PICK OF THE LITTER
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Whether you have one cat or a house-full, are a
first time cat owner or a lifelong feline keeper,
wading your way through the cat litter choices
available can be endlessly confusing. So many
options, clumping versus non-clumping, recycled
paper or crystals, fragrance free or perfumed,
what should you choose, how do you decide?
Here we break down the benefits of the different
cat litters as well as some tips for caring for
your cat's litter tray.
Clumping clay litters are made from an
absorbent clay containing bentonite and when
the litter becomes wet, urinated on, it clumps
together. Clumping litters make for easy cleaning
of the tray and because only the clumps need
to be removed the trays need to be completely
emptied less often. Clumping litters are non-
biodegradable, non-flushable and cannot be
used for compost therefore they must be put
in the bin and end up in landfill.
Crystal litters are made up of tiny silica gel
beads which absorb moisture. These crystal
litters can absorb a high amount of moisture/
liquid, almost dust free, they will control odour
and last a long time, up to a month, without
changing and often the preferable choice for
automatic cat tray systems. Keep in mind that
they are not biodegradable or flushable and
unable to be used as compost.
Recycled paper litters are made from recycled
paper that has been processed into pellets or
granules. It is a highly absorbent option which
works by absorbing the moisture from the
bottom of the tray and it is virtually dust free.
It is biodegradable and can be flushed, also
being safe for most septic systems.
Pine litters are made from sawdust formed into
pellets, granules, or roughly crushed. It is not
as absorbent as other options and does need
more regular cleaning. This litter typical has a
natural yet often strong pine smell which makes
it good for fighting odours but some cats might
not like. It is biodegradable, flushable and
ideal for a compost.
Walnut shell litters are made from crushed walnut
shells. It makes a highly absorbent litter, has
clumping ability and with very effective natural
odour control. It is a 100% biodegradable and
natural litter which is flushable.
Fragrance or Fragrance Free? Some cat litters
come with the addition of a fragrance like a
lavender or pine scent. The smell can be appealing
to us humans but cats have a much stronger
sense of smell and the addition of fragrances can
sometimes offend some cats. If a cat finds the
smell offensive it can turn them off and they may
avoid using the litter tray.
Cats prefer a clean tray and will often avoid using a
dirty tray. Therefore no matter which choice of cat
litter you use for your feline friend it is important to
keep the tray as clean as possible removing faeces
and wet spots as often as possible.
which
one
is
right
for
your
cat?
