There are many different types of cat litter on the market, but which one should you choose? In this blog, we will discuss the most common litter types, with their advantages and disadvantages, so you can make the right choice for you and your cat.
Which cat litter is the best?
As a cat owner, you want the best for your cat, right? Even when it comes to cat litter, there are several choices to make. The right litter not only provides a comfortable and clean environment for your beloved cat to do its needs, but it can also reduce odour in the house.
Cats have sensitive noses and are reluctant to use dirty and smelly litter boxes. It even causes them to refuse to use the litter box. Therefore, choosing a cat litter is also important, for you and your cat.
There are many different types of cat litter on the market, but which one should you choose? There is not really a 'best' cat litter because every cat is different and every cat owner has different priorities. For example, some cats like the smell or texture of certain cat litter more than others. It is therefore important to look at the properties of different types of cat litter and determine which one suits your cat and your situation best.
In this blog we will discuss the most common refills, with their advantages and disadvantages, so you can make the right choice for your household.
Clump litter
Surely the most popular cat litter is the lump-forming variety. It is made of clay that is dehumidified by heating. As a result, it absorbs moisture from your cat's faeces and urine, creating lumps that you can easily scoop out of the litter box. This way, this grit also absorbs foul odours and keeps dust to a minimum.
Another great advantage of lump-forming filling is that thanks to the lumps, you know exactly how much your cat pees. This is a good indicator of abnormal behaviour, such as more peeing in diabetes or lots of small peeing in bladder problems.
The downside is that some cats do not like the smell of these refills, something you cannot know in advance. There are also cats and kittens that eat this stuffing, which eventually causes a lump in the stomach. Something that can make your cat very sick, so keep a close eye on this.
Non-clumping cat litter
This cat litter is also usually made of clay (sepiolite) or wood. It does not clump together, but does extract moisture. It works for absorption of urine, but cannot be scooped and thus must be completely replaced when the litter box is full.
The big advantage of this type of cat litter is that it is often cheaper than clumping cat litter. However, the dust and mess after using the litter box is greater with this type of litter. Also, you will smell the odours from the bin quicker with this cat litter.
Silica Litter
Silica is an absorbent plastic that can absorb moisture and odour. This cat litter does not give off dust; ideal for cats with sensitive airways and the filling often lasts longer than other types. But because silica is produced chemically, it is not environmentally friendly and if ingested (eaten), it is toxic and dangerous. So be sure your cat is not a grit eater!
It is also unfortunate that the grit sticks to your cat's paws, so you often find it all over the house.
Natural litter
Natural fillings such as wood, paper and wheat are becoming increasingly popular. These fillings are a 100% plant-based product and are biodegradable, so they can be disposed of in the bio-bin or on the dung heap after use.
Wood pellets in particular are widely used; they are virtually dust-free and have good odour absorption. There are also cats that don't like the wood pellets - in terms of texture, smell or being too hard on their paws - and therefore ignore them. Keep a close eye on this if you want to try wood pellets, to avoid peeing outside the box.
Conclusion
Hopefully you have got an idea of which kind of cat litter is the right choice for you and your cat's needs. As mentioned, every cat is different. Therefore, start experimenting with different cat litter. Fill different trays with different grit and see what your cat uses. Ultimately, choosing a cat litter depends on several factors, including your cat's preference, your own preferences and the availability and cost of different types of cat litter. It is therefore advisable to try out different types of cat litter and see which one works best for you and your cat.
One last tip: if you are going to change cat litter, do it slowly. Many cats don't like change very much. This can go as far as not going in the litter box. Therefore, add a little more new litter each time to let your cat get used to the new smell and texture.