If you’re looking for the best cat litter for kittens training to use the box (or wondering if they even need special litter), I’ve got your back!
Today, we’re going to talk about what to look for when you’re shopping for kitten litter.
Then, we’ll check out my favorite brands on both Amazon and Chewy!
We’ll cover both clumping and non-clumping, as well as a couple of rather unique solutions!
Let’s get started!
What to Look for in the Best Cat Litter for Kittens
Let’s address the question that’s probably on everyone’s mind: do kittens really need special litter?
Yes, they do…and no, they don’t.
Let me explain. If you’re already using a good natural non-clumping litter, then you probably don’t need to run out and buy something special for a new kitten.
On the other hand, if you’re using the average clumping litter, then you’ll want to keep reading (although I’d love for you to keep reading either way).
What’s the problem with clumping litter for kittens?
The debate over whether kittens can safely use clumping litter is a pretty heated one among cat owners.
It really all comes down to the age of your kitten. If she’s under 4 months old, skip the clumping litter.
If she’s over 4 months, go for it if that’s what you prefer to use.
Why 4 months? While all kittens are different, that’s about the age that they stop looking at the litter box as a fun sandbox in which to play and start looking at it as a toilet.
It’s also about the age when they stop eating everything in sight, including litter, and where they’re big enough to not get seriously sick if they do ingest some.
It’s important to note that not all clumping litter is out the window, just the types made from clay or silica.
Unfortunately, that’s pretty much every type you’ll find on your grocery store shelves.
Don’t worry, though, I’ll give you some clumping solutions when we get to my top 10 picks for the best cat litter for kittens.
If traditional clumping is out, then what is the best type of litter for kittens?
If good old-fashioned clumping clay litter is out (at least for now), then what type of litter should you use?
We’ll talk about that in more detail as we go through the kitten litter reviews, but look for things like:
- Soft litters made from things like recycled newspapers
- Gentle pellet-style litter
- Brands made using corn and other digestible ingredients
- Fragrance-free litter
Basically, you want something that’s gentle on their delicate little paws and safe in the event that they accidentally ingest some.
Avoid litter with heavy fragrances, as they can be overwhelming for sensitive kitten noses.
Now that we know what to look for and what to avoid, let’s check out the best cat litter for kittens on both Amazon and Chewy.
FYI, this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we earn a small commission at no extra charge to you.
Best Cat Litter for Kittens on Amazon
1. Yesterday’s News Non-Clumping Softer Texture Paper Cat Litter Review
Yesterday’s News cat litter is one of the best brands, period. It’s almost dust-free, doesn’t track, and it’s gentle on your cat’s paws.
This particular formula is designed to be even softer and gentler for kittens. Let’s take a look.
Features & Pros
- Price per pound: about $0.66
- It’s 99.9% dust-free, so gentle on delicate young kitten lungs
- Recommended by veterinarians.
- Unscented, so it checks that “no harsh fragrance” box
- Absorbs even better than the average clay litter
- The pellets are soft and gentle on kitten paws
- Chemical-free and non-toxic
Cons
- Since it doesn’t clump, you really have to stay on top of the box.
- Too large for most litter scoops, which makes scooping and sifting a challenge.
- Some kittens just plain don’t like pellet-style litter
Recommendation
Yesterday’s News gets my vote for the best cat litter for kittens training to use the box for so many reasons.
I love that it’s gentle, eco-friendly AND budget-friendly. It’s hard to find a litter that checks all of those boxes.
- One (1) 13.2 lb. Bag - Purina Yesterday's News Non Clumping Paper Cat Litter, Softer Texture Unscented Cat Litter
- Absorbs 3x the moisture by volume than traditional clay-based litter. U.S. veterinarian recommended
- Delivers effective odor control. No added fragrance for peace of mind
- Designed for low tracking with no small particles. Soft paper pellets are easy on her paws
- 99.9 percent dust-free formula. Works great for kittens as well as adult cats
2. ökocat Natural Paper Cat Litter Review
As I mentioned when we were talking about non-tracking cat litter, okocat doesn’t have the best reviews on Amazon, which I really don’t get.
I’ve used it and liked it quite a bit.
I mean, it’s not my #1 favorite or anything, but I liked it enough to spend a lot of time searching for it in stores near me (I finally found it last week).
Also, while it may not be in my top 10 picks for the best overall litter ever, it’s definitely in the top 10 for the best kitten litter.
Features & Pros
- Price per pound: about $1
- Made from soft, gentle paper pellets
- Very close to being dust-free
- The pellets absorbs 200% of their weight, so a box lasts a good long time
- Flushable and biodegradable.
Cons
- Not the best odor control if you don’t clean it out daily
- The litter itself isn’t the best-smelling of the bunch
- Kind of pricey at $1 per pound (although it lasts longer than typical litter)
Recommendation
- Paper Pellet Cat Litter: Our next-generation, paper-based cat litter pellets are exceptionally absorbent, odor controlling, and naturally lightweight for added convenience and cleanliness
- Long-Lasting Odor Control: Natural paper-fiber litter pellets are fortified with long-lasting, plant-based odor control specially formulated to suppress the smell of ammonia
- Non-Clumping Litter: Pellet litter quickly absorbs all liquid keeping your cat's feet dry and making cleaning the litter box quick and easy
- Dust-Free: Our Dust-Free cat litter is made from clean paper fiber with no airborne dust, ideal for cats with respiratory ailments, homes with allergies or post-surgical needs
- Natural Cat Litter: Our paper cat litter is free of inks or dyes, artificial fragrance, harmful chemicals or GMOs; Unlike clay, our biodegradable cat litter degrades quickly and cleanly
3. Feline Pine Original Cat Litter
Feline Pine is another popular brand that always gets high marks.
I love it because it’s not only non-tracking and almost dust-free, but also because it’s made with natural ingredients.
Features & Pros
- Price per pound: about $0.69
- No Harsh Chemicals
- Highly absorbent
- Low-dust (not dust-free, though)
- It’s pretty lightweight
Cons
- Doesn’t do a great job of controlling odors
- Some cats don’t like the way it feels (it’s not hard on their feet, but they may not like the texture)
Recommendation
Most of the kitten owners that I talked to have great things to say about Feline Pine.
It’s fairly inexpensive, which is always a plus in my book, and it’s all natural so you don’t have to worry about nasty chemicals touching your kitty’s toes.
- -NO HARSH CHEMICALS, NO ADDED FRAGRANCE—this non-clumping cat litter is an effective odor eliminator that’s made simple with plant-based ingredients like natural pine shavings, plus the absorbent power of ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda.
- -BEST NATURAL ODOR CONTROL WITH NO ADDED FRAGRANCES + BAKING SODA. Naturally keep your kitty litter box fresh with natural pine fibers that lock away ammonia odors and neutralize odors on contact. Eliminate the toughest odors with plant-based ingredients instead of harsh chemicals or synthetic perfumes. Get an extra boost of absorbent, odor-fighting freshness from the natural odor-neutralizing power of Baking Soda.
- -HIGHLY ABSORBENT PINE LOCKS AWAY ODORS. The pine shavings in this lightweight non-clumping cat litter directly bind to odors like thousands of tiny sponges to soak up liquid and lock away ammonia odors to keep the litter box fresh and dry. -LIGHTWEIGHT so changing and refilling the cat litter box is fast and easy. That’s because this absorbent non-clumping kitty litter is natural and less than half the weight of clay litter and leaves no messy cloud of dust.
- -A NATURAL CAT LITTER CHOICE. No new trees are cut down to make the pine shavings in Feline Pine Platinum Natural Pine Non-Clumping Litter. This cat litter comes from kiln dried shavings reclaimed from lumber production, so it’s a kitty litter that respects our precious natural resources.
4. SmartCat All Natural Cat Litter
SmartCat is made from grass, making it one of the best options for kittens who are still in that “eat everything” stage.
I love it because it’s almost totally dust-free, so your kitten won’t breathe in nasty residue. Plus, it’s natural and chemical-free.
Features & Pros
- Price per pound: about $2.85
- 99% dust-free
- It’s a clumping litter
- Lightweight
- Chemical-free, clay-free and biodegradable
- It’s also fragrance-free
Cons
- Feels a little strange to cats who aren’t used to it
- Obviously, if you’re allergic to grass, it’s not a good pick.
- Pretty pricey
Recommendation
I only really have two issues with SmartCat. First, the price. Wow, right? I think it’s the most expensive litter on this list!
Second, I have pretty bad seasonal allergies, and grass plays a major role in keeping me miserable for months on end.
So, obviously, I wouldn’t want to bring it into my house if I didn’t have to.
If you don’t have allergies, though, it’s a great option even with the high price.
- Out Clumps Clay Everyday
- "No Smell Can't Tell" Odor Control
- Lightweight
- Made 100% out of Grass Seed. Transition Instructions-Use 50/50 mix of new litter with existing for one week. After that, use new litter exclusively
- GMO-Free product, Fragrance-Free, 99% Dust Free, Chemical-Free, Biodegradable - Renewable
5. Tidy Cats Pure Nature
If you want to stick to a national brand that you already know & trust but still want something a bit more natural, this is what you want.
I had no idea that it even existed until recently and I haven’t seen it in stores.
Features & Pros
- Price per pound: about $0.79
- Made from cedar, pine and corn
- Naturally clumping
- Pound for pound, it lasts as long as clay litter
Cons
- It’s not fragrance-free
- Not a low-dust option
- Tends to track
Recommendation
While I prefer the other options that we’ve discussed so far over this one, I wanted to make sure you had at least one well-known brand to choose.
I know that some people are very loyal to certain pet product companies. If you’re one of them, this is really the best Tidy Cats litter for kittens. Check our Tidy cat breeze reviews for a complete guide.
- One (1) 12 lb. Bag - Purina Tidy Cats Natural Clumping Cat Litter, Pure Nature Cedar, Pine & Corn Cat Litter
- Outstanding odor control for a fresh-smelling home. Naturally clumping design for easy cleanup
- Same number of uses as clay litter. Formula is crafted from cedar, pine and corn
- Natural scents for added freshness. 99.9 percent natural formula for a cat-friendly litter solution
- Highly absorbent to keep cats dry and comfortable. Formulated for multiple cat households
Now let’s head over to Chewy and see their best cat litter for kittens.
Best Cat Litter for Kittens on Chewy
I love buying heavy purchases like cat litter on Chewy because they ship FedEx, which means it actually comes straight to my door.
Amazon is fantastic and I buy a ton of smaller items from them, but they usually ship USPS in my area, which means there’s about a 90% chance I’ll have to go to the post office to pick it up.
If you prefer to take advantage of Chewy’s fast shipping, check out my favorite kitten litter brands below.
1. Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Kitten Attract Training Cat Litter
I’ve talked about Dr. Elsey’s other formulas before, but did you know they make one just for kittens?
It’s a great all-natural kitten training litter with granules that are just right for tiny paws.
Features & Pros
- Price per pound: about $0.80
- Made with a kitten-specific natural herbal attractant
- 99% dust free
- Clumps
- Multi-cat formula
- Works with automatic cat cleaner boxes
Cons
- Tends to stick to paws and tracks a bit
- Although the fragrance is all-natural, it’s a bit strong for some kittens.
Recommendation
I love that Dr. Elsey’s makes a litter especially for kittens. Not many brands do!
However, I wish they would just skip the herbal “attractant.” It seems like an unnecessary ingredient.
That said, I still recommend it since it has such fantastic overall ratings!
2. Next Gen Pet Products Green Tea Cat Litter
Want something totally different than the usual cat litter and willing to take a chance on a relatively little-known brand?
You definitely have to give Next Gen litter a try! They have a few different formulas, but I like the Green Tea Fresh one the best.
Features & Pros
- Price per pound: about $2.93
- Made from natural wood and green tea leaves
- The tea leaves naturally fight bacteria and control odor.
- One bag lasts about a month
- No chemicals or artificial fragrances
- Flushable and compostable
Cons
- Very pricey
- A bit dusty
- Clumps don’t always hold together very well
Recommendation
I love the idea of using green tea to combat odors and bacteria! So smart!
Yes, this is super duper expensive, but one bag lasts between a month to 6 weeks, so it’s really not much more in the long run.
3. Blue Buffalo Naturally Fresh Walnut-Based Cat Litter
Another super popular brand that totally fascinates me, this one is made with walnuts!
I love it because it’s natural and gentle for kittens yet still clumps, so it’s asy to clean.
Features & Pros
- Price per pound: about $0.84
- One bag is the same as 3 bags of clay litter.
- Super absorbent and long-lasting
- Doesn’t track or stick to kitten toes.
- Made with renewable sources
- Non-toxic and chemical-free
Cons
- Not compostable, even though it’s made from walnut shells
- Smells a little odd, according to some
- Cats may not like it
Recommendation
As with the other natural litters on this list, you’ll definitely need to get your kitten used to this one if you’re switching from another brand.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for the best litter for kittens training to use the box, they won’t have anything to compare it to.
4. sWheat Scoop Multi-Cat Natural Wheat Cat Litter
As the name implies, sWheat is made with wheat.
Features & Pros
- Price per pound: about $0.85
- Recommended by vets for kittens
- Clumps fast
- No added fragrances, and non-toxic
- biodegradable
- Fantastic odor control
Cons
- Not good for families with wheat allergies
- Cats may not like the way it feels
- Tends to track quite a bit
Recommendation
This is a great budget-friendly option that’s actually vet-recommended for kittens, so you can’t go wrong there!
5. World’s Best Cat Litter Scoopable Multiple Cat Clumping Formula
Intro
Features & Pros
- Price per pound: about $1.07
- 99% dust-free
- Concentrated formula traps odors
- Flushable formula is safe for septics and sewers (so it’s a good choice for the CatGenie litter box)
- Forms small clumps that are easy to remove.
Cons
- Pound for pound, it’s one of the pricier options.
- Although it has good overall odor control, it can get stinky in multi-cat households if you don’t scoop daily.
- Since it’s made of corn vs clay, some cats may not want to use it.
Recommendation
Final Recommendation
Since it’s vet-recommended for all cats, I’d have to say that Yesterday’s News is my top overall pick, followed by sWheat for the same reason.
However, all of these should be just fine for your kitten! It really depends on your budget and personal preference.
Tell me below, what are your picks for the best cat litter for kittens?
Nicole is one of the writers here on CatVills. She’s been a cat lover most of her life and-at one point- counted five felines as part of her family. Today, she’s proud cat mom to two indoor kitties and caregiver for a slew of ferals.
Last update on 2023-03-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
