Which Cat Litter is Best?
Avoid Litter Box Problems by Choosing a Product the Cat Will Use
Aug 30, 2009
Cat litter seems like a pretty basic product, but for cat owners, choosing the right kitty litter may seem a bit overwhelming. Years ago, all that was available was the old stand-by, clay cat litter. Today, however, there is a wide variety of litters available for the discriminating cat. How does an owner choose the best one?
Remember that a cat is interested in different things than the owner is. While the person involved wants to avoid cat litter odor, and may want something easy to scoop, the kitty is more interested in the texture and smell of the cat litter. It's important to choose a litter the cat will use, to avoid litter box problems, including inappropriate urination. Otherwise she may find a surface she likes better, like a carpet.
There are four main types of cat litter:
- Clay cat litter
- Clumping clay cat litter
- Crystal cat litter
- Natural cat litter
Clay Cat Litter
This is the cat litter everyone knows, although not everyone loves it. It's readily available, and is quite inexpensive, but there are some drawbacks with it. Since it smells bad when it's wet, it has to be replaced frequently, often twice a week. Some cats don't like to step on wet litter, either.
This product tends to be dusty, which can lead to problems for either owners or cats who have asthma or allergies. Using a dust-free variety may help.
It's best to avoid scented cat litters. The scent may appeal to the owner, but most cats dislike the smell. Instead, prevent cat litter odor by changing the litter and cleaning the box frequently.
Clumping Clay Cat Litter
This type of litter is very popular. The cat's urine forms clumps in the litter, which are easily scooped out. As the litter level in the box drops, it's necessary to add more litter from time to time. Since the waste is removed every day, cat litter odor isn't usually a problem with clumping litter. All the litter should be replaced once a month in a single-cat household, more often in a multi-cat home.
Most kitties seem to like this type of litter. However, there have been reports of clumping clay cat litter causing health problems for cats who lick it off their paws while grooming themselves.
Dust can also be a problem, too, with this type of litter.
Crystal Cat Litter
Litter made from silica pellets is the newest kid on the cat litter block. These pellets can absorb 40 times their weight in liquids, and control cat litter odor very effectively. When the pellets change color, it's time to change the litter. It's still necessary to scoop out the feces every day.
Drawbacks include the cost. It's the most expensive cat litter, although it does last about a month in a single-cat household. Some kitties don't care for the texture of this litter.
Natural Cat Litter
For cat owners looking for a biodegradable product, natural cat litter may be the answer. These litters are made from wheat, pine, corn cobs, recycled newspaper, and other natural products. Most of these litters form clumps which are easy to scoop. For a person looking for a flushable cat litter, these types of litter often fit the bill, although they're not always recommended for people with septic systems, or low-flow toiliets.
These litters are often a bit more expensive, and may be harder to find, although some are becoming available at the big-box stores. Most kitties accept this type of litter with no problems.
Let Your Kitty Choose the Litter She Prefers
Some cats will use any type of litter with no problem, while others are pickier. It may be necessary to provide two litter boxes with a different type of litter in each box to see what the cat will use. Try to avoid changing cat litters unless absolutely necessary to prevent litter box problems.
Which cat litter is best? The one the kitty will use!
Source
Cat Litter - How to Select the Best Cat Litter
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