Choosing the best cat litter comes down to one thing. What your cat will actually use. After visiting dozens of homes across Knutsford, Wilmslow, Mobberley and Alderley Edge, we’ve seen clumping clay, wood pellet, paper-based, non-clumping clay and corn litters all in action. This honest review breaks down each type, what works, what doesn’t, and which we feel comes out on top.
Clumping Clay Litter
Clumping clay (such as Sanicat or Ever Clean) is a litter we see often, and it’s easy to understand why. It usually forms tight, solid clumps around waste, which makes scooping quick and straightforward, leaving a tidier tray behind.
Most cats take to it without any issues, and it handles odour well, provided your cat buries their business. The main downside is dust. Some clumping clays kick up a fine dust cloud when poured or dug, which isn’t ideal for households with allergies or asthma.
Key points to consider: We find if your cat uses the litter tray, you need to wait for a couple of hours before scooping this type of litter, otherwise it breaks apart. It can also quickly become quite chunky in the tray, so requires more frequent full changes. We typically find that this type of litter comes with a scent too, so it’s good at masking odour.
Non-Clumping Clay Litter
Non-clumping clay (such as Catsan) is the older, more traditional option, and it’s still popular for its low price point. It absorbs moisture well but doesn’t form clumps, meaning liquid waste sits in the tray until you do a fuller change.
This type needs more frequent full changes to stay fresh, which can work out similar in cost to clumping litter once you factor in the extra litter used. We tend to see this type in multi-cat households where trays are changed on a strict schedule anyway.
Key points to consider: This litter tracks! If your cat is enthusiastic about jumping out of the litter tray, you’ll likely know the bits of litter found scattered about your house. We also find it doesn’t always trap waste well, which can lead to staining on litter boxes and odour. If your cat loves this, Catsan do litter packs with a liner and portioned litter included which makes changing trays that much quicker and easier.
Wood Pellet Litter
Wood pellet litter (such as Fur & Bone) has grown in popularity, and we’ve noticed more cat owners switching to it each year. Made from compressed sawdust, it’s naturally absorbent, low dust, and breaks down into a soft, sawdust-like texture as it absorbs moisture.
It tends to track less than fine clay litters because the pellets are larger and heavier. Many cat owners also like that it’s more environmentally friendly than clay-based options. The main adjustment is texture. Some cats need time to get used to the firmer feel underfoot compared to soft clay, though it can feel more natural, especially for outdoor cats.
Key points to consider: The wood pellets are great at absorbing liquid waste, however it’s not an easily scoopable litter, so you may find your changing the tray more frequently. This litter would likely work best if you have an outdoor cat who mostly goes outside, but needs a tray from time to time.
Paper-Based Litter
Paper-based litter (such as Breeder Celect) is soft, dust-free and gentle on paws, which makes it a common recommendation after surgery or for cats with sensitive feet.
Odour control isn’t quite as strong as clumping clay, so it benefits from more frequent scooping and changing. It’s also generally more expensive than clay options.
Key points to consider: This type of litter is exceptionally soft and light. As a bonus the bag you receive the litter in is often lighter, making litter tray changing easier.
Corn or Wheat Litter (Biodegradable)
Corn and wheat litters (such as the Amazon brand) have carved out a loyal following among cat owners looking for a compostable, flushable option. They clump well, control odour better than paper-based litters, and break down naturally.
The main consideration is cost. These litters typically sit at the higher end of the price range.
Honest notes: There are many options for biodegradable litter. One thing we like to consider, is how the litter feels in our hands. If it causes no discomfort when compressed, it’s a litter we’d be happy to recommend. Otherwise we would find an alternative, to avoid discomfort to our cats paws.
Our Golden Finds
There are two cat litters that we highly recommend from first-hand experience. You’ll see these already on our Recommended Products page.
- Cat’s Best (Original) – Wood, Clumping Litter
This litter clumps exceptionally well and controls odour. Most cats adjust to it right away. - Almo Nature (Natural) – Vegetable Fibers, Clumping Litter
As an alternative to the wood type litter, this litter is very fine, almost sand-like, but clumps very well.
Both of these litters are long-lasting, needing less frequent full changes.
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Does the Litter Type Actually Affect Odour Control?
Here’s something we’ve picked up on across hundreds of visits. Although some litters do reduce the smell, we find odour control has less to do with the litter itself and more to do with the cat. The biggest factor by far is whether your cat buries their business or not.
A cat who buries thoroughly won’t create a scent in the house from almost any decent litter, clumping or otherwise. A cat who doesn’t bury at all will make even the best clumping clay smell within a day, if hours. If odour is your main concern, look at your cat’s habits first before committing to switching brands.
There are many alternative litter trays on offer, and you may find a hooded tray will reduce odour from your cat’s business.
Scooping daily and doing a full tray change regularly, will have more impact on odour control than the litter brand you choose.
No Matter The Litter: It Tracks
Litter tracking through the house is the complaint we hear often, regardless of which litter type they use. Paws pick up granules and carry them straight onto hallway floors and carpets.
Here’s what genuinely helps:
- A textured, honeycomb mat placed directly outside the tray to catch loose granules
- Slightly larger litter granules, which track less than fine or powdery types
- A covered or high-sided tray to contain kicked litter
Wood pellet and larger clumping granules tend to track less than fine clay or crystal litters.
Thinking Of Switching Litter?
We’ve seen cats refuse the tray completely after a sudden litter switch. Cats are creatures of habit, and a new texture or scent underfoot can be enough to put them off entirely.
Introduce any new litter gradually. Mix a small amount of the new litter into the old for about a week, increasing the ratio slowly. Keep the old tray available during the transition so your cat always has a familiar option nearby.
Let your cat set the pace. A slow transition protects against accidents elsewhere in the home and keeps stress to a minimum, even when you’re switching to a litter type your cat has never tried before.
Finding What Works For Your Cat
The best cat litter is the one your cat will actually use, consistently and without stress. The great thing is, there are so many options available for your cat and its lifestyle.
If you’d like a chat about different litters, and what might work for your cat, talk with our friendly team today.
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