How to choose a cat litter

Cat
April 26, 2023
Woonona Petfood & Produce

Using a quality kitty litter is important to your cat’s wellbeing. Cat’s are fussy about where they go to the toilet, so it can be difficult to find a litter that your cat likes and will use. Every household is different and every cat has their own needs and preferences, so sometimes it takes some experimenting before finding the right litter for your cat. There are so many different brands and types of cat litter on the market, that choosing the right cat litter can be complicated. We have summarised the options to help make the process easier for you.

Choosing the right cat litter

There are an overwhelming number of choices. Clumping or non-clumping? Scented or unscented? You should always choose a cat litter made from quality ingredients such as clay, silica crystals or natural materials. In addition, you want something that is easy to clean and absorbs odours well to avoid unpleasant smells. Here’s some things to consider:

Odour management

Your cat litter should control odours for the sake of both you and your cat. Cat’s are very clean animals and may refuse to use their litter tray if it smells. Choosing a litter with superior odour control will also avoid any unwanted smells lingering in your home, and make cleaning the litter tray a more pleasant experience.

Texture

The texture is particularly important because cats are sensitive to what litter feels like on their paws. Cats can be very fussy, some cats won’t walk on coarse, hard litter while others don’t like fine, slippery litter. If your cat doesn’t like the feel of what’s in their litter box, they may be motivated to go to the bathroom in unwanted places. Bigger pellets or granules tend not to get stuck as easily in paws, and are an ideal choice for kittens to avoid ingestion.

Dust levels

High levels of dust in the litter can irritate your cat’s respiratory system. In addition, cat’s can track fine dust from some products through the house. Many owners, specifically those with allergies or asthma, choose dust-free cat litter.

Sustainability

With increasing awareness of sustainability, it is becoming more common for cat owners to choose sustainable, natural cat litters. Cat litter that is biodegradable is a much better choice for the environment.

Scent

Often when purchasing a litter you can choose scented or unscented. Scented cat litter reduces and neutralises odour, which is beneficial to both you and your cat. While most cats are happy to use mildly fragranced litters, keep in mind that anything with a strong scent may be rejected.

Cost

The purchase price of litter varies depending on the type of litter and brand. It is important to consider the efficiency at odour and waste management as some litters are more expensive, but require you to use a lot less, making it cheaper in the long run.

Types of cat litter

The most common types of cat litter include clay - clumping and non clumping, crystals, recycled paper, pine and wood pellets.

Clay

Clay litter is one of the oldest and most frequently used types of cat litter on the market. It is popular largely because it was the first type of commercial cat litter on the market in the 1940’s. You can find clay litter almost everywhere, and it is extremely affordable. There are two main types of clay litter, clumping and non-clumping.

Non-clumping clay litter

Non-clumping clay litter is affordable and readily available, with the clay granules providing a similar texture to the soft soil and sand cats use in the wild. The larger size granules don’t cling to the paws, meaning it is less likely to scatter around the house. Because the litter does not clump, it must be changed completely at least once a week so it doesn’t become saturated and result in puddles of urine. In addition, it is not environmentally friendly and tends to be dusty.

Clumping clay litter

Clumping clay cat litter absorbs moisture quicker and makes cleaning easier. It absorbs the waste and turns it into little cement clumps, meaning it can be easily scooped out. This means you need to clean out the litter box much less frequently as urine doesn’t pool. Clumping litter is more expensive than non-clumping but is easy-to-use, convenient and clean.

Crystals

Crystal cat litter is made of clear silica gel. It absorbs urine well and has no odour and no dust. Crystals tend to last longer than other types of cat litter, and are very low maintenance. While they are long lasting and offer superior odour control, Crystals tend to be expensive, and unfortunately are not eco-friendly or biodegradable. In addition, crystals can be an uncomfortable texture for cats with sensitive paws.

Recycled paper

Cat litter made from recycled paper absorbs urine well and is relatively easy to clean up. Most brands are made from recycled paper with no additives or chemicals, meaning they are biodegradable and can be easily composted. While recycled paper litter is not as easy to clean as clumping litter, it is a perfect choice for cat owners looking for a litter that reduces odour without harming the environment.

Wood Pellets

Kitty litter made from wood pellets is environmentally friendly and super absorbent. Wood pellets come from sustainably sourced plantation pine and are biodegradable and compostable. Wood pellets are non-clumping, meaning they are not as easy to clean as other litter types, but are known for their low tracking and good odour control.

How to choose what litter is best for your cat?

Finding the right litter for your cat or kitten is extremely important so they don’t choose to reject the litter box all together. Cats are notoriously fussy, and you should take into account your cat’s litter preferences when choosing a litter, even if this means some trial and error. Most brands have smaller bags you can use as a trial to avoid waste. If you are bringing a new feline friend into the family, ask the shelter or breeder what type of litter they have been using as a starting point. You may also like to speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.

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