DIFFERENT TYPES OF CAT LITTER EVERY CAT OWNER SHOULD KNOW
Cats are highly independent and free-spirited creatures. As pets, they are stress-free in maintenance and don’t require as much attention as dogs. However, when it comes to cleaning up their litter boxes, cat owners have to put in the immense effort. Cleaning up a cat litter is indeed the most despised and awful of cleaning chores.
All cat parents understand the pains of regularly cleaning out the litter box. Even well-trained cats that don’t create mess tend to have disgustingly dirty litter boxes. Cats are incredibly hygienic and extremely fussy about keeping their litter boxes clean and neat. They keep licking and cleaning their bodies throughout the day. But the litter cleaning duty falls to their parents.
To easily address your cat’s obsessive cleaning rituals, it is crucial to pick the right, low-maintenance litter box. There are wide options of cat litters out there, and each type comes with its advantages and disadvantages. While some designs are easier to clean and organize, others prevent odor and foul smells from penetrating your home.
Below we will give you some ideas about the various cat litters to make an informed buying decision.
Here, take a look:
1. SAND LITTERS
Stray cats seek out sand whenever they feel the need to relieve themselves. Sand litters are an excellent choice for your indoor cat’s hygiene preferences. It is the most affordable and readily available type of cat litters out there. Add some sand to your existing cat litter box, and voila, it’s ready.
Sand makes it easier to clean the litter box because you have to scoop out the sand clumps. Sand also aids in reducing odor, acting as a powerful drying agent for cat droppings. However, sand litter can create a great deal of dust on windy days.
2. CLAY LITTERS
Clay is a superior choice for the non clumping cat litter that makes it easy to clean. Clay litters have ushered in numerous innovations. For instance, litters made with pulverized clay absorb the urine and feces and eliminate the smell. They offer the perfect texture for your cat to bury her feces and enjoy a clean litter easily.
3. CRYSTAL LITTERS
A popular choice amongst cat parents that prioritize quality, crystal litters look appealing and offer numerous advantages. They boost a higher absorption rate, allowing the litter pan to go longer without requiring cleaning. They are much stress-free to maintain and clean and don’t require daily cleaning, unlike sand and clay.
You see, the crystal can absorb the urine effectively, and it diminishes odor to prevent foul smell. Your cat will find it much more enjoyable and well-aligned with her hygiene standards. The crystals will indicate the right time for cleaning when they can no longer effectively absorb urine.
Silica crystal cat litters are a great choice, made with sodium silicate sand. This sand is processed with oxygen and water to generate luminous white granules, which are highly absorbent. These litters are highly efficient at holding liquid weight and absorbing cat urine readily. Naturally, this will reduce the fuss and effort required at regular cleaning.
4. PAPER LITTERS
Paper litters are quite common and affordable for cat parents that seek out sustainable and reusable litters. They are an excellent attempt to reduce the waste emerging out of your home. We discard enormous amounts of paper each day, and we can recycle this discarded paper.
Paper litters are formed with recycled paper to create large pellets to help your cat relieve herself with ease. Paper has unmatched liquid absorbing abilities, and it is highly effective at eliminating foul odors. If you’re nervous about making the change from sand or clay to paper litters, don’t be, your cat will adjust readily.
These litters are easier to clean and offer an environmentally-responsible alternative to other materials.
5. BIODEGRADABLE LITTERS
If you’re an environmentally-conscious cat parent, a biodegradable cat litter is a great choice to make. These eco-friendly litters are well-aligned with the ideals of nature and environment lovers. By investing in biodegradable litter, you can stop contributing to the waste products dumped into landfills.
You can choose several biodegradable materials, such as wheat, walnut, corn, grass seed, paper, bamboo, wood shavings, pellets, coconut, and more.
6. PINE LITTER
Pine litters are an innovative and contemporary choice for cat parents who want to opt for natural materials. They create less waste and are relatively easier to clean.
Manufacturers compress sawdust to create pellets for litters. These litters are relatively easy to clean and maintain. What’s more, it eliminates foul odor and dust from taking up residence in your home.
CONCLUSION
The right type of cat litter depends on your preferences and those of your cat’s. Cats are intensely fussy creatures, and if they dislike the material, they are most likely to reject the litter outright. If you’re planning to make a switch, consider introducing your cat to a new material gently. It is ideal for considering your cat’s preferences before investing to avoid wasting money and time.