How to choose a cat litter

Most cats prefer a fine-grained, unscented litter in a clean, roomy box. Clumping litter is easy to scoop, though a very young kitten may do better with a non-clumping kind. Pick one litter, change it slowly if you must, and keep the box clean. Your cat's own choice is the test of whether a litter works.

Why the litter matters

A cat's sense of smell and touch are far sharper than ours, and a cat that dislikes its litter may stop using the box. House soiling is one of the leading reasons cats are given up. The cause is often the box, the litter or the place, and sometimes a health problem. A good setup makes accidents less likely. The litter box checklist covers how many boxes you need and where to put them.

Types of litter

• Clay, non-clumping. The traditional kind. It absorbs liquid but must be changed often, because urine pools and soaks the whole box.
• Clumping clay. It forms firm balls with urine that you can scoop out. It is the most popular type and makes daily cleaning fast. Fine-grain versions feel soft under the paws.
• Silica gel crystals. Small, absorbent crystals that control odor. Some cats dislike the feel or the sound.
• Plant-based. Made from materials such as paper, wood, corn, wheat, grass, walnut or pine. They vary a lot in texture, dust and clumping. Some are pellets that cats may find rough.
• Recycled paper. Soft and low in dust. Often used after surgery on the advice of a vet.
• Scented and deodorizing. The scent appeals to people, not cats. Many cats dislike strong smells.

Each type comes in many brands, and quality varies, so do not rely on the type alone. Ask a shelter, breeder or vet what works well in your area.

What most cats prefer

Studies and cat welfare groups point to the same preferences, though individual cats vary.

• Fine, soft grains. Cats usually favor litter with a sandy feel, which is gentle on paws.
• No scent. Fragrance can put a cat off and may irritate its nose.
• Low dust. Dust can irritate the airways of a cat and a person. This matters most for a cat with breathing problems.
• A depth of about two to three inches. Enough to dig and bury, not so deep that the cat sinks.
• Familiar litter. Cats often prefer the type they used as a kitten.
• A clean box. Clean litter often counts more than the brand.

Many cats like clumping litter because it keeps the box cleaner. A few do not, and some owners worry about very small kittens swallowing it. Ask your vet whether a non-clumping type is better for a young kitten.

How to choose, step by step

1. Start with what the cat knows. If you adopt a cat, ask what litter it used. Use the same at first.
2. Pick a fine, unscented litter. If you have no information, this is a safe start.
3. Consider your cat's health. A cat with asthma or a respiratory problem may do better with low-dust litter. A cat that has had surgery may need a special litter for a time. Follow your vet's advice.
4. Consider the household. A home with several cats, a child, a dog that eats litter, or a person with allergies may need a particular type. Check the type if there is a risk of swallowing.
5. Test. Offer two boxes side by side, each with a different litter, and see which the cat uses. Use this test with a spare box for a few days.
6. Choose the box too. Use a box large enough for the cat to turn around, with low sides for a kitten or a senior. Covered boxes hold odors in but can trap smells that bother a cat and make it feel cornered. Many cats prefer an open box. See litter box.
7. Keep it up. Once you pick a litter, stay with it.

Keeping the box clean

• Scoop daily. Use a litter scoop to remove waste at least once a day, twice if you can.
• Top up. Add litter to keep the depth steady.
• Change fully on schedule. For clumping litter, empty and wash the box about every few weeks, or when the litter looks dirty or smells. Non-clumping litter needs changing more often.
• Wash with mild soap and water. Avoid strong cleaners and ammonia. Rinse well and dry. Strong scents may put cats off.
• Replace old boxes. Plastic scratches and holds odor over time.
• Dispose of waste properly. Do not flush cat litter or waste unless the product says it is safe, and check local rules. Cat feces can carry parasites that harm wildlife and people. Pregnant people should not clean litter boxes and should ask their doctor for advice.

Changing litter

Change slowly. Mix a little of the new litter into the old, and increase the amount over a week or two. Keep one box with the old litter until the cat accepts the new. If the cat avoids the box, go back.

Common mistakes

• Switching litter suddenly.
• Using strong scents or deodorizers near the box.
• Placing boxes in noisy, hidden or hard-to-reach places.
• Skipping daily scooping.
• Using a box that is too small.
• Using too little litter.
• Punishing a cat for going outside the box. This increases fear and makes the problem worse.
• Assuming it is a behavior issue when it may be a health problem.

When to call a vet or get help

A change in litter habits is often the first sign of illness. See your vet if your cat:

• Goes outside the box suddenly, especially if the cat has always used it.
• Strains, cries, licks the genitals or goes back and forth with little or no urine. This can be cystitis or a urinary blockage. A male cat that cannot pass urine is an emergency. Go to a vet or emergency clinic at once.
• Passes blood in the urine or stool.
• Produces much larger clumps, drinks more, or urinates more often.
• Has diarrhea or constipation lasting more than a day or two.
• Sprays on walls or furniture.
• Avoids the box and shows other signs of pain or stress.

Rule out health issues first. If the vet finds no medical cause, see litter box aversion and ask for help from a behaviorist.

Summary

• Most cats prefer fine, unscented, low-dust litter in a clean, roomy, quiet box.
• Clumping litter is popular, but ask your vet about young kittens.
• Change litter slowly and test two options if unsure.
• Scoop daily and wash the box regularly with mild soap.
• Straining to urinate is an emergency, especially in a male cat.