Cat Litter in Singapore: Types, Pros & Cons Explained

Last updated: September 19, 2025

Choosing the right cat litter may seem like a small detail, but for both you and your feline friend, it can make a huge difference! It’s more than just what goes into the box — the right litter can shape your cat’s bathroom habits, impact your home’s cleanliness, and even influence your pet’s emotional well-being. A litter that’s too dusty, too coarse, or doesn’t trap smells can cause stress for your cat and extra work for you, while the right choice keeps your home fresher, your cat happier, and your cleanups stress-free.

In this blog, we break down the most common types of cat litter available in Singapore, their pros and cons, and MORE!

Clumping clay litter is made from bentonite clay, a type of clay that naturally expands and binds together when it comes into contact with moisture. When your cat urinates, the liquid quickly turns the affected area into firm, scoopable clumps while the rest of the litter remains clean and dry. This makes it ideal for pawrents who want convenience and easy daily scooping, as you can remove only the soiled portions instead of replacing the entire litter box. Because waste is removed regularly, the litter stays fresher for longer and requires full changes less often.

Clumping clay typically has a fine, sand-like texture that feels soft under your cat’s paws and is similar in appearance to beach sand. Most cats find this familiar and comfortable, which helps encourage consistent litter box use. Its fine granules also help it lock in odors more effectively than coarser litters, making it a popular choice for busy pawrents who want to keep their home smelling fresh with minimal effort.

Tip: If you’re looking for a strong clumping option, try the American Cat Litter Clay/Sand Ultra Odor Seal which has ultra-clumping power and superior odor control!

Non-clumping clay litter is made from traditional clay that absorbs liquid but doesn’t form clumps. Instead of binding moisture into solid pieces like clumping varieties do, it simply soaks up urine until the granules become fully saturated. Once that happens, the entire litter box needs to be emptied and refilled to keep it clean and odor-free. Because it doesn’t allow for daily spot-scooping, this type of litter is best suited for households with multiple cats and frequent litter changes, where litter turnover is naturally higher and cleanliness is maintained through full replacements. It’s also sometimes used for kittens who are still learning to use the litter box, as its straightforward design makes clean-up simpler during training.

Non-clumping clay usually has a coarse, grainy texture and appears in muted grey or beige tones, giving it a more rugged, natural look compared to the finer sand-like particles of clumping clay litter. While it lacks the convenience of scoopable clumps, its absorbent nature helps manage moisture in the short term, making it a practical, budget-friendly option for high-use litter boxes that are changed out regularly.

Silica crystal litter is made from tiny silica gel beads that are specially designed to trap moisture and lock in odors. Each bead works like a sponge, absorbing liquid and then drying out, which helps control both smell and bacteria inside the litter box. Because it doesn’t clump, you only need to scoop out solid waste while stirring the crystals regularly to distribute moisture evenly. This makes it an excellent choice for pawrents who want a long-lasting, low-maintenance litter that doesn’t require frequent full changes.

Silica litter usually appears as shiny, clear or white crystals with occasional blue specks mixed in, giving it a clean, sparkling look. It’s lightweight, produces very little dust, and keeps the litter box smelling fresh for weeks at a time, making it especially convenient for busy households or for cats who dislike frequent box cleaning disruptions.

Tofu cat litter is made from natural soy byproducts left over from tofu production, giving it an eco-friendly edge compared to traditional clay options. The pellets are highly absorbent and clump tightly on contact with moisture, making daily cleaning quick and easy. Because it’s plant-based, this litter is biodegradable and even flushable in small amounts, reducing environmental impact and making disposal more convenient. It’s especially well-suited for self-cleaning litter boxes, as its firm clumps stay intact during the cleaning cycle and don’t produce as much dust as other types.

Tofu litter typically appears as beige or off-white cylindrical pellets that resemble small pasta sticks. They’re soft under your cat’s paws, lightweight to pour and handle, and often have a naturally mild scent that helps keep the litter box area smelling fresh without added fragrances. For eco-conscious pawrents looking to pair sustainability with convenience, tofu litter is a clean, gentle, and cat-friendly choice.

Tip: For a plant-based, eco-friendly choice, try TriadCats Tofu Cat Litter — gentle on paws, low in dust, and perfectly compatible with self-cleaning litter boxes.

 Bonus: You can also subscribe & save 15% with AutoShip every 2, 4, or 8 weeks — hassle-free, and you’ll never run out of litter again!

TriadCats Tofu Cat Litter works seamlessly with:

• Neakasa M1 Plus Auto Cat Litter Box
• PetSnowy SNOW+ Auto Cat Litter Box
• Petree Auto Cat Litter Box Gen 2 Pro

Wood cat litter is made from compressed sawdust or natural wood fibers, often sourced from reclaimed or sustainable pine. The pellets are highly absorbent and work by soaking up liquid, then breaking apart into soft sawdust as they become saturated. This natural breakdown makes it easy to sift out the used portions while leaving the dry pellets behind, helping keep the litter box clean without frequent full changes. It’s an excellent choice for pawrents who love a light, natural scent and want an eco-friendly alternative to traditional clay litters.

Wood litter typically comes as firm brown cylindrical pellets that gradually turn into fluffy sawdust when wet. It’s lightweight, low in dust, and has a gentle pine aroma that helps naturally control odors without added chemicals. Because it’s biodegradable and compostable, it’s especially popular with eco-conscious pawrents looking for a sustainable, planet-friendly option that still keeps the litter area fresh and comfortable for their cats.

Paper cat litter is made from pellets of recycled paper, giving it a soft and gentle texture that’s especially kind on sensitive paws. The pellets are highly absorbent and soak up moisture effectively, though they don’t clump like other types of litter. Because they stay loose and gradually become saturated, they’re best used for short-term setups where you can change the litter more frequently. This makes paper litter ideal for kittens who are still learning, senior cats who need extra comfort, or cats recovering from surgery when a soft, dust-free option is safest.

Paper litter usually appears as soft grey or off-white pellets that are lightweight and fluffy compared to heavier clay or wood litters. It’s virtually dust-free, easy to carry, and often recommended by vets for post-surgery recovery. While it doesn’t control odor as strongly as other types, its gentle, non-clumping nature makes it a safe and stress-free choice during sensitive stages of a cat’s life.

Our Septem-purr Specials is still ongoing! Enjoy up to 29% OFF until 30th September! These exclusive deals are limited time only. SHOP HERE NOW!

Every cat is different! What works perfectly for one might not suit another at all. The key is to find a litter that strikes the right balance between your cat’s comfort, your cleaning convenience, and eco-friendly values. Choose the litter that suits your lifestyle and give both you and your kitty the comfort you deserve!

Have a favourite cat litter that works wonders for your furry friend? Share your experiences in the comments below to help fellow cat parents make the right choice!

Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram @sgsmartpaw to stay updated on our latest blog articles!