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With so many options out there, it’s difficult to say there’s one cat litter product that’s truly best. But that’s the beauty of it. Instead of worrying about finding the perfect cat litter, you can focus on finding the product that’s right for you and your cat.
From traditional clay cat litter to silica crystals and natural alternatives, there’s a cat litter product to suit every preference. In this guide, however, we’re going to focus on the big question: clumping or non-clumping? Keep reading to learn the key qualities of clumping litter and non-clumping litter to help you make an informed decision between them.
What’s the Difference Between Clumping and Non-Clumping Litter?
The obvious answer is that one type of cat litter clumps and the other doesn’t, but what does that really mean? Let’s dive into the details.
Regardless of the material it’s made from, clumping cat litter typically contains added clumping agents that cause liquid-soaked litter granules to stick together and harden into a solid mass. This makes it possible to scoop clumps of urine out of the litter box, leaving clean litter behind to be reused. Clumps might also form around loose stools, depending on the consistency, but solid waste is generally easy enough to scoop on its own.
As the name suggests, non-clumping litter doesn’t form clumps. Instead, it relies on its absorbency to keep the litter box from turning into a soupy mess. By absorbing liquid on contact, non-clumping cat litter also helps keep litter box odor under control.
You can learn more about specific types of cat litter in our Cat Litter Reviews section. For now, however, let’s move on to the benefits and drawbacks of clumping versus non-clumping cat litter.
Pros and Cons
How well any clumping or non-clumping cat litter performs depends on the materials and, in some cases, added ingredients. In this section, we’ll discuss the general pros and cons broadly associated with clumping and non-clumping cat litter.
Pros of Clumping Litter
Forms firm, scoopable clumps from dirty litter
Reduces litter waste by making it easy to remove only used litter
Absorbs moisture on contact to keep the litter box dry
Requires less frequent emptying and refilling of the litter box
Helps keep the litter box clean and odor-free for your cat
Can typically be used in automatic and self-cleaning litter boxes
Makes it easy to track your cat’s urine output
Pros of Non-Clumping Litter
Tends to be the most budget-friendly type of litter
Less risk of causing intestinal blockage if accidentally ingested
Generally compatible with sifting litter boxes
Only requires the removal of solid waste (and stirring to enhance liquid absorption)
Some varieties can be made without added ingredients
Cons of Clumping Litter
Might cost more per pound than non-clumping litter
Some litter materials might not clump as well others (e.g. natural versus clay)
Ingested litter might expand, posing a risk for intestinal blockage
Might require added ingredients (like clumping agents)
Requires frequent scooping to keep clean litter available to your cat
Cons of Non-Clumping Litter
Odor might accumulate faster because dirty litter remains in the box
Often requires more frequent litter changes than clumping litter
Less cost-effective if frequent replacement is required
Generally can’t be used in automatic litter boxes
More challenging to track your cat’s urine output without visible clumps
Which Litter Is Right for Your Cat?
With clumping cat litter, urine forms solid clumps, which can be easily scooped out. Garnar / Shutterstock.com
Once you’ve decided between clumping and non-clumping cat litter, you can dig deeper into the different types of litter to find the specific product that works best for you and your cat. Keep in mind that issues like tracking and dust will depend more on the material the litter is made from and the size of the granules than its clumping ability.
If you’re still not sure whether clumping or non-clumping litter is the best choice for you and your cat, here are a few final points to consider.
Clumping Cat Litter Might Be the Right Choice If…
You want scooping the litter box to be as quick and easy as possible.
Your cat isn’t prone to ingesting non-food items like cat litter.
You want to conserve cat litter by reducing the frequency of litter box refills.
Your kitten or cat has already been litter trained.
You’re willing to pay a slightly higher per-pound price for improved performance.
You want to minimize litter box odor by preventing it from accumulating.
Non-Clumping Cat Litter Might Be the Right Choice If…
You prefer a lower per-pound price when purchasing cat litter.
Your kitten or cat has a tendency to consume or accidentally ingest cat litter.
You don’t mind stirring the litter daily and making more frequent litter changes.
You’re willing to compromise on odor control and easy scooping for a lower price.
When making your decision between clumping and non-clumping cat litter, don’t forget to take your cat’s preferences into account. No matter what type of litter you choose, daily scooping is a must if you want to minimize litter box odor and keep the box clean and comfortable for your cat.
Learn more about the different types of cat litter in our detailed roundup of the best cat litter products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why shouldn’t I use clumping cat litter?
Veterinarians often recommend non-clumping over clumping cat litter for kittens during litter box training because they might consume the litter. Clumping litter can swell on contact with moisture in the digestive tract, leading to a risk for intestinal blockages. Cats with long fur might be more prone to accidental litter ingestion during grooming.
What happens to pee in non-clumping litter?
Urine is generally absorbed by the litter, which can be stirred to improve absorption. With some non-clumping litters, however, urine might quickly pass through the top layer of litter to the bottom of the box. With high volumes of urine, this can lead to wet litter sticking to the bottom or sides of the box.
What happens to poop in non-clumping litter?
Most cat litters are designed primarily to absorb urine but litter granules might also stick to solid waste—especially clumping cat litter. With non-clumping litter, solid waste can be kicked around the litter box if it isn’t scooped frequently enough. In addition to dirtying the rest of the litter, this can also lead to the spread of Toxoplasma gondii parasites or potentially harmful bacteria.
