After testing dozens of automated litter containers, I can say it has been troublesome to find out which is the very best cat litter (or moderately, if there’s one). Most individuals will wish to search for a low-tracking, clumping cat litter that is appropriate with their litter field. However there are different components to contemplate, like allergens, materials, the litter field itself, and the way you may take care of the waste.
Lately, there have been leaps and bounds within the pet tech sphere as an entire—together with the place our cats go potty and what litter they go potty in. Previously, the alternatives had been an absorbent clay whose primary compound was calcium bentonite, sawdust, or sand. Now, we’ve got high-tech crystal litter, which goals to point out well being points by means of altering coloration; eco-friendly tofu litter; and all kinds of clumping clay litter between. After a yr of testing litter containers and scooping tons of cat litter, let me sift by means of (get it?) the choices so you possibly can decide the very best sort of cat litter for you and your furry pal.
Desk of Contents
Ought to You Change Up Your Litter?
There are various the explanation why you might wish to change your litter. Your cat could also be like mine, with sensitivities to robust odors or smells that may trigger allergic reactions or allergy-like signs like pink eyes or itching. Or perhaps your cat is long-haired, like mine, and also you’re bored with litter sticking to their fur.
If you wish to be extra eco- (and budget-) pleasant, a biodegradable tofu or wooden pellet litter could also be higher, however for these, you may must introduce the change slowly and oftentimes, you may have to alter the field you are utilizing. (Extra on that under.)
As a helicopter pet father or mother who brushes their cats’ enamel and shaves their butts, I truthfully simply wish to make sure that I’ve a litter that retains my cat (and me) comfy, giving them a protected house to potty and a better time to scrub it for me.
I search for, and advocate people do trial-and-error to search out, a litter that has all of those components:
- Clumping: Many manufacturers declare to clump successfully, however you may want to observe whereas scooping to see if they really are, or in the event that they’re leaving smaller bits that sneak by means of grates whereas cleansing.
- Scent-free or low scent: Cats can odor 14 occasions higher than people, and robust odors can irritate their respiratory system and result in itching, watery eyes, and different signs, together with not wanting to make use of the litter field in any respect as a result of the scent is simply too overwhelming.
- Low–monitoring: Similar as clumping litters above, many litters declare to be low monitoring, however I’ve discovered that one of the best ways to reduce litter monitoring round the home is to have an important clumping litter and add as a lot house between the field and the ground. Because of this along with clumping litter, add equipment like stairs (in case your cat is cellular sufficient), a ramp, or a litter-trapping mat to extend the space between the field and your flooring, to cut back litter monitoring. Litters that intention to be low-tracking are usually higher at mud management, which additionally assist with basic cleanliness and decrease irritants.
I’ve examined a number of kinds of cat litter from Boxiecat, and though dear, they’ve all managed odor effectively, had low mud/monitoring, and scooped simply in clumps (and labored effectively with my automated litter field).
Evaluate the Most Standard Kinds of Litter
As stated earlier than, there was super-limited litter choices, now there’s tofu, wooden, silica crystals, recycled paper, and even nut shells. Whereas one thing like wooden pellets is more-eco pleasant and cheaper, you may should think about your litter field and whether or not your cat takes to the brand new litter. (Though sluggish introduction is essential.)
- Clay cat litter: That is by far the preferred litter sort, and most intently resembles what cats could be utilizing within the wild. Clumping clay cat litter is what I like to recommend for most individuals, because it primarily makes use of a naturally absorbent bentonite clay. It expands when moist/dirty, making it “clump,” which is simpler to scoop and usually extra hygienic. Nonetheless, it isn’t as environmentally pleasant as a result of it isn’t biodegradable and may include carcinogenic silica mud.
- Tofu cat litter: This comparatively new litter is nice as a result of it is environmentally pleasant. It is made out of soybean fiber, making it naturally biodegradable, unhazardous, and means much less dusty than conventional selections. If purchased in pellet type (the preferred choice), they clump effectively and may even be flushed in the bathroom, though it may be dear and may develop mould if in humid situations.
- Crystal cat litter: Any such litter is constituted of silica mined from quartz sand and combined with oxygen and water to make tremendous absorbent pellets (akin to the absorbing powers of little silica gel packets discovered in lots of newly purchased gadgets). It is light-weight and has nice odor management. Crystal litter is expensive, not biodegradable or clumping (requires day by day sifting), simply tracks, will be an uncomfortable texture for paws, and is troublesome for some cats to get used to utilizing. Standard manufacturers like PrettyLitter truly use a particular silica components that goals to trace well being adjustments by means of altering colours based mostly on urinary PH. Though I am barely cautious to make use of it due to evaluations of the silica litter being ingested and harming cats and inflicting respiratory points due to the particle mud.
- Paper or Wooden pellets: Paper and wooden pellets are low-cost, have low mud and monitoring, and are eco-friendly as a result of they’re biodegradable. (Paper pellets are additionally nice for injured or post-operation pets as a result of the litter is low-dust and there is much less likelihood for litter to get caught in wounds.) Nonetheless, this does not management odor effectively, is non-clumping, and must be modified often (you may in all probability want a sifting litter field). Wooden pellets are additionally typically made from pine and may have an amazing scent.
- Walnut shell cat litter: Comprised of crushed walnut shells, that is typically used as a a lot lighter, extra pure various to clay litter. It is light-weight and has an identical texture to clay, and is biodegradable. Though it may well observe, spoil if in moist situations, and requires frequent emptying/cleansing.
- We do not advocate corn cat litter, as corn is susceptible to a poisonous mould referred to as aflatoxin. This will trigger well being points for cats and in people who’ve bronchial asthma or COPD and are immunocompromised or aged.
