With so many cat litter options being available on the market, how would you know which one is best not only for your furry friend but for you as well? As you know, you’re responsible for cleaning it up! Don’t worry; allow us to help!
We know how confusing it is to enter a pet store and see endless lines of cat products only to end up with a less-than-ideal one. With that, it’s no wonder why you’re asking yourself how to choose cat litter! Luckily, thanks to our expertise and utmost love for all kinds of felines, we’ve created this guide to help you with your search. Granted, choosing cat litter is a trial-and-error process, but with these tips, you’re bound to find the perfect one!
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Types of Cat Litter
As we mentioned, the market is oversaturated with different cat litter, but they vary in consistency, scent, ability, and more. Below are some of the most common cat litter types-
Clay
It is one of the oldest and most commonly used cat litter. It includes clumping and non-clumping clay litters, and you can even find many brands with slight odor-neutralizing formulations. However, some of its side effects include that it is prone to cracking, can be dusty, and can often be heavy to carry. On the other hand, it contains crystalline silica dust, known to have carcinogenic effects when inhaled. This also means it is not environmentally friendly and can be unhealthy for cats and humans.
The non-clumping litter absorbs its weight in liquid, and because of this characteristic, you will notice you often have to change it. This makes it easier to clean the box without emptying all the content.
One of the main differences between the two types is pricing. In general, the clumping type is more expensive, and you will have to use it less frequently.
Tofu cat litter
It is the newest cat litter type on the market and is gaining popularity due to its amazing features. It’s made of soybean fiber, so it is natural, biodegradable, nontoxic, and dust-free. The best part? It is easily flushable and lightweight. As the material is plant-based, there are chances it can be vulnerable to mold, and it sits at a slightly higher price.
Paper Cat Litter
As the name suggests, this cat litter consists of paper. It is made using recycled newspaper and may also include leaves and sawdust, based on your chosen brands.It is quite a popular choice amongst cat parents who are looking for affordable litter types.
Walnut Cat Litter
It is made using crushed shells of walnuts. Moreover, walnut litter weighs less, which is often appealing to the ones who frequently clean the box. Also, the lightweight makes it easier for the cats to dig and couple up liquid and solid deposits.
Health & Safety
When choosing cat litter, always look for health and safety. If the litter is unsafe, regardless of its benefit, it should be discarded immediately. Some of the common safety concerns include- respiratory issues for both humans and cats, chemical preservatives, strong perfumes resulting in sinus, and sodium bentonite found in clay litter, which, when swelled, can cause gastrointestinal distress. These can harm their bodies simply by licking their paws after using the litter box.
Cleanliness
As a pet owner, you must accept small traces of cat litter throughout the house. The litter can result in unwanted dust throughout the home, which can be quite a burden for you. Therefore, if cleanliness is your priority, look for non-tracking litter types. In particular, you will notice clumping litter to be a better option if you are looking for cleanliness in your home.
Hygiene aspects
Cats have an instinctual desire to opt for fresh, odorless, and untouched areas. This means you need to find litter that can stay clean. So, to keep the boxes clean, you need to pick the relatively easy-to-clean one. Clumping litter is one of the most manageable one.
Chemical Additives
It is often a personal preference, but when choosing cat litter, you decide for yourself and your cat. When you opt for litter with scents or colors, you might experience benefits such as lower cost and fragrances to cover up odors, but it might be stressing your cat. To cover up odors, you may try alternatives such as paper litter.
Eco-friendly
Eco-friendly cat litter has become more common than any other type. It is because of the issues surrounding the traditional counterpart. Most notably, clumping litter made using sodium bentonite ends up in the landfill, and as these swell to 10 times their size when exposed to water, it takes up a considerable amount of space. It can, therefore, result in damage to the environment.
If you plan to make an eco-friendly choice, choosing cat litter that can safely be flushed or decomposed can be a great option.
Litter Size
The litter tray size is important. If you choose one that is too small, then it can cause your cat to avoid it altogether. For that reason, we recommend that the box should be at least one and a half times the length of your cat.
With this, we conclude the essential aspects you must consider when picking out the ideal cat litter for your furry friend, as well as you! If you are bringing a new cat home or thinking about adding a new litter box for usage, speak to your vet beforehand and get their recommendations, too. Then, think about the characteristics such as odor, ease of use, and absorbency.
Looking for more inspiring information to enhance your knowledge of your feline and their well-being? Read through our blogs to stay informed and updated with the latest news!
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