Everything About Cat Litters

With many different types of cat litters out there, it’s no wonder why cat owners end up using cat litter that their furballs hate which results in dealing with possible inappropriate elimination if it is not corrected immediately.

Cats are such fussy creatures! They face all sorts of issues with their litter box-- from the size to location to the type (covered/uncovered/automatic). The cleanliness of the box and type of litter used as well. Making sure that you meet your pet’s expectations regarding his litter box is one way to prevent potty accidents. Read on to learn how to choose the best cat litter.    

Types of litter most cats prefer

Did you know that even if cats have individual preferences when it comes to the types of litter in their litter boxes, they tend to share some universal preferences? Here are two important factors that can say a lot about cats and their litter preferences:

• Size of litter particles -- Cats tends to favor litter material made of fine particles, as opposed to pellet and crystal-type litters. The fine particles make it easier for cats to bury their waste and is softer on the paws of cats. The logic applies because why should you walk barefoot on a rough surface when you can do it on a soft, sandy one? The bottom line is-- cats tend to prefer litter made up of fine, clumping litter.

• Odor -- With their extreme sensitivity to smell, cats tend to prefer unscented litter material over scented ones. Even if you prefer a litter with a certain scent, what you buy will ultimately depend on your cat’s preferences and not yours.

Factors to consider when choosing cat litter types

Once you have your cat’s potential preferences in mind -- unscented, fine particle, and clumping variety-- here are some factors that cat parents also look for when choosing cat litter.

• Excellent odor-absorbing quality -- Some litter materials are better at absorbing poop or pee odor than others.
• Fast and hard clumping -- The litter material should be quick to form clumps upon contact with moisture. This makes it easier to scoop up the clumps and keep the litter box clean. Clumping litter minimizes the possibility of urine-soaked litter sticking to a cat’s paws or tail.
• Low dust -- Using this type of litter means lesser dust on your floor and all surfaces. There is also a lesser possibility of pets inside your home inhaling the dust which means keeping their lungs clean. This is especially important if any member of the household -- humans or pets-- is asthmatic.
• Low-tracking -- Ideally, the litter should stay in the litter box and not get carried by your cat’s paws around the home. If you cannot find any low-track litter, you can always get a good quality anti-tracking cat litter mat.

Cat Litter Types -- Pros and Cons

1.Clay Litter

It has a sandy texture but is a lot more absorbent than ordinary sand.

2. Clumping Clay Litter

Clumping clay litter composed of bentonite (sodium bentonite or calcium bentonite) clay and traditional clay litter. Bentonite has excellent moisture-absorbing properties. It can expand as much as 15 times its original volume and form clumps. 

3. Silica Gel or Crystal Cat Litter

This is often known as ‘crystal litter’. Silica gel litter is made of granules of sodium silicate. It is the same material that you can find in little packets that come with new shoes and vitamin bottles.         

4. Pelleted Biodegradable Cat Litter

(Paper / Pine Cat Litter)

Pelleted litter is usually made of wood, recycled newspaper, or sawdust. The most common types are paper litter and pine litter.

5. Granular Biodegradable Cat Litter or Soya Cat Litter

This type of cat litter, especially soya cat litter, is by far the most popular among the bunch. It can be made up of various ingredients—soya, wheat, corn, barley, pine, etc. The materials are usually by-products of wood processing industries, human and animal food, and other materials that might otherwise be considered as waste. Its great clumping ability is brought about the starch or cellulose components of the materials. Natural enzymes and proteins in the litter can also help in odor control.

Cat litter boxes are also an important factor to consider in helping your cats to eliminate correctly. Here's an ultimate guide to cat litter boxes!