After testing dozens of computerized litter packing containers, I can say it has been troublesome to find out which is the very best cat litter (or fairly, if there’s 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.
In recent times, 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 essential compound was calcium bentonite, sawdust, or sand. Now, we’ve got high-tech crystal litter, which goals to point out well being points by way of altering coloration; 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 way of (get it?) the choices so you may decide the very best kind of cat litter for you and your furry buddy.
Desk of Contents
Ought to You Change Up Your Litter?
There are numerous the reason why it’s possible you’ll need to change your litter. Your cat could also be like mine, with sensitivities to robust odors or smells that may trigger allergy symptoms 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 beneath.)
As a helicopter pet guardian who brushes their cats’ tooth and shaves their butts, I truthfully simply need to make certain I’ve a litter that retains my cat (and me) comfy, giving them a protected house to potty and a neater time to scrub it for me.
I search for, and advocate of us do trial-and-error to seek out, a litter that has all of those parts:
- 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 way of grates whereas cleansing.
- Scent-free or low scent: Cats can scent 14 instances 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 simply too overwhelming.
- Low–monitoring: Identical as clumping litters above, many litters declare to be low monitoring, however I’ve discovered that the easiest way to minimize litter monitoring round the home is to have an important clumping litter and add as a lot house between the field and the ground. Which means that 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 space between the field and your ground, to scale back litter monitoring. Litters that goal to be low-tracking are typically 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 expensive, they’ve all managed odor nicely, had low mud/monitoring, and scooped simply in clumps (and labored nicely with my computerized litter field).
Evaluate the Most In style Forms of Litter
As mentioned earlier than, there was once 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 need to consider your litter field and whether or not your cat takes to the brand new litter. (Though gradual introduction is essential.)
- Clay cat litter: That is by far the preferred litter kind, and most intently 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 customarily extra hygienic. Nonetheless, 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 method much less dusty than conventional selections. If purchased in pellet kind (the preferred choice), they clump nicely and may even be flushed in the bathroom, though it may be expensive and may develop mould if in humid circumstances.
- Crystal cat litter: Such a litter is produced from 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 objects). It is light-weight and has nice odor management. Crystal litter is costly, not biodegradable or clumping (requires every day sifting), simply tracks, may be an uncomfortable texture for paws, and is troublesome for some cats to get used to utilizing. In style manufacturers like PrettyLitter really use a particular silica system that goals to trace well being adjustments by way of altering colours primarily based 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 nicely, is non-clumping, and must be modified often (you will in all probability want a sifting litter field). Wooden pellets are additionally usually fabricated from pine and may have an amazing scent.
- Walnut shell cat litter: Constituted of crushed walnut shells, that is usually 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 observe, spoil if in moist circumstances, 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 could trigger well being points for cats and in people who’ve bronchial asthma or COPD and are immunocompromised or aged.
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