Is Clay Still King?

Choosing a cat litter used to be a no-brainer. Go to your local brick-and-mortar store and you could have your pick of the usual brands of clay litter—clumping or non-clumping was about the only decision to make.

But run a search for cat litter these days and you’re likely to be confronted with a barrage of options. So here, we’ll take a moment to look at some of the things you may want to consider when choosing a cat litter for your home.

Clumping

This is a big one for a lot of people. Clumping litters can make cleanup more convenient, especially when it comes to urine. The smelly stuff gets bound up in an easily scoop-able package. So, how do different materials stack up?

Traditional clay litters have historically been the only game in town for clumping litters. They generally use bentonite clay and/or other clay minerals to produce a litter that quickly absorbs moisture and sticks together.

Cat litters made from paper, crushed coconut shells, or corn cob generally lack this property. Increasingly, however, plant-based litters (such as those made from pine, tofu byproducts, or a combination of materials) are beginning to offer clumping formulas to rival clay litters. If clumping is important for you but you’re thinking about a plant-based option, these may be worth your attention.

Dust

This is an area where many natural materials have an edge. Clay litters can be prone to giving off a fine dust, especially when replacing the litter. This dust can contain tiny clay particles, silica, or other materials which when inhaled can cause respiratory issues over time.

While it’s true that some plant-based litters can still produce dust, especially when poured, this dust does not contain clay or silica, making the dust itself less hazardous. The good news is that some manufacturers of plant-based litters also offer low-dust options, making these some of the best options if dust is a concern.

Weight

Let’s face it—most of us don’t want changing the cat litter to turn into leg day. And depending on the materials used, cat litter can be heavy! For some folks, that can be a real problem.

Clay litters are generally the heaviest options—no surprise considering they are literally dug out of the ground. And while they can absorb just as much as they weigh, that weight is no joke. It is not uncommon to see bags or boxes of clay litter weighing 20 or even 40 pounds.

Plant-based cat litters are generally a lighter option, with the weight varying somewhat depending on the exact materials and their ratios. Some are able to absorb several times their own weight in liquid, meaning that you could be getting the same absorption as clay at a fraction of the weight. Bear in mind that not all plant-based litters are equal in this department, so look for a high-absorbency plant-based litter if you want a good, lightweight option.

Cost

With as much cat litter as the average cat uses, it’s no wonder that price is a common consideration for cat caregivers. Price will vary depending on materials, clumping, or other features.

Both clay and plant-based non-clumping litters offer good affordability, while clumping litters of all types will usually cost more due to their convenience. Clumping plant-based formulas are sometimes higher priced due to more complex processing. But for many, the benefits of going plant-based make that difference worthwhile.

Environmental Impact

Although it doesn’t get as much media coverage as plastic, a typical cat will go through thousands of pounds of cat litter over its lifetime. So, it’s worth considering where that litter comes from and what happens to it after you’re done scooping.

Clay litters usually contain bentonite, which (although abundant) is a non-renewable material and has to be mined from Earth’s surface. The mining process disrupts the topsoil, altering the chemical properties of the ground and impeding restoration efforts.

By comparison, “natural” cat litters are usually made from recycled or reclaimed materials, such as newspaper, walnut shells, bean dregs, or other materials which would otherwise be discarded. By using these renewable resources, natural cat litters help reduce industrial waste.

Plant-derived litters are also usually biodegradable, whereas clay and silica gel (“crystal litter”) are not and are destined for landfills. In contrast, many plant-based litters are compostable. Some are even septic-safe, meaning that small amounts can be safely flushed for easy cleanup. Not all plant-based litters are flushable, however, so check product information carefully if this is a quality you’re looking for.

Closing Thoughts

While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, there are more options than ever to choose from. We hope this overview helps you to navigate the available options and find a cat litter that best fits you and your cat’s needs.