All domestic cats need high-quality cat litter. Cats naturally use it to bury their waste.
Understanding the needs of their beloved pets, cat owners have different choices for this litter. These preferences for cat litter are based on components like cost, odor control, dust level, absorbency, clumping ability, scent, and affordability.
Some individuals also use other household items as cat litter if they cannot afford it.
Many different types of bedding have been used, including sand, sawdust, wood shavings, pet poultry feed, and dirt. However, these products are not effective options for cats due to the serious issues with odor, dust and bugs. Pretty litter review is a good resource for finding low cost alternatives.
Some cats do not use the litter and like to go outside instead. This is not a healthy practice. So, your cat’s preferences is the most important aspect when it comes to choose between different types of litters.
Most Common Types of Cat Litter
1. Clay Litter
Most cat owners pick clay cat litter because it has been around for years and is the most affordable option. It has several fragrant and odorless choices and low-dust and dust-free types. All of these litters, whether they contain small or large clay fragments, soak urine and soften into a wet cement-like material.
Even if your cat is hesitant and refuses to use the litter box, you can find clay litter with additional benefits.
Clumping and non-clumping clay cat litter are very popular. Many cat owners prefer clumping cat litter because they empty it daily. Some prefer non-clumping litter because it’s cheaper, and they’ll dump the whole litter box when needed.
Clay litter is not environmentally friendly. Moreover, it is heavy and dusty. Cat owners still prefer clay litter due to its affordability and availability.
2. Pine Litter
Pine litter is widely used due to its inherent antimicrobial properties. Pine tree litter is lightweight, absorbent, dust-free, and much lighter than clay litter.
Some pet owners prefer it to clay litter because it is less harmful to the environment and can reduce odors more effectively.
These choices are offered both with and without clumping. Pine litter can either be non-clumping and sold in particle form or clumping and sold in a ground-up form that resembles sawdust.
3. Wheat Litter
Wheat litter is made up of wheat instead of pine. It is an eco-friendly option over conventional clay litter. It’s flushable, controls the smell and makes clumps. This finely crushed granular substance does not contain any artificial colors or fragrances.
Wheat litter transforms into a sawdust-like material when urinated on by a cat, which makes it easy to remove from the litter box with a scoop.
4. Corn Litter
Corn litter is another alternative to using clay or sand. It’s available in fragrant options, but it’s still environmentally friendly. It is made of dried maize kernels and functions like clay litter that clump urine and other waste. Some brands of corn litter even include catnip in the formula.
Mold growth, especially aflatoxins, is a problem with corn litter because the crop is a rich source of this toxin.
Corn litter also has less clumping qualities. Although most pet owners report no problems using corn litter, some do so out of concern for their cats’ safety from aflatoxins.
Corn litter has been criticized for its lackluster compact ability, but still very popular among cat owners.
5. Grass Litter
Grass litter is another all-natural replacement for traditional clay cat litter. It is not as easily available as other types of cat litter. Dried grass seed litter is recyclable and resembles corn or pine litter in appearance.
Some cat owners prefer to avoid using other cat litter because it contains dyes and other substances.
On the other hand, clumping cat litter solves this problem. It is lighter and softer than clay litter while still being naturally low-dust.
Summing Up
When a cat stops using the litter box, it can be frustrating for even the most concerned cat owners. You should consult your doctor if you change litter multiple times and your cat’s behavior is the same.
Consider your cat’s preferences and ingredients before making a choice. Furthermore, litters made from all-natural materials are always safe to pick.
