If your cat has ever turned their nose up at the litter tray, it’s rarely about being “fussy”.
Cats experience litter very differently to humans. With an extremely sensitive sense of smell and touch, even small details — texture, dust, scent — can make a big difference to whether they feel comfortable using the tray.
Over time, the wrong litter choice can lead to stress, avoidance, or accidents around the home. Here are three common litter types that many cats struggle with — and what tends to work better.
1. Litter That’s Too Hard on Sensitive Paws
A cat’s paws are designed to detect the smallest changes in texture.
Litters made from hard crystals or rough wood pellets can feel sharp, uncomfortable, and unnatural. Digging becomes difficult, and covering waste feels more like a chore than a natural behaviour.
That’s why many cats show resistance — or stop using the tray entirely — after switching to these types of litter.
Most cats are far more comfortable with litter that is:
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Soft and gentle underfoot
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Fine-grained and easy to dig
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Similar in feel to natural soil or sand
When litter feels right, cats are far more relaxed — and more consistent — with their toileting habits.
2. Strong Fragrances That Overpower Their Senses
While scented litter may seem appealing to us, cats usually experience it very differently.
A cat’s sense of smell is around 40 times stronger than a human’s. Strong fragrances such as lavender, citrus, pine, eucalyptus or mint can feel overwhelming inside a confined litter tray.
Many cats instinctively avoid these smells, especially when they linger on their fur after use.
In real homes — particularly apartments — artificial scents can also mix with urine odours, creating a heavier smell rather than reducing it.
For this reason, most cats prefer:
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Unscented litter
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Natural odour control rather than perfumes
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A clean, neutral-smelling environment
A calmer scent experience helps cats feel safe and confident using their tray every day.
3. Dust That Affects Breathing — for Cats and Humans
Dust is one of the most commonly overlooked issues in cat litter.
Traditional clay litter can release fine particles when cats dig. This dust can:
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Be inhaled into the lungs
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Stick to paws and fur
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Be swallowed during grooming
Over time, dusty litter may irritate a cat’s respiratory system — particularly for kittens, senior cats, or indoor-only pets.
It’s not just a concern for cats. Dust can also affect people in the home, especially in smaller living spaces or households with children.
Choosing a low-dust litter helps create a healthier environment for everyone.
A Litter That Works With Your Cat — Not Against Them
When you take all of this into account, it’s easy to see why many cat owners are moving towards soft, low-dust, unscented, plant-based litter.
Plant-based litter is designed with your cat’s natural instincts in mind:
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Gentle on sensitive paws
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Naturally deodorising, without artificial fragrances
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Low dust for easier breathing
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Clean, simple, and suited to modern Aussie homes
It’s a practical choice that supports both your cat’s comfort and your everyday routine.
Tip for Best Performance for Tofu Cat Litter Australia
For best results, fill the tray with at least 5cm of litter. This improves absorption, makes scooping easier, and helps maintain effective odour control — all while using litter more efficiently.