Cats are adorable animals; owners love their curious and mischievous nature. What is not to like when they purr, show you unconditional love, and make every day brighter? Many pet parents decide to adopt or buy cats and are excited to bring them into their homes. However, many supplies are necessary, including kitty litter. Going through the options at pet shops can be exhausting, especially when you don’t know much about them and their characteristics.
Cat litter is essential to keep your kitty using the litter box and make cleaning easier for you. Cats are very hygienic and like their territory; they do their business in the same place as long as it is regularly cleaned and changed. Litter comes in many types, materials, with scents or unscented. Some of the popular choices include sand, clay, silica, tofu, and pellets. Evaluating every option is recommended to see which fits your cat’s needs the most and is easy to clean.
Considerations for Kitty Litter
To obtain recommendations, you can speak to the vet and see whether they have something in mind based on previous experiences. Keep count of specific characteristics, such as texture, smell, absorbency, and ease of use. Cats are particularly sensitive to texture because they walk on the kitty litter, and if they don’t like how it feels under their paws, they will not use the litter box. They will use other elements in your home as the litter box, such as plants, carpets, and, why not, your bed or sofa.
In terms of consistency, clay is a popular type, and it comes in two versions, clumping and non-clumping. Many cats prefer the sand texture and fine clay litter since it doesn’t hurt their paws. Some formulas don’t produce much dust, as they are formulated in such a manner to avoid spreading residue in your home. When they exit the litter box, cats can drag dust on their paws, and it is most uncomfortable to see trails around the house and on the furniture.
Crystal cat litter is made from silica gel. You certainly know it from the small packets you receive along with the new shoes you buy. It is more expensive than other products, but it produces little to no dust and is highly absorbent. At first, your kitty might not like the texture, but smooth options exist, such as shaped like pearls. One significant advantage is that silica changes its color when it needs to be changed because no clumps are formed.
Clumping or Non-Clumping Cat Litter
These terms often appear on cat litter, and pet parents want to know what they mean and how to choose the correct option. Non-clumping litter is more affordable, and you can purchase big bags and have them for more extended periods. It does the job of absorbing liquids and odors. One drawback is that you must change the litter box regularly, once weekly. This also depends on how many cats you have. Otherwise, the liquids will stay on the bottom of the box.
On the other hand, clumping litter is more popular and also more expensive. It is easy to use since the litter absorbs moisture and turns it into clumps. Simply scoop the clumps and throw them away. Cleaning and changing the litter box should be done less frequently, maybe once per month. Due to this convenience, many pet owners prefer to pay extra for it. However, it is not recommended for kittens to choose this clumping version since they are curious and can ingest the clumps.
Scented cat litter
Although owners prefer scented cat litter because it makes the litter box smell nicer and the entire room as well, your feline might not approve of it, cats have a developed sense of cent, and they can easily get irritated. Some brands go the extra mile and put in powerful lavender scents, which is not always a good idea. It is best to scoop out the litter daily to keep the box clean and ready to use.
When you clean the litter box, don’t use strong chemical products and disinfectants. Many of them are toxic, and your feline might not use the litter box too soon. It is better to use non-scented cleaning products and rinse the box well. The extra effort will ensure your cat will use only the litter box and not go anywhere else in the house.
Testing
If you are unaware of the kitty litter to purchase, there is always the option to buy several in small bags and place multiple trays at your disposal. You can test what type of litter they use and like on various occasions and how they work for you as well. The cleaning process should be convenient and accessible, considering you will do it at least once daily.
If you want to switch the cat litter at a certain point, it is best to go with a smooth transition. Don’t replace the existing litter with a new one entirely. Place small amounts of the new product in their litter box over the course of the next couple of days. Eventually, you will reach a point where only new kitty litter exists. In case your furry companion goes outside the litter multiple times, schedule a visit to the vet as soon as possible.
Where to Find Diverse Kitty Litter
New products and new versions appear on the market daily, and it is good to have options, but soon you feel overwhelmed. Cats are different, depending on whether they are already used to something or if you bring home a new kitty and want to choose the right product. You might want odor absorbent, low dust, and low tracking, so make sure you find these characteristics in the products.
If you or your feline suffer from certain conditions, such as asthma, look for products that are not respiratory irritants, especially those marketed as no or low-dust. Luckily, manufacturers offer products for all needs to make the situation comfortable for everyone and easy for you to look after your precious companion.