Types of cat litter: which one to choose

Bentonite (clumping) litter is the most common choice. It forms a solid clump on contact with urine, so daily scooping is enough. It is cheap and controls odour well, but it is dusty and gets tracked around the house on paws.

Silica gel crystals absorb moisture and hold odour the longest — one fill usually lasts 3–4 weeks for a single cat. It costs more, and some cats dislike the sound and feel of the crystals.

Wood and corn litters are made from natural material, produce very little dust, and some types can be flushed. They suit allergy-prone cats and kittens; the downside is that they control odour less well than bentonite.

The tray matters as much as the litter. It should be about 1.5 times the length of your cat's body, with sides that are not too high. The general rule is one tray per cat, plus one spare.

Switch litter gradually. Add the new type as a thin layer over the old one and increase the share over several days. If a cat suddenly starts going outside the tray, it is usually either the litter change or a urinary problem — the latter needs a vet.