# cat litter

CEFR A2 · Compound

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cat-litter
Updated: 2026-08-05

## Definition

a special material, like sand or small stones, that you put in a box for a pet cat to use as a toilet.

For teachers: a granular, absorbent substance used to line a tray for a domestic cat's waste. Usually uncountable in its mass sense, though 'litters' may refer to different brands or types.

## Examples

- I need to buy more cat litter at the supermarket.
- The apartment started to smell because he forgot to change the cat litter for three days.
- Advances in biodegradable cat litter have led to products made from recycled paper and wood shavings rather than traditional clay.

## Usage notes

- usually functions as an uncountable mass noun.
- Teaching tip: use this to teach the difference between 'litter' as trash and 'litter' as a specialized material; it is also a good example of a noun-noun compound where the first noun acts as a modifier.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.