What Is The Best Type Of Cat Litter?

If you’ve ever wandered the cat aisle feeling a bit overwhelmed by shelves of options, you’re not alone. Choosing the best type of cat litter isn’t always straightforward. From clay to crystals, clumping to compostable, each type of litter offers its own benefits depending on your cat’s needs and your household setup.

At Petdirect, we get pet – that means understanding not just what cats love, but what makes life easier for pet parents too. In this guide, we’ll walk through the most popular cat litter types in New Zealand, helping you find the perfect fit for your feline friend (and your nose!).

Clumping Clay Litter: Popular And Practical

Clumping cat litter is one of the most widely used options for good reason. Made from bentonite clay, it forms solid clumps when it comes into contact with moisture, making it easy to scoop and helping keep the litter box fresher for longer.

Pros:

• Excellent odour control
• Easy to scoop daily
• Widely available

Cons:

• Can be dusty
• Heavier to carry and dispose of
• Not biodegradable

If your cat likes a consistent routine and you’re happy with regular scooping, this classic option is hard to beat. For budget-friendly picks, check out options from Calibre.

Crystal Cat Litter: Low Maintenance And Super Absorbent

Crystal cat litter is made from silica gel beads that absorb moisture and trap odours without clumping. It’s a favourite for those wanting a lower-maintenance box that doesn’t require daily scooping of waste.

Pros:

• Excellent moisture control
• Long-lasting
• Low dust and low tracking

Cons:

• More expensive than clay
• Some cats may dislike the texture
• Non-biodegradable

Busy lifestyle? Crystal litter can be particularly helpful in multi-cat households or with automatic litter boxes.

Natural And Biodegradable Litter: Earth-Friendly And Safe

For environmentally conscious pet parents, natural cat litter options offer a more sustainable solution. Made from materials like wood, paper, walnut shells, or corn, these litters are typically biodegradable and even compostable in some cases (check with your local council).

Pros:

• Eco-friendly and compostable in many areas
• Good odour control with natural scents
• Lightweight

Cons:

• May need more frequent full changes
• Varied texture – not every cat will love it
• Can be pricier than supermarket brands

Try trusted brands like Kitty Fresh or World’s Best for plant-based options that perform well and lessen your environmental pawprint, or check out Calibre for budget-friendly picks made with natural, biodegradable materials.

Low Tracking & Low Dust Options: Cleaner Floors, Happier Cats

If you've ever spent more time vacuuming up litter than playing with your kitty, low tracking cat litter is your new best friend. These blends are designed to reduce scattering outside the litter tray and minimise dust – ideal for asthmatic cats or allergy-prone humans.

Look for options labelled low dust or choose larger grain natural litters that tend to stay put better. Some products are also infused with natural scents or odour neutralisers – just make sure your cat tolerates fragrance first.

Complement these with specially designed litter accessories like mats and covered trays to cut down even more on mess.

What’s The Best Litter For Your Cat?

There’s no “one size fits all” when it comes to litter. Kittens might do best starting with lightweight or non-clumping options as they learn. Senior cats may prefer soft textures for sensitive paws. And confident adult cats may have developed clear preferences you’d be wise to respect!

If you’re unsure, try introducing a new litter gradually by mixing it with your current one and observing how your cat responds. And remember, the best cat litter is the one your feline will actually use happily and consistently.

Explore our full range of cat litter options to find your kitty’s perfect match – whether that’s clumping, crystal, or compostable.

Keep It Fresh, Keep It Clean

The right litter can make a world of difference for both you and your cat. Regular scooping, proper litter box placement, and experimenting with types and textures can all help maintain happy habits. And no matter your choice, keeping your setup clean is key to your cat using it.

We get pet, which is why at Petdirect we offer a wide selection of litter solutions tailored to every type of cat (and every kind of floor). Plus, with Autodeliver, you’ll never forget a refill again.

Shop cat litter essentials today – because your cat deserves a loo they’ll love.