Choosing cat litter can feel complicated. Wood, corn, wheat, clay, paper and silica crystals all offer different benefits, and what suits one cat might not suit another. Then there’s dust, tracking and those lingering litter tray smells to consider. Nobody wants to find litter scattered across the house like their cat has been redecorating.

Understanding the different types of cat litter can help you find an option that suits both you and your cat.

In this guide, we’ll compare the most common cat litter materials, explore their potential benefits and drawbacks, and explain what to consider when choosing between them.

1. Clay Cat Litter

Clay is the classic fine-granule litter. Many cats like its soft and sand-like feel. Clay litter is available in both clumping and non-clumping forms, offering different approaches to litter tray maintenance.

What are the benefits of clay cat litter?

• Clay litter is widely available in supermarkets, pet shops and online, with options to suit different budgets.
• Many clay litters have a fine, sand-like texture that cats may find comfortable under their paws.
• Clumping varieties form clumps around moisture, allowing soiled litter to be removed without replacing the entire contents of the tray each time.
• You can choose between clumping and non-clumping options depending on your preferred cleaning routine.

What are the drawbacks?

• Some clay litters can be heavier to carry and pour than plant-based alternatives.
• Fine particles may stick to your cat’s paws and be carried around the house.
• Dust levels vary between products, so check the manufacturer’s information if this is a priority.
• Mineral-based, so its environmental profile differs from plant-based options

Felight Ultra Clumping Cat Litter is made from 100% natural clay, and we repurpose production by-products and use a 100% recyclable paper bag for this product.

2. Wood Cat Litter

Wood cat litter is a popular plant-based alternative to clay. Usually available as pellets or granules, it offers a different texture and litter tray experience from finer materials.

What are the benefits of wood cat litter?

• Wood offers an alternative to mineral-based litter.
• Wood pellets act like sponges, soaking up liquids and expanding or breaking down into a dry sawdust residue.
• Larger pellets may be less likely to stick to paws than finer particles, depending on the product and your cat’s habits.
• It’s free from harmful silica particles or synthetic chemicals, making it safer for cats and humans with respiratory sensitivities.
• Made from sustainable, responsibly managed timber or compressed wood waste, it breaks down naturally in the environment.

What are the drawbacks?

• Wood litters are a little more expensive than clay litter.
• Natural wood waste and moisture can occasionally attract household bugs or flies if the box is not cleaned frequently. 
• Some cats may prefer finer litter and take time to adjust to pellets.

Felight option: Natural Wood Pellets Non Clumping Cat Litter, made from wood from sustainably managed forests.

3. Corn Cat Litter

Corn cat litter is made from corn or corn-derived materials. It is often considered by owners looking for a plant-based alternative to traditional clay litter as it has a similar feel. 

What are the benefits of corn cat litter?

• Plant-based alternative to mineral litter, making it compostable and safe for landfills.
• Often lightweight and easy to carry
• It produces no crystalline silica, which is gentler on the respiratory systems of cats and owners with allergies. 
• Available in clumping versions, so you can scoop as you would with clay
• The soft, small granules are comfortable for cats to walk on and less prone to sticking heavily to fur or tracking around the house. 

What are the drawbacks?

• Corn cat litters are typically a bit more expensive than traditional clay litters but they remain one of the more affordable options among natural litters. 
• Corn-based products may be affected by moisture and unsuitable storage conditions. Follow the packaging instructions and keep the litter stored appropriately.
• Dust levels, absorbency and odour control vary between formulations.

4. Wheat Cat Litter

Wheat cat litter is another plant-based option, made from wheat or wheat-derived materials. It is available in different formulations, including pellets, and its performance depends on the individual product.

What are the benefits of wheat cat litter?

• Wheat litter is made from a renewable, plant-based resource
• The fine-grained, plant-based texture is gentle on a cat’s paws, which is particularly helpful for sensitive or senior cats.
• Can be highly absorbent, depending on the product
• Different formulations allow owners to compare absorbency, dust levels and maintenance requirements.

What are the drawbacks?

• Non-clumping wheat pellets require a different cleaning routine from clumping clay or corn litter.
• As with other plant-based litters, follow the manufacturer’s storage instructions to protect the product from moisture.
• Cats with grain allergies can experience irritation when they groom themselves after walking in the litter

Natural Wheat Pellets Non Clumping Cat Litter is made from wheat sourced exclusively from UK farms. The product is described as 100% biodegradable and minimally dusty.

5. Paper Cat Litter

Paper litter is usually made from recycled paper formed into pellets or granules, it is a lightweight alternative to clay and other litter materials.

What are the benefits of paper cat litter?

• Some paper litters make use of recycled paper.
• Paper litters produce almost no dust compared to traditional clay litters
• It is free from harsh chemicals, making it safe for households with allergies or asthma 
• The soft paper pellets or shredded texture are non-abrasive, ideal for kittens, senior cats, recovering animals, or cats with sensitive or declawed paws 

What are the drawbacks?

• Paper does not neutralize or lock in ammonia and urine odors as effectively as clumping clay or crystal litters, particularly in multi-cat households.
• Many paper litters are non-clumping
• Not every cat will like the feel of paper pellets or granules.

6. Silica Crystal Cat Litter

Silica crystal litter is made from silica gel, a porous material that absorbs moisture. Its small crystals look and feel different from wood pellets or finer-grained litter.

It is designed to absorb liquid and help manage litter tray odours, but its texture and maintenance requirements may not suit every cat or household.

What are the benefits of silica crystal cat litter?

• Millions of micropores inside each crystal instantly soak up liquid and trap ammonia and odour molecules, preventing bacteria growth 
• Moisture absorption can help with litter tray odours

What are the drawbacks?

• Some cats may not like the texture, as the crystals can feel sharp to their paws. Others might prefer the finer grade crystal litter.
• Crystal litter is generally a lot more expensive per bag compared to traditional clay litters. 
• Silica gel crystals are non-biodegradable, meaning they end up as permanent waste in landfills. 
• The production process involves mining that can be environmentally taxing

Why Dust Matters in Cat Litter

Dust is another factor to consider when choosing cat litter. Some litters release fine particles when you pour them into the tray, when your cat digs, or when you scoop and clean up afterwards.

If you’ve ever topped up a litter tray only to find a fine layer of dust settling nearby, you’ll know it can be a messy part of cat ownership.

How Can You Reduce Cat Litter Dust going everywhere?

A few simple steps can help minimise dust around the litter tray:

• Check the product information: Look for clear information about dust levels rather than relying on the material alone.
• Pour gently: Add fresh litter slowly and close to the bottom of the tray to avoid creating unnecessary dust.
• Clean the surrounding area: Wipe nearby surfaces regularly to remove settled particles.
• Consider the tray location: Keep the litter tray in a suitable, well-ventilated area, away from food preparation spaces. A mat outside the tray also helps catch stray pieces. 

Ultimately, dust is one factor to weigh alongside absorbency, odour control, tracking and your cat’s comfort. A litter that works well for one household may not be the best fit for another.

Managing cat litter odours

Nobody wants their home to smell like a litter tray, especially when you’ve just finished cleaning it. Odour control depends on the litter you choose, how well it absorbs moisture and how regularly the tray is maintained.

For a fresher litter tray:

• Remove solid waste regularly and remove urine clumps where the product allows.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for topping up, replacing litter and cleaning the tray.
• Wash and dry the tray thoroughly when changing its contents.
• Check that the tray is in a suitable location with adequate ventilation.

Felight litters use SilverFresh™ technology, which helps control odours for up to 10 days.

If a smell persists despite good litter tray hygiene, check whether the tray itself needs replacing or whether your cat’s toileting habits have changed. Changes in toileting behaviour can sometimes indicate a health problem, so speak to your vet if you notice anything unusual.

Cat litter safety: What should you know?

• Litter ingestion: Some cats, particularly curious kittens, may nibble litter. If your cat eats litter or you suspect they’ve swallowed a significant amount, contact your vet for advice.
• Handling soiled litter: Wash your hands after cleaning the tray and follow the product’s safety instructions. Pregnant people should avoid changing litter trays where possible.
• Flushing and composting: Never assume that a plant-based or biodegradable litter is suitable for flushing or composting. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and local waste guidance.
• Changes in behaviour: If your cat suddenly avoids the tray or develops changes in toileting habits, don’t assume the litter is necessarily to blame. Speak to your vet if the change persists or you have concerns.

Choosing and switching

Litter preferences usually develop early in kittenhood, so cats often stick with the material they grew up with. If your cat already uses a litter happily, there’s usually little reason to change.

If you do switch, mix the new litter into the old over several days, or offer it in a separate tray so your cat can choose. If your cat starts toileting elsewhere after a change, go back to the old litter and see our guide to switching litter. 

Exploring Felight’s Cat Litter Range

Once you’ve chosen which material might suit your cat, it can help to compare the options available.

Felight offers a range of cat litters, including clay, wood, wheat and corn varieties. If you’re looking for a clumping litter, you could explore Felight Ultra Clumping Cat Litter or Natural Corn Ultra Clumping Cat Litter.

Prefer pellets? Felight Natural Wood Pellets and Natural Wheat Pellets offer two alternatives to consider.

Whichever material you choose, think about your cat’s comfort, your preferred cleaning routine and the product’s care instructions. The best choice is one that works for both of you.

Frequently Asked Questions