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The Best Natural Cat Litter In 2025, Tested And Reviewed

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Most cats prefer fine-grained, unscented clumping cat litter, which is typical of a good clay formula. However, the best natural cat litter can be a solid alternative. While clay litter tends to create dust that can irritate both cats and humans, natural litters are nearly dust-free and also more eco-friendly because they are biodegradable and often more sustainably sourced than clay and silica gel litters. Natural litters also work well to soak up urine while minimizing odors with natural scents and fibrous composition.

We asked veterinarians and cat behaviorists to find out what to look for in a natural cat litter. Then we tested 18 different corn, wood, grass, wheat, walnut, and tofu formulas for this guide. The best overall natural litter is Sustainably Yours Small-Grain Formula, a corn and cassava litter with a soft texture our tester cats loved. It forms hard clumps on contact and emits no detectable scent or dust. Although natural litters tend to be more pricey than clay litters, World's Best Multiple Cat Unscented Litter is an affordable, high-quality corn-based litter that clumps quickly and manages odors, even in multi-cat households.

Keep in mind that not every cat is willing to switch from their typical litter. Our experts say that cats, being creatures of habit, often prefer a familiar material over an unfamiliar one. This was somewhat evident in our testing: Two tester cats occasionally used the unfamiliar litter, while two from a different household showed little objection.

Read more about how Business Insider Reviews tests and evaluates pet products.

Our top picks for the best natural cat litter

Best overall: Sustainably Yours Small-Grain Formula - See at Chewy

Best budget: World's Best Multiple Cat Unscented Litter - See at Chewy

Best wood: Ökocat Super Soft Clumping Litter - See at Chewy

Best walnut: Naturally Fresh Quick Clumping Litter - See at Chewy

Best grass: SmartCat Clumping Grass Litter - See at Chewy

Best overall What we like

A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No noticeable dust or scent

A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Long-lasting

A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Excellent clumping

A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Soft texture appeals to cats

What we don't like

Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Tracks

Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Expensive

After four and a half years of using World's Best Multiple Cat Unscented Litter, two of our tester cats made it clear that Sustainably Yours was their new favorite. We were initially skeptical it would make our top natural pick for the best cat litters because our cats spent the first couple of days playing in the Sustainably Yours corn and cassava-based litter before using it. But once they began using it regularly, the litter excelled in clumping, odor control, and longevity while producing the least dust of all the natural litters we tested. We also couldn't detect any scents from this fragrance-free litter.

Sustainably Yours is the softest, most sand-like substrate among the formulas we tested. It's the texture cats prefer, and likely why our cats eagerly explored the litter before using it, says Rachel Geller, a certified cat behavior and retention specialist and founder of All Cats All the Time, Inc. While the fine litter can stick to toes and track outside the box, you can easily manage it with one of the best cat litter mats.

Our cats love Sustainably Yours litter, and it excelled in nearly all of our tests. Janelle Leeson/Business Insider

The litter's longevity more than makes up for the slight downside of tracking. It formed rock-hard clumps on contact and remained intact when we scooped it. It took one 13-pound bag to fill our large litter box to 2 inches. However, when used and scooped daily, the litter stayed fresh for well over a month in a two-cat household.

Best budget What we like

A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Minimal litter tracking and dust

A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Forms solid clumps

What we don't like

Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Odor buildup over time

Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Natural cereal scent can be strong

When looking for eco-friendly litter that reduces your cat's ecological (and litter tracking) footprint, you often expect to pay a premium. However, World's Best Multiple Cat Unscented Litter makes the transition from clay and silica litter more affordable. It costs about 35% less per pound than our top pick for the best natural cat litter, but offers excellent value.

World's Best is made of compressed corn kernels and a proprietary plant-derived ingredient for extra odor control. World's Best absorbs liquid on contact, forming solid clumps that are easy to lift out in a single piece. The corn-cereal-scented fibrous material absorbs odors easily, and sometimes we could barely detect the scent of urine. Of course, the more clumps in the box, the more it emitted a mild ammonia odor. While not soft and sandy, the litter was gentle enough not to deter our cats from using it. Litter tracking occurred at a far lower volume than we saw with lightweight litters like those made from grass and walnuts.

World's Best Multiple Cat is our top pick for an affordable, effective natural cat litter. Shoshi Parks/Insider

A 15-pound bag lasts our two-cat household for over a month. However, during our three-week testing in a traditional litter box, we noticed an increasing ammonia odor even with regular cleaning in the final days. To maximize the litter's lifespan, we typically use it in the Whisker Litter-Robot 4, our top self-cleaning pick for the best cat litter boxes. While not a budget purchase, it can keep litter fresh for longer, ultimately saving money.

Best wood What we like

A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Absorbs odors

A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Natural pine scent

A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Clumps quickly

A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Soft texture

What we don't like

Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Expensive

Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Clumps not as solid as other natural litter types

Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Tracks easily

Ökocat Super Soft Clumping Litter earned the top spot among its wood litter competitors for its excellent odor control and superior clumping ability. Sourced from sustainably managed forests, its soft, lightweight granules are most similar to standard clay litter.

While our tester cats preferred to visit their favorite corn litter during our two-week testing period, they used the wood litter occasionally. When they did, the Ökocat litter absorbed liquids quickly and formed clumps that were easier to scoop than other wood litters. However, the clumps broke apart more than the corn, grain, grass, and walnut litter varieties.

Ökocat makes an excellent eco-friendly, easy-clumping wood cat litter. Janelle Leeson/Business Insider

Throughout our testing, it absorbed odors, prevented ammonia buildup, and gave off a fresh pine scent. The wood produces minimal dust, but because the litter is so lightweight, our cats easily tracked it outside of the box.

Ökocat Super Soft was the most expensive wood litter we tested, but it lasted at least as long, if not longer, than the others. The brand says the litter can last up to seven weeks with regular scooping.

Best walnut What we like

A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Effective clumps

A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Good value

A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Good odor control

What we don't like

Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Tracks

Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Slight earthy smell

Naturally Fresh Quick Clumping Litter is made from non-GMO and organic crushed walnut shells. Beyond its natural and nontoxic ingredients, this litter stands out for its affordability, good clumping abilities, and effectiveness in neutralizing odors. The texture is similar to medium-grained sand with super fine particles, which the brand says are essential for its clumping ability. These particles created a small dust cloud when we poured the litter, but the dust was barely noticeable during vigorous digging by our tester cats and when we scooped the box.

We tested Naturally Fresh Quick Clumping Litter and Multi-Cat Ultra Odor Control side-by-side in a two-cat household and found no noticeable difference. According to the brand, the multi-cat formula contains a moisture-activated probiotic that neutralizes urine and ammonia odors and minimizes the odor of cat feces, which is most useful for cats who lack burying skills. However, after conducting thorough sniff tests, we concluded the slightly cheaper Quick Clumping Litter was equally effective at minimizing odors, albeit with a slightly earthy scent. The high-fiber walnut absorbs liquid and forms clumps quickly, although clumps are prone to breaking in half or thirds.

Naturally Fresh Quick Clumping Litter is our top walnut litter pick thanks to its excellent odor control. Janelle Leeson/Insider

Whether kicked out by the cats or tracked, the lightweight litter ended up on the floor, with its dark color only exacerbating the issue. Despite some litter being tossed from the box, one 2-inch fill lasted a month.

Best grass What we like

A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Clumps tightly

A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Easy to clean

A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Very little dust

A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Natural scent masks odors

What we don't like

Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Expensive

Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Easily tracked out of litter box

Non-GMO sorghum grass seed gives SmartCat All Natural Clumping Litter superior clumping ability. The natural fiber's high starch content absorbs liquids instantaneously, and its tight, solid clumps are easy to remove.

Because it's made from sorghum grass, the litter has a light wheat-cereal scent that helps minimize odors. The litter produced minimal dust, making it a good choice for cats or people with respiratory conditions. However, because of its light weight and small granules, our cats easily tracked it outside of the litter box, and occasionally it stuck to the fuzzy feet of one long-haired cat.

This grass cat litter is highly absorbent and easy to scoop. Shoshi Parks/Insider

While two tester cats preferred the texture of this sandy, soft litter over the wood litter, they didn't use it consistently day after day during our three-week testing period. The other two tester cats tried to eat the litter rather than eliminate it, so we discontinued testing. Because of our limited use, we cannot say whether this kitty litter continues to control odors as it nears time to change it.

What to look for in a natural cat litter

To get the scoop on what to look for in a natural cat litter based on both human and cat preferences, we consulted six experts, including veterinary behaviorists and certified feline behaviorists.

Not all of the cat litter types we tested made our list of recommendations, and some come with caveats you may want to consider. For instance, tofu litters were the most expensive among our contenders. However, they turned into a goopy mess when urinated in, making scooping a sticky challenge. Although a good option for some households, wheat litter is not suitable for those with wheat allergies. We also noticed that some of our tester cats were more inclined to eat wheat and grass litter rather than use it.

Here are other important factors to consider when choosing the best natural cat litter for your household:

Clumping ability: Our picks for the best natural cat litter are clumping because they simplify litter box maintenance and keep the litter fresher for longer. We also tested natural non-clumping litters and discovered that removing soiled material was challenging, which can cause some cats to avoid the litter box, create unpleasant odors, and necessitate more frequent litter changes.

Scent and odor control: A litter doesn't need to be scented to control odors. In fact, the best cat litter works by neutralizing bad smells rather than masking them with fragrance, and this is better for cats, too. "Cats have an incredibly sensitive sense of smell," says Dr. Katherine Pankratz, a veterinarian and behavioral medicine clinician at Animal Behavior Clinic. "When litter contains scent, it could be noxious and potentially aversive to cats, leading them to want to eliminate elsewhere."

To ensure effective odor trapping or neutralization, opt for litters with natural starches that form tight clumps to lock in odors effectively. For instance, Sustainability Yours uses cassava starch as a clumping agent. Some natural litters may contain baking soda to neutralize odors. Wood and walnut formulas naturally absorb liquid and neutralize odors.

Texture: Cats prefer a soft, grainy substrate most similar to sand, our experts say. Substrate that is too large or sharp could prove challenging to dig and may even be uncomfortable on your cat's paw pads.

Dust: When you're pouring and scooping litter or when your cat is digging, you want a litter that doesn't produce a large cloud of dust. Dust can irritate humans' and cats' respiratory systems, leading to coughing, sneezing, and difficulty breathing. Natural litters typically produce less dust than clay and silica litter and don't contain bentonite, a clay that can be harmful to humans when inhaled.

Price: The simplest way to compare cat litter prices is by calculating the price per pound. In our testing, we also considered the longevity of each litter, as the price per pound doesn't always correspond to the monthly cost. For example, Sustainability Yours, priced at $1.85 per pound in August 2024, may not seem like a good value at first glance. However, we found that the litter remained fresh throughout the month, and we only replenished the litter because it was low rather than stinky.

Sustainability: "By switching to natural litters that are compostable or biodegradable, we can help our planet," says Dr. Zay Satchu, chief veterinary officer at Bond Vet. Natural litters are often made from sustainable resources, such as responsibly managed forests, upcycled food waste, and quick-growing plants. Their acquisition and disposal have a lower environmental impact than strip-mined clay litter. To ensure the natural litter you're considering is committed to eco-friendly initiatives, check their website for sustainability reports, goals, and transparency regarding their materials sourcing and processing methods.

How we tested the best natural cat litter We thoroughly evaluated the clumping abilities of every cat litter. Janelle Leeson/Business Insider

We tested the natural cat litters by comparing litters of the same material side by side to evaluate their absorption and clumping abilities, dustiness, scent, and texture. Then, the top two litters in each category underwent additional testing for two to four weeks to assess odor control and tracking. Below are the additional characteristics we examined for each litter.

Litter weight, shape, and softness: Our experts say cats generally prefer a soft, grainy substrate that is easy to dig. We evaluated the shape and grain size using a kitchen strainer, texture by touch, and weight by measuring an equal volume of each litter on a kitchen scale.

Dust: One of the reasons veterinarians recommend natural litters is because they tend to be lower in dust than the average clay litter, making them a good option for cats and people with respiratory issues. We observed how much dust was emitted when pouring and scooping the litter and how much stuck to the sides of the pan.

Scent: Many cats are sensitive to scent. Even natural scents like those of wood litter can make some cats avoid their litter box, says Dr. Christine Calder, a veterinary behaviorist and owner of Calder Veterinary Behavior Services. We did a careful sniff test of each litter to determine the strength of its natural scent.

Clumping ability and ease of cleaning: We compared a measured amount of each litter in matching dishes. We added 1/4 cup of water to determine how quickly and easily the liquid was absorbed and how solidly it held together in clumps. After two absorption trials, we cleaned the dishes, looking for any escaped moisture that had left clumped litter stuck to their interior.

Odor control and tracking: We tested the top litters from each category in litter boxes for two to three weeks. During twice-daily cleanings, we noted how well the litter masked odors and whether that ability changed over time. We also considered how easy it was to remove clumps and how much litter was tracked onto the floor around the litter pan. Because our tester cats were unwilling to use grass litter regularly, we could not determine how well it would control odors after weeks of use.

Cost: We compared the cost per pound of the litters. Additionally, we accounted for the longevity of the litter and the quantity needed to fill a large litter box to a preferred depth — 1.5 to 2 inches, as recommended by Geller.

Natural cat litter FAQs Is natural cat litter good?

Natural cat litters offer several advantages. They are environmentally friendly and made from sustainable resources such as responsibly managed forests, upcycled food waste, and quick-growing plants. Additionally, these litters provide natural odor control without the intense scents found in artificially scented options, creating a more inviting environment for cats. Satchu says cats with respiratory issues may benefit from switching to a natural litter with minimal dust. She says grass litters are consistently among the most dust-free of the best natural cat litters, though we found in testing that some of the walnut, wood, and grain litters produced equally minimal dust.

What is the best natural cat litter to use?

When it comes to natural cat litter, all of our experts say that the best variety is whatever one your cat is willing to use consistently day in and day out. Sometimes this comes down to what variety of litter a cat was exposed to early on. "Just like people, they have different levels of tolerance based on preference and learning history," says Micah McKechnie, a behavior and training associate at East Bay SPCA.

Is corn cat litter any good?

It can be. The best corn cat litters produce minimal dust, clump solidly, fight odors with a natural cereal scent, and are safe if accidentally or intentionally ingested by a cat. However, some corn litters have a rocky texture that may deter some cats.

Is wood cat litter better?

The plant fibers in wood litters are highly absorbent, and their natural pine scent offers the best odor control of all the natural varieties. They are also made from sustainably sourced forests or reclaimed lumber and produce minimal dust. However, in our testing, we found that wood litters were least successful at forming tight, easy-to-remove clumps compared to their natural competitors.

Is walnut litter good for cats?

Walnut litters can be a good option for some cats and households. They are made from the fibrous, absorbent shells of walnuts. This litter is processed into a sandy grain with a satisfyingly scratchable texture, but its light weight results in frequent tracking outside the litter box. Walnut litters clump well but have less of a natural scent to control odors, meaning that ammonia may be slightly more noticeable than with wood, grain, and grass formulas.

Can I use grass seed for cat litter?

Yes, you can. Satchu says grass cat litters are a good option for cats with respiratory issues since they have a coarse sandy texture and generate very minimal dust. Grass litters are produced from the seeds of grasses like sorghum. Although they are highly absorbent and their natural wheat-cereal scent masks odors, their lightweight grains track easily outside the litter box.

Can clumping litter cause blockages?

While anything that cats can't digest can cause gastrointestinal obstructions, clumping litter is not identified as a common cause. If your cat happens to eat natural litter, as our tester cats did, see your vet to rule out underlying medical issues such as gastrointestinal disease, anemia, kidney disease, or nutritional deficiencies as well as behavioral causes. However, if they determine your cat simply has unnatural cravings, Satchu says a grain litter is a safe alternative to clay and silica.

Janelle Leeson

Freelance Writer

Janelle Leeson is a Portland, Oregon-based contributor for Insider Reviews, where she tests and writes about products for pets. She holds a bachelor of science in biology and transitioned to freelance writing after a decade-long career in the field. Her approach to pet care writing and reporting is rooted in scientific principles which consider a pet's biological need for play, proper nutrition, and environmental enrichment. In addition to writing about animal health, behavior, and nutrition, Janelle also writes about sustainability, beauty, and fashion. Her work on pets and other topics appears at Daily Paws, Great Pet Care, Rover, Shop Today, USA Today Reviewed, Fetch by The Dodo, and elsewhere. Her work has also appeared in print in Inside Your Dog's Mind, Inside Your Cat's Mind, and Paw Print magazines. You can find Janelle on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. Read more Read less

Litter-Robot 3 Vs 4: Which Is Worth Your Money?

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Credit: Whisker

Unless you've been living under a rock, you've probably heard about Whisker's Litter-Robot by now. If you haven't, it's a self-cleaning litter box that scoops your cat's poop for you, saving you from the dreaded task every pet parent hates.

It's one of the best automatic cat litter boxes on the market, featuring odor control, health monitoring, litter trapping, a bathroom dashboard, and more – ranging between $499 and $699.

As someone who tests pet products for a living, I often get asked whether the Litter-Robot 3 Connect or Litter-Robot 4 is the better choice. My answer? It all depends on the size of your cat, how many you have, and your personal preferences. To help you decide which one is right for you, we put both of them to the test, comparing everything from the specs and set-up to the odor control and user experience.

Here's our full breakdown of the Litter-Robot 3 Connect vs. Litter-Robot 4:

Credit: Philip Pigott/Jo Crosby

Litter-Robot 3 Connect vs 4: Setup

Both devices are quite similar in terms of setup and arrive fully assembled – all you need to do is plug them in. Before getting started, there are a few pre-checks: remove the cardboard and tape, check the bonnet tabs, and secure the key at the rear of the device. Then, place it on a flat, dry surface, preferably where your cat's old litter box used to be.

The devices shouldn't be pushed against a wall or into a corner – they need to be at least two to three inches away – and should be positioned near a plug socket.

Once it's plugged in, add some clumping litter, turn it on, and run an initial cleaning cycle. Whisker advises against using litter that is absorbent, non-clumping, loosely clumping, or made from newspaper or wood-based pellets. Finally, turn it off while your cats get accustomed to it and gradually introduce them.

What our testers say about the setup: Litter-Robot 3 Connect

Philip says: "It is a very large object in a huge box so it was awkward to maneuver."

Litter-Robot 4

Jo says: "Setup was all super easy using the Whisker app – you get handy notifications to say when the box is full and ready to be emptied."

🏆 Winner (Setup): Litter-Robot 3 Connect

Both models are easy to set up, so we would opt for the Litter-Robot 3 Connect to save money. While our tester said the large size is hard to move around, the difference between the two is a matter of a couple of inches, so it's not worth spending extra for this alone.

Litter-Robot 3 Connect vs 4: Odor control

Both models have the following features to minimize odors:

Sifts within minutes of being used

According to Whisker's website, the Litter-Robot 4's waste drawer has a larger capacity and is tightly sealed, which helps to prevent bad smells. However, our tester, Philip, says he didn't notice any odors with the 3 Connect.

What our testers say about the odor control: Litter-Robot 3 Connect

Philip says: "I haven't smelled anything even after a week of not being emptied."

Litter-Robot 4

Jo says: "It doesn't come with any odor captures but you can purchase these from Amazon. I've not yet tried one so my only comment would be no smell until you open the drawer to empty the littler and that can be a bit on the smelly side."

🏆 Winner (Odor control): Litter-Robot 3 Connect

Philip was super impressed with how the Litter-Robot 3 Connect contained bad smells, so it's not worth spending more for the 4.

Litter-Robot 3 Connect vs 4: Litter tracking

One of the worst things about traditional litter boxes is that your cat often drops a trail of litter behind them (which feels impossible to keep on top of!) Both Litter-Robots feature a globe-shaped design and an integrated step that helps prevent this mess from getting outside.

You can also purchase the LitterTrap Mat and ramp to help even further. While both models do a good job at containing litter, the 4 includes a fence to go one step further, but you'll need to buy this separately with the 3 Connect.

What our testers say about litter tracking: Litter-Robot 3 Connect

Philip says: "Almost no litter is caught in the bags."

Litter-Robot 4

Jo says: "Very little litter on the floor after the cats have used the Litter-Robot 4."

🏆 Winner (Tracking): Litter-Robot 3 Connect

Both of our testers rated this feature five stars, so there's no need to upgrade to the Litter-Robot 4.

Litter-Robot 3 Connect vs 4: Size

Both devices are similar in footprint size, with the Litter-Robot 3 Connect measuring 24.25'' x 27'' and the Litter-Robot 4 measuring 22'' x 27''. Our tester, Philip, was surprised at how large it looked in his home, so it's definitely worth measuring your space before committing to the purchase – especially since it can't be placed flat against a wall.

The Litter-Robot 4 has a larger entryway, measuring 15.75'' x 15.75'', making it a better choice for large cats and easier for them to climb into. The Litter-Robot 3 Connect measures 10.25'' x 15.25'', but our tester's cats didn't have any problems getting inside – so it's down to your preference.

However, it's worth bearing in mind that if you have cats under 3lbs, the automatic cleaning won't work on the Litter-Robot 3 – but it will on the 4.

What are our testers say about the size: Litter-Robot 3 Connect

Philip says: "It takes up more room than I expected, but the capacity is very good."

Litter-Robot 4

Jo says: "I have two indoor cats - one of which is a rather big girl, weighing 5.5kg. They are both able to use it brilliantly."

🏆 Winner (Size): Litter-Robot 4

The Litter-Robot 4 wins this round, as it's suitable for both larger cats and smaller kittens.

Litter-Robot 3 Connect vs 4: User experience

Lots of pet parents have concerns about whether their cat would actually use an automatic litter box, but both of our testers say their cats are happy to use these boxes and have adjusted well.

The Litter-Robot 4 features a SmartScale that can identify multiple cats using the box. You can set up profiles for them on the app and monitor their toilet habits, which is very helpful for spotting health conditions early.

For both versions, you can view the waste drawer levels in the app and be alerted when it's time to change, but with the 4, you can also see real-time litter and waste levels.

For safety purposes, both boxes have anti-pinch technology and weight-activated sensors, but the 4 has advanced sensor technology and greater accuracy, which stops cleaning when it detects motion or resistance inside.

Noise is another common question. While both testers were happy with the noise level, the Litter-Robot 4 has QuietSift technology, which makes less noise during cleaning.

Here's a comparison of the two for reference:

What our testers say about the user experience: Litter-Robot 3 Connect

Philip says: "The cats adjusted very well to the new litter (we used to use non-clumping), and after a couple of days, we took away the 'ladder' which is quite large. We hear it churning away, but we work and sleep far enough away to not cause a problem."

Litter-Robot 4

Jo says: "My cats had no problems at all. The front opening is nice and spacious for them to get in and out and it has a handy little step. There's a slight noise of the litter moving when the drum rotates but no actual noise from the robot itself."

🏆 Winner (Sound): Litter-Robot 4

If you have a skittish cat or find noises really bothersome, we recommend going for the Litter-Robot 4, which is quieter during cleaning. It's also a better choice for multi-cat households as you can monitor individual pets.

Litter-Robot 3 Connect vs 4: Appearance

Both Litter-Robots feature a modern design that looks (and smells) ten times better than any traditional box. While they do take up a fair bit of space, our testers were happy with the overall appearance of both.

While the Litter-Robot 3 Connect is available in beige or black, the Litter-Robot 4 comes in a range of colors (white, black, lilac, fuchsia, mint, marble, wood grain, grey stone) – something to keep in mind if décor is important to you. The 4 is slightly smaller as well, but it's not enough of a difference to warrant spending more for this reason.

What our testers say about the appearance: Litter-Robot 3 Connect

Philip says: "We have it in the utility room, and it basically takes up as much space as a washing machine, so it has to live in the thoroughfare."

Litter-Robot 4

Jo says: "We keep ours in the utility room and it blends in really well."

🏆 Winner (Appearance): Litter-Robot 4

The Litter-Robot 4 comes in eight different colors, making it easier to find a style that fits your home. However, the Litter-Robot 3 Connect does come in neutral colors, so we don't think it's a total dealbreaker if you want to save money.

Litter-Robot 3 Connect vs 4: Verdict

We recommend the Litter-Robot 4 if...

You have a particularly large cat who needs a bigger entry way

You have a kitten who weighs under 5lbs

You want more color options

You want a quieter cleaning cycle

You want to monitor multiple cats' health on the app

If these things don't matter to you and you'd prefer to save $150, then the Litter-Robot 3 Connect is still an excellent choice that we approve of.

Our review panel

If you're wondering who's behind this review, meet our testers below:

Image 1 of 2

Jo and her cat

Jo, Mollie and Minnie

Jo tested the Litter-Robot 4 with the help of her cats, Mollie and Minnie.

Image 2 of 2

Philip's cats, Ava and Bella, sleeping on a blue fleece blanket

Philip, Ava and Bella

Philip tested the Litter-Robot 3 Connect on his cats, Ava and Bella.

For more information, read our page on how we test.

Other automatic cat litter boxes to consider

PetSafe ScoopFree Clumping Self-Cleaning Litter Box If you're looking for something more affordable, this PetSafe model costs considerably less and is still a great choice. Our tester, Alisa, says it controls odors well, is easy to set up, and loves that it only needs cleaning once a week.View Deal

Credit: Alisa Partlan

Neakasa M1 Open-Top Self Cleaning Cat Litter BoxIf you want smart features like the Litter-Robot but prefer an open-top design, the Neakasa M1 box is an excellent choice. Unlike the Litter-Robot, it's compatible with cats weighing from 2.2lbs to 33lbs. You can monitor your cat's health via an app, and it comes with a mat to stop litter tracking. Our tester, Henry, says it saves him so much time and effort.View Deal

Credit: Henry Massey

Still feeling unsure of what to buy? Read our review on the Litter-Robot 3 and the best cat litter boxes.

Edited by Georgia Guerin and Alexis de Leaver.

All Types Of Cat Litter And How To Choose The Right One For Your Cat

Choosing the right cat litter may seem like a no-brainer, but it's important that you understand that it can directly impact your cat's comfort, health, and your home's cleanliness. There are so many types of cat litter available, from the traditional clay to eco-friendly alternatives, and more — figuring out which one is the best fit for your feline and your home can be tricky. The best litter for you will be one that's safe and comfortable for your cat while also being easy to maintain.

In this article, we'll go over the different types of cat litter that are available, getting an understanding of their individual pros and cons so that you can make an informed decision. Whether you're looking for one that's easy to scoop, a gentle option for sensitive paws, or the best cat litter for odor control, there's something that will cater to your needs. Plus, you'll also learn some expert tips on how to keep your cat litter box fresh and hygienic!

JUMP TO

Types of Cat Litter

Litter Box Hygiene

How to Choose

All Types of Cat Litter

Photo Credit: GK Hart/Vikki HartGetty Images

Below, we've listed the different types of cat litter available, along with their benefits and drawbacks:

Clumping Clay Litter

This is one of the most common types of cat litter that you will find. Crafted from bentonite clay, it forms solid clumps as soon as it comes into contact with any moisture. It's also very easy to scoop and is the preferred type of litter for those using an automatic cat litter box.

Pros

Great odor control

Easy to scoop

Very easily available

Non-clumping Clay Cat Litter

Made using silica gel, crystal cat litter is highly absorbent in nature and deals with odors exceptionally well. It's very lightweight, produces little dust, and can also be used in automatic cat litter box systems because of how long-lasting it is.

Crystal Cat Litter (Silica Gel)

Pine Cat Litter

This type of cat litter is made from compressed pine pellets or sawdust and is an eco-friendly cat litter option that naturally neutralizes odors. Ideal for multi-cat households, it absorbs urine efficiently but doesn't clump, making it perfect for sifting litter boxes.

Pros

Low dust

Natural scent

Biodegradable

Paper-based Cat Litter

If you're looking for dust-free cat litter that's also eco-friendly, then recycled paper pellets are just what you need! They are safe for both sensitive cats and small kittens — paper-based cat litter is soft on the paws and doesn't track easily, making it one of the best cat litter for tracking prevention.

Pros

Biodegradable

Highly absorbent

Dust-free

Walnut Shell Cat Litter

Made from crushed walnut shells, this is a natural litter that's super absorbent, and offers a great deal of odor control. It is also lightweight and produces minimal dust, making it a suitable alternative to traditional clay-based litter.

Pros

Low dust

Good odor control

Biodegradable

Corn Cat Litter

Cat litter that's made from corn is biodegradable, clumps well, and controls odors naturally. Cat owners who are looking for the best cat litter for multiple cats can go for this type because of its high absorbency and effective clumping.

Pros

Lightweight

Eco-friendly

Clumps well

Grass Cat Litter

Made from grass fibers, this is a natural and dust-free alternative that also clumps well. It is soft on felines' paws and is suitable for cats' sensitivities.

Pros

Low dust

Biodegradable

Lightweight

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