Litter Types
When setting up a cat’s litter box, you may find yourself overwhelmed by all the types of litter to choose from. The following breaks down the varieties of litter we carry, making the process of 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 |
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Biodegradable:
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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. |
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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.