Clumping vs. non-clumping litter: What are the differences?

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There are two main types of cat litter: clumping and non-clumping. Both are designed to absorb moisture and control odors, but they manage moisture differently, which impacts odor control, ease of cleaning, and texture. Clumping clay litter is the most commonly used because it's affordable, easy to scoop, and leaves a cleaner box for cats. It's also the texture cats prefer, says Dr. Liza Cahn, a veterinarian and veterinary consultant for Embrace Pet Insurance. However, some cats — or their humans — may have different preferences.

Below, we discuss clumping versus non-clumping litter so you can choose the best one for your household.

The differences between clumping and non-clumping cat litter

Cats are more likely to consistently use a litter box that is kept clean. Cahn recommends scooping clumping litter at least once a day and completely replacing the litter and deep-cleaning the box monthly. You may also need to add fresh litter between monthly cleanings. For non-clumping litter, Cahn says to scoop feces daily and replace the urine-soaked litter at least once a week. These guidelines aren't one-size-fits-all. Some cats may be pickier, preferring their litter box to be scooped more often or deep-cleaned more frequently. If your cat has a health condition that increases urination, such as kidney disease, you may need to clean their litter box more often.

Clumping litter contains a binder, such as starch, guar gum, or bentonite clay. This helps it form solid clumps around liquid waste, making it possible to scoop out both liquid and solids. Clumping clay litter is widely popular among cats and their humans because cats prefer its sand-like texture, while people appreciate its affordability. There are also alternatives to clay, including corn, cassava, and tofu-based clumping litters.

Non-clumping litter absorbs moisture without forming clumps and is made with materials such as pine pellets, shredded paper, or silica crystals. Each type requires a different approach to maintenance. For example, silica litter often requires stirring to prevent over-saturation, but Mikel Delgado, consulting cat behavior expert for Rover, says stirring around dirty litter can worsen odors and change the texture. Scooping the wet silica crystals is usually ineffective, though soiled paper litter may be easier to scoop out. Pine pellets break down into sawdust when wet, and a sifting litter box can help separate fresh pellets from waste.

Is clumping or non-clumping litter better?

Both types of litter have absorbent, odor-locking properties, but one might work better for your household than the other. Understanding the differences between clumping and non-clumping cat litter is important so you can choose appropriately.

Clumping cat litter pros

Cost-effective: Clumping litter isn't always cheaper than non-clumping options on a bag-to-bag basis, but it tends to last longer. Scooping out solid and liquid waste keeps the litter fresher, so you only need to completely replace it about every three to four weeks or sooner, depending on your cat's preference for litter box hygeine. If you notice the litter level drops too low between deep cleanings, you may need to top it off with fresh litter — cats prefer a litter depth of 1.5 inches or more.

Texture: Cats often prefer clumping litter because its texture resembles the sand or dirt they would dig in outdoors, says Dr. Elena Shirley, lead veterinarian and partner at CityVet in Charlotte Uptown. She adds that when given a texture they enjoy, cats are more likely to dig and fully cover their waste.

Easier to clean: Clumping litter makes cleanup super easy because you can quickly remove solid and liquid clumps without leaving any waste behind. However, if daily scooping feels like a hassle or is physically difficult, one of the best automatic litter boxes could be a great option.

Odor control: The clumps help trap odors, but any litter box will start to smell if it's not scooped daily.

Clumping cat litter cons

Dust: Almost any litter you buy will create some dust when poured or when your cat digs. This can cause irritation for both cats and humans, especially cats with respiratory issues such as asthma. Cahn says to take extra caution when purchasing clumping clay litter, as some can be especially dusty. We've tested and recommend two low-dust clumping clay options: Tidy Cats Naturally Strong Unscented Litter and Dr. Elsey's Ultra Multi-Cat Strength Litter.

Not all clumping litters are created equal: Some clumping litters can actually make scooping more challenging. In our testing, tofu-based clumping litters were particularly problematic, turning to gloopy messes after urination. For clumping litters that form solid, easy-to-scoop clumps without crumbling or leaving behind a sticky mess, check out our guide to the best cat litters.

Non-clumping cat litter pros

May be ideal for long-haired cats: Clumping litter is more likely to stick to fur around a cat's hindquarters after urination. Shirley says trimming the fur of long-haired cats around the rear and genitals (called a sanitary clip) can help minimize that risk.

Less dust: Non-clumping paper, pine, and silica litters are the least likely to produce dust, Cahn says. This makes them a good option for cats with respiratory issues like allergies or asthma.

Decreases the risk of gastrointestinal obstructions: Cahn recommends using non-clumping litter for kittens who may accidentally ingest litter while exploring their surroundings. If your adult cat eats litter, it's important to consult your veterinarian, as it could indicate an underlying medical condition. While rare, Cahn says the worst-case scenario is that a cat ingests enough clumping litter for it to bind together in the digestive tract and cause a blockage that may require surgery.

Non-clumping cat litter cons

Difficult to remove liquid waste: This means your cat may have to step on soiled litter to eliminate, and the lingering urine can produce an ammonia odor. "The increased odor associated with urine being mixed into the box may be enough to make a cat not want to use the box, especially if it is not cleaned frequently," Cahn says.

Costly: While some people see the lack of scooping clumps as an advantage of non-clumping litter, the downside is that the entire box usually needs to be emptied and refilled at least weekly.

Texture: When it comes to cat litter, there's no one-size-fits-all solution, especially with pellets. Delgado generally doesn't recommend pellet litters because their larger, harder texture can be uncomfortable for cats to stand and dig in, causing some to avoid the litter box altogether. This is often the case with wooden pellet litters, a popular non-clumping option. However, not all pellets are the same. We liked Ökocat's Non-Clumping Paper Pellet Litter because its smaller, softer pellets were the most absorbent of all the paper litters we tested and produced almost no dust. Ultimately, finding the right texture is about what works best for your cat's comfort and preferences.

Clumping vs. non-clumping litter: Which is better?

Both clumping and non-clumping litter come in budget and premium options, so their prices are generally similar. However, clumping litter typically lasts longer, offering better value for your money. And if sustainability is important to you, the best natural cat litter options we tested are available in both clumping and non-clumping varieties.

While non-clumping litter absorbs moisture and controls odors, the experts we spoke with agree that clumping litter is generally the better option for odor control and hygiene. It locks in liquids, forms solid clumps for easy scooping, and encourages cats to dig and bury their waste. However, some clumping litters can be dusty, which may be a concern for cats with respiratory issues. Non-clumping litter might be a better choice for kittens or long-haired cats, but it typically requires more frequent changes.

If you're bringing home a new cat or kitten, try to find out what litter they've been using and stick with it if possible, Cahn says. But if you're starting from scratch, Delgado has a simple recommendation.

"You can't go wrong starting with a soft, sandy, unscented clumping style litter because this is what most cats prefer," she says.

If you're still not sure whether clumping or non-clumping litter is better for your cat, consider the key benefits of each type. Clumping litter may be best for multi-cat households, cost savings, efficient cleanup, and cats who prefer fine, sand-like textures. Non-clumping litter may be best for kittens, long-haired cats, and cats with respiratory issues.

The bottom line

Our experts most often recommend clumping cat litter. Its ease of scooping and better odor control lend themselves to a more hygienic litter box. While non-clumping litter has its place, such as for cats with respiratory conditions, our experts suggest starting with a soft, sandy, unscented clumping litter for the best results. Ultimately, the right choice depends on what works best for both you and your cat.