Which cat litter is best? TOFU, bentonite, silica and wood compared
The best cat litter clumps firmly, doesn't make dust, stays in the box and fits your everyday life. Which type does that best depends on your cat and on you. Here we compare the four most common types of litter on the criteria that matter day to day.
- 4 types of litter, 8 criteria side by side
- Rated honestly, with the strengths and weaknesses of each type
- Including disposal for Germany, Austria and Switzerland
Cat litter comparison: the four types at a glance
Here's how TOFU, bentonite, silica and wood compare on the criteria that matter when you live with a cat.
*When household waste is incinerated, according to the Building Department of the Canton of Zurich (press release of Sept. 14, 2026, in German). Comparison based on the typical properties of each type of litter; individual products may differ.
The four types of litter in detail
Each type has its strengths. What matters is what's important to you and your cat day to day.
Bentonite: inexpensive, but heavy and dusty
Bentonite is a clay mineral and the most common clumping litter. It's inexpensive per liter and clumps well. On the other hand, it's heavy, often makes noticeable dust when you pour it and tends to get tracked around the home. The clumps crumble more easily on the scoop. After household waste is incinerated, bentonite is left behind as slag.
Silica: very absorbent, but mostly non-clumping
Silica litter is made of silica gel crystals. It absorbs a lot of liquid and is light. Most types don't clump, though: urine spreads through the whole box, and you replace all the litter more often. Some cats don't like the feel and the crackling of the crystals. Silica doesn't burn and is left behind as slag.
Wood: plant-based and light, but doesn't always clump
Wood litter is made of pressed wood fibers or pellets. It's light, usually inexpensive and burns almost completely. When wet, the pellets break down into shavings that can stick to paws and fur, and not every type clumps. Many types have a distinct wood smell.
TOFU: plant-based, clumping and dust-free
TOFU is made from pea and soy fibers, corn starch, corn flour and guar gum. The pellets are 99.9% dust-free, clump firmly and hardly stick to paws. Enzymes bind urine odor. A 6 L bag weighs 2.5 kg. Per liter, TOFU costs more than bentonite, but a depth of 3–5 cm is enough and you only remove the clumps.
„Regular litter needs to be 7–10 cm deep; with this litter, 3–5 cm is plenty.“ – Leonie A., Germany
Which cat litter is right for you?
Read more about dust on our page about dust-free cat litter. Tips against scattered litter: cat litter that stays in the box.
How do I dispose of cat litter correctly?
In Germany, Austria and Switzerland, used cat litter goes in the general household trash, and cat feces always do. After incineration, mineral litter such as bentonite and silica is left behind as slag, while plant-based litter such as TOFU or wood burns almost completely.
In Germany, individual small clumps of TOFU may go down the toilet if your municipality allows it. In Switzerland, disposing of cat litter via the wastewater is prohibited.
Read here why the Canton of Zurich recommends plant-based litter.
Want to switch litter?
Cats notice every change of litter. So mix the new litter into the familiar one gradually, over about 10 days. Our guide shows you exactly how.
Compare TOFU for yourself
Start with the trial bag and compare for yourself. After that, the subscription with 4 bags every 2 months is the right fit for one cat.
What cat people say after switching to TOFU
„No dust at all, really great. The cats needed a few days to accept it, but now it's no problem. Hardly anything sticks to their paws.“
„After 30 years with cats, litter in the bed and just about everywhere eventually drove me crazy … […] really pleasantly surprised by the instant acceptance, absorbency and odor control. […] Vet assistant (me) and cat are happy.“
„Hardly any dust at all. My 6 cats took to it without any problems from day one. […] Still smells pleasant after weeks in the box, clumps great.“
Common questions about comparing cat litter
Which cat litter is best?
It depends on what matters to you. If you want little dust, firm clumps, less litter around the home and light bags, a plant-based clumping litter like TOFU is a very good choice. Bentonite is cheaper per liter, but heavy and often dusty.
Which cat litter makes the least dust?
Plant-based pellets like TOFU make the least dust; TOFU is 99.9% dust-free. Bentonite often makes noticeable dust when you pour it. With silica and wood, it depends on the type. More about dust-free cat litter
Which is better: bentonite or silica?
Bentonite clumps, silica mostly doesn't. Silica is lighter and absorbs a lot of liquid, but has to be replaced completely more often. Bentonite is heavy and dustier. Both are mineral and are left behind as slag after incineration.
Which is better: wood litter or TOFU?
Both are plant-based and light. TOFU clumps firmly and hardly sticks to paws. Wood pellets break down into shavings when wet, which are more likely to end up around your home, and not every type clumps.
Which cat litter is the cheapest?
Per liter, bentonite and wood are usually the cheapest. But what really counts is how much you use: with TOFU, a depth of 3–5 cm is enough, and you only remove the clumps. For one cat with a normal-size litter box, we estimate about 2 bags a month.
Which cat litter is suitable for kittens?
For kittens, a soft, low-dust litter without sharp-edged crystals works well. Many cat owners use a plant-based clumping litter like TOFU. If your kitten eats a noticeable amount of litter, talk to your vet.
Can I mix different types of litter?
Yes. When switching, mixing is actually the best approach. Mix the new litter into the old one gradually until only the new one is in the box. See the guide
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