Choosing litter for your cat can seem like a daunting task. With so many choices of litter, it can be confusing. Which cat litter to choose? Scented or natural? Silica or clay? Or do you want to put down the old-fashioned newspaper? So many options, but we’ll try to help with this guide.
What your cat will like
Before your cat jumps into the litter box with the filler of her choice, one thing you must remember is that your cat has her own preferences. It depends on paw sensitivity, habits, and just plain whimsy. It’s always difficult to tell which cat, for which litter to use. So, this is where you have to experiment. Remember, your cat should feel comfortable and cozy in her litter box.
Types of cat litter
Perhaps the most common choice of cat litter is combination.
Lumpy cat litter usually contains a substance called bentonite, which absorbs urine and forms a solid lump, leaving the bulk of the litter around it dry and clean. When it comes time to clean the litter tray, you simply remove the lumps and feces that have formed. It’s a fairly economical option.
In terms of the type of action, there are other fillers. They don’t clump, but simply absorb moisture and odor. Such fillers include mineral fillers (silicon, zeolite), silica gel-based fillers, paper and grain fillers. It is easier to clean such a tray, you just need to remove the feces, but the mineral filler should be completely removed from the tray once a week. Silica gel fillers are more economical in this regard, to change such filler completely, it is necessary once every two or three weeks. As silica gel fillings, as well as mineral, add all kinds of synthetic and natural additives for better moisture absorption and odor elimination.
For lovers of eco-friendly product, there are paper and grain fillers. They are made from paper or grain waste: pressed bran, soybeans or other crops. It is worth remembering that paper filler is inferior to grain filler. These fillings are quite cheap and available.
Some owners believe that lumpy filler will stick to the cat’s fur. This issue is relevant for long-haired cats, and when grooming, the cat may swallow pieces of the filler. This thought leads us to the question of safety.
Safety Issues
Cats can ingest lumps of litter, either by inhaling while digging in the litter tray, or by accidentally licking lumps of litter stuck to their fur. Cat litter manufacturers are aware of this problem and make litter non-toxic for cats. If you think your cat has ingested a significant amount of litter, contact your veterinarian.
If dust from the filler is causing you a problem, look for a better quality, low-dust filler.
Some cats may be allergic to litter.
Odor Absorption
This is one of the most important factors for cat owners. But it is worth choosing a litter that absorbs odor rather than masking it. Scented fillings have many disadvantages. A cat with a sensitive sense of smell, such a filler will cause irritation. We do not recommend such a filler, it is better to pay attention to better quality fillers with excellent odor absorption.
So, what kind of cat litter?
Lumpy filler, is the most popular choice among cat owners. It is very convenient and affordable. Plant fillers, are also quite popular. Silica gel fillings are less affordable, but are beneficial in the long run and are very good at blocking odor and absorbing moisture very well.
In any case, remember, the cat has its own preferences and to change the filler first experiment. The main thing is not to harm your pet.