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
| Type | Main Material | Clumping | Flushable | Odor Control | Eco-Friendly | Dust Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tofu Cat Litter | Soybean residue | Yes | Yes | Excellent | Yes | Low |
| Corn Cat Litter | Corn kernel powder | Yes | Yes (small amounts) | Good | Yes | Low |
| Clay (Bentonite) | Sodium bentonite clay | Yes | No | Excellent | No | High |
| Silica Gel | Silica crystals | No | No | Moderate | No | Low |
| Wood Pellet | Compressed sawdust | No | Yes (check local laws) | Good | Yes | Low |
| Recycled Paper | Recycled paper | No | Yes (but limited) | Moderate | Yes | Low |
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
| Cat Litter Type | Absorption | Clumping | Odor Control | Dust Level | Flushable | Eco-friendly | Price Range |
| Tofu Cat Litter | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | Low | √ | √ | Mid to High |
| Crushed Tofu Cat Litter | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | Low | √ | √ | Mid to High |
| Sodium Bentonite Clay | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | Medium | × | × | Mid |
| Regular Bentonite | ★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | High | × | × | Low |
| Corn Cat Litter | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | Low | √ | √ | Mid to High |
| Cassava Cat Litter | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | Very Low | √ | √ | High |
| Silica Gel Cat Litter | ★★★★☆ | × | ★★★★☆ | Medium | × | × | High |
| Paper Cat Litter | ★★☆☆☆ | × | ★★☆☆☆ | Very Low | √ / × | √ | Mid |
Usage Recommendations
| Usage Scenarios | Recommended Cat Litter Types |
| Eco-friendly and flushable needs | Tofu litter, crushed tofu litter, cassava litter, corn litter |
| For sensitive cats | Tofu litter, crushed tofu litter, cassava litter, corn litter |
| Limited budget | Bentonite cat litter |
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:
| Factor | Best Litter Type |
|---|---|
| Eco-Friendliness | Tofu, Corn, Wood Pellet |
| Odor Control | Tofu, Clay |
| Flushable | Tofu, Corn, Recycled Paper |
| Minimal Dust | Tofu, Silica Gel, Paper |
| Budget-Friendly | Clay, Paper |
| Best for Kittens | Recycled Paper, Tofu |
| Health Monitoring | Specialized variants (offered by Gelin Town) |
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.
