#2. All About Cat Litter | Box Types, Litter Materials, Cleaning Routines, and Disposal Tips

When living with a cat, one of the most essential but often underestimated elements is the litter box and litter things.
A clean, well-placed litter box is more than a convenience — it directly affects your cat’s comfort, stress levels, and even long-term health.

In this post, I’ll walk through the different types of litter boxes, common litter materials and their pros and cons, proper cleaning and disposal practices, and finally, share what works for my cat, Chu.

🚽 What Type of Litter Box Do Cats Prefer?

Type	Pros	Cons
Open box	Great ventilation, more natural for most cats	Litter tracking, odor can spread easily
Covered box	Contains smell and litter mess	Poor airflow, some cats dislike enclosed spaces
Automatic box	Convenient, self-cleaning, better odor control	Noisy, expensive, some cats may be afraid
Top-entry box	Excellent at reducing litter scatter	Not suitable for senior or small cats

Veterinarians generally recommend open litter boxes for most cats because they offer visibility and space — helping cats feel safer and more relaxed during use.

I once heard a story from a friend who had used an automatic litter box.
Their cat happened to linger a bit too long in the box one day after doing their business, and unfortunately, that’s exactly when the motor started up. The sudden noise and movement startled the cat so much that they refused to use the box afterward. 😢

This was quite a while ago, and thankfully modern models now come with safety sensors that detect a cat’s presence and delay cleaning until it’s safe.
Still, no matter how convenient a product is, I believe what matters most is choosing what fits your cat’s personality and lifestyle.

🧴 Choosing the Right Litter: Types and Considerations

Type	Pros	Cons
Bentonite (clay)	Excellent clumping, widely available	Heavy, dusty, not flushable
Tofu litter	Natural, low-dust, often flushable	Can soften in high humidity, varies by brand
Silica gel	Strong odor control, long-lasting	Doesn’t clump, some cats dislike the texture
Wood pellets	Natural, controls odor well	Breaks into sawdust, harder to clean
Paper litter	Lightweight, almost no dust	Low clumping ability, low acceptance in some cats

Many vets recommend biodegradable, plant-based litters (like tofu, corn, walnut, or recycled paper) for their eco-friendliness and safety.
It’s worth noting that every cat has different preferences, so testing small amounts before switching is always a good idea.

📏 How Big Should a Litter Box Be?

Size matters — especially to your cat. A box that’s too small can feel cramped and may even cause your cat to avoid using it.

General size recommendation:

Length should be at least 1.5x the length of your cat’s body (nose to base of tail)
Wide enough for your cat to turn around comfortably
Tall enough to prevent litter from scattering, but not so tall that your cat struggles to enter

If your cat frequently rushes out of the box or seems uncomfortable during use, box size could be the issue.

🧹 Litter Tracking & Cleaning Routine

No matter which litter you choose, some level of tracking is unavoidable. Tiny bits of litter often get stuck between your cat’s toe beans and travel throughout the house.

To minimize mess:

Use a litter mat at the entrance of the box
Try coarser litter types (though some cats may not like the feel)

Cleaning & replacement guidelines:

Scoop daily (at least once or twice)
Completely replace litter every 2-4 weeks (for clumping types)
Wash the litter box with mild soap during full litter changes
For non-clumping types (like silica gel), replace every 3–4 weeks

🚫 Can You Flush Cat Litter?

Bentonite clay: Never flush — it doesn’t dissolve and can clog plumbing.
Tofu litter: Many are labeled “flushable,” but even so, flush small amounts at a time only.

When in doubt, it’s safest to dispose of used litter in a sealed bag in the trash.
Look for compostable or biodegradable litter if environmental impact is a concern.

🐾 Chu’s Litter Setup & What’s Next

Chu currently uses tofu litter (Catit Go Natural!).
It’s made from plant-based materials and can be flushed in small amounts, which makes it both convenient and environmentally friendly.
She’s been using it since the day she joined our home, so she’s very familiar with the texture and smell — I never really saw a need to change it.

However, I’ll be moving to Korea in a few months, and that means I need to find a suitable alternative.
From what I’ve seen so far, the Catit version doesn’t seem to be available in Korea. 😅
That said, I’m hopeful that there’s a similar product with the same flushable, eco-conscious qualities — possibly even the same thing under a different brand name. Time to do some detective work!

If anyone is currently using a tofu litter in Korea that sounds similar, I’d love it if you could leave a recommendation in the comments. I’d really appreciate it! 😊

🐾 Closing Thoughts

Litter boxes and litter choices may seem like small details,
but for our cats, they’re an important part of daily comfort and emotional well-being.

Creating a clean, safe, and familiar bathroom space isn’t just about hygiene —
it’s one of the many quiet ways we show love and care to our feline companions.

I’m still learning as I go, and I hope that by sharing Chu’s story and our experience,
this post can offer a little guidance (or reassurance) to fellow cat parents on a similar journey.

Thanks for reading — and as always, Chu and I are so glad you’re here. 🐾

#2. All About Cat Litter | Box Types, Litter Materials, Cleaning Routines, and Disposal Tips

🚽 What Type of Litter Box Do Cats Prefer?