What is cat litter?

Published:

25 Sep,2025

Cat litter is a material used by cat owners to cover their cats' feces and urine. It possesses excellent absorbency and is typically used in conjunction with a litter box (also known as a cat toilet). An appropriate amount of litter is placed inside the box, and trained cats will enter it when needing to eliminate, depositing their waste on top.
The most significant advancement in cat care is the use of cat litter. Early litter primarily consisted of non-clumping types, mainly for containing feces. However, as litter technology advanced, people sought more than simple containment. This led to the development of clumping litter, wood-based litter, crystal litter, bentonite litter, and more.
Standard cat litter is typically made from pulp compressed into small granules to mimic sand texture and provide absorbency. Some varieties incorporate silica gel or other physical desiccants. Chemical additives like antibacterial agents, deodorizers, and preservatives are commonly included. When wet, the litter clumps together, making cleanup easier—though using a specialized scoop is recommended. Most cat litter sticks to paws when stepped on and can be tracked elsewhere, so frequent cleaning is essential.

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What categories are they divided into based on chemical properties and raw materials?

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