Cat Litter

Litter Types

When setting up a cat’s litter box, a customer may find themselves overwhelmed by all the types of litter to choose from. Questions about the smelliness of paper-based litter or environmental-friendliness of corn-based litter might arise. The following breaks down the varieties of litter we carry, making the process assisting a customer in picking a litter less stinky!

Non-Biodegradable

Clumping clay. This type of litter is typically made from bentonite, which is a highly absorbent clay that forms into solid clumps when your cat urinates. Clumping clay makes litterbox scooping and cleaning easy. Drawbacks are that this type of litter is dusty, non-biodegradable, and heavy to cart around.
Brand(s) We Carry: Dr. Elsey's, Arm & Hammer, Fresh Step, Tidy Cats

Biodegradable:

	Corn: Naturally neutralizes odors right in the box. When the small pellets come in contact with urine, they fall apart into a sawdust like material that absorbs the odor. Frequently lower in dust and in tracking than other litters, so they may be a safer litter for cats that have respiratory issues or who are bothered by litter between their toes. Some brands may also be flushable, because the product is completely biodegradable. Brand(s) We Carry: World's Best Cat Litter
	Recycled paper. This is litter made from recycled paper that is turned into lightweight pellets or granules. Paper is dust-free, highly absorbent, and biodegradable. In pellet form, the paper doesn't form urine clumps, but the granule form does. Brand(s) We Carry: Okocat, Purina (Yesterday's News)
	Wood. Wood litter is also recycled and is typically made from lumber scraps that are heat-treated to remove toxins, oils, and allergens from the wood. This type of litter comes in pellets, granules, or roughly crushed. It has a wood scent and some naturally suppress the growth of mold and bacteria which helps reduce odors. The granules and cobble (roughly crushed pine) are somewhat clumping, but in pellet form, the pine turns to sawdust that must be regularly replaced. Brand(s) We Carry: Weruva Tea Potty Litter
	Walnut shells. This litter is made from crushed walnut shells and is dark brown in color. Walnut shell litters have clumping ability, offer excellent odor control, are highly absorbent, and biodegradable. Brand(s) We Carry: Naturally Fresh
	Silica gel crystals. Crystal litter is highly absorbent, controls odor well, and is almost dust-free. Some people even say it tracks less than other types of litter. Crystal litters are usually more expensive, but they tend to last longer. Downsides are that some cats don't like getting the crystals on their paws, and they can be dangerous if ingested in large amounts or over a long period of time, which happens when cats clean their feet. Brand(s) We Carry: Dr. Elsey's Respiratory Relief

Note about clumping vs. non-clumping litter: Studies have shown that cats prefer clumping litters, which paired with odor-controlling properties, can stretch the life of a slightly dirty box. This is crucial when a cat is extra-finicky about cleanliness. Non-clumping absorbs urine but doesn't form clumps, so it's easy to leave bits of moist litter behind when you scoop the box. This means it will start to get smelly sooner rather than later, and may require more frequent changing than clumping clay. However, non-clumping litter is often cheaper than clumping, and some cats do prefer it.

Litter Best Practices

Because cats are extra-picky about where they eliminate, it’s critical to stay on top of your cat’s litterbox needs. It really can make the difference between a healthy, happy cat and an unhealthy, over-stressed kitty that ends up remanded to a shelter for the rest of her life. The following are some great guidelines to follow in regards to the litterbox:

1. Cleanliness: Stay at least one step ahead of your cat’s litterbox-cleanliness needs. If you’re always just barely keeping up, the chances she’ll stray from her box increase exponentially should any other stress come to bear. Next thing you know, your mother-in-law’s visit will mean pee aroma everywhere––just because the slightly soiled litterbox was the last straw on that stressful day. And if your cat’s got a potential litterbox issue, daily cleaning is usually indicated — at least until matters are back under control. That means real cleaning, not just scooping. Sorry. Suck it up.

2. Location, location, location: As in real estate, the location of the litterbox is critical to successful implementation. Cats control territories...even cats who appear to get along without reservations. That’s why spreading out the litterboxes helps. While your house may begin to look like litterbox heaven, it certainly beats having a home that smells like it. Lookie here: You can even hide them: Consider, also, that boxes near windows or clear doors may be problematic for their proximity to outdoor cats. Beware the influence of those who don’t even reside in your home.

3. Multi-cat stats and your litterbox count: Here’s the key stat: 1.5 litterboxes for every two cats is considered the minimum. Sure, some can get away with less — and do for one or two cats — but once you have three cats, you’re risking your cats’ comfort and your household’s aromatic integrity. That’s why mo’ boxes is mo’ better. Even if it’s just temporary, consider offering a variety of litterboxes with a variety of litters, if need be. After all, not every cat likes to share and not all cats are going to be wowed by your choice of expensive litters. In fact, I even had one patient who refused anything but newspaper. She required her own special box. It happens.

4. Don’t go changing: Pick a product your cats like and stick with it, say many veterinary behaviorists. “Don’t go changing,” croons Mr. Joel, and neither should you be playing round robin with the litters. I know the ones on sale look soooo tempting, but consider that your cats have to readjust significantly every time you make a change. Sure, some don’t mind so much — but all cats care to some extent. While you might just happen upon the perfect litter if you mix it up a lot, you may also be courting disaster — especially if you make a drastic change after years of using one particular brand.

5. Size matters: Yes, it’s been proven. Bigger is better when it comes to litterboxes. Not only do cats feel more comfy and free in a sizable sand box, they also feel less threatened by invaders. More room...ahhhhhh... OK, so maybe this one's too big — but then, maybe not...

6. Put a lid on it — or take it off: Lids and close quarters can be especially disconcerting for cats who have to compete with other cats over territory. After all, how would you feel if you might be ambushed every time you left the bathroom? I, for one, don’t ever want to go back to middle school ever again — and I’m sure your cat doesn’t need that kind of stress, either.

Back to Pet Training