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The Scoop on Kitty Litter
There are so many options in the cat litter aisle these days, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. You want to choose the right one, but the truth is, there is no correct choice. Every cat and household is different, so there's no one litter that's going to work for everyone. It's going to take some trial and error on your part, and you may have to try a few different kinds before you get it right. But before you go grabbing up bags of litter, here's what you need to know about each type.
CLAY
Available in clumping and non-clumping.
Clumping helps to keep the litter box odor-free by forming scoopable clumps that can easily be removed.
Non-clumping will need to be changed more frequently.
Clumping litter is usually more costly than non clumping litter.
Many cats prefer clumping litter because it is easier for them to push aside.
Clay has a tendency to stick to kitty paws and be tracked outside the litter box
RECYCLED PAPER
Doesn’t get caught in the cat’s paws, making it virtually track-free.
Very absorbent and dust free.
Great for cats with allergies.
Used for cats after being declawed or spayed/neutered.
PINE
Natural, biodegradable choice, made from real wood.
Available in clumping and non-clumping.
Typically great at neutralizing odors.
When urine comes into contact with the pellets it turns into sawdust.
Great for cats with respiratory issues.
Low-tracking.
WHEAT AND WALNUT
Another all-natural option.
Extremely absorbent.
Harmless if swallowed.
Virtually dust free.
Flushable and compostable.
Great odor control.
CRYSTAL
Made of silica gel, which absorbs 40x it's weight in liquid.
Less dusty than clay.
Low-tracking.
Can hold up to a month of liquid.
Strong odor control.
Needs to be stirred daily to prevent pooling of urine.
Harmful if eaten, so supervise your cat when first using crystal litter!
SPECIALTY LITTERS
For cats with a special need
Cat Attract helps to solve issues with cats urinating outside of the box.
Cat Attract is a clumping cat litter that has an added pheromone to attract cats to it.
Senior litter helps prevent urinary issues in the older, overweight or post surgical cat.
HOW DO I SWITCH MY CAT'S LITTER?
Gradually introduce the new litter to the existing litter box with the old litter.
Start with a small amount, 10-25% of the litter being the new.
Gradually increase over the next 5-7 days until the transition is complete.
Supervise your cat to make sure she's adjusting.
Alternatively, you could use a second litter box filled with only the new litter. Continue the steps above, but watch to see if your cat tries the new litter on her own. If she continues to use it, you can skip the transition phase altogether.