What to pay attention to when buying cat litter
Formulation or ingredients
Most conventional cat litter is made with bentonite clay, which is known for its cohesive properties and excellent odor control. However, some cat parents prefer other materials, especially for cats with hypersensitivity or asthma.
Some litters are made with plant-based ingredients such as corn, wheat, and pine for biodegradable options that are usually gentle on sensitive paws and noses.
Silica gel litter is known for its excellent moisture absorption and long-term use.
Each type of cat litter has its benefits and should be selected depending on your cat’s specific needs and preferences.
Generation of dust
The amount of dust in cat litter not only affects your cat’s health, but also the overall air quality of your home.
High levels of dust can irritate a cat’s respiratory system and can be even more harmful for cats with respiratory conditions such as asthma. Dusty cat litter can also worsen allergies and sensitivities in humans.
Ideally, cat litter should have a low-dust formulation to minimize the amount of airborne particles released when your cat digs or scoops.
odor control
No one wants a house that smells like cat urine or feces. A good kitty litter should effectively neutralize or absorb strong odors and keep your home smelling fresh.
To enhance odor control, ingredients such as activated charcoal, baking soda, or chemicals that block certain odors are often added.
Some cat litters have added fragrances to mask unpleasant odors. However, it is important to note that some cats, especially those with respiratory problems or sensitivities, may find these scents irritating.
For sensitive cats, unscented cat litter, which has strong odor-absorbing properties, is usually safer.
Although the sand you choose will help prevent odors, you will still need to clean the litter box regularly. Our veterinarians scoop the sand once (if not twice) a day, replenish as needed to keep the sand 1-3 inches deep, and completely remove the sand once a month. We recommend replacing it.
They also suggest scrubbing the toilet with soapy water and changing the toilet every month. toilet Every year.
tracking
Litter tracking is a common problem faced by cat parents. This happens when particles of cat litter stick to your cat’s paws and are scattered around the house. Not only does it cause a mess, but it’s also unsanitary.
If minimizing tracking is a priority, look for litter with larger, heavier grains that are less likely to stick to your cat’s paws. Some cat litters are specially formulated to reduce tracking.
have toilet mat It can also reduce tracking by catching particles scattered throughout your home before they spread.
Coagulation ability
The cat litter hardens well, making it much easier to scoop and clean the cat litter.
Good cohesive cat litter forms a firm, solid mass when it comes into contact with moisture. This allows you to remove cat litter without disturbing the clean cat litter, while also keeping the litter box clean and trapping odors.
Stronger clumping also means you won’t have to replace the entire toilet as often, saving you time and money.
Additionally, you can encourage your cat to use the litter box multiple times before scooping the litter (which should also be done at least daily). According to our veterinarians, the better the consolidation, the more likely your cat will use the box.
Discard
Properly disposing of cat litter is essential for both environmental and health reasons.
Most traditional clay sand must be bagged and thrown in the trash.
Some litters are sold as flushable and are usually made from natural, water-soluble materials. However, it is important to note that not all plumbing systems can cope with these.
Our veterinarians still recommend bagging up cat litter and throwing it in the trash.
How to choose the best cat litter
This list of the best cat litters was meticulously curated by a panel of veterinarians employed by Chewy, the publisher of PetMD. They were asked to choose the best cat litter in their honest opinion across multiple categories (as listed above) based on:
- their knowledge and practical experience
- Review of information published by pet food manufacturers
- Attributes like:
- material
- price range
- Dust generation
- odor control
- cohesiveness
- sustainability
- tracking
The opinions and product recommendations in this article belong solely to a review panel of veterinarians and animal health experts.
Manufacturers and vendors may not purchase inclusion in veterinary-verified content or influence panelists who evaluate their products.
The sole goal of this program is to provide pet parents with the information they need to make the best decision for their pet.
Frequently asked questions about cat litter
Which style of cat litter is best?
The best cat litter will depend on your cat’s needs and preferences. When choosing cat litter, consider one with strong clumping abilities that are easy to clean, strong odor control, and minimal tracking properties.
If you or your cat has asthma or sensitivities, look for cat litter with a less dusty formula.
What is the most environmentally friendly cat litter?
Eco-friendly cat litter alternatives are typically made from biodegradable and renewable materials such as corn, wheat, and pine. Plant-based or biodegradable waste breaks down naturally, reducing the impact on landfills.
How often should cat litter be changed?
It is a good idea to scoop the sand daily, if not frequently, and replace the sand as needed to ensure there is always 1 to 3 inches of sand in the box, and to completely replace the sand every month. Recommended.
If you want to reduce the number of scoops, consider investing in an automatic toilet.
Our veterinarians also recommend washing the box with soap and water during monthly litter changes and replacing the litter box annually.
Which is better: sand that hardens or sand that doesn’t harden?
Hardened cat litter is generally better because it helps with litter management and is easier to scoop out. Cat litter that doesn’t clump will need to be changed more frequently and may not control odors effectively. Additionally, many cats have a strong preference for compacted sand.
