Cat Litter - A Look At The Different Options Available
Ned D'Agostino
House training seems to be a major reason many people hesitate to get a family pet. Cats however rarely need much training. Just buy a litter box, add some cat litter, and oftentimes that's all that is needed.
Most kittens already know how to use a box. Their mother has taught them. Your jobs are few. Keep the box clean, and let your cat know where it is, lest he find someplace else to do his business. The only problem is figuring out what type of litter is best to use for both your new pet and for your home.
There are an increasing number of options available, so it's good to know a bit about each type before you run out and buy a bag.
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 quickly become the most popular. The litter works with the moisture in the waste, clumping up as soon as your cat goes. This is good for you because you don't have to change out the entire box, you simply scoop out the clumps, then add more litter to replace what you just cleaned away. And although it won't remove the smell, clumping litter does come in several different scents to help hide the odor. The problem here is that some cats tend to eat the clumps. You'll have to watch your cat carefully to make sure this is not an issue.
Silica litters use water, sand, and crystals to control the odor and moisture. You've seen those little packets in new shoes or some medicines. Those packets are there to absorb moisture and contain silica. Because of it's moisture absorbing capabilities, those same crystals are now used in cat litter. You scoop out the solid waste and the liquid is absorbed by the crystals. On the down side there is no clumping. On the plus side, this litter is usually biodegradable, returning to a sandy base when decomposed.
Paper litter is also becoming more popular, especially among those concerned with the environment. It is made from recycled paper or pellets. It's very absorbent, weighs very little, and of course, is also biodegradable.
Another litter that is generally biodegradable is made from wood. Pine is the preferred choice because of it's natural odor absorbency, but other woods are used as well. All softwood litters are absorbent with natural odor control capabilities. That means no chemicals need to be added, giving you a more natural product.
But once you decide on the type of litter you want, it's always wise to consult with your cat. They will surely let you know if they disagree with your choice by simply not using the litter box. Some cats for example don't like silica because the crystals hurt their paws. Others avoid pine because they just don't like the smell. Even though your cat can't speak, he will definitely let you know if he doesn't like what you have selected.
The key is to become as informed as possible about all the different options. Then you can make an intelligent selection. Of course you'll still have to run it by your cat to see if he approves.
About the Author:
For additional details on these and other cat litter choices go to CatLitterBoxesPlus.com. You'll also read about various litter boxes including the automatic cat litter box that makes clean up easy.
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