Cats are notably clean animals. This natural trait has served them well in the wild and outdoors and most domestic cats have retained this nature. It is expected that their environment as well has to be clean at all times. Kittens by nature pee and take a poop on sandy surfaces far from where they sleep, play and eat. In time, they will learn to use cat litter trays or boxes assuming they have no health or behavioural issues. Speaking of cat litter boxes, keeping a cat's litter box tidy is vital because it keeps the cat mentally and physically healthy. Though there are various types of cat litter, using the right one allows our cats to remain interested in using their litter boxes to answer the call of nature.
“Though there are various types of cat litter, using the right one allows our cats to remain interested in using their litter boxes to answer the call of nature.”
Why cat litter is important?
Since many cats especially the indoor type do not have access to soil, pet owners must always have the right cat litter on hand. Wrong cat litter purchased could lead to bigger problems and accidents and bad behaviour in using the litter box. Cat litter provides an ideal environment for pet cats to take care of business (together with the use of litter boxes), which is why having the right cat litter is essential for cat parents.
“Since many cats especially the indoor type do not have access to soil, it is necessary that pet owners must always have the right cat litter on hand. Wrong cat litter purchased could lead to bigger problems and may lead to accidents and bad behaviour when it comes to using the litter box as well.“
Why do pet owners need to understand and know each type of cat litter?
Since cat litter is an essential pet supply pet parents must have, it is important that they should know the different types available in the market and the tendencies of each cat litter like odour control, dust it generates, absorbency, clumping efficiency, scent or lack thereof and even price plus other important factors that make the difference with your decision as to the cat litter product you prefer for your cat.
Definition of each type of Cat Litter
1. BENTONITE CAT LITTER
Is mainly made from an earth-like substance, which is closer to sand. Bentonite clumping cat litter is highly absorbent, easy to clump, absorbs odours and liquids well, and easy to clean. After urinating, the bentonite will quickly absorb them and clumps them together thus clumps are now formed which can be easily scooped out, there it is, a clean cat litter box afterwards. Due to the small size of the particles, this type of litter feels very good on the cat’s paws too.
Many cat litters sold today are bentonite based, choosing the right Bentonite Cat Litter for your cat is a step in the right direction.
2. CRYSTAL CAT LITTER
Is made of silica gel, highly-absorbent translucent granules, but there is also some coloured crystal cat litter out today that looks more beautiful. If the crystal litter absorbs urine, the colour changes too so you can visually see them and know it is time to change the litter. Crystal cat litter doesn't clump so you need to change it on a regular basis. It can also be washed and reused, but it needs to be disinfected with a disinfectant solution and washed and dried again which is an absolute hassle.
If having a dust-free and efficient deodorizer are essential benefits of crystal cat litter that are most important to you, then by all means Trouble and Trix cat litter is the product for your kitty. Not only that, this product is a good liquid absorber too.
3. TOFU CAT LITTER
A vegetable-based litter, mainly made of tofu fibres and tofu residue. Tofu cat litter pellets are lighter in texture and require less effort to change the litter. It absorbs urine and odour better and is not too dusty. Tofu litter is water soluble, so when cleaning up, you can mix the dirty litter directly with your cat's faeces and flush it down the toilet as long as it is done in portions and not pour all of them down at once.
As pet parents, we want something that is easy to use and dispose of, these Tofu Cat Litters ensure the particles or granules are flushable down the toilet for easy disposal.
4. MIXED CAT LITTER
Consists of 70% tofu litter and 30% bentonite litter. Combining both advantages, this litter is not too dusty and clumps quickly. The flushable cat litter absorbs water well. cat litter can be flushed down the toilet. If the cat poop is buried very well after a bowel movement, you wouldn't be able to smell poop odour at all.
Never mind the costs, if you are the type that goes all-out on efficiency and effectivity these Mixed Cat Litters are for you and your kitty.
5. PINE OR WOOD CAT LITTER
Pine or wood chip cat litter is a natural product made of wood pulp (commonly pine), the pine wood is then grounded, pressed and sanitized then made into pellet form. Has less dust and comes with a pine wood fragrance. It is non-toxic, natural and environmentally friendly, and can be flushed down the toilet or used as a flower fertiliser. It will automatically disperse into powder form after absorbing water, so when cleaning up, just shake the filter and let the powder leak down. These wood cat litter pellets are best to use together with a double-layer litter box. Bacteria can easily grow and litter boxes must be cleaned properly.
With plenty of benefits and only a few drawbacks, these Pine or Wood Cat Litter are indeed considered safe cat litter and eco-friendly.
6. PAPER CAT LITTER
Because it is made of paper, it is very light in weight and has very little dust. Healthy for your cat and scent-free. However, this paper cat litter is poorly clumped and cannot wrap around the poo or cover the smell, and if placed in a humid place, it is susceptible to moisture and mould.
For those with respiratory issues, this product should be the right product for you and your cat Breeders Choice cat litter.
7. ORE CAT LITTER / MINERAL CLAY CAT LITTER
An upgraded version of bentonite cat litter mostly favoured by cats. It has a very strong wrapping, each clump of poo is wrapped very solidly and will not fall apart or stick to the bottom. Better than traditional clay cat litter, this one has a good deodorising ability, with excellent clumping speed and water absorption, but can be a little expensive.
Mineral clay cat litter feels good on your cat's paws, your cats would not have problems using PETKIT 5-In-1 Biodegradable & Flushable Active Carbon Mineral Mixed Cat Litter 7L/3.6kg, it also clumps cat poop within seconds.
8. CRUSHED TOFU CAT LITTER
It is an upgraded version of tofu cat litter, easier to handle even if the cat likes to pee against the side of the litter tray. Because the particles are smaller, less cat litter is needed, but the tendency is, the particles can be carried out by the cat through their paws. Litter can be flushed down the toilet though.
Your cat deserves only the best, choosing Crushed Tofu Cat Litter isn’t a bad choice at all, with many cat litter brands carrying this variant you would not have trouble looking for this item anywhere.
How do I know which type is suited for my cat?
Though there are many cat litter available in the market today which can be overwhelming for pet owners, below are the important points to consider when choosing the right cat litter for your furry friend.
- Small-sized particles
Cats like fine/smaller particle litters, they prefer the feel of the fine texture on their paws.
- Unscented cat litter
Whether clumping or non-clumping unscented cat litter, cats generally prefer the unscented type because the scented one’s tendency is to mask the litter box’s odour which can be too strong for cats. Cats may no longer want to use the litter box if this is the case.
- Super-absorbent & Dust-free/Low Dust
- Non-tracking or Low-tracking
When choosing the right and the best cat litter for your feline pet, it shouldn’t be just all about price and absorbency, as you can see, several factors have to be considered when choosing. Consider what your cat likes, if something feels rough under their paws, they might refuse to use the litter box altogether. Never force them to use it; instead, find something that works for both of you.
“When choosing the right and the best cat litter for your feline pet, it shouldn’t be just all about price and absorbency, as you can see, several factors have to be considered when choosing. Consider what your cat likes, if something feels rough under their paws, they might refuse to use the litter box altogether.”
Cats like to stick to routines, introducing a new litter box or cat litter may take time and even additional toilet training. Just give them time to adjust, in cases where the cat still refuses to use the litter box, talk to your vet about this. There’s a possibility that your cat may have an underlying condition that prevents it from using the litter box. Whatever cat litter you choose, scooping and cleaning the cat litter box once a day greatly helps, your cat will be the happiest too.
