When contemplating all of the many types and brands of cat litter available today, it’s easy to become confused and even overwhelmed. How do you decide which to use?
All cat litters fall into one of many primary kinds, and each has benefits and drawbacks when compared to others. This article can help you limit your options, but you will most likely have to conduct some trial and error before you find the one that works best for you. Actually, you should choose the ideal litter for you and your cat, because our feline friends can be picky about litter, and if they refuse to use it… well, you undoubtedly know the rest.
Why do cats like litter?
Purchasing high-quality cat litter from a Cat Litter manufacturers can create a clean and safe environment for cats to hide their waste. Cats are naturally drawn to sand or soft dirt because it provides an easy substrate to dig into and wander around on, and cat litter simulates this in your home.
A dominant wild cat will regularly leave its excrement in the open to claim its territory and communicate with other cats in the area. Most cats, however, will always cover their feces.
Types of cat litter
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Traditional clay cat litter
These are the litters that resemble sand, and for a long time, sand (and/or soil) was used as cat litter. However, clay is far more absorbent, and in the late 1940s, industrial absorbents were repackaged and clay cat litter became commercially available. With so many other better-performing options, clay litters aren’t as popular as they once were.
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Clumping clay cat litter
Someone had the bright idea in the 1950s that adding some sort of bentonite clay to a typical clay litter would be a significant improvement. Bentonite, which is almost invariably sodium bentonite or calcium bentonite in the litter, is a type of clay formed by the weathering of volcanic ash.
The benefit of bentonite in cat litter is that it absorbs many times its dry weight in moisture, expanding up to 15 times its original volume and forming clumps that may be scooped out without removing the remainder of the litter. This is a fantastic practical upgrade above ordinary clay litter.
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Silica gel cat litter
Silica gel litter, often known as crystal litter, is a relatively new product. It’s a granular version of sodium silicate, a material with a remarkable ability to absorb liquids, so it’s no wonder that it was marketed as cat litter. It also has several industrial and commercial applications, such as the little packets found in vitamin bottles.
In use, excrement must be scooped out every day, while pee is absorbed and appears to vanish. Of course, it doesn’t; it’s just absorbed, and soon the litter’s ability to absorb anymore is gone. Then it’s time for a total overhaul. Some individuals find that a 2 kg bag will last one cat for a month.
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Biodegradable litter
A vast range and variety of plant-derived litters have become accessible in recent years. These biodegradable litters are further classified as pelleted or granular.
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Pelleted Biodegradable Cat Litter
Pelleted litter, which is made from either wood or recycled newspaper, has an exceptional ability to absorb liquids and disintegrate into an easily recoverable shape. Sawdust from wood processing businesses or recycled newsprint is molded into pellets under extremely high pressure and completely dried. Wood pellets absorb urine so well that they are widely used as horse stall bedding. Feces, as well as pellets that become urine saturated and crumbly, must be scooped from the cat litter box on a regular basis, leaving the remaining pellets behind.
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Granular Biodegradable Cat Litter
There are several options in this area, including wheat, corn, barley, and pine, and it’s worth experimenting with different varieties to discover the ideal one for you and your cat. These litters are manufactured from byproducts of the human and animal feeding sectors, as well as the wood processing industries, and thereby utilize materials that would otherwise be discarded. The starch or cellulose components of the litter provide clumping qualities, and the natural enzymes and proteins in the litter reduce odor.
Benefits of premium cat litter
Choosing a cat litter that satisfies the needs of both you and your cat may be messy. One thing that can help you get a better handle on keeping your home clean and fresh? Understanding the technical aspects of litter and how it satisfies your picky cat. Choose a quality kitty litter that offers the following five advantages:
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Your cat loves it
Cats have strong tastes and will let you know if the litter isn’t up to snuff. To avoid litter box rejection and other problems, look for fine-grain litter, which studies show cats prefer. This is most likely because it resembles the sandy texture that cats naturally prefer when going to the potty. If you use a new litter, make the transition easier for your cat by mixing the new litter with the old for a week.
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The litter box mess will not take over your home.
We get it: litter boxes are disgusting. That’s why they end up in your bathroom or a back closet. The last thing you want is litter box odors spreading throughout your home. 44 percent of cat owners are concerned about how the litter box affects their home’s cleanliness. That’s not surprising given the scary-sounding parasites and cat health issues caused by licking the substance. It’s critical to use dust-free premium kitty litter.
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This cat litter isn’t made of just anything
We all appreciate a clean label, and this can extend to the type of cat litter you use. Clay, pine, wheat, corn, recycled paper, silica, and other materials can be used to make cat litter. Eco-friendly litters are increasingly popular, however, the majority of cat owners who tried them (think pine or paper) returned to popular litters like clumping clay because they are more efficient. Look for excellent clumping clay cat litters with optimum aromas and plant extracts designed specifically for your cat.
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It’s easier to maintain a clean litter box
If you’re like the majority of cat owners, you probably clean your litter box every day. It’s a chore, but one that premium litter can help with. According to Pet Bowl Manufacturers, clumping litters are the most popular, accounting for 80% of litter sales. This is because it efficiently absorbs trash and generates clumps that are easy to scoop.
Conclusion
There is no such thing as perfect cat litter. It would be fantastic if there were, but this is not the case. Each of them has perks and cons. Some of them are annoyances for cat owners, while others are downsides for the cat. Given the variety of issues that can develop if you do not select the litter that your cat prefers, it makes perfect sense to do so. Finding the best litter for you and your cat will most likely require some trial and error.
Finally, your buddies will stop pretending that they can’t smell the litter. Almost 70% of cat owners believe the worst aspect of living with cats is the odor. It can linger and soak into every inch of your home if not taken care of. To avoid this, choose premium clumping clay cat litters manufactured with sodium bentonite clay, a powerful odor-locking substance. Litters with mineral odor fighters and the paw-activated scent will be your greatest buddy if you want enhanced odor protection.
