Choosing the Right Cat Litter

Choosing the right cat litter involves more than just grabbing the first bag you see on the shelf. Several factors, like scent, clumping ability, absorption, tracking, dust levels, and material, can impact both your and your cat's experience.

Let’s dive into these key considerations to help you make the best choice.

Scented vs. Unscented Litter

Scented Litter: These litters contain added fragrances to mask unpleasant odours. While the fresh smell can be appealing to humans, some cats are sensitive to strong scents and might avoid using the litter box. If your cat is not bothered by scents, scented litter can help keep your home smelling fresher for longer.

Unscented Litter: Unscented litters rely on their natural ability to control odours without added fragrances. This can be a better option for cats with sensitive noses or for owners who prefer a fragrance-free environment. Many unscented litters are still effective at neutralising odours when cleaned regularly.

Clumping vs. Non-Clumping Litter

Clumping Litter: This type of litter forms solid clumps when it gets wet, making it easy to scoop out urine and feces. Clumping litter helps maintain a cleaner litter box by allowing you to remove waste daily, which also helps with odour control. However, it can be more expensive than non-clumping options.

Non-Clumping Litter: Non-clumping litter absorbs moisture but doesn’t form clumps. It usually requires more frequent changes to keep the litter box fresh. While it's often cheaper, you may find that it doesn’t control odours as well and can be messier to clean.

Absorption and Tracking

Absorption: A litter's ability to absorb moisture directly impacts odour control and cleanliness. Clumping litters, especially those made from clay, tend to be highly absorbent. Silica gel and some natural litters also do a good job of absorbing moisture. The more absorbent the litter, the less frequently you’ll need to change it.

Tracking: Tracking occurs when litter sticks to your cat’s paws and gets scattered around your home. Fine-grained litters tend to track more than those with larger granules or pellets. Some litters are specifically designed to minimise tracking, and using a litter mat can also help keep the mess contained.

Which to Choose?
If you're concerned about mess, look for low-tracking litters and consider larger granules or pellets. For absorption, clumping clay or silica gel litters are top performers.

Dust Level

High-Dust Litter: Traditional clay litters, especially clumping varieties, can be dusty. Dust can irritate both your and your cat’s respiratory system, and it can also leave a layer of grime on surfaces near the litter box.

Low-Dust or Dust-Free Litter: Many newer litters are formulated to be low-dust or dust-free. Silica gel, natural, and some premium clay litters are good options if dust is a concern.

Material

Clay Litter: Clay is the most common material for cat litter, known for its high absorption and clumping ability. However, it’s heavy, non-biodegradable, and can be dusty.

Silica Gel Litter: Made from silica crystals, this litter is lightweight, absorbs moisture well, and produces minimal dust. It’s long-lasting, but some cats may not like the texture.

Natural Litter: These litters are made from materials like tofu, corn, wheat, pine, or recycled paper. They’re biodegradable and often less dusty than clay.