Choosing the right cat litter depends on your cat’s preferences, any health issues and your budget. Experimenting with different types may be necessary to find the perfect fit for both you and your furkid.
With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is best for your furkid. This Ultimate Guide to Cat Litter: Types, Pros, and Cons will help you navigate through the different types of cat litter!
Clumping vs Non Clumping:
Clumping litter forms solid clumps when wet, making it easy to scoop out waste and keep the litter box clean, while Non-Clumping Litter does not.
1. Clay / Sand Litter
Pros:
Easy to Clean: Scoop clumps Daily
Odour: Tends to smell less (Always get unscented).
Cons:
Dusty: Can produce a lot of dust.
Tracking: Daily sweeping / vacuuming may be required.
Heavy: Heavier to handle & carry.
Environmental Impact: Non biodegradable.
2. Silica Gel Crystals
Pros:
Low Dust: Produces very little dust, making it a good option for cats and owners with respiratory issues.
Easier to Manage: Just dump out the whole batch.
Cons:
Expensive: Generally more expensive than clay litters.
Odour: Does not form clumps and may retain smell as no daily scooping.
Environmental Impact: Non-biodegradable & can be harmful if ingested by pets.
3. Unicharm Litter
Pros:
Odour: Designed to minimize odours effectively.
Low Dust: Produces minimal dust, making it suitable for sensitive cats.
Cons:
Price: Generally more expensive than traditional clay litters and needs it’s own litter tray system.
Complacency: Owners tend to clean less & do not change the pee pad in the tray often.
4. Pine Litter
Pros:
Natural Odour Control: The natural pine scent helps mask odours.
Low Dust: Produces very little dust, which is beneficial for respiratory health.
Environmental Impact: Eco-Friendly - Made from renewable pine wood.
Cons:
Non-Clumping: Requires regular changing of the entire litter box.
Tracking: Pellets can be easily tracked out of the box.
6. Paper Litter
Pros:
Low Dust: Virtually dust-free.
Environmental Impact: Made from recycled paper, making it environmentally friendly.
Soft Texture: Gentle on cat's paws, ideal for kittens or cats with sensitive paws.
Cons:
Non-Clumping: Needs frequent changing.
Odor Control: Not as effective in controlling odours as other types.
7. Tofu Litter
Pros:
Environmental Impact: Eco-Friendly- Made from natural, biodegradable materials.
Low Dust: Minimal dust production.
Flushable: Safe to flush in small quantities.
Cons:
Cost: Often more expensive than traditional litters.
Clump Strength: May not form as strong clumps as clay litter.
If you have just gotten a new cat off the streets, always start off with sand litter as it feels most natural to them. You can slowly add in a new litter to transition, as you would to new food.
Downloadable Infographics also available on Instagram: @thecatwhisperersg
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