Selecting the best cat litter might be difficult because there are so many different kinds available. How can you choose which cat litter is best for your pet cat?
The litter that your cat likes and will use is the ideal kind. Still, because you're the one doing the cat cleanup, it's as critical to select a litter that suits you. Answering queries like "How do I know what my cat likes?" is part of the process of choosing the ideal cat litter. What kind of cat litter do I want? Is it perfumed or not? Should I see my veterinarian before changing my cat's litter box? To choose the finest cat litter for you and your cat, use this guide to get the answers to these questions.
Things to Remember
Consult your veterinarian in advance for advice on new litter options if you're thinking about getting a new cat or if you're considering getting your present feline family member a new one. Next, consider litter properties like absorbency, texture, and usability.
The ASPCA pointed out that texture is especially significant since cats have a delicate sense of touch when it comes to litter. If the contents of their litter box don't appeal to them, cats could use other objects—plants, rugs, and occasionally even your bed—as a cat toilet.
What Kind of Cat Litters Are Acceptable?
Kitty litter options can consist of materials including clay, pine, silica crystals, wheat, walnut, paper, maize, tofu, and grass, which are used in some forms of cat litter. Cat litter may be divided into two primary categories: clumping and non-clumping, out of all the other kinds.
Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
When wet cat litter (such as urine or excrement) comes into contact with it, it clumps. People like this kind because it involves less effort and is easier to clean because the clumps can be removed with a scoop instead of having to replace the entire litter. It's unfortunately not the best for kittens since they may consume more through play and grooming, which might cause issues for their little digestive systems.
All cats may safely use non-clumping litter, but because it doesn't clump, it doesn't keep the odour as well and needs to be cleaned frequently. Urine seeps to the base of the litter box, so you'll need to replace all the litter and wash the bottom. Non-clumping litter costs less, nevertheless.
Aromatic vs. non-scented
Odour management in the litter box is aided by scented cat litter. Many cats prefer an unscented litter box to one with strong fragrances, even though people can find scented cat litter appealing. To avoid overwhelming delicate cat noses, use scented litter that is mild if you wish to give it a try.
Level of Dust
Cat owners frequently fear that their cat's airways may be impacted by litter dust. Especially if you select a low-dust cat litter. Doctors mostly believe you shouldn't have to worry too much about litter dust. Most rooms are large enough or have enough airflow that this is not a long-term concern. Dust from cat litter also doesn't linger in the air for very long. Since cats like to dig, the best way to avoid dust is to use a litter that reduces it.
Types of Cat Litter
Clay litter for cats
One of the most traditional and widely used kinds of cat litter is clay. Clay litters come in clumping and non-clumping varieties.
Since it was the first kind of commercial cat litter to hit the market in 1947 and is available in almost any place pet goods are offered, clay has grown in popularity. This litter comes in a wide variety of brands, each with a slightly variable recipe that frequently calls for the addition of other substances to assist in neutralizing odour (such as baking soda or artificial aroma).
Clay litter for cats has a few practical drawbacks, such as being difficult to handle, dusty, and prone to tracking. We believe that the fact that it is mined by strip mining and includes crystalline silica dust, which is known to be carcinogenic when breathed, is a more concerning issue. This indicates that it's not a substance that's great for the environment and that it may be harmful to both humans and cats.
Pine Pellet Cat Litter
Pine pellet litter is a wonderful choice if you're seeking a non-toxic and environmentally friendly solution. Despite being in pellet form, it is incredibly absorbent and keeps pee from flowing to the litter box's bottom.
The different types of cat litter also include an unscented, natural choice, but some cats find its overpowering woodsy fragrance bothersome, especially if they are scent-sensitive. It depends on the cat, though, since some may find the woodsy scent appealing.
Because pine pellet cat litter isn't as comfortable to walk on as other varieties, it's not a suitable choice for cats with sensitive paws or nail damage.
Crystal
Crystal cat litter is more costly than other forms of cat litter because it is made of translucent silica gel, similar to the little packets of gel that arrive with a package of new shoes.
However, it is absorbent, creates less dust than other materials, and actively cleans the litter box—all of which are beneficial for both cats and people. The hard crystals might not be to your cat's taste, but there are smoother alternatives that resemble pearls.
Similar to non-clumping clay litter, urine may collect in the box when crystal litter is soaked. When your cat has passed the "eating feces" stage of life, you should use crystal litter, just like you would with clumping litter. If your dog, cat, or any other creature likes to play in the kitty box, they might swallow the silica gel, which is hazardous.
Cat Litter Made of Tofu
Amongst the different types of cat litter, the tofu kitty litter comes next. Tofu cat litter is perhaps one of the newest varieties on the market, but it's gaining popularity fast—once you know some of its benefits, it won't be difficult to see why. Because soybean fibre is used to make it, it is all-natural, biodegradable, non-toxic, and almost dust-free. The majority of products are available as low-tracking pellets that cluster together rather nicely and, best of all, flush down the toilet.
Crystal Litter of Silica
Although silica litter is not biodegradable and is extracted from quartz sand, it is the least eco-friendly alternative, even if it is healthy for cats. On the other hand, this kind of cat litter excels at odour management. While it doesn't clump, you can easily scoop out the waste since it absorbs fluids and dehydrates solids. That's why it works so well at regulating smells. Additionally, you'll need to stir the litter each day.
Which Kind of Litter Is Ideal?
The finest cat litter depends on your priorities as well as your cat's requirements and preferences, as you've seen from the examples above. Various types of cat litter appeal to various cats and their owners. Wheat, maize, and sawdust for cat litter are some of the best choices if your cat prefers soft litter. If your cat suffers from respiratory problems, try low-dust litters like wheat and paper.
There are clumping, non-clumping, and low-tracking litters available. But it is essential to keep their litter box clean since a filthy litter box is unsanitary and might make your cat refuse to use it at all.
Selecting a litter that is low in dust and devoid of chemicals, fragrances, and sodium bentonite is advised because these ingredients might irritate your cat and result in stomach and nasal problems.