Choosing the right type of cat litter may seem trivial at first glance—but to any seasoned cat owner, it’s a decision that affects not just your feline’s comfort, but also your home’s cleanliness, your personal convenience, and even the environment. With so many types of cat litter on the market today—from clay to tofu to silica—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But don’t worry. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the most common types of cat litter, evaluate their features based on research-backed data, and help you determine which is the best fit for your beloved companion.

And if you're seeking a reliable, high-capacity supplier for wholesale or private-label cat litter, Shandong Gelin Town Pet Products Co., Ltd. should be on your radar—more on that later.

What Are the Main Types of Cat Litter?

Before we get to the nitty-gritty comparisons, here’s a snapshot of the major types of cat litter and how they stack up:

Comparison Table: Common Types of Cat Litter

Tofu Cat Litter

Tofu cat litter, made from soybean fiber residue, is rapidly gaining popularity for all the right reasons. It's not only biodegradable and flushable, but also forms tight clumps that are easy to scoop.

Raw Materials: Pea fiber, corn starch, guar gum

Reference Parameters:

Dust content: ≤1%

Moisture: ≤12%

Density: 400–600g/L

Flushable: Yes

Advantages:

• Flushable, eco-friendly, and easy to dispose of

• Fast absorption and firm clumping, easy to clean

• Made from natural ingredients, safe even if accidentally ingested by cats

• Low dust, suitable for sensitive cats

Crushed Tofu Cat Litter

Raw Materials: Pea fiber, corn starch, guar gum; the pellets are crushed for finer texture

Reference Parameters:

Dust level: Low

Hardness: ≥35N

Flushable: Yes

Advantages:

• Faster absorption with more even distribution

• Firm clumping that doesn't break apart

• Comfortable texture underfoot, highly accepted by cats

Sodium Bentonite Clay Litter

Raw Material: Natural sodium bentonite ore

Reference Parameters:

Absorption rate: 250%–300%

Clumping time: 3–5 seconds

Flushable: No

Density: 850–950g/L

Advantages:

• Excellent clumping performance; forms hard, durable clumps

• Comfortable texture, well accepted by cats

• Low cost and economically practical

Bentonite Cat Litter

Raw Materials: Calcium-based bentonite or secondary-grade bentonite

Reference Parameters:

Absorption rate: 200%–250%

Density: 700–900g/L

Advantages:

• Extremely low cost

• Good clumping performance

Corn Cat Litter

Corn-based litter offers another plant-derived alternative. Made from ground corn kernels, this type is lightweight, naturally clumping, and compostable.

Raw Materials: Corn powder, guar gum

Reference Parameters:

Absorption rate: 250%–350%

Dust level: Low

Advantages:

• Biodegradable and eco-friendly

• Low dust

• Natural plant scent that appeals to cats

Cassava Cat Litter

Raw Materials: Cassava starch, guar gum

Reference Parameters:

Absorption rate: 350%–450%

Clumping performance: Excellent

Flushable: Yes

Dust level: Extremely low

Advantages:

• Environmentally friendly and natural; flushable

• Excellent clumping ability, easy to clean

• Comfortable texture, highly accepted by cats

Silica Gel Cat Litter

Silica crystal litter is made from sodium silicate and is known for its incredible absorption properties. It doesn’t clump, but instead traps moisture within its beads.

Raw Material: Silica gel granules (silicon dioxide)

Reference Parameters:

Absorption rate: Up to 80%–100% of its own weight

Flushable: No

Density: Approximately 700–900g/L

Advantages:

• Strong absorption; each granule can last for several days

• Non-clumping, no need for frequent scooping—just replace the granules

• Excellent deodorizing ability with strong odor containment

Paper Cat Litter

Raw Materials: Recycled paper pulp and wood pulp, formed into granules through compression

Reference Parameters:

Absorption rate: 100%–200%

Dust level: Extremely low

Flushable: Supported by some brands

Advantages:

• Eco-friendly and safe, with no dust

• Lightweight and easy to carry

• Non-sticking to the litter box, suitable for post-surgery and elderly cats

Comprehensive Comparison

Usage Recommendations

Manufacturer Spotlight: Shandong Gelin Town Pet Products Co., Ltd.

When it comes to sourcing cat litter that aligns with both performance and sustainability, Shandong Gelin Town Pet Products Co., Ltd. stands out.

• Founded: 2020

• Factory Area: 16,000+ square meters

• Annual Capacity: 7,000 tons

• Certifications: BSCI, ISO9001, SGS, CTI

• Key Markets: Europe, America, Australia, Asia

• Product Range: Tofu cat litter, corn cat litter, health-monitoring litter, and more

• Services: OEM/ODM, Private Labeling, Custom Testing Reports

Whether you’re a brand owner looking to develop a high-end line of tofu cat litter, or an Amazon seller in need of a reliable factory partner with end-to-end logistics, Gelin Town offers robust support, cutting-edge production, and unmatched flexibility.

Contact them to source quality cat litter.

So, How Do You Choose the Right Cat Litter?

Here are a few personalized considerations:

Final Thoughts: Your Cat, Your Choice

At the end of the day, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to cat litter. You might even find that your cat has strong preferences—many do! Whether you're all about sustainability, ease of cleanup, budget considerations, or premium health-tracking options, the right litter is out there.

And if you're looking to partner with a manufacturer that checks every box in quality, capacity, innovation, and service, consider Shandong Gelin Town Pet Products Co., Ltd. Your cat—and your customers—deserve nothing less.