Clay Cat Litter

Many cats prefer clay cat litter due to its soft, sand-like texture that resembles natural materials used in the wild for burying waste. Clay litter, especially bentonite varieties, forms clumps quickly, which many owners find handy for easy cleaning. When choosing clay litter for your litter box or tray, here are key features to keep in mind:

• High Absorbency: Clay litters, especially those made from bentonite, can absorb several times their weight in liquid, helping to keep the litter box dry and comfortable for your cat.
• Strong Clumping Ability: Clumping clay forms solid clumps when wet, making it easy to scoop out soiled litter and maintain cleanliness.
• Good Odour Control: Clay naturally traps odors well, especially when combined with odour management products, and some products include additives to enhance odour neutralization.
• Familiar Texture: The fine, sand-like texture of clay resembles natural soil, which many cats prefer for digging and burying waste.
• Affordability: Clay litter is generally less expensive than many alternatives, making it a budget-friendly choice.
• Wide Availability: It is widely available in many brands and forms, including clumping and non-clumping varieties.
• Ease of Cleaning: Clumping clay litter simplifies daily scooping and waste removal, which is especially helpful in multi-cat homes.
• Paw Comfort: Many cats find the soft texture comfortable on their paws, encouraging litter box use.
• Suitability for Multi-Cat Households: Clumping clay litters perform well in homes with multiple cats due to efficient waste removal and odour management.

Tip: Whether you’re considering clay clumping cat litter or silica options, observing your cat’s reaction to texture and scent is also important for a smooth transition.

Clay clumping cat litter is among the most commonly used types of cat litter. While known for its affordability and variety of available choices, there are some pros and cons to weigh up before deciding what would suit your cat’s needs and preferences. Check the table below to see if clay cat litter is right for you: 

Clay litter can be slightly messy due to tracking, but many owners find that clumping formulas are easier to maintain overall. Litter tray liners and mats can help reduce the time spent cleaning.  

Scoop waste daily, seal it in a bag, and dispose of it in the general household waste. Always check local guidelines for waste disposal. If you need more guidance on cat litter hygiene, check out our cat litter how-to article.

Yes, most self-cleaning cat litter boxes are designed for use with clumping clay litter. This type of litter forms solid clumps that are easier for automatic scooping mechanisms to detect and remove. However, it’s important to check your device’s user guide to confirm compatibility.