8 Different Types of Litter: Which One is Best for Me?

Cat sitting in the litter box.

Kitty litter is the one thing that cat owners should never run out of. Cats are clean creatures, and they prefer to bury their urine and poop when defecating. Litter is the medium in which cats will bury their wastes plus it can control the odor.

If you’re buying kitty litter for the first time or are looking to switch your old one, here’s what you should know about it.

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What are the 8 Kinds of Cat Litter?

Knowing what the types of cat litter are and how they differ from others will help you decide which one to choose.

  1. Clay. It is the most popular type of kitty litter which uses carbon and plant extracts to control odor.
  2. Corn. Litter made from corn is an eco-friendly alternative as it is biodegradable, and it comes in scented or natural-scented variants.
  3. Coconut Husk. This type of litter has a natural scent and is dust-free. It is, however, more difficult to find than traditional litter.
  4. Wheat. Wheat kitty litter absorbs odor well and clumps naturally although not as much as clay litter.
  5. Wood. Wood litter often has a pine odor that some pet owners may find too strong. It doesn’t clump and it acts as a natural deodorizer.
  6. Walnut Shells. Litter made from walnut shells are highly absorbent and are low in dust. They are great for the earth-conscious as their source is renewable.
  7. Recycled Newspaper. Most cat litter made from recycled newspapers is unscented and they are the cheapest type too. They are best for cats recovering from surgery.
  8. Silica. Silica cat litter is more expensive than other types but they are reusable for about one month so they can be more practical.

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Choosing the Right Type of Cat Litter

To help you decide on which type of kitty litter is best for you and your pet, ask yourself these questions: Do I prefer scented or natural? Does biodegradability matter to me? Is clumping or non-clumping litter better for my cat? How much odor control do I need from the litter?

Once you have the answer to these questions, we’re sure that you can settle on the right type of kitty litter for your fur baby. Our list of litter types above can serve as your guide in choosing the right one.

Cat sitting in the litter box.