How to choose the right cat litter

For most cat owners, the least favourite part of having a cat is dealing with cat litter. Finding a litter your cat will use that doesn't stink up the house or make a mess all over the floor can be tricky, especially with a picky cat. So how do you choose the best cat litter?

What to consider when choosing a cat litter

There is a wide range of cat litter on the market, so you should consider the particular needs of your cat and your household when you make a purchase. 

The most important factors to think about are how many cats you have, what they're willing to use, and where the cat litter box sits in your home. If you don’t consider these, you may end up with a your cat not using the litter tray.

How many cats do you have?

Cats are territorial and generally solitary animals. They can learn to share most things in a multi-cat household, but litter trays are not among these items. Ideally, you should have a litter box for every cat plus one extra.

For just two cats, that means three litter boxes! However, multiple boxes will prevent your cats from having territorial disputes and eliminating waste outside of the litter box. Sometimes, smelling another cat's waste can make your cat uncomfortable using the same box. Odour control litter may be your best bet for multi-cat homes. 

You may also find that your cats have different litter preferences, and multiple trays will help you accommodate all of them. 

Does your cat have a preference?

Ultimately, the best cat litter is the kind your cat will use. Each cat has a different preference, and if you try to use litter they don't like, most cats simply won't use it. 

Whether they don’t like how it feels on their paws or how it smells, if your pet feels uncomfortable, they won't use the cat litter box to do their business. If you want to change the type of litter you use, introduce the new kind gradually to help your pet adjust. We recommend swapping out a quarter of litter at a time, over 3-4 weeks.

Where is the litter tray in your home?

It's important to keep your cat happy, but a good litter will work for you as well. Dust, odour, and ease of cleaning are probably important to you, especially if you live in a small home or the cat litter box is close to an area where you spend a lot of time. 

Just like you, cats like to have privacy when they go to the bathroom, and they like a clean place to do it. Try to place your litter away from foot traffic and in a cool spot.

What litter tray are you using?

Your cat’s litter tray will also factor a lot into whether your cat will use it. While litter trays with a lid are convenient for humans, your cat may not appreciate a roof over their head as it can trap smells. If your cat doesn’t like a hooded litter tray, consider one with higher sides to keep the litter in when they start digging.

Choosing the best cat litter - what litter is available?

Clay Cat Litter

Clay litter is a great litter option for keeping the tray clean. It helps you eliminate the majority of the waste every day without having to completely change the tray. This is because it contains a material known as bentonite that allows the litter to form a nice solid clump as it absorbs liquid. You can choose a low dust or dust-free option depending on how sensitive your cat’s nose is.

Crystal Cat Litter

Crystal cat litter or silica gel cat litter is one of the most common cat litters used. It isn’t as dusty as clay, doesn’t need to be scooped everyday and absorbs smells. It also lets you monitor your cat’s urine which is helpful if you suspect your cat is sick - the clear crystals can show up blood and how much your cat urinates at a time.

There are some downsides though. It is usually more expensive and if your cat likes to dig after they’ve gone to the toilet, it can go everywhere!

Paper Litter

Paper litter is also used a lot because it is the cheapest cat litter. It is usually made from recycled paper making it an eco friendly cat litter choice. While it is absorbable, it doesn’t clump making it difficult to scoop and it doesn’t have great odour control.

Scented Cat Litter

While you might be tempted to use a scented cat litter, some cats won’t like it. Cats have 200 million scent receptors in their noses, whereas humans have only 5 million. What might seem like a light perfume odour to you can be overpowering for your cat. 

Your cat is also sensitive to the stinky litter box smells you are, so the best way to keep litter box odour under control is to scoop it daily. If your cat doesn’t like their scented cat litter, choose an unscented one.

Plant-Based Cat Litter

There are more cat litter options than clay, crystal and paper these days. Corn, wheat, pine, cedar, and other woods are becoming more common litter ingredients. These litters come in clumping versions and are usually made without any dyes or fragrances. 

Plant-based litters tend to have large, soft pieces, which are more comfortable for cats to stand on. They're harder to track through the house and have little to no dust. These litters are great for households where asthma is a concern. 

Choosing the best cat litter

Finding the right cat litter might take a little trial and error. If your cat refuses to use any litter or is suddenly uninterested in using the litter box, you may want to contact a vet. Disruptions in toilet habits can be a sign of a medical issue.