Skip to main content

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Get rid of your clumping litter — this is the best litter for kittens

Whether you’ve just brought home a new kitten or are helping a mama cat care for her litter of kittens, it’s important to create a safe environment for them. A litter box is an essential part of that environment, but you can’t choose just any litter off the shelf. Certain types of cat litters carry hidden dangers for kittens, and some cat litters are better for kittens than others. Before you go shopping for cat litter, you should understand what to avoid and what features make a litter the right choice for your kittens so you can make a well-informed, safe choice.

What to look for in the best litter for kittens

When choosing the right litter for kittens, safety needs to be the top priority. While clumping litters are convenient, they can actually put your kitten’s health at risk. Clumping litters include substances like silica and bentonite clay that expand to absorb liquids, making those big clumps that are easy to scoop out. Because kittens tend to explore and eat things that they really shouldn’t, if a kitten ingests clumping litter, those substances could expand in her stomach. The result could be intestinal blockages and other serious health issues, so it’s best to avoid using clumping litter with kittens who are less than four months old.

Related Videos

As a side note, clumping litter poses the same health risks for dogs who might think of the cat’s litter box as a snack tray. Dogs who eat waste clumps will ingest litter with the clumps, and if they eat enough litter, it could swell and expand, leading to serious health issues.

Even if a litter doesn’t contain clumping substances, it could still cause issues if a frisky, inquisitive kitten eats some of it. For that reason, look for litters that form larger pieces that aren’t easily swallowed. Options like nonclumping clay litters (see below) can be safer choices for kittens.

You’ll also want to look for a litter that’s free of strong scents and dust. Both of these elements can be potential allergens, and kittens have highly sensitive respiratory systems. Minimizing dust and fragrances will give your kittens the best shot at a happy, healthy life.

Tiger kitten laying on a blanket, looking upward
guvo59/Pixabay

Top cat litter options for kittens

If you’re looking for a great litter for kittens, these are excellent options.

CatSpot Litter

CatSpot Litter is made of coconut. It’s all-natural and biodegradable, so you’ll be doing your part to help the environment. This hypoallergenic cat litter contains no chemicals or dust, and it helps eliminate odors. It’s also highly absorbent, and it’s made in the U.S. You can empty this litter (solids removed first) into your flowerbeds or compost bin, so there aren’t heavy bags to tote off to the dump, and you’ll be keeping garbage out of landfills.

Tidy Cats Non-Clumping Cat Litter

If you want to use a clay litter, then a nonclumping option like Tidy Cats Non-Clumping Cat Litter is ideal. This litter is designed for multi-cat households, helping to prevent stinky odors that can quickly accumulate when you have several kittens. The low-tracking formula means less dust on your kittens’ paws, and there’s less dust to irritate their respiratory systems. The litter doesn’t contain any strong scents, so it’s a top pick for use with younger kittens.

Feline Pine Non-Clumping Cat Litter

The Feline Pine Non-Clumping Cat Litter tackles odors naturally, so the litter box still smells fresh without exposing your kitten to synthetic perfumes and harsh chemicals. The pine fibers quickly absorb liquid, locking away ammonia odors. The litter contains no clay, so there’s no clay dust to worry about.

Five kittens sitting in a basket
noly/Pixabay

Tips for switching cat litters

Any time you need to make a change to your kitten’s litter, it’s important to do it gradually. Suddenly changing the type of litter you’re using can confuse your kitten, and he might reject the new litter.

Instead, gradually add in some new litter, and add a little more each day. At the same time, don’t replenish the old litter, so little by little, the box will consist of more new litter than old. Taking this approach can help keep the box smelling and feeling familiar to your kitten, giving him time to get used to the new litter instead of becoming afraid or confused.

Choosing the right cat litter for your kitten may seem simple, but it’s actually an important step in keeping him healthy. A quality litter that’s nonclumping and free of dust and fragrances is best for kittens under four months of age. As your kitten grows up, you can consider introducing a clumping litter if you’d like. Until then, it’s best to stick with one of the kitten-safe litters suggested above. They offer you plenty of choices while ensuring that you’re using a product that prioritizes your kitten’s health.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Do cats get cold outside and what temperature is too low for outdoor kitties? Veterinarians weigh in
Here's how you can tell if you cat needs to come in from the cold
Black cat covered with snow

If your cat is an indoor/outdoor pet, he likely loves to pop outside even when the temperatures drop. There are plenty of cold-weather cats who have thick coats and seem to do well outdoors in the winter, but it's important to consider your cat's comfort and safety, too.
Cold temperatures affect cats and threaten their health, and extreme temperatures can even lead to a cat's death. That doesn't mean you can't let your cat out in the frigid temps, though. Instead, it's important to understand how cold is too cold and what extra care your cat may need to stay comfy in chilly weather.

Do cats get cold easily?
Do cats get cold outside? Absolutely, and it can happen easily, depending on the temperatures. According to Texas A&M University, the temperature that's too cold for your feline will depend on several factors, including the thickness of your cat's fur and his body mass. If your cat isn't acclimated to the outdoors, you shouldn't leave him outside if the temperatures are below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. It's also important to never keep kittens, older cats, or sick cats out when the temps dip below that.

Read more
Do cats sleep more in winter because they’re depressed? Here’s what to know about seasonal changes in felines
Find out if cats can experience seasonal depression like people do
Cat sleeping on a beige fleece blanket

When the winter weather hits and the days become shorter, gray, and overcast, it can be all too tempting to climb into your PJs early and call it a night. Chances are -- your cat is right there with you! If you think you're noticing your feline friend sleeping more frequently or for longer periods of time during the winter, you might not be imagining things.
Cats' sleeping habits can change for many reasons! It's important to keep track of your cat's sleep, though, because big changes can sometimes indicate health issues in pets. So, do cats sleep more in winter? And why do they spend so much time snoozing?

Do cats sleep more in winter? If it seems like it, you're not just imagining things
You're not crazy if you feel like cats sleep more in the winter -- it's totally true! The ASPCA reports that cats typically sleep between 12 and 20 hours per day, but in the winter, they may sleep even more.
That increase in sleep may be because the daylight hours are shorter, but your cat might also be picking up on your own changes in routine. If you're headed to bed a little earlier than usual, they might too.

Read more
Vets reveal 5 biggest dangers to pets during the Christmas season
Christmas can prove dangerous for dogs and cats. Follow this vet advice to keep pets safe this holiday season
A dog steals dinner from the Christmas table

Christmas represents a wonderful time for people and pets to come together, eat great food, and celebrate their holidays. But it's also the busiest time of the year for vet clinics, in part because pet accidents frequently occur when the family gathers and the greenery comes out.

It's important for everyone to stay mindful of what can cause harm to an animal that is much smaller than the average human and allergic to very different things. That's why we've put together a quick list with the help of a few vets to keep you and your pets safe this Christmas.

Read more