The Best Cat Litter

Posted on 28 July 2022

This comparison is certified 100% impartial and follows our selection process.

Although not biodegradable, this silica cat litter is a great solution for those who want to postpone changing litter for as long as possible. In our test, it proved to be much more effective than other products in neutralising odours and has a higher absorption capacity. This means that bacteria are quickly suffocated and little dust is produced. Although it does not clump, we found it quite easy to clean. And although it may seem expensive at first glance, it is more economical than you might think, lasting several weeks.

As cats are quite fussy about hygiene, so is their litter.

Good quality litter has a good odour neutralising effect.

Mineral litter is not biodegradable and should be thrown away.

To get the most out of it, it is essential to remove the clumped faeces or pellets daily.

The litter mat at the enclosure entrance limits the distribution of the granules.

Please note that not all cats have the same preferences.

Widely recognised on the market, this plant-based cat litter is made from sustainably sourced wood and is 100% natural and free from chemical additives. During our test, we appreciated its effectiveness in absorbing liquids and containing odours. It is also very low in dust. In our opinion, its properties make it a practical and economical solution. It is biodegradable and compostable, and can even be flushed down the toilet, which is a major advantage for your waste. Made in Europe, it is environmentally friendly.

This silica-based mineral cat litter has the advantage of being very absorbent, effectively neutralises odours and is suitable for sensitive paws. We were able to use it for about three weeks (the manufacturer says 1 month of use). And although some people are bothered by the noise of the granules, we were not disturbed by this aspect or at least not more than with other products. On the other hand, it is a little expensive, but it lasts a long time, which compensates a little for its high price.

Made from bentonite granules, it has activated charcoal added to neutralise odours and is sprayed with aloe vera gel to take care of your pet’s paws. We did find it to be quite lumpy and easy to clean. It is also quite economical as it doesn’t require weekly changes. In our opinion, it lasts for several weeks if the droppings are removed daily. However, it cannot be flushed down the toilet.

Our selection

Our choice, Best mid-range	Best budget	Best high-end	Budget alternative
Vitakraft Magic Clean (8,4 L)	Okoplus Cat´s Best (10 L)	Riga Rigalit (4 L)	Biokat’s Diamond Care (8 L)
This mineral cat litter is composed of silica gel, known for its high absorption capacity, both in terms of eliminating liquids and neutralising odours. It is effective for several weeks.	This compressed corn-based cat litter comes from the United States, where it is extremely popular for its soft, clumping texture and good odour control for maximum effectiveness.	Although it is more expensive, it has excellent odour absorption and neutralisation capacity, and we have found it to be very durable. It is particularly suitable for sensitive cats.	This solution perfectly neutralises odours thanks to the addition of activated carbon. It binds perfectly, which makes it easy to maintain and, as a result, can last for a long time.
See the price on Amazon	£ 9.79 on Amazon	See the price on Amazon	£ 17.03 on Amazon

Honorable mentions

Catsan Hygiene Plus (£25.93 / 18 kg upon publication): quite popular on the market for its low price. This mineral cat litter is very basic, composed of quartz granules and chalk, does not clump and therefore requires a more regular complete change. We particularly appreciate its good absorption. On the other hand, it generates a lot of residues as it lasts 5 to 7 days (for one cat). During our test, we began to notice unpleasant odours from the fifth day onwards.

World’s Best Clumping Formula Original Unscented (£33.90 / 6.4 kg upon publication): a natural, biodegradable solution. Very popular and well known in the USA, it is made from highly compressed whole corn kernels for effective neutralisation of liquids and odours. It is well compacted and lightweight, and we were able to remove the droppings with ease. Of course, we appreciate its natural, safe and biodegradable composition, which can be disposed of in the compost or possibly in the toilet. In our test, we were able to keep the cat box for up to 10 days before changing it.

How to choose your cat litter?

When you adopt a cat – or any other pet – you naturally look for the best for it.

First of all, it is essential to be able to distinguish between the different types of litter available, as well as their advantages and disadvantages:

• The mineral cat litter: there are two types. The most common and basic is made of clay, which is very absorbent. It has the advantage of being cheap. However, it is more prone to create dust and/or require very regular replacement. Silica, also known as “crystal cat litter”, is more expensive, but lasts longer. It has a high absorption capacity, both for liquids and odours.

• The plant litter: more environmentally friendly, it can be made from wood fibre or pellets, corn or even recycled paper – or even tofu! It generates little dust, is very light, and also has a high absorption capacity and good odour neutralisation.

With this in mind, it is essential to consider the following criteria next:

• The clumping litter: whether mineral or vegetable in origin, litter can be clumping. In concrete terms, it forms small solid clumps on contact with the urine, which are not only easy to spot, but above all simple to remove for easy maintenance. It’ s an economical solution, since the rest of the material, which remains clean, can continue to be used: there is no need for frequent complete renewal.

• The biodegradability: Mineral cat litter is not biodegradable and must be disposed of in the rubbish. Considering the quantities used, it is clearly not a very environmentally friendly option. Vegetable cat litter, on the other hand, is biodegradable and compostable, and is even suitable for the toilet. While this latter solution may be practical for people living in flats, it is an option that we advise against using too exclusively. Ideally, the waste should be disposed of in the green waste bin.

• The scent: many brands offer scented cat litters, which supposedly mask unwanted odours. However, this may not be to the cat’s liking (in fact, we have excluded them from our selection). In short, if your cat’s box smells too much, it is simply time to change it.
• Maintenance and cleaning: whatever type of cat litter you choose, it is necessary to get the most out of it, and above all, to maintain optimal daily hygiene (it is essential to remove droppings and/or lumps every day). It would also be practical to invest in a cat litter box mat.

Your choice will depend on the intended use of the litter box. Of course, the needs are not the same depending on the number of cats you live with, whether they spend part of their time outdoors or exclusively indoors, etc.

Keep in mind also that not all cats have the same preferences: while some cats readily accept wood shavings or silica litter, others are not so accommodating. You may need to try several types of products before you find the one that suits you and your pet.

How did we test?

To begin with, we used each cat litter passively on a daily basis to get a first idea and to see if our furry buddy would tolerate it (because it has to be said that he is quite capricious in this respect). This also allowed us to test the durability, odour neutralisation and ease of cleaning (especially in the case of clumping cat litter).

Next, we developed a vinegar-based acidic liquid and incorporated it into each of the litters to assess liquid absorption. To carry out this test, we used different types of litter and took into account the frequency of renewal.

Translated by Ramsés El Hajje