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 can suit automatic litter boxes that accept its particle size and material. It’s easy to scoop and affordable, but it’s not the most eco-friendly choice and can be heavy to carry, with dust levels varying between products.
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, options for compatible automatic 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 designed for convenient daily scooping. It is designed to clump and help manage odours. Even formulas labelled “flushable” should be disposed of according to local wastewater guidance.
However, it usually costs slightly more than paper or clay litters — compare actual usage as well as the price per bag.
- Pros: Clumping, plant-based options, typically 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 offers a plant-based option for owners comparing absorption and clumping performance. 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, plant-based options
- Cons: Can track easily, clumps too firm for toilets
Pure or Mixed? Comparing Cat Litter Blends
Mixed litters combine different materials to adjust clumping, texture and everyday cleaning. Here are the blends in this guide; check the current product packaging for the complete formula.
At PawPicks, we stock a range of mixed cat litter that combines the strengths of different materials to offer different performance options.
Tofu + Bentonite
Composition: 70% tofu + 30% bentonite
Consider it if: You want to combine tofu pellets with mineral clumping performance.
Check: Contains mineral ingredients. Do not flush.
Tofu + Cassava
Composition: 70% tofu + 25% cassava + 5% baking soda
Consider it if: You want to improve on pure tofu litter by reducing clumps sticking to the bottom of the tray.
Check: Check tracking and tray performance. Do not flush litter containing cassava, as it can form very firm clumps.
Cassava + Mineral
Composition: 70% cassava + 30% mineral
Consider it if: You are considering a granular blend for an automatic litter box.
Check: Confirm compatibility with your specific machine. Do not flush.
Choose a blend according to your cat’s preferences, your tray and the way the clumps perform during daily scooping.
Find the Best Fit for Your Home
- Small apartments / open trays: Choose deodorising tofu or mixed litter with activated carbon granules to lock odour in.
- Automatic litter boxes: Check your machine’s instructions for approved materials and particle sizes. Compatibility depends on both the formula and the equipment.
- Everyday manual scooping: Compare clump strength, breakage and the amount of clean litter removed with each scoop.
- Sticky and tricky corners: Try cassava litter; it forms firm clumps even in tricky spots. Use a litter mat to help minimise tracking.
Common Questions
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.
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 and top up as needed. Follow the product’s guidance for full changes, adjusting for the number of cats, tray size and how quickly the litter becomes soiled. Clean and dry the tray 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.
Find Your Cat’s Everyday Favourite
The right litter should be comfortable for your cat and practical for your home. Start with the material and texture that suit your routine, then observe how your cat uses it and how easily it cleans up.
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