week. Plan on a weekly change at minimum, and more often in a multi-cat home.

This type can suit owners who prefer a simple routine of dumping and refilling. It asks for more time on change day than clumping litter does.

Silica Crystal Litter

Silica crystal litter is known for strong odor control and for needing fewer full changes. VCA notes that the crystals can feel hard on sensitive paws, which is worth thinking about for kittens, seniors or cats that seem picky about texture.

Because the texture is so different from clay, some cats take time to accept it. Use the gradual switching method described below rather than swapping overnight. If your cat seems uncomfortable on a litter or stops using the box, talk to your veterinarian.

Follow the package directions for how deep to fill the box and how often to stir or replace the crystals, since those instructions differ by manufacturer.

Plant-Based Litters: Corn, Wheat, Pine and Paper

Plant-based litters are made from materials such as corn, wheat, pine or paper. In the VCA overview, they are lower in dust and biodegradable, but they cost more and do not clump as well as clay.

Those traits make them appealing if you want less dust or are looking for an alternative to clay. The trade-off is that weaker clumping can mean more wet litter left in the box between full changes, so watch how yours holds up and adjust your schedule.

Each material feels and smells different. Read the manufacturer’s description for texture, clumping and disposal instructions before buying a large bag.

Scented vs Unscented Litter

For most households, unscented is the safer bet for getting your cat to use the box. The ASPCA says most cats prefer unscented litter, and Cornell also recommends unscented, finer-textured litter.

Fragrance is mainly there for people, and a scent you like is not necessarily one your cat will accept.

If odor is the problem, scoop more often and wash the box on schedule instead of adding fragrance. For accidents outside the box, see our Cleaning & Odor Control category for products designed for pet messes.

How to Switch Litters

Change litter gradually. Cornell advises making the change slowly rather than all at once, and that is the main rule to follow.

A simple way to do that:

Fill the box with your cat’s current litter as usual.
Mix in a small amount of the new litter at first.
Add a little more new litter each time you refill, over several days or longer.
Move to 100 percent new litter once your cat is using the box normally.

Another option is to set up a second box with the new litter next to the old one and see which your cat chooses. Keep the depth at about 1 to 2 inches in both, as the ASPCA and Cornell recommend. If your cat starts going outside the box after a change, go back to the old litter and talk to your veterinarian if the problem continues, since house-soiling can have medical causes.

Litter and Self-Cleaning Boxes

If you use or are considering an automatic box, check the manufacturer’s manual or product page for which litter types it supports. Compatibility varies by brand and model, and the wrong litter may affect how the box operates.

Cat reactions vary too. International Cat Care says the noise and movement of an automatic box can frighten some cats, and VCA notes that some cats like self-cleaning boxes while others avoid them. When you introduce one, keep the old box available at first and let your cat decide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of cat litter do most cats prefer?

According to the ASPCA, most cats prefer clumping, unscented litter with a medium to fine texture. Cornell similarly points to unscented, finer-textured litter. Individual cats can differ, so watch how yours responds.

How deep should I fill the litter box?

Aim for about 1 to 2 inches of litter. Both the ASPCA and Cornell Feline Health Center recommend that depth.

How often should I change non-clumping litter compared with clumping litter?

Non-clumping litter generally needs full changes more often. International Cat Care suggests weekly for non-clumping and every 2 to 4 weeks for clumping, while Humane World for Animals says clay litter needs changing about twice a week. Scoop solid waste daily with either type.

Is scented litter better at controlling odor?

Not necessarily for your cat. The ASPCA and Cornell both point to unscented litter as the usual preference for cats. Frequent scooping and regular box washing are better ways to keep odor down.

What is the best way to switch my cat to a new litter?

Do it slowly. Cornell advises a gradual change, and a practical approach is to mix increasing amounts of the new litter into the old over several days. If your cat avoids the box, talk to your veterinarian.

Sources

About the author

Best Pet Supplies Guide

Best Pet Supplies Guide publishes research-based buying guides, size guides and care how-tos for dog, cat and pet home supplies, using manufacturer specifications and guidance from reputable pet-care organizations.

Types of Cat Litter: Clumping vs Non-Clumping vs Crystal