How to Choose the Right Cat Litter for Your Cat
Choosing the right cat litter can make life smoother for both you and your furry friend. The right one keeps your home fresh, your cat comfy, and cleaning quick and easy. With so many great options now available in New Zealand, it can be tricky to know where to start. Here’s a simple guide to help you find the best match for your cat and your home.
Common Cat Litter Materials Explained
Below are the most common types of cat litter materials you’ll find in New Zealand. Each has its own characteristics from clumping performance to odour control and environmental impact, so understanding their differences will help you choose the one that best fits your cat’s needs and your lifestyle.
1. Clay Litter
This classic option clumps tightly and works perfectly in most automatic litter boxes. It’s easy to scoop and affordable, but it’s not the most eco-friendly choice and can be a bit dusty and heavy to carry.
Most clay litters are made from bentonite clay, a naturally absorbent mineral that expands when wet to create tight clumps. While effective, bentonite dust can irritate the respiratory system of both cats and humans, especially in poorly ventilated areas or with frequent cleaning. The fine particles may linger in the air and cause sneezing or mild breathing discomfort for sensitive cats.
- Pros: Excellent clumping, great for auto litter boxes, affordable
- Cons: Not eco-friendly, heavier, more dust
2. Paper Cat Litter
Made from recycled paper pellets, this is a soft and gentle choice that’s great for kittens or cats with sensitive paws. The pellets absorb moisture rather than clumping, turning soggy as they swell. Because there’s no clumping mechanism, the entire wet portion often needs to be replaced each time your cat urinates — which makes paper litter run out faster compared to clumping types like tofu or clay and the overall consumption can be high.
While it’s light and almost dust-free, it struggles with odour control and can start to smell quickly if not changed frequently. The loose fibres also tend to break down into powder, making it slightly messy to clean up after a few uses.
- Pros: Cheap, soft, low-tracking
- Cons: Weak odour control, quick consumption, messy
3. Tofu Litter
A favourite choice among eco-conscious cat parents! Made from corn starch and pea fibre, tofu litter is plant-based, low in dust, and safe if your cat accidentally ingests it. It clumps quickly, controls odour well, and some are flushable.
However, it usually costs slightly more than paper or clay litters — though the slower daily consumption often balances out the difference.
- Pros: Excellent odour control, biodegradable, safe, low dust
- Cons: Slightly higher upfront price, not ideal for fully automatic boxes with long pellets
4. Cassava Litter
Made from cassava starch, this natural litter clumps almost instantly and locks in moisture effectively. It’s safe, biodegradable, and performs well in open trays. Note that it can track a bit more than the others, so pairing up with a litter mat is recommended.
However, cassava clumps can become quite hard, which makes them unsuitable for flushing. And because the pellets are small, they can be easily tracked — so a litter mat is highly recommended.
- Pros: Fast clumping, strong absorption, natural and safe
- Cons: Can track easily, clumps too firm for toilets
Mixed Cat Litters
If you can’t decide from the obove options, blended litters might be your answer.
At PawPicks, we stock a range of mixed cat litter that combines the strengths of different materials for better overall performance.
Mixed litters give you stronger clumping, less smell, and an overall better balance between performance and price.
Finding the best choice for your home
- Small apartments / open trays: Choose deodorising tofu or mixed litter with activated carbon granules to lock odour in.
- Automatic litter boxes: Use bentonite or fine tofu litter (under 1.5 mm). Always check your litter box manual for suitability.
- Everyday manual scooping:A tofu + bentonite blend is a great all-rounder — natural, effective, and affordable.
- Sticky and tricky corners: Try cassava litter; it forms firm clumps even in tricky spots. Recommend using a litter mat to minimise tracking..
FAQs
Can I mix different types of cat litter?
Absolutely. Many cat parents mix tofu and bentonite to find their ideal balance of texture, odour control, and price. However, avoid combining cassava with clay, as the mixture can become sticky — almost like playdough — and difficult to scoop.
How do I switch to a new litter?
Do it gradually over 5–7 days. Start with 70% old litter and 30% new, then slowly increase the new one each day. Clean the tray before fully switching over.
During the transition, keep an eye on your cat’s litter box habits — how often they use it, and whether they seem hesitant or avoid the tray. Some cats are sensitive to new textures or scents and may refuse to use unfamiliar litter at first. If you notice any signs of avoidance, slow down the transition or mix in a little more of the old litter until your cat feels comfortable again.
How often should I change the litter?
Scoop daily, top up as needed, and replace everything every 3-4 weeks. Clean the tray with mild detergent before refilling.
How deep should I fill the litter box?
Aim for a depth of 5–7 cm. This is usually enough for proper clumping and digging comfort. Too shallow, and clumps may stick to the base; too deep, and you’ll waste litter unnecessarily. For heavier materials like bentonite, 5 cm is sufficient, while lighter types such as tofu or paper can go a little deeper.
Final Thoughts
Every cat is unique, and so is every home. There’s no one-size-fits-all litter for everyone, but with a little trial and observation, you’ll find what keeps both you and your cat happiest. Whether you prefer tofu, cassava, or a balance mix, PawPicks offers high-quality, tested litters — with free NZ shipping over $79 and Auckland same-day delivery..