if you've just welcomed a new adorable kitten into your home, buying the best cat litter for kittens should be right at the top of your priority list. Just in front of buying cute kitten toys and giving them endless amounts of cuddles, of course.
Kittens are clever and inquisitive, and using the litter tray normally comes as second nature to them. Cats are incredibly clean creatures and they will rather go to the same place to do their business even if it is outdoors. You will just need to choose a litter tray and find a clean and easy play for them to do their business inside your house and they will (usually) stick to it.
Best cat litter for kittens at a glance:
When it comes to finding the best cat litter for kittens, you'll want to choose from all the different options out there, from non-clumping to eco-friendly. Kittens don't really need special litter, but it has been recommended by experts that you try to go for non-clumping clay, natural pellet or crystal litter when your kitten is under four months old.
You'll be needing a lot of cat litter over the years, so it is best to get the knowledge in early. We've rounded up the best cat litter suitable for kittens on the market and answered all of your questions to try and figure out what will be the best option for your lifestyle.
Best cat litter for kittens
Best overall
With lots of positive reviews on Amazon, Blazers Kitten Friendly Cat Litter is a great choice thanks to it being naturally antibacterial so you won't have to worry about sore paws. It is made from milled light wood pellets that make it easier for kittens to move and the dust has been extracted, making sure to protect developing lungs.
Customer review: "I always use wood pellets anyway and wouldn't use anything else, but when I came across this make I thought I would try it as I have a new kitten 🐈 well it's amazing, just fantastic. Very light, does not get everywhere, it lasts a good amount of time and stops the odour. The quality is great, I really just can't get over how light it is. I have this in subscription and I will now NEVER look back."
Pros
- Very light
- Easy to remove soiled sections
Cons
- Not available everywhere
Best from birth
www.zooplus.co.uk
This Breeder Celect Paper cat litter is targeted to cats and kittens and is a favourite of those who have bred kittens. It is made in the UK without any nasty additives or chemicals, making it safe for all cat breeds including kittens. The pellets are highly absorbent, helping to keep your cat's litter tray hygienic, and can be recycled with your compost after it has been used.
Customer review: "I now only use paper and wood litter. Aside from being environmentally better but also smells better, no dust, paper is super light and lasts longer than clay somehow. Will buy repeatedly.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Compostable
Cons
- Some reviews say it needs to be changed more regularly than other brands as it absorbs a lot
Best biodegradable cat litter for kittens
www.katkin.com
KatKin is a subscription cat litter that is 100 per cent biodegradable and made from industry food waste, so it's great for the planet and great for your cat. On average, one 4.5kg bag will last a 4kg cat up to a month. It is so simple and you can get your cat litter delivered with no fuss with flexible subscription options. How many cats you have and how often you want a delivery determines the cost.
Customer review: "It clumps really well so it is easy to scoop. I know this litter is right for my cat."
Pros
- Only use what you need
- One hundred per cent biodegradable
Cons
- Is a subscription service so you will need to commit
Best clumping
Sanicat's cluming cat litter contains large and highly absorbant granules that form compact clumps that make it much easier to remove, keeping your kitten's litter tray clean and fresh. Also the granules are large so your kitten isn't tempted to eat them, but they are made of natural minerals, which makes it a lot safer.
Customer review: "Lasts for ages, clumps well, and covers smells so well. Better than most I’ve tried before!
It does track a little but not too bad."
Pros
- Smells are disguised
- Clumps well
Cons
- A little dusty
Best natural cat litter for kittens
Choosing a natural cat litter can go a long way in doing your bit for the environment and we love Lifelong's Corn Cat Litter as it is 100 per cent natural and biodegradable. It can even be flushed down the toilet for easy, hygienic disposal - just make sure you check your local rules and regulations.
Customer review: "This is a game changer. I have tried all sorts of clumping/non clumping clay litters and they all smelled awfully. This product has only a slight smell of fresh corn and clumps so well. It doesn't track like some litters do and my cat likes it! Although the price could be slightly better, it's not too bad."
Pros
- Doesn't track
- Less smelly
Cons
- Some reviews say their cats ate the litter
Best non-clumping cat litter for kittens
Catsan is an incredibly popular choice of cat litter. It is non-clumping, meaning it absorbs odour before it can develop. The 100 per cent natural litter is suitable for kittens too and is unscented. Locking in liquid, the fine-pored granules made of natural quartz sand and lime are much smaller than 'normal' clay litter which many cats prefer.
Customer review: "We were away for 7 days and left our beloved cat to one of my friends care. As we wanted as low maintenance for her as possible I purchased this product as I was told this was very good quality and would last longer than normal cheap ones. It's been now 10 days, it is still so good in the tray, doesn't smell at all and it looks as clean as on the first day! Will definitely buy this again! It is worth the money and our cat loves it!"
Pros
- Easily available
- Long-lasting
Cons
- As it's non-clumping, it could be messy
Best crystal cat litter for kittens
This Nobleza Silicia Cat Litter is a fab option for kittens as it is non-toxic, non-dust and unscented - perfect for the first months of your kitten's life. It is also long-lasting, with one bag of litter used for up to one month.
Customer review: "This is excellent. I've got 2 elderly tabby cats and I have tried numerous pet litters. From clumping to wood and this controls the smell completly. I have only just started using it and have 2 litter trays but it is working so well. Worth the extra bit of money."
Pros
- Controls smell
- Lasts a while
Cons
- Not scented
FAQs
What if kittens eat cat litter?
Your kitten is like a baby, so will want to put anything and everything in their mouth. Kittens eating cat litter is a common problem, but it is always best to get them checked out by the vet as some types of litter can cause choking or an intestinal blockage - even if they show no signs of illness. Clumping cat litter is best avoided in at least the first four months as your kitten may try to eat it.
How to train kittens to use their litter tray?
Cats are clever little creatures and using a litter tray often comes with instinct; some even know before eight weeks of age. If you rehome a really young kitten who is having a bit of trouble with the litter tray, picking them up and putting them there every hour will get them used to the new surroundings. In their first days, try and make sure you observe your kitten using the litter tray, as some may eat their new litter or have trouble walking on it.
Where is the best place for a cat litter tray?
The best place to put your cat's litter box is the bathroom, a spare room or a laundry room. If you can, it is important not to put a cat's litter tray next to where they eat and drink.
How big should a litter tray be?
Most vets recommend that the ideal litter tray size is one and a half times the length of your cat, from their nose to the base of their tail.
Hannah Mellin is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Take A Break. Pets are her thing and she's on a mission to get every pet owner clued up on everything they need. She's a very happy owner of three cats, a tortoise and a sausage dog called Waffle.