The litter box is part of your cat’s everyday routine, and it’s essential to choose the best litter option for your cat. With so many options out there, picking the right litter sand can be confusing. There’s many things to consider to make sure it’s a win-win for you and your precious feline friend. Depending if your cat has allergies or asthma, certain types of litter would be better for your cat. We will walk you through these options to make sense of the litter products.
Cats can be quite picky and sensitive to their surroundings, the choice needs to fit just right. Start by trying out different types of litter and see what your cat likes best. A cat’s preferences can change over time as they grow or due to an injury or illness. Look out for signs of distress, as litter habits are one of the first signs that something is bothering your kitty. If you check your options and keep your cat’s best interests in mind, you will have a happy cat that feels safe using their litter box.
Types of cat litter
Your cat’s preferences and yours can differ slightly. The types of cat litter that most cats prefer would have smaller sized particles and odorless. As close to the natural sand or soil they’d have access to in the wild. We have to cater to these instinctive preferences, because it’s not about us, it’s about the cat. Most cat owners prefer cat litter that clumps fast, doesn’t fall apart after clumping and smells good. It’s also important to choose the cat litter that doesn’t spread much dust – if it continuously goes directly into your cat’s lungs, it can be a health hazard!
Overall Best: Canadian Bentonite Cat Litter
This type of litter is an overall win-win for the cat and their owner. It clumps very fast, stays in strong clumps, can be odorless and is made of fine particles which are soft on your cat’s paws. Other clay litters can be a bit of a gamble, cheaper clay litter brands do not clump very well and can have lots of dust. Inhaling litter dust is a huge no-no for asthmatic cats. Check out: Sandboxx Canada cat litter.
Long-Lasting: Silica Gel Litter
Advertised as non dusty, it is made of crystals that are highly absorbent. They do not require to be regularly scooped out compared to clay litter. The soiled part of the litter box can be mixed around, with only the feces removed on a daily basis. Silica gel litter does not clump at all. Not recommended for cats with paw injuries as the crystals can be a bit sharp. Check out: PetSafe ScoopFree Premium Crystal Litter
Best Natural Litter: Pine Pellets
Pine litter is a popular choice because of the wood’s natural odor absorbing ability. It is softer than clay litter. You can find pine litters that come in both clumping and non-clumping varieties. Pine litter without clumping usually comes in pellet shapes, while the clumping version is finely ground pine litter, resembling sawdust. It can be a more environmentally sustainable choice as wood pellets are more biodegradable than clay. Check out the ökocat Super Soft Natural Wood
Flushable: Wheat Litter
If your cat has asthma or allergies, odorless wheat litter can be a great option. This type of litter can be flushable down the toilet – but always check the label first! It is also an environmentally friendly option to choose for your precious cat. Check out the sWheat Scoop cat litter.
Natural Cat Litter
There are many other natural cat litter varieties such as grass litter, corn, coconut, soy, walnut and even paper litter. Depending on your cat’s preference. The only thing to note about corn litter, is that it’s more prone to mold and bacteria compared to other litters, which can be deadly to your pets. Here are some natural cat litters:
- Eticat Coffee Ground cat litter
- Naturally Fresh Cat Litter – Walnut shell litter
- WORLD’S BEST CAT LITTER – Corn-based cat litter
- FUKUMARU Tofu Cat Litter
Paper Litter
If your cat is recovering from surgery, it needs special attention and a different litter for the time being until its injuries are healed. The dirty cat litter particles should not get under the bandages. For that reason paper litter is usually recommended. Paper litter can be ideal for cats recovering from a surgery but unfortunately it does not clump well. Check out the Fresh News Recycled Paper – Paper-based cat litter
Now that you know more about the types of cat litter you can make a more informed choice. The ideal cat litter choice should be good at fighting odors, keeping dust in check, and making your cat’s paws happy. If you find the right option with these factors in mind, you’ll create a litter box paradise that your furry buddy will appreciate.