Which Cat Litter Is Best in Australia? Demystifying Litter Types

Choosing the right cat litter these days can get complicated pretty fast. Walk down the pet aisle, or scroll online, and you’ll be faced with dozens of types of cat litter. Clumping, non-clumping, tofu, crystal, natural, eco-friendly are just some examples. They’re all promising to be the best. But which cat litter is best in Australia, and for your cat?

The honest answer is that there isn’t a single perfect litter for every cat. But there is a better option for your cat’s comfort, your home, and your lifestyle. 

That’s why Dr Tanya set out to create what she truly believes is the Purrfect litter.

After testing more than 30 different tofu litters and finding that none could tick all the boxes, she put them through real-world trials with her own foster cats and kittens. Every litter was carefully tracked in a detailed spreadsheet, documenting what worked, what didn’t, and how the cats actually responded.

The result was a litter designed around real needs: strong odour control without added fragrances, reliable clumping, low mess, and sustainability, while also being gentle on sensitive paws and suitable for kittens. 

A litter shaped by real homes, real cats, and real daily use, not boardroom decisions.

So what should you actually look for when choosing a cat litter?

What Makes a Cat Litter “Best”?

Before comparing types, it helps to understand what matters from a veterinary and behavioural perspective. 

A good cat litter should:

• Feel comfortable and familiar under your cat’s paws

• Absorb moisture effectively to reduce odour

• Be low-dust to protect respiratory health

• Support consistent toileting habits

• Have a low environmental impact

We all know how fussy cats can be, especially about their litter. If the litter doesn’t feel or smell “right” to them, they may avoid the tray altogether. And if your cat is unhappy with their litter, they can quickly get stressed, have accidents, or even develop health issues.

Is Clumping Cat Litter Worth It?

Clumping cat litter is one of the most commonly used options in Australia, mostly because of convenience, as it’s widely available. 

Pros:

• Forms solid clumps when wet, making daily scooping easy

• Helps control odour by removing waste quickly

• Reduces how often the entire tray needs changing

Cons:

• Traditional clay-based clumping litters can get very dusty!

• They tend to be heavy and less easy to dispose of sustainably

• Not environmentally friendly

• Fine particles may irritate sensitive cats or humans

Many busy households resort to buying clumping litter, but vets often recommend choosing a low-dust formulation to protect airways — especially in kittens, senior cats, or multi-cat homes.

Tofu Cat Litter: A Growing Favourite

More cat owners are increasingly looking for a natural cat litter option, and MATCHA tofu cat litter ticks lots of boxes. 

Tofu cat litter is made from plant-based by-products (often soy or pea fibre) and has many of the benefits of clumping litter with fewer drawbacks.

Pros:

• Naturally clumping and highly absorbent

• Low-dust and gentle on paws and lungs

• Lighter to carry and often biodegradable

• Typically better at neutralising odour naturally

Cons:

• Can cost more upfront than basic clay litters

• Some cats need a short adjustment period

From a vet’s perspective, tofu litter is often recommended for indoor cats, cats with respiratory sensitivities, or households wanting a balance between performance and sustainability

Natural Cat Litter: What Does “Natural” Really Mean?

The term ‘natural cat litter’ can be confusing because it’s not always clearly defined.

Generally, natural litters are made from plant-based materials like paper, corn, wood or pine, or wheat.

Pros:

• Usually biodegradable and lower impact

• Often free from synthetic fragrances

• Some options are very low dust

Cons:

• Absorbency and odour control can vary widely

• Non-clumping varieties may need more frequent full changes

• Texture may not suit all cats

Natural litters can be a good choice for eco-conscious households, but they can have issues with consistency. Cats need predictability, so sudden changes in texture or smell can turn them off the litter.

Eco-Friendly Cat Litter: Beyond the Label

Eco-friendly cat litter overlaps with natural litter to an extent. With eco-friendly varieties, like MATCHA cat litter, you’ll see more thought put into the whole product lifecycle, i.e. sourcing, manufacturing, transport and disposal.

Eco-focused litters typically aim to:

• Use renewable or recycled materials

• Reduce dust and chemical additives

• Break down more safely after use

Vets increasingly support eco-friendly options, especially when they meet health and hygiene standards. Sustainability should never come at the cost of your cat’s wellbeing!

So… Which Cat Litter Is Best?

When people search “which cat litter is best”, what they’re really asking is: What will keep my cat comfortable, healthy, and using the tray reliably?

In most cases, vets suggest looking for a litter that has:

• ✅  Low dust

• ✅ Easy to clean

• ✅  Comfortable texture

• ✅  Strong absorbency

• ✅  Consistent odour control

• ✅ Eco-friendly and kind to the planet

For many Aussie households, modern clumping litters, especially plant-based options like tofu, strike that balance well. But, as you probably know, every cat is an individual!

How to Switch Your Cat to a New Litter Type

If you have more than one litter tray, swap over one entire tray to MATCHA (the least popular one) and let them choose! You can do this by mixing small amounts of the new litter into the older and increase it slowly over a few days. 

But here’s an easier way: If you have more than one litter tray, swap over an entire tray to MATCHA litter, and let them choose!

Making the switch slowly helps reduce your cat’s stress about toilet time. Be sure to watch for signs your cat is avoiding the litter tray or any changes in their toileting habits.

Final Thoughts

There’s no simple answer to “what is the best cat litter in Australia?” But understanding the differences empowers you to make the right choice for your cat and your household. And ultimately, your cat chooses!

👍 When in doubt, think like a vet:

Comfort first. Cleanliness second. Convenience last.

Your cat will thank you for it!

If you’re looking for a litter that gives you and your cat peace of mind, our MATCHA tofu cat litter is made for you. Created by vet and cat lover Dr Tanya Philips, MATCHA tofu cat litter is low-dust and biodegradable, with Australia’s first home compostable cat litter packaging, so it’s environmentally friendly. Browse our range here and get it delivered to your door.