No, Litter-Robot 4 does not require special litter. Litter-Robot works well with almost any clumping or scoopable litter. Litter beads and crystals that are small enough to pass through the screen will also work. Litter-Robot is not compatible with litters that are strictly absorbent, non-clumping, loose-clumping, newspaper-based, or wood-based pellets. We suggest Superior Clay Clumping Cat Litter