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

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You might notice your cat toileting elsewhere in the house, going next to the litter tray, or using the tray sometimes but not others. These changes can give you clues about what might be putting them off.

Here are 12 possible reasons why your cat has stopped using the litter tray, and what you can do about them.

1. First, rule out a health problem

Urinary problems, digestive upsets, constipation and sore joints can all change where a cat goes. A cat who links the tray with pain may keep avoiding it even after the problem has been treated.

Older cats are particularly at risk. Arthritis is common in senior cats and easy to miss because cats hide pain well. It can make climbing into a high-sided tray uncomfortable, or make squatting painful. Cognitive decline can also lead older cats to forget where the tray is, or to have accidents.

Watch for straining, more frequent trips, very little urine, diarrhoea, constipation, crying or any sign of pain.

What you can do: Speak to your vet if the change is sudden or there are signs of pain or difficulty urinating. Older cats with arthritis or reduced mobility do better with lower-sided trays. Put trays on every level your cat uses and keep them close to where they rest.

2. The litter tray isn’t clean enough

Cats can be very particular about where they toilet. If the litter tray is dirty or has a strong smell, your cat may decide that somewhere else in the house is a better option.

If your cat consistently uses the tray when it has just been cleaned but starts toileting elsewhere as it becomes soiled, cleanliness could be part of the problem.

What you can do: Remove faeces and urine clumps at least twice a day, and scoop more often if you have multiple cats. Completely empty and wash the tray every 2-4 weeks with clumping litter, or weekly with non-clumping litter, replacing any soiled litter with fresh. If you want an additional way to manage litter odours between changes, choose an effective odour control. 

3. The litter tray is too small

Your cat needs enough room to comfortably get into the tray, turn around and find a position they are happy with. If the tray feels cramped, they may start looking for somewhere with more space.

This can be important if your cat has grown since you first bought the tray, or if you have a larger breed.

What you can do: Measure your cat from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail, then choose a tray about 1.5 times that length. Rectangular trays give more usable space than corner or oval ones. If your cat often goes beside the tray, size is a good thing to check first. 

4. The litter tray is in the wrong place

Cats want somewhere quiet, private and safe. A tray next to a washing machine, in a busy hallway, near food bowls, or where another pet can ambush them may be avoided. According to International Cat Care, cats are often reluctant to use trays near cat flaps or large windows because they feel threatened by what’s outside.

Distance matters too. If your cat spends the day upstairs and the tray is downstairs, an accident may simply be down to convenience.

What you can do: Move the tray somewhere calm and easy to reach, away from food, water and noisy appliances.

5. Your cat doesn’t like the litter

Cats have strong views about texture, scent and dust. Preferences develop early in kittenhood, so cats often stick with what they grew up with. 

There are several types of cat litter to choose from, including clumping and non-clumping litter, as well as materials such as wood, corn, wheat and clay. They can differ in texture, absorbency, how they handle odours and how easy they are to clean, so your cat may simply prefer one type over another.

Some cats may also dislike strongly scented litter. What smells fresh to us can be quite different from what your cat experiences.

What you can do: If you’ve recently changed the litter, try switching back to the previous type or introduce the new litter gradually (mix a little new litter into the old over several days). If your cat still avoids the tray, you may need to try a different texture or type to find one they prefer. Try an unscented option If strong fragrance seems to be the issue.

6. A kitten or newly adopted cat still learning 

Kittens and cats in a new home may not know where to go yet, or may be too anxious to look for the tray. Cats adopted from shelters or from outdoor lives may have different habits.

What you can do: Help them find the tray after meals and naps, keep it somewhere quiet and easy to find, and find out what litter they used before. Reward success and don’t punish accidents.

7. There isn’t enough litter in the tray

Some cats like to dig and cover what they’ve left behind, so the amount of litter in the tray can affect how comfortable they feel using it.

If there isn’t enough litter to dig into and cover their waste, your cat may become reluctant to use the tray or start looking for another place to go.

What you can do: Aim for around 5 cm of litter, or follow the depth recommended on the packaging for your chosen litter. The ideal depth can vary between litter types and individual cats, so check the product guidance rather than simply adding more. 

8. The style of the tray doesn’t suit them

This one is about the type of tray rather than its size. Many owners choose covered trays for privacy and to keep smells in. But trapped odour means waste may be removed less promptly, and some cats feel vulnerable shut in with only one way out, especially in multi-cat homes. Large cats may find small hooded trays cramped. Flaps can put cats off too.

Other culprits are polythene liners, which can catch claws, and scratched or worn plastic that holds smells. Self-cleaning trays can startle cats with unexpected movement and noise, and many are on the small side.

What you can do: Offer an open tray alongside the current one and see which your cat picks. If you use a covered tray, remove the flap. Take out liners, replace old or scratched trays, and avoid self-cleaning models if your cat seems nervous of the noise.

9. Not enough trays, or trays that are hard to share

Sharing a litter tray isn’t always straightforward, particularly in multi-cat households. One cat may avoid a tray if another cat is regularly using it, guarding access to it or making the area feel unsafe.

You don’t always need to see an obvious fight. A cat waiting near the tray, following another cat to it or simply blocking access can be enough to make the other cat look elsewhere.

What you can do: Provide one tray per cat plus at least one extra. Spread them around the home rather than grouping them together. Trays side by side effectively count as one to your cats, because one cat can block access to all of them. If one cat guards the hallway, put another tray in a quiet room that can be reached without walking past them. 

10. Your cat is stressed or has developed a negative association with the tray

Changes in your cat’s environment can affect their toileting habits. Moving house, introducing a new pet, changes to their routine, visitors or hearing outdoor cats can make a cat feel their territory is under threat. 

Sometimes a cat can also start avoiding their litter tray after an unpleasant experience. They may have experienced pain while toileting, been startled by a loud noise or been disturbed by another pet while using the tray.

This can mean your cat continues to avoid the tray even after the original problem has gone away.

What you can do: Keep routines predictable, and give your cat quiet hiding places and high perches. Put the tray somewhere calm. Block the view of outside cats from windows if that seems to be the trigger. Some owners may find pheromone diffusers helpful so ask your vet for advice. Never punish your cat. It adds to the stress and can make things worse. 

11. Your cat could be marking instead

Finding a mysterious patch of urine on the wall, door or furniture is a very different problem from finding a puddle on the floor. Your cat may not be avoiding the litter tray at all. They could be marking their territory.

Cats usually spray small amounts of urine onto vertical surfaces, often while standing with their tail raised. Marking can be triggered by changes in the home or the presence of other cats, particularly if your cat feels their territory is under threat.

What you can do: Don’t punish your cat for marking. Instead, look for possible triggers, such as another cat outside, a new pet or changes at home.

Give your cat a quiet, secure space and make sure they have easy access to a clean litter tray. Clean marked areas with a pet-safe enzymatic cleaner (not the products you use on the tray, and not ammonia-based ones). Speak to your vet if the behaviour is new or continues. 

12. The cleaning products could be putting your cat off

You might think a strong-smelling cleaning product means a fresher litter tray, but your cat may not agree. Lingering fragrances or harsh smells around the tray could make the area less appealing.

What you can do: Use hot water and a biological detergent, avoid heavily scented products, then rinse thoroughly and dry completely before refilling. Avoid disinfectants containing phenols or other ingredients that are toxic to cats, unless your vet has specifically recommended a suitable product.

What about SilverFresh Technology?

If odour is part of the problem, the type of litter you choose can make a difference. Felight’s SilverFresh technology uses the antibacterial properties of silver to help control odours in the litter and keep the tray feeling fresher for longer.

For example, Felight Ultimate Performance Ultra Clumping Cat Litter combines SilverFresh technology with fast-acting absorption and clumping, helping to lock in odours for up to 10 days. The non-clumping version also uses SilverFresh technology alongside fast absorption and odour control.

SilverFresh isn’t a solution for every reason your cat might avoid their litter tray. Your cat’s health, litter preference, tray size, location and overall environment all matter too. The aim is to create a litter area that is clean, comfortable and suitable for your individual cat.

Explore the Felight cat litter range.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bottom line

There isn’t always one simple reason why a cat stops using their litter tray. It could be the tray, the litter, the location, a change at home or something affecting their health.

Start with the basics: rule out a health problem first, keep the tray clean, make sure it’s easy to access, choose a litter your cat is comfortable with and give them a quiet place to toilet without being disturbed.

Most importantly, don’t punish your cat for toileting elsewhere. Instead, try to work out what they’re telling you. Once you find the reason, you can make the right changes to help them feel comfortable using their litter tray again.

The post Why Has My Cat Stopped Using the Litter Tray? 12 Possible Reasons & How to Fix Them appeared first on Felight.

Clumping cat litter forms solid clumps around urine that can be scooped away, while non-clumping cat litter absorbs urine without forming a removable clump. But that doesn’t automatically make clumping the better choice.

The best cat litter depends on your cat’s individual preferences, age, the litter material and texture, and what works best for your household. In this guide, we’ll explain the differences between clumping and non-clumping cat litter, including the pros and cons of each, to help you choose the right option for your cat.

What is clumping cat litter?

Clumping cat litter is designed to form a solid clump when it comes into contact with urine. The granules absorb the moisture and bind together, making the soiled area easy to scoop out of the litter tray. This means you can remove the used litter without having to empty the entire tray each time.

The main benefit is convenience. Instead of removing urine-soaked litter across the tray, you can target the areas that have been soiled, while leaving the surrounding litter in place. Regularly removing these clumps, along with solid waste,keeps the tray cleaner for longer. As you scoop, top the tray up with fresh litter to maintain a depth of around 5cm.

Clumping litter is available in different materials and textures, so choosing a clumping litter doesn’t tie you to one material. For example, Felight’s Ultimate Performance Ultra Clumping Cat Litter is made from natural clay, while our Natural Corn Ultra Clumping Cat Litter is a lightweight, plant-based option.

What is non-clumping cat litter?

Non-clumping cat litter is designed to absorb urine without forming a solid, removable clump. Instead, the liquid is absorbed into the litter, while solid waste can still be removed with a scoop.

The main difference is what happens to the urine after your cat uses the tray. Rather than concentrating the moisture into one scoopable area, non-clumping litter absorbs it within the litter itself. So instead of scooping urine out, you replace the litter as part of your regular routine, following the instructions for the specific product.

Non-clumping litter is available in a range of materials and textures, including granules and pellets. Felight’s Ultimate Performance Non Clumping Cat Litter uses lightweight, fast-absorbing granules. Our Natural Wheat Pellets are our most absorbent litter, and our Natural Wood Pellets are made from wood from sustainably managed forests.

Clumping vs non-clumping cat litter compared

Both clumping and non-clumping cat litter have their advantages, but they work differently and suit different cats and households. The table below highlights the key pros and cons of each type.

Which is better for your cat: clumping or non-clumping litter?

There isn’t one type of cat litter that is best for every cat. The right choice depends on your cat’s individual preferences, age and lifestyle, as well as the litter’s material, texture and how it fits into your household routine.

Clumping litter may suit you if:

• Your cat is comfortable with a fine, scoopable texture and happily uses clumping litter.
• You have multiple cats sharing litter trays, where being able to remove individual areas of soiled litter can make cleaning more manageable.
• You want a litter that fits around a busy routine, allowing you to remove urine clumps and solid waste without replacing all the litter each time.

Non-clumping litter may suit you if:

• Your cat prefers a particular non-clumping texture, such as larger pellets. 
• You’d like the absorbency of a natural material such as wheat or wood.
• Your household routine suits regular litter replacement, rather than removing individual areas of urine.

The best litter is one your cat is comfortable using and that you can keep clean consistently.

What should you look for when choosing cat litter?

Clumping or non-clumping is only one part of choosing the right cat litter. Your cat’s preferences, the litter’s material and texture, dust levels, scent and how well it fits your household can all influence whether your cat is happy to use the tray.

Texture

Cats can be particular about how litter feels under their paws. Many cats prefer a fine, sand-like texture because it is soft and easy to dig in, but individual preferences vary.

If your cat already uses their tray happily, consider whether changing the texture is necessary. 

Material

Cat litter comes in a range of materials, including clay, corn, wood and wheat. These materials can have different textures, absorbency and formats:

• Clay forms firm clumps that are easy to remove.
• Corn is lightweight, 100% biodegradable and 99% dust free.
• Wheat is highly absorbent, holding up to four times its own weight in liquid.
• Wood is 100% biodegradable and made from a renewable resource.

The best option will depend on the texture, absorbency and format you need from the litter.

Dust

Dust levels can vary between different litter products. If your cat is sensitive to dust or has an existing respiratory condition, speak to your vet about which type of litter may be most appropriate.

Scent

A strongly scented litter might seem appealing from an owner’s perspective, but cats can have different preferences. If you’d like a fresh-smelling tray, an unscented litter with a separate freshener lets you control how much scent you add. If your cat avoids a newly scented litter or freshener, switch back to unscented. 

Tracking

Some types of litter are more likely to stick to paws and be carried outside the tray. If tracking is becoming a problem, consider the size and texture of the litter as well as where the tray is positioned. Larger pellets, such as our wheat and wood litters, are generally less likely to stick to paws than fine granules.

How to switch your cat to a different litter

If you decide to change your cat’s litter, introduce the new type gradually rather than changing it all at once. A sudden change can put some cats off using their litter tray, particularly if they are accustomed to a particular texture or material.

You can gradually increase the amount of new litter while reducing the amount of their familiar litter, giving your cat time to get used to the change. Another option is to offer the new litter in a separate tray, allowing your cat to choose which one they prefer.

Litter tray tips

Making the litter itself more appealing is only part of the process. The tray and where you put it can also influence whether your cat is happy to use it.

• Fill to the right depth: Around 5cm suits most litters, but check the pack. Our wheat pellets, for example, need around 3cm.
• Keep the tray clean: Remove solid waste and urine clumps regularly, and replace non-clumping litter according to the product’s instructions.
• Choose a suitable location: Place the tray somewhere quiet and easily accessible, away from busy areas where your cat may feel disturbed.
• Make sure your cat can access it easily: This is particularly important for kittens, older cats or cats with mobility problems.
• Consider the number of trays: As a general rule, provide one tray per cat, plus one extra. This helps reduce competition in multi-cat households.
• Don’t make sudden changes: If you’re changing both the litter and the tray at the same time, it can be harder to tell what your cat does or doesn’t like.
• Watch your cat’s behaviour: If they start avoiding the tray, using it less often or toileting elsewhere after a change, reconsider the new set-up and speak to your vet if the problem persists. Read our guide on the possible reasons why your cat has stopped using their litter tray.
• Handle soiled litter safely: Pregnant women, nursing mothers, small children and people with weakened immune systems should avoid contact with soiled litter.

If your cat seems reluctant to use the new litter, slow the transition down and give them more time to adjust. The goal is to find a litter and tray set-up they are comfortable using. 

If your cat continues to avoid the litter tray or their toileting habits change unexpectedly, speak to your vet. Changes in litter-tray behaviour can sometimes have an underlying cause that needs attention.

FAQs

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