Which cat litter is best to choose based on composition and use?

Filler requirements

Before choosing cat litter, you need to take into account both the wishes of the owner and the requirements of the pet.

An ideal product for a cat meets a number of criteria:

It was possible to dig in it.
Stepping on granules (pellets) did not hurt.
There was no dust, otherwise the cat would start sneezing or develop an allergy.
Natural smell. Flavorings are for humans.
Harmless to digestion.

A person wants order in the apartment and puts as little effort as possible into cleaning, including the cat’s bathroom.

The owner has his own requirements:

Completely odorless.
Does not stick to paws or fur.
It is used economically.
Safe for pets.
Ideally, it is flushed down the toilet.

How to choose

Often, owners of furry pets have to try more than one type of litter box mixture before finding the best option for convenience and suitable for the cat itself. Each composition has its own characteristics. The mixtures differ in their ability to absorb moisture and retain odors. They can be hypoallergenic and scented. You should pay attention to these indicators when choosing a filler.

Ability to absorb moisture

The best ability to absorb moisture is observed in clumping mixtures. They not only absorb it, but form a solid lump that does not crumble and does not stain the clean product. The leader in this area is silica gel filler, which remains completely dry for a long time. Wood and corn compositions perform no worse, but they crumble and require frequent replacement.

How does pancreatitis manifest in men?
Diet menu for hemorrhoids for every day
How to deal with depression and apathy on your own

Odor absorption and retention

In the fight against the unpleasant smell of cat litter, owners are ready to go to great lengths, including not skimping on expensive mixtures that are distinguished by their ability to neutralize odors. Mixtures made from chemical compounds are again in the lead in this parameter. More natural types, due to their natural qualities, eliminate unpleasant aroma worse, but a mixture such as corn has an unpleasant odor in itself.

Possibility to flush down the toilet

For many owners, the ability to flush used litter down the toilet is decisive. You don't have to bother with a garbage bag if you buy wood, corn products. Manufacturers warn that the used mixture should be put into the toilet in small portions to avoid blockages. Minerals are not included in this number. They must not be flushed down the drain.

Presence of flavoring

This technique of aromatizing cat litter mixtures is used by many manufacturers. This is one way to combat unpleasant odors, but often it leads to the opposite result. Many pets simply refuse to go into a nice-smelling litter box. Even if the packaging attracts you with the words “with the scent of lavender” or another popular plant, do not rush to purchase such a mixture. Your cat may not appreciate the noble aroma.

Hypoallergenic

The safety of your pet's health will be ensured by those mixtures that are made from natural materials, such as wood shavings, corn cobs, and clay. The silica gel product loses in this regard, although it is positioned as completely harmless. Even those natural materials that raise a cloud of dust when used can cause allergies, since the cat will have to inhale it.

Economical

The most economical mixture is considered to be a mixture for trays made from mineral components. Next comes wood. Expensive products include silica gel and corn products. When purchasing, you need to consider not only the cost of packaging, but the frequency with which you will have to empty the tray. Thus, expensive silica gel mixtures turn out to be cheaper than others, because they require replacement only 1-2 times a month, while wood ones, for example, will have to be changed every three days if your cat refuses to go into the already soaked, although still usable, litter.

Clumping

The operating principle of clumping litters is simple: when liquid gets in, a dense lump is formed, which is easy to remove with a scoop. The rest of the mass remains dry. A new portion is poured into the vacant space.

Any clumping cat litter is poured into a tray in a layer of at least 7 cm, preferably ─ 10-12 cm. A tray with high sides curved inward is most suitable.

The size of the granules should be chosen based on the age of the pet and the length of the coat. Small granules are suitable for kittens, small animals and cats with sensitive skin. Representatives of long-haired breeds – medium or large pellets.

Large granules have poorer absorption capacity.

Advantages:

Convenient to remove clumps from the tray.
Holds moisture well and eliminates odor.
Suitable for all breeds.

Flaws:

They can't hold the smell for long.
Do not dispose of in sewer.
If you don't change it regularly, there will be a lot of debris and dust.

The granules are completely replaced every week.

Clay

Bentonite cat litter is readily available, environmentally friendly, and cat-friendly. Bentonite is a certain type of clay that can absorb liquid 14-16 times its volume and form dense lumps. There are flavored and odorless, with large and small particles.

Advantages of clay filler:

Cats love clay litter because it is easy to dig into.
It is easy to remove formed lumps from the tray.
Absorbs odor and can absorb a lot of liquid.
Animals are most easily accustomed to the clay toilet.
Cost effective since only the crumpled part is replaced.

Flaws:

May stick to the bottom if the substrate layer is small.
Lumps need to be removed constantly.
Sticks to paws, fur, and spreads throughout the house.
Both the pet and the owner may be allergic to clay dust.
Cannot be used on kittens, as they like to try everything by tooth.
When stored in high humidity conditions it becomes damp.

Types of cat litter

Wooden (wooden). Made from sawdust and wood shavings. It looks like granules about 1-2 centimeters in size. It is one of the cheapest and most environmentally friendly. Hypoallergenic and safe, it will not harm if the kitten swallows the granules. The wood smells nice. When using wood filler, the toilet can not be changed for about a week; it retains the smell of urine well. Can be flushed down the toilet. Wood filler can be recommended to the happy owners of a small kitten.
Corn. Like wood, it is safe for kittens and adult animals. It is often used by rabbit and guinea pig owners. It is natural and holds odors well. Soft and pleasant for cat's paws. Suitable for allergy sufferers, both humans and cats. The disadvantages of corn filler include the fact that when buried, it scatters a lot around the tray, since it is very light.
Clay. Otherwise called bentonite. This type of filler is made from bentonite. Its main advantages are price and availability. Clay filler can be bought cheaply at any supermarket. It can be poured under the grate in a tray with a grate to retain the smell. The main disadvantage of clay litter is the dust that the cat carries around the apartment on its paws. You cannot throw it down the toilet, only in the trash can.
Mineral. Consists of porous minerals. It can be flavored. Many cats like this type of mound; it is small and pleasant to dig. An ideal solution for cat owners who have picked up an animal from the street. The clumping version of the mineral filler is very convenient; it generates less dust and spreads around the house. After the cat goes to the toilet, the lump is thrown into the trash.
Silica gel. The most modern and expensive type of filling. Looks like small white or colored gel balls. Made from dried silicic acid gel. The most economical type of filler to use, you need to change it in the tray every two to three weeks. Not all cats like silica gel. Since it hisses when it gets wet and rustles loudly, some animals are afraid to step on it. Some cats are amused by this feature, and they enjoy using such a tray. When using silica gel, owners must ensure that the cat does not grab or swallow it. Silica gel is one of the most expensive fillers, this is its drawback.
Paper. Otherwise called cellulose. Made from recycled paper products. It comes in both white and colored. When moisture gets in, the granules become soggy and turn into a lump. The smell doesn't hold very well. Advantages: does not stick to the cat’s paws, can be disposed of in the sewer.
Herbal. Made from grass clippings, crushed and compressed. It often clumps, so it doesn’t get pulled around the apartment. Environmentally friendly, has a pleasant grassy smell. Does not contain flavorings or chemical additives. Can be used on rodents as it is safe to swallow. The downside is that the grass does not hold the smell of cat feces well.

It is better to choose wood filler made from coniferous wood, such as pine. Hardwood pellets do not retain odor well.

The best clumping litters

It is impossible to make an objective rating of which clumping litter is the best. After all, each user, both among cats and their owners, has their own preferences.

Main requirements for granules:

So that there are no sharp particles.
They absorbed liquid well and absorbed the smell.
Didn't stick to the animal's paws.
Dense lumps should form. If the liquid spreads over a large area, lumps will not form. This is not economical and the soggy mass is difficult to clean up.

The following brands meet these requirements:

The Best Silica Gel Cat Litters

Fresh Step Crystals

Fresh Step Crystals is an antibacterial silica gel filler made in the USA. A specially developed formula can prevent the unpleasant odor of cat urine. It looks like small crumbly granules of white, blue and dark blue colors. To use, pour 5-7 cm into a tray with high sides. Solid cat waste is discarded with a scoop. For uniform distribution, you need to stir the contents several times a day. It has excellent reviews and ranks first in online ratings.

Advantages:

Clumping.
Very economical. The package will last for 20 – 30 days.
Excellent retention of excrement odor.
The sea smells nice.

Flaws:

The only drawback of Fresh Step Crystals filler is its high price. Otherwise, the filler has excellent reviews from cat owners all over the world.

Smart Cat

High quality silica gel filler. Made in China. Available in four flavors: orange, apple, lavender and fragrance-free. This variety allows you to choose the option that suits you and your cat.

To use, pour about 4-6 cm of silica gel into a tray with high sides. After the cat goes to the toilet, collect solid waste with a scoop and throw it in the trash. This type of filler cannot be disposed of in the sewer system.

Advantages:

Doesn't spread around the house. Will provide clean floors and sofas in your apartment.
Very economical to use. A pack will easily last for a month if there is only one cat in the house.
The price is more economical than Fresh Stepa.
Smells nice.

Flaws:

There is no way to throw it down the toilet.
Quite a high cost.

N1 Crystals

They are premium fillers. Produced in Russia. Available in several versions: blue, green, purple, pink, lavender, sakura, antibacterial, for kittens. Such a wide range allows you to choose the appropriate litter for each cat. Antibacterial N1 retains the odor better. The granules are smooth, round, about 3-4 mm in size. According to reviews online, cats love N1 Crystals.

Mode of application:

Pour 3 cm of filler into the tray in an even layer. Periodically you need to stir the contents.

Advantages:

Relatively inexpensive.
Holds the smell well.
Looks beautiful.
Economical. A pack is enough for a month of use.

Flaws:

Cannot be disposed of in the sewer.
Colored granules color the tray.

Cat Step

Inexpensive domestic cat litter. It comes in both scented and unscented. The granules are small, their color is white, red or blue. According to reviews, the odor does not hold well. Instead of the stated month of use, the pack lasts for 2 weeks. The packaging is blue with a red cat, made of dense polyethylene. The manufacturer offers three packaging options: 3.8, 7.6 and 15.2 liters.

When using Cat Step, 3–4 cm of granules are poured into a high tray. Waste is not flushed down the toilet, but thrown into the trash.

Advantages:

Does not generate dust and does not spread on the paws.
Beautiful.
Many cats like small kibble.
Low price.

Flaws:

Absorbent fillers

The group of absorbent fillers is the most numerous in variety. Pros:

Economical consumption.
A complete replacement can be done on average in 6-9 days.
They absorb moisture well and remove odor, but once wet they lose these properties.
There are many varieties and there are no problems with selection.

Minuses:

Most types should not be flushed down the toilet.
Once completely wet, they begin to smell unpleasant.
May cause health problems if swallowed.

Clay absorbent

Absorbent fillers are also made from clay. To do this, it is dried at high temperature and pressed. Such granules absorb well and do not change their structure.

The layer of clay in the tray must be at least 5 cm, otherwise it will stick to the bottom after the first urination.

The backfill needs to be changed frequently. Clean up stool daily. Granules are produced in different sizes. This is one of the inexpensive varieties.

Wood absorbent

Fillers are made from wood in the form of granules and flakes (see photo). Granules are compressed sawdust from coniferous trees. Their advantage is that they retain moisture well and protect against odor. When urine gets in, the pellets absorb it and crumble. You only need to cover the bottom of the tray with granules, no more, otherwise when soaked they will significantly increase in volume.

The best wood litter for cat litter

N1 Naturel Green tea

Excellent quality clumping wood filler. Made from high mountain Himalayan cedar and green tea. Completely plant-based product. Tea smells nice. Combines the advantages of wood and clumping filler. There is only one packaging option on the market with a volume of 4.5 liters.

Advantages:

Nice smell.
Great composition.
It clumps when exposed to moisture.

Flaws:

Quite expensive.
No big packages.

Kuzya

Kuzya is a Russian-made filler. Doesn't clump. Made from coniferous wood. Does not contain fragrances. Packed in a paper bag with convenient handles. This filler is chosen by owners of several animals and breeders because of its efficiency, naturalness and low price. Optimal price-quality ratio.

Advantages:

Inexpensive. The cost of packaging is about 100 rubles.
Pleasant smell of pine wood.
Excellent absorption and retention of urine odor.

No shortcomings were noticed.

Clean paws

Natural filler, contains only wood. Does not cause allergies. Easy to recycle, can be used as fertilizer. The granules are smooth and small. Packaged in a beautiful paper box with handles. There are two packaging sizes: 4.5 and 14 kilograms. The manufacturer included a gift in the package - a small ball.

Advantages:

Low cost.
Sold in many stores.
Has a pleasant smell of wood.
Absorbs moisture well.

Flaws:

Users report poor urine odor retention.
Scattered from the tray and spread throughout the apartment.

Features of choice

The best cat litter is the one that suits the pet and is safe for cats and humans.

The best in terms of safety is wood cat litter. It does not contain chemical compounds and is suitable for cats with allergies.

Silicate granulate significantly saves time on cleaning, but is the choice for the litter box of adult cats. Silicone litter is not suitable for kittens.

It is better not to use a scented product for cats. The pet must know for sure that this is his place, his smell, so he will go here. The aroma may discourage your cat from visiting the litter box.

When using a specific cat litter, it is important to monitor your cat's reaction. If she doesn't like the pellets, she will ignore the toilet.

The transition to another type of backfill should be gradual. It is recommended to gradually add new filler to the old one, increasing the portion from time to time until it is completely replaced.

The best corn litter for cat litter

Homecat Ecoline Corn

100% natural product. Contains low-fat soy powder, corn flour and flavoring. It is light granules two centimeters in size. It clumps up nicely and the lumps can be thrown down the drain. Packed in a 6 liter plastic bag. The package has a handle for easy carrying. Produced in the Moscow region. Shelf-life Unlimited.

Advantages:

Crumples beautifully.
Natural and eco-friendly.
Absorbs odor well.
A pack is enough for a month (for one cat).

Disadvantages: several times more expensive than wood.

Golden Cat Corn

It is made from dried corn stalks and contains no chemical additives. Absolutely harmless. Kittens can chew it without problems. The packaging is a black plastic bag with a window through which the granules are visible. The granules are uneven, rather like lumps, light brown in color. The pack comes in four and six liter volumes. The manufacturer claims that one kilogram can absorb two liters of liquid. However, according to reviews, it does not absorb such a volume of liquid. It has no expiration date and does not deteriorate during storage.

Advantages:

Good price.
Eco-friendly and natural.

Flaws:

Doesn't matter, doesn't smell bad.
Poorly absorbs urine.
Disintegrates when buried.

Barsik Corn

Made in Krasnodar. Made from compressed corn stalks. Externally, it is granules about a centimeter in size. The color is light brown. It smells like boiled corn. The product is packed in a thick plastic bag with a volume of 4.5 liters. An excellent solution for those who have a toilet-house. It spills out of a regular litter tray when the cat buries it behind itself.

Advantages:

Great price.
Availability, available in many stores.
Natural and environmentally friendly.
The used filler can be used as fertilizer in the country.

Flaws:

Absorbs moisture worse than wood or clumping.
After two to three days, the tray begins to smell unpleasant.
Requires frequent replacement.

Kitten litter

The most important criterion that you need to focus on when choosing litter for a kitten is naturalness. First of all, because kids love to taste everything.

Some cat breeders accustom a very small kitten to a tray with a newspaper. It is cheap. And at first everything goes well, because the kitten’s urine does not smell so strong. But when the baby grows up, the newspaper will not be able to hide the smells. But switching to another filler is not easy; it requires patience and time.

Woody varieties are suitable for kittens. Clay is also suitable, but it can stick to paws, fur, and spread around the house.

The use of silica gel is recommended after 9-10 months, when the desire to bite everything in kittens subsides. Otherwise, the gel granules may stick to the oral mucosa and cause injury.

Having chosen a certain litter, you need to be prepared for the fact that the cat will not like it. And then the choice will remain with the pet. You may need to use more than one type to choose the best one for both the pet and the owner.

The best mineral litter for cat litter

Sanicat Classic

Classic mineral filler. Product from the mineral sepiolite. Without fragrances or additional additives. Outwardly similar to beige grains. Doesn't clump. Very soft to the touch and pleasant for cat's paws. Packed in a paper bag with handles. Packages of 10, 20 and 30 liters are available for sale.

Advantages:

Natural mineral composition.
There is a large package, enough for a long time.
Soft, cats like it.
Affordable.

Flaws:

Doesn't clump.
Disintegrates when buried.

Sepiolsa Natural

Sepiolsa is a Spanish company engaged in clay mining. It also produces products for animals. The consistency of the product is fine, similar to gray sand. Doesn't clump. Packaged in bags of 5, 10 and 18 kilograms.

Advantages:

Soft and crumbly.
Absorbs and locks in odor normally.

Flaws:

It generates dust and spreads throughout the house.
Not economical.

Cat without worries Absorbent

Produced in Moscow. This product contains only the mineral diatomite. According to the manufacturer, diatomite absorbs better than other minerals. Does not contain flavorings or chemical additives. Compared to other mineral fillers, it has a large fraction, the particle diameter is 6-10 cm. It is safe if swallowed by a cat.

Advantages:

Absorbs animal urine well.
Large particles do not stick to the paws.
Doesn't stick to fur.
Economical.

Judging by the reviews, it has no shortcomings.

Which cat litter would a pet choose?

If cats could choose their own litter, they would pay attention to the following indicators:

A hygiene product should be comfortable: it should not stick between the paws, and the granules should be pleasant to the touch.
The composition must have good absorbency so that after urination a “swamp” does not form in the tray.
For those who like to dig into the tray, the composition should not generate dust. Otherwise, it creates unpleasant sensations and allergies may even appear.
It is preferable that there is no smell at all or that it is as close to natural as possible.