Cat Litter – A Look At The Different Options Available

If the idea of house training a pet is enough to keep you from getting a companion for your home, then a cat just might be the perfect pet for you. There’s very little training involved. All you need is some cat litter and a litter box, and you now have a pet that can stay inside all the time.

Many kittens are already litter trained by their mother so there’s really not much for you to do. Once you are sure he knows where the box is, you rarely need to worry about him going someplace else. But you will have to make a decision, and that is deciding what type of litter will work best.

If you haven’t been to the pet store recently, you may be surprised by, and even a bit overwhelmed with all the choices available to you. So let’s take a quick look at some of the more popular products.

One factor you’ll need to look at is the price. This is where clay litter has a big advantage. Clay was one of the first litters developed commercially and is less expensive than most of the others. The problem with clay is that it not only absorbs liquids, it also hangs on tightly to most odors. You’ll need to change it frequently or the smell will permeate your home. Clay is also problematic if your cat has allergies because when he scratches in the box the dust will start to fly.

Clumping cat litter has replaced basic clay as the litter of choice for most pet owners. As soon as your cat goes, the litter works with the moisture in the waste and forms large clumps. That means all you need to do is scoop out the clumps, there’s no need to change the entire box. Then just put in more litter to replace what you just scooped. Clumping litter also comes with various scents to help hide the smell. So what are the drawbacks? Well some cats will eat the clumped waste. Watch your kitten to make certain this is not a problem.

Silica litters are some of the newest on the market. Silica has been used for years in the small packets you see in pill bottles or in your new pair of shoes. It’s used because it is a great moisture absorber, and silica crystals in your cat litter work much the same way. They are mixed with sand and water to easily absorb any liquids in your cat’s waste. You still have to scoop out the solid waste, and because it does not clump, it can be a bit messy. Another plus is that this litter is biodegradable, and simply returns to a sandy base when it decomposes.

Paper litter is also biodegradable, making it a popular choice among those considered more “green.” Recycled paper or pellets are used to make this absorbent litter. It is also very light, making it easy to carry around.

Wood litters, in particular pine cat litter, are also biodegradable and quickly growing in popularity. Softwoods are great at absorbing liquids and odors. No chemicals are needed to help with the process meaning you get a more natural litter.

Here’s the concern; no matter what you think is best, your cat may wholeheartedly disagree. He may hate what you choose and he’ll let you know by not using it. Some won’t use silica because the crystals can irritate their paws. Others shy away from pine just because they don’t enjoy the smell. One good thing about cats is they will let you know what they don’t like and what they do like without being able to speak.

And while it is smart for you to know as much as possible about all the choices available to you, your cat will have the final word on whether or not you made the right decision.

For additional facts on these and other cat litter choices go to CatLitterBoxesPlus.com. You’ll also learn about different litter boxes including the automatic cat litter box that makes clean up a breeze.