Updated: September 18, 2026 ·
Litter types differ a lot in clumping, odor control, disposal, and cost. Self-cleaning boxes also restrict which litter you can use, so the wrong choice hurts performance. Here's how the main types compare and how to choose.
Clumping (mineral) litter absorbs and clumps well and is supported by most auto boxes. Tofu (plant-based) litter is light and often flushable, so disposal is easy. Crystal (silica) litter excels at odor and longevity but doesn't clump.
Many rotating self-cleaning boxes are clumping-only and may not support tofu or crystal litter. Always check supported litter before buying — the wrong type can cause jams or malfunctions.
Weigh disposal ease (flushable or not), odor control, running cost, and machine compatibility. With an auto box, start from the supported litter; for manual boxes, go by preference.
Only on compatible models — many are clumping-only. Choose a box that explicitly supports tofu litter.
Crystal litter is known for odor control, but it doesn't clump, so its fit with auto boxes depends on the model.