You may have asked yourself: “what’s the best cat litter for indoor cats?” To answer just that, we’ve compiled this list of best cat litter for indoor cats for 2023.
Are you from North America? Read: best cat litter for indoor cats in the USA and Canada.
What’s the best cat litter for indoor cats?
World’s Best Cat Litter is the best cat litter for indoor cats in the UK. We loved that it’s effective at odour control, requires less frequent replacement and is biodegradable. This cat litter is not only the best for indoor cats, but it’s also suitable for kittens and adult cats, is safe for cats with allergies and is 99% dust-free.
Although it’s more expensive as far as cat litter goes, World’s Best Cat litter requires fewer changes than cheaper litter, meaning that the cost of cat litter for your indoor cat is actually nearly the same. Top that off with other benefits, such as odour control and how little dust it produces, and it’s clear why you should get the best cat litter for your indoor cat.
Read on to see all five of the best indoor cat litter products, reviews, prices and advice on properly maintaining your feline friend’s litter box.
Whether you have an indoor cat or simply provide a litter box for your furry friend to use when they’re at home and not roaming around outside, you will know how important to provide the best cat litter, but also for the litter to stay clean and fresh. If your cat doesn’t have access to a clean and fresh litter, he or she may choose to do their business elsewhere in the house… or worse, your neighbours vegetable patch! (Trust us, we’ve been there).
You may have even been tempted to toilet train your cat (please don’t!), but we’ve written an article here about why you shouldn’t. Instead, offer your indoor cat the best litter you can.
Cats are perfectionist cleaners, so it’s vital that you provide the best cat litter. Choosing the right cat litter will result in less frequent changes, little or no bad smell and reduced stress for your cat.
With so many cat litter brands and types of litter, where do you even start?! Meow Guide has put in hours of research; we’ve tested different cat litters ourselves, read hundreds of reviews, watched videos and have spoken to vets to provide you with this list of the best cat litter for indoor cats.
After discovering and testing the products below, we were able to become much more economical thanks to some of the clever technology and nature that these brands have used.
How to look after your cat’s litter box
First of all, we have a few quick tips on how to manage your indoor cat’s litter box properly in order to get the most value out of your litter.
How many litter boxes should I have?
Let’s make sure that you’ve got the right number of litter boxes and are changing the litter at the correct frequency.
Cat experts and vets recommend that you always have more litter boxes than there are cats in your house. For example, if you have 2 cats, then you should have at least 3 litter boxes. This will reduce stress for any cats in your house and will ensure that they can always find a clean litter box to do their business.
Should I remove waste or top-up?
Cats are particularly picky about having a clean litter box, which, unsurprisingly, is no different to humans. To keep your furry friends happy, scoop out poo and clumps, and top up litter daily. Looking after the litter boxes once or more a day will ensure that your cat(s) aren’t put off using their indoor litter box.
Another benefit is that if you remove waste quickly, any fluids or wet waste won’t spread too much, and will limit the amount of litter you use up. Thus, giving you more time before you have to change the litter and order more cat litter.
How often should I change cat litter?
You should completely replace all of the litter in the litter box weekly (or more frequently). Bag up and throw away all of the waste and dirty litter, and thoroughly clean the box with some warm soapy water. Making sure you’ve given the box a good rinse and wiped it down will ensure that the box isn’t harbouring any bad bacteria or smells.
If your cat is put off strong chemical smells, don’t clean the litter less frequently. Instead, use cat-safe cleaning products.
Meow Guide tip: If you have underfloor heating, place a heat-insulating mat (wood or styrofoam) underneath your cat’s litter box/tray. This will prevent the urine that’s absorbed by litter particles from being heated up and evaporating, which would create nasty smells.
Best cat litter for indoor cats (2023 edition)
Without further ado, let’s get to the list…
1. World’s Best Cat Litter
Were the developers of the product being overly confident when naming their product World’s Best Cat Litter? We don’t think so, and there are tons of reviews to back that up!
World’s Best Cat Litter originates from the USA, is 100% ecological and made from natural whole-corn kernel. This product tops our list thanks to it being developed as a result of a survey of customers who asked for an even better clumping litter with more effective odour absorption.
Thanks to natural odour absorbing additives, this cat litter is highly effective at odour control and smells great. Thus, making it ideal for an indoor cat, as it won’t stink out your house or apartment!
When met with waste, World’s Best Cat Litter forms small clumps that are easy to scoop up and don’t stick to sides or bottom of the box. Moreover, the clumps are completely water-soluble and can be flushed down the toilet. No more plastic bags! When we first used it, we noticed a massive difference between this litter and another “quick clumping” litter. World’s Best Cat Litter clumped exceptionally quickly and turned urine into neat small balls that were easy to remove with a scoop – and didn’t break apart in the process!
When test driving this litter, we noticed a long-lasting freshness and can put our signature under the company’s 99% dust-free guarantee. On top of this, the litter has a very soft texture that our cat absolutely loved. If anything, we noticed that Coco was more excited to dig and scratch than with other litter, without damaging her paws.
World’s Best Cat Litter contains no chemical additives and no perfumes. It’s not dangerous for cats and kittens, even when eaten.
Our advice for using this product is to evenly cover a clean and dry litter tray with a 5 – 7 cm layer. The manufacturer advises not to mix their product with others, as this may degrade its performance.
What we liked:
- made from a natural, renewable source
- bio-degradable and water-soluble (flushable)
- no chemical additives
- extra strong clumping
- very economical
- 99% dust-free
- odour-neutral
- maximal odour absorption
- gentle on sensitive paws
- good acceptance
- not dangerous for cats and kittens, even when eaten
- suitable for allergic cats
What we didn’t like:
Not much, to be absolutely honest! The price is higher than the supermarket litters. However, you end up using less litter thanks to its efficient clumping and odour absorption. When we did the maths, it saved us money.
World’s Best Cat Litter
When writing this article, World’s Best Cat Litter was listed for £39.99 for a large 12.7kg bag on Amazon.
2. Pettex Pampuss Woodbase Cat Litter
Pettex Pampuss Woodbase Cat Litter is one of the cheapest available but is also an environmentally friendly option. In addition, Pettex Pampuss has been in business for more than 60 years and comes highly recommended by cat owners for being made from natural wood, highly absorbent and hygienic.
Being made from recycled wood (compressed sawdust), this cat litter is 100% natural and bio-degradable. On top of this, it has a natural pine fragrance, which is a massive bonus when choosing the best cat litter for indoor cats. A natural smell like this is much nicer on the nose than dust or a chemical scent, and our kitty loved using this litter. It also ensures that your cat’s litter box smells clean and fresh – ideal for an enclosed space.
When it came to passing the usage test the wood pellets broke down into a mushy material that didn’t smell. Being a non-clumping litter, there’s no surprise that the Pettex Pampuss Woodbase Cat Litter did little when it came to concealing the smell of poo odour. However, if cleaned daily as per our advice, it’s a long-lasting choice for your indoor cat.
Overall, it’s an effective litter and does its job well. What we liked more, however, was how affordable it was – costing around £10.00 for a 30L bag. Not very many high quality or natural cat litters can match that sort of value.
Pettex Pampuss Wood cat litter is made to replace your old cat litter. It’ recommended that you gradually phase out the old cat litter by mixing the two. After a few changes, you should be using only this product.
What we liked:
- high absorbent wood pellets absorb 2x their weight
- 100% natural materials
- natural pine fragrance
- made from recycled wood
- low dust levels
- light to handle and easy to dispose of.
- biodegradable materials
- naturally controls odours
- suitable for cats and kittens
What we didn’t like:
- Doesn’t clump
Pettex Pampuss Woodbase Cat Litter
When writing this article, Pettex Pampuss Woodbase Cat Litter was listed for £19.01 for a large 30L bag on Amazon.
3. Catsan Hygiene Litter
Coming in at number three is… Catsan! A well-known brand that can be purchased in supermarkets like Tesco, Sainburys, Asda and many others. Catsan’s availability makes it one of the best-selling cat litters out there, so it’s a no brainer how it got on our list! Plus, it has over 1,100 reviews on Amazon – coming out with a 4.5/5 star rating.
Catsan has been trading for more than 30 years, and their Hygiene Cat Litter is made from natural quartz, pure lime sand and chalk, making its surface an ideal absorbing agent that locks in urine and moisture.
Being made from natural stone that rubs together in the bag meant that we had a lot of white dust filling the air when emptying the bag into a litter tray. However, this quickly settled down and didn’t result in the need to clean everything.
When it comes to keeping your house smelling clean and fresh, you can rely on Catsan to do the job. The company claims that the natural mineral composition stops odour developing three times more effectively than other common cat litters, making this one of the very best.
In practice, this Catsan Hygiene Litter isn’t a clumping cat litter. Therefore, poo wasn’t completely covered and the smell was not locked in. However, this makes it easier to scoop it up and any small clean particles fall through the litter scoop so that you take out a minimal amount of cat litter.
When it comes to urine, it’s impossible to remove all of the urine-soaked particles due to it not being a clumping cat litter. However, Catsan’s litter does absorb fluids extremely well and locks in the scent as advertised.
After using this for around a year, a clay layer formed at the bottom of the litter box – made up from white dust that bonded when exposed to moisture. It has proven to be impossible to remove (even using a pressure washer). This isn’t a complete disaster, though! The layer doesn’t smell and can’t be seen when the tray is filled with litter.
Apart from the above reasons, this litter didn’t make it to the number one spot of best cat litter because small white particles got stuck in our cat’s paws, meaning that Coco kicked out litter outside of the litter box – resulting in additional cleaning.
Despite a few negatives, Catsan Hygiene Litter is still our number two choice. It’s high quality, reasonably priced and does the job really well.
If buying Catsan cat litter, we would strongly recommend their 20L option for the best price, which typically costs between £9 and £13. However, Catsan also offers a “Catsan Smart Pack”, which is an all-in-one litter solution.
A Catsan Smart Pack turns into a bag full of cat litter. It’s stretchy edges mean that you can tightly wrap it around your cat’s litter box, while a padded bottom absorbs your cat’s urine for improved moisture control.
When you’re done using a Smart Pack after a week or so, you simply remove the pack, pull a cord to tie it up and throw it away, before placing a new one inside the litter tray. Who would have ever thought that cat litter cleaning could get so easy?!
What we liked:
- excellent odour control
- hygienically white appearance
- lightweight
- absorbs moisture quickly
- inhibits bacteria formation
- Smart Packs are super easy to use
- suitable for cats and kittens
What we didn’t like:
- not 100% odour control
- lots of dust when emptying the bag
Catsan Hygiene Litter
When writing this article, Catsan Hygine Litter was listed for £15.95 for a 20L bag on Amazon.
4. Felipure Pro-Clumping Cat Litter
Felipure is a new brand in the UK. The Felipure Pro-Clumping Cat Litter is made using natural mineral granules that are designed to absorb liquid quickly and hold odours for 72 hours.
When we received the Felipure Pro-Clumping Cat Litter, we could tell it was premium. The very nicely presented box and clean smell made it feel very scientific and clinical. Felipures website helped set the mood; it’s well designed and features plenty of information about their Pro-Clumping cat litter.
It’s by far the best cat litter box design we’ve seen, but your cat won’t care about that if it doesn’t do the job. So is it worth the high price?
To start with, you can purchase Felipure Pro-Clumping Cat Litter unscented or in a variety of scents, where the most popular appears to be the “Meadow Scents”. On top of this, Felipure also offers you a stronger upgrade if you have multiple cats in return for a little more money.
Being a clay-based cat litter, we noticed some dust when pouring it out of the box. However, the Felipure Pro-Clumping Cat Litter is highly effective at clumping urine and poo. In fact, Felipure claims that the litter will hold odour for up to 72 hours, giving you plenty of time to remove any clumps.
Moreover, many users who have tried and reviewed the product claim that they can get as much as two months of usage from this litter by removing clumps and keeping the old litter in. Here’s a video showing its clumping effectiveness:
With such impressive clumping of liquids and solids, this cat litter is highly effective at keeping the odour locked in. An ideal choice for indoor cats.
What we liked:
- very impressive clumping
- excellent odour blocking (72-hour odour block control)
- beautiful packaging!
- long-lasting
What we didn’t like:
- somewhat expensive, but lasts much longer
Felipure Pro-Clumping Cat Litter
When writing this article, Felipure Pro-Clumping Cat Litter (single cat) was listed for £18.99 for a 16kg bag on Pets Corner.
5. Oko Cats Best Original Clumping Cat Litter
Another hugely popular and well-rated clumping litter, and the final option in our list of best cat litter for indoor cats.
As with many of the other options, Oko Cats Best Original Clumping Cat Litter is natural, biodegradable and compostable. Cats Best claims to be the only biodegradable wood-based cat litter that forms clumps. Lots of brownie points if you’re environmentally conscious!
In fact, Okoplus Cats Best Original Clumping Cat Litter is made from 100% organic plant fibres that bind together to create clumps that trap the odour inside. What’s best about biodegradable cat litter is that you can simply flush the clumps down the toilet, which is a major bonus as you won’t have to waste one plastic bag every day.
Another benefit is that Cats Best offers you several size options that include 4.3kg (10L), 8.6kg (20L) and 13kg (30L), at reasonable prices that mean you don’t have to hesitate if you want to give “Europe’s number 1 cat litter” a test drive!
The natural fibres in this cat litter are hugely effective at holding liquids. As a result, you can remove clumps and use Okoplus Cats Best Original Clumping Cat Litter more sparingly. High effectiveness when it comes to retaining fluids also means that the odour control is above average and will keep your indoor litter smelling fresh for longer.
Thanks to their technologically refined wood fibres, Cats Best claims that this litter can be used for up to 7 weeks. This translates to less work and lower costs for you.
On the other hand, we found that the litter stuck to Coco’s paws and left the litterbox more than our four other options. If you’re planning on using Cats Best Okoplus, we would recommend using a litter tray mat to catch the particles and cut down on litter spreading around your house. We recommend Trixie Cat Litter Tray Mat on Amazon. It costs around £5 for a small mat or £11 for a larger sized mat.
What we liked:
- 100% natural wood/plant fibres
- effective odour binding
- absorbs up to 7x its own volume
- economical
- compostable and biodegradable
- low dust
- suitable for cats and kittens
What we didn’t like:
- Sticks and spreads outside of the litter box
Okoplus Cats Best Original Clumping Cat Litter
When writing this article, Okoplus Cats Best Original Clumping Cat Litter was listed for £38.99 for a 30L bag on Amazon.
Where should I buy the best cat litter for indoor cats?
There are plenty of cat shops that sell cat litter, whether that’s for outdoor or indoor cats. However, brick and mortar shops have higher overheads and running costs, and will need to pass this cost onto you. Whereas, when you order online, you can easily compare between lots of different sites to get the right price.
We regularly check for changes, since we’re cat owners ourselves. But the best place to buy cat litter for indoor cats is Amazon. For example, if you go to the WBC shop on Amazon, you will see the latest prices and how that compared to what your local shops have to offer when it comes to the best litter for indoor cats.
That concludes our list of best cat litter for indoor cats in the UK! If you’re after a fresh start, look at our litter box reviews to get the best value for money litter tray or box.
If you have a favourite brand of litter that you think is worth us checking out, please leave a comment below. We love testing new products and sharing quality and good value for money brands with our viewers.
Why is it important to choose the right cat litter?
Choosing the right cat litter for your indoor cats is an essential aspect of responsible pet ownership. Indoor cats rely entirely on their owners to provide them with a clean, safe, and comfortable living environment, and the type of litter you choose plays a critical role in this. Here are some reasons why it’s important to choose the right cat litter for indoor cats:
Maintaining good hygiene
Cats are naturally clean animals and require a litter box that is kept clean and free of odours. A high-quality cat litter will help you maintain a clean litter box and minimize the risk of bacterial infections and other health issues.
Controlling odours
One of the biggest challenges of owning an indoor cat is dealing with the odour associated with their litter box. A good cat litter will effectively control odours and keep your home smelling fresh and clean.
Preventing litter box aversion
Cats are known to be finicky creatures and can be very particular about their litter box. The wrong type of litter can cause litter box aversion, which can result in your cat refusing to use the litter box altogether. Choosing the right cat litter that suits your cat’s preferences can help prevent litter box aversion.
Allergy prevention
Some cats are prone to allergies and can have adverse reactions to certain types of cat litter. Choosing a hypoallergenic or natural cat litter can help prevent allergic reactions and keep your cat healthy and comfortable.
Environmental impact
The type of cat litter you choose can also have an impact on the environment. Biodegradable cat litters, such as World’s Best Cat Litter, are an eco-friendly choice that can reduce your carbon footprint and help protect the planet.
In summary, choosing the right cat litter for indoor cats is essential for maintaining good hygiene, controlling odours, preventing litter box aversion, preventing allergies, and reducing your environmental impact. By selecting a high-quality cat litter like World’s Best Cat Litter, you can provide your indoor cats with a clean, safe, and comfortable living environment while also minimizing your impact on the environment.
Why choose a more expensive cat litter for your cat?
Choosing a more expensive cat litter, such as World’s Best Cat Litter, may seem like an unnecessary expense at first. However, there are several reasons why investing in a higher-quality cat litter can be worth the extra cost.
More efficient odour control
High-quality cat litters are often better at controlling odours than cheaper alternatives. This means that you won’t have to change the litter as frequently, saving you time and money in the long run.
Health benefits
Cheap cat litters may contain harmful chemicals or perfumes that can be harmful to your cat’s health. Investing in a more expensive, natural cat litter like World’s Best Cat Litter can be a safer choice for your cat’s health.
Reduced environmental impact
High-quality cat litters, like World’s Best Cat Litter, are often biodegradable and eco-friendly. Choosing an eco-friendly litter can reduce your carbon footprint and have a positive impact on the environment.
More effective clumping
Higher-quality cat litters often form stronger, more compact clumps, making it easier to scoop and dispose of waste. This can also lead to less litter wastage in the long run.
Improved overall experience
Using a higher-quality cat litter can provide a more pleasant and comfortable experience for your cat. A soft, dust-free litter can be gentler on sensitive paws and reduce the likelihood of litter box aversion.
Investing in a more expensive cat litter like World’s Best Cat Litter can be worth the extra cost for its more efficient odour control, health benefits, reduced environmental impact, more effective clumping, and improved overall experience. In the long run, a higher-quality cat litter can even save you money by reducing the frequency of litter changes and waste.
What do you think of the Catit Go Natural Wood Clumping Cat Litter? We used Catsan Hygiene but trying to switch to something more eco-friendly. At the moment we use Pampuss and Catit. I think my kittens prefer to use the tray with Catit to the Pampuss. They seem to use Pampuss mainly to pee and Catit for number 1 and 2. From your description Catit seems to be similar to Okoplus Cats Best Original Clumping Cat Litter (so they might not be the only clumping wood litter) but as I have not used that product I couldn’t compare.