What are the Different Types of Cat Litter?

Choosing a cat litter can get confusing. A decade ago, pet owners really only had a choice between traditional and clumping litter, but over the past few years, more and more non-traditional options have come into the market. This is a good thing, as many cats are quite picky about their toilet habits, and having options will ensure that an owner can always find the right choice to please his or her feline friend. Whether someone has a new cat or is just looking to make the best possible choice for your pet, there are a number of things to keep in mind when choosing a new litter.

The two original types of cat litter are clumping and non-clumping. Clumping litter has the obvious benefit of clumping around the urine to form a firm mass, so there is little chance the litter box will ever become extremely soiled. This type controls odors much better than the non-clumping variety, but it can sometimes cause medical problems, as cat may lick any excess caught in their paws. Clumping litter clumps everywhere, which means it can cause stomach or intestine problems if ingested.

Non-clumping litter produces less dust and does not have any negative medical effect, but it is certainly harder to keep clean. Cat litter that clumps can be simply added to the box after the used part is scooped away, but the non-clumping variety has to be dumped completely and replaced fairly often to avoid odors.

Owners who are looking for an alternative to the original types may want to consider absorbent silica crystals. They last longer than any other type of cat litter, and they are extremely effective when it comes to neutralizing odors. The only downside is that a cat may refuse to use them. If that's the case, the new litter can be introduced slowly by mixing crystals with regular litter and then shifting quantities slowly.

People who are looking to be friendly to the environment have many cat litter options made with recycled materials such as compressed pine shavings or old newspapers. These litters may require more frequent changing and many not be the best option for a multiple cat household, as they are not pretreated with baking soda, and do not always control odors very well.

There are several main types of cat litter, including clumping clay, non-clumping clay, silica gel crystals, recycled paper, pine, wheat, corn, and walnut-based litters. Clumping clay is popular for its ability to form solid clumps, making waste removal easier. Silica gel crystals are highly absorbent and control odors well, while biodegradable options like paper, pine, and plant-based litters offer eco-friendly alternatives.

Choosing the best cat litter depends on your priorities, such as odor control, ease of cleaning, environmental impact, and your cat's preference. Clumping clay litters are great for easy scooping, while silica gel crystals provide excellent odor control. For eco-conscious pet owners, biodegradable litters like pine or recycled paper are preferable. Always consider your cat's comfort and any potential allergies when selecting a litter.

Clumping litters are generally better for odor control because they allow for the easy removal of urine and feces, which are the primary sources of odor. However, silica gel litters are also highly effective at controlling odors due to their moisture-absorbing properties. Non-clumping litters can be less effective at odor control unless they are changed more frequently.

Clay-based litters, especially those that are not biodegradable, can have a significant environmental impact due to the strip mining required for their production. Biodegradable litters, such as those made from recycled paper, corn, wheat, or wood, are more environmentally friendly as they break down naturally and can sometimes be composted. Silica gel litters are less eco-friendly due to their synthetic nature.

Most cat litters should not be flushed down the toilet, as they can cause plumbing blockages and may not be safe for septic systems or municipal water treatment processes. Some biodegradable litters claim to be flushable, but it's important to check local regulations and the manufacturer's recommendations. Flushing cat waste can also pose a risk to marine life due to the Toxoplasma gondii parasite.

The frequency of changing your cat's litter depends on the type of litter and the number of cats using it. Clumping litters should be scooped daily with a full change every 2-3 weeks, while non-clumping litters may require changing more frequently, typically once a week. Silica gel litters can last up to a month before needing a full change. Always maintain a clean litter box to ensure your cat's health and hygiene.