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How To Choose The Best Kitty Litter:
Expert Tips For Odor Control & Low Dust
Cat owners, it’s time to address one of the most infamous parts about owning a cat....the litter box. The litter box plays an essential role in your cat’s daily routine, but choosing the right litter can be harder than it seems.
With so many options available and so much varying information online, it can be easy to get influenced into buying certain products. But how do you know if that product is the right one for you and your cat? I did a deep dive into litter based on general information and my own journey with my cat, Zuko. So, fear not! In my guide, I'll break down what to consider when selecting cat litter and help you find the perfect match for your feline friend.
Understanding Your Cat’s Preferences
First, you need to understand your cat’s preference. Every pet is unique, and what works for one kitty may not be ideal for another. I mention in this article different products Zuko and I like to use. However, there is no one right answer, and what works for us may happen to not be the best option for you. And that’s OK! So, before jumping in, take some time to consider and observe your own cat. Do they prefer clumping or non-clumping litter? Are they sensitive to scents? Does your cat have respiratory issues? If you can understand your cat's preferences, it will help you narrow down your options and find the purrfect match.
Factors to Consider
There are a variety of factors to consider when choosing the best cat litter. There is not only your cat’s preferences, but your environmental and lifestyle preferences as well. Some factors may be more important to you than others, so let’s take a look at common concerns:
Odor Control - This is usually one of the most important considerations for cat owners, especially those in a smaller living space. If you are interested in odor control, look for litters with activated charcoal or other odor-absorbing ingredients to keep your home smelling fresh.
Dust Levels - Dusty litters can be irritating to both cats and humans. It may be preferable to opt for a low-dust, or even dust-free, option, especially if your cat has asthma or other respiratory issues, as inhaling litter dust has been known to exacerbate these conditions.
Tracking - Some litters are more prone to tracking than others. Choose litters with larger granules or heavier formulas if you want to minimize tracking around your house.
Environmental Impact - If sustainability is important to you, consider eco-friendly options made from biodegradable or renewable materials.
Budget - Cat litter costs can vary widely, so consider your budget when making your selection.
Types of Cat Litter
Now that you have reviewed the factors and can determine which are most important to you, you can look at the different types of litter to see if they meet your needs:
Clumping vs. Non-Clumping - Clumping litter forms solid clumps when wet, making it easier to scoop and maintain cleanliness. Non-clumping litter, on the other hand, absorbs moisture but does not clump together.
Scented vs. Unscented - Scented litter can help mask odors, but some cats may find the fragrance overwhelming. Unscented options are available for more sensitive noses.
Natural & Biodegradable Options - Eco-conscious cat owners may opt for litters made from materials like wood, paper, or corn, which are renewable and biodegradable.
Cat Litter Materials
There are a variety of brands and materials that are used for cat litter, and it seems like new ones are popping up every day. Let’s take a look at some of the most commonly used types:
Clay - This litter is made from clay materials and is probably the kind of litter someone pictures in their head when they think of a litter box. As the most commonly used type of litter, there are a lot of varieties when it comes to clumping, scent, and granule size. Clay litter is generally dusty and has smaller granules, so it may track outside the litter box. This litter should not be flushed.
Crystal - This litter is made from absorbent silica gel crystals that are usually formed as small, translucent beads. Crystal litter is considered low-maintenance as it lasts longer than clay litter and doesn’t need to be changed as frequently. This litter is dust-free, but some cats may be sensitive to the texture and it does not clump as well as other litters.
Paper - This option, made from recycled paper, is biodegradable and eco-friendly. It has good absorbency and is often low in dust, but needs to be changed more frequently and does not have much odor control.
Pine Pellets - This is an affordable litter option made from compressed pine wood pellets. It has natural odor control properties and a pine scent. Pine litter is biodegradable and can be composted after use. Some cats may not like the texture of pellets.
Walnut Shells, Coconut Husk, Corn, Wheat - These litters are generally biodegradable and environmentally friendly. They clump well and offer effective odor control, with minimal to no dust.
If you want to try a new kind of cat litter, it is important to transition your cat slowly, the same way you would with food. For Zuko, I tried all different types of litters, from clay, to pine pellets, to paper, you name it! When I went from one type to another, or even transitioned between two very different types of clay litters, I would mix in the new litter with the old, increasing the amount of new litter each time. That way Zuko wasn’t put off by any sudden changes. If your cat doesn’t like a new litter, they may refuse to use the box!
Comparison of Kitty Litter Types:
Odor Control, Dust Levels, and Eco-Friendliness
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Litter Type
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Odor Control
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Dust Levels
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Eco-Friendliness
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Clay
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Good (especially clumping varieties)
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High dust
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Not eco-friendly (non-biodegradable)
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Crystal (Silica Gel)
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Moderate
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Low dust
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Not eco-friendly (non-biodegradable)
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Paper
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Poor to moderate
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Low dust
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Highly eco-friendly (biodegradable, recycled)
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Pine Pellets
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Good (natural pine scent)
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Low dust
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Eco-friendly (biodegradable, compostable)
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Walnut Shells, Coconut Husk, Corn, Wheat
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Good
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Low to moderate dust
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Highly eco-friendly (biodegradable)
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Controlling Litter Box Odors
There are multiple factors that contribute to lasting odor in the litter box. As mentioned, the type of litter you choose contributes to odor control, but there are some other considerations and tips you should keep in mind when trying to reduce odor.
The Litter Box - A simple Google search for a litter box will show you that these boxes come in many sizes and materials. Some materials, such as plastic, are more prone to absorbing odors over time, while others, such as stainless steel, have less-porous surfaces which helps resist odor absorption. If you find that a plastic box is more suitable to you and your cat's needs, then you should consider cleaning the entire box at least once a month to reduce odor.
Inside The Box - The main contributor of odor is, of course, cat waste inside the box. Keeping the inside of the box waste-free is a good way to help manage odors and keep your cat's bathroom clean and comfortable. I recommended scooping waste from the box daily to minimize odors. When I first got Zuko, scooping daily seemed daunting, as I had to take out a waste bag every single day. In order to help manage this, I got a litter genie. A litter genie is essentially a portable waste bin that seals so you cannot smell the waste inside. That way, I can still scoop daily but only have to take the waste out once my genie is full.
I also recommend cleaning your entire litter box at least once a month. I know, yuck! But this is an important step in odor control. As touched on above, the frequency of this cleaning can depend on the kind of box you have. Deep-cleaning your cat's box should consist of replacing the entire litter contents and washing the box with warm water and pet-friendly, fragrance free soap. You don't want an intense soap smell deterring your cat from the box! Some cat owners opt to use a liner for the box, making cleaning easier. You may also consider sprinkling baking soda into the bottom of the box before replacing the litter, as baking soda can help absorb and manage the odor.
One of the most important factors to me when picking a box was having a box with a hood or enclosure around it, since Zuko is an avid kicker and gets litter everywhere. The best hooded box option for a cat his size was a plastic material. This material does require a bit more effort and TLC when it comes to odor control, but I deep clean the box every 4-5 weeks, regularly scoop, and add baking soda and some pine pellets to the clumping clay litter I opt for and have had guests tell me they can't smell the box at all!
Outside the Box - Choosing the right location for your cat's litter box can also help. Try putting the box in an open space and well-ventilated area to help reduce the odor. You may also consider using an air purifier in the room with your litter box. Not only can air purifiers help manage the dust caused by some litters, but they improve air circulation and help filter particles out of the air that are contributing to the odor. Air purifiers come in many shapes and sizes. I use a smaller one since I don’t have much space, but even the small air purifier is a game changer when it comes to collecting dust and filtering out odors!
Making Your Decision
After considering all of these factors, it's time to make your decision. You can start by choosing a few options that meet your criteria and trying them out. Remember to observe your cat's reaction and adjust as needed. Do not get discouraged if something you try does not work. I had Zuko for two years before I really nailed down our formula. So don't fret, with a little trial and error, you'll find the perfect cat litter that keeps both you and your cat happy!
Choosing the right cat litter is essential for maintaining a clean and odor-free litter box and keeping your cat comfortable and happy. As cat’s spend a lot of time in the litter box, you want to be conscientious of what you decide to expose them to. By considering factors such as odor control, dust levels, tracking, and your cat's preferences, you can find the perfect litter for your kitty. So go ahead, explore your options, and make the litter box a place your cat loves to visit!
Zuko’s Litter Box Tips
If your kitty is having accidents or other issues with their litter box, here are a few general tips for providing a comfortable space for your cat.
- For multi-cat households, you should have multiple litter boxes (one litter box for every cat in your house).
- Covered litter boxes are for human convenience and are not usually preferred by cats. If you are able, opt for a box that has high walls to prevent tracking but is open on the top. If you do choose to have a covered litter box, make sure your cat can comfortably fit and move around inside.
- Keep 3-4 inches of litter inside the box so your cat is able to dig around and cover up their waste, which can help with odor control.
- Diet plays a big role in the smell of your cat’s litter box, so take a look at their diet if you notice your cat’s litter is especially smelly.
- You should clean your cat’s box at least once a day, depending on the number of cats in your household. I’m sure you don’t like using a dirty bathroom, and your cat doesn’t either!
Article published Apr 5, 2024
Article updated Oct 29, 2024
Written by: Victoria Staton
All pet treatment protocols and pet treatment supplements have been reviewed and approved by a veterinarian
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