After testing dozens of automated litter packing containers, I can say it has been troublesome to find out which is the most effective cat litter (or somewhat, if there may be one). Most individuals will need to search for a low-tracking, clumping cat litter that is suitable with their litter field. However there are different elements to contemplate, like allergens, materials, the litter field itself, and the way you will cope with the waste.
Lately, there have been leaps and bounds within the pet tech sphere as a complete—together with the place our cats go potty and what litter they go potty in. Previously, the alternatives had been an absorbent clay whose predominant 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 shade; eco-friendly tofu litter; and all varieties of clumping clay litter between. After a yr of testing litter packing containers and scooping tons of cat litter, let me sift by means of (get it?) the choices so you may decide the most effective kind 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 could need to change your litter. Your cat could also be like mine, with sensitivities to sturdy odors or smells that may trigger allergic reactions or allergy-like signs like crimson 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 will must introduce the change slowly and oftentimes, you will 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 need to be sure that I’ve a litter that retains my cat (and me) snug, giving them a protected area to potty and a neater time to scrub it for me.
I search for, and advocate of us do trial-and-error to search out, a litter that has all of those components:
- Clumping: Many manufacturers declare to clump successfully, however you will 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 scent 14 occasions higher than people, and powerful 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 just 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 awesome clumping litter and add as a lot area between the field and the ground. Which means along with clumping litter, add equipment like stairs (in case your cat is cell sufficient), a ramp, or a litter-trapping mat to extend the gap between the field and your ground, to cut back litter monitoring. Litters that goal 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 varieties of cat litter from Boxiecat, and though dear, they’ve all managed odor properly, had low mud/monitoring, and scooped simply in clumps (and labored properly with my automated litter field).
Evaluate the Most Well-liked Sorts 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 will should consider your litter field and whether or not your cat takes to the brand new litter. (Though gradual introduction is vital.)
- Clay cat litter: That is by far the most well-liked litter kind, and most carefully resembles what cats can 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 less complicated to scoop and usually extra hygienic. Nevertheless, it isn’t as environmentally pleasant as a result of it isn’t biodegradable and may comprise 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 manner much less dusty than conventional selections. If purchased in pellet kind (the most well-liked choice), they clump properly and may even be flushed in the bathroom, though it may be dear and may develop mildew if in humid circumstances.
- Crystal cat litter: This kind of litter is constituted of silica mined from quartz sand and blended 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 each day sifting), simply tracks, could be an uncomfortable texture for paws, and is troublesome for some cats to get used to utilizing. Well-liked manufacturers like PrettyLitter really use a particular silica method 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 critiques 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 probability for litter to get caught in wounds.) Nevertheless, this does not management odor properly, is non-clumping, and must be modified continuously (you will in all probability want a sifting litter field). Wooden pellets are additionally typically fabricated from pine and may have an awesome scent.
- Walnut shell cat litter: Made out of crushed walnut shells, that is typically used as a a lot lighter, extra pure different 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 circumstances, and requires frequent emptying/cleansing.
- We do not advocate corn cat litter, as corn is vulnerable to a poisonous mildew known as aflatoxin. This could trigger well being points for cats and in people who’ve bronchial asthma or COPD and are immunocompromised or aged.
