Cleans and deodorizes
Cleans and deodorizes

Cat Litter

Your cat litter  choice is going to come down to how much you mind cleaning, how much you mind paying, what materials you mind wasting, and which texture your cat minds using. Simple might not be a word you've encountered much in your cat care experiences, but now might be the time to allow such vocabulary to slip into your decision-making talk. Litter, regardless of which you choose, will reduce odor and bad bacteria created by your cat's waste. Cats, in general, don't need to be trained in litter use -- they know what to do when they see it -- and most types of litter will be accepted by most cats if introduced properly. When a cat doesn't like a litter, odds are the next choice will suit the prowling pet nicely.

Maintenance

A cat's litter box  should be cleaned out at least every day. If you have more than one cat, you may want to clean more frequently. The scoopable  kind of litter is great because it makes for easy maintenance. You only have to change the litter completely every three or four weeks, whereas with regular litter, the litter box needs to be emptied and cleaned out once a week. Litter box liners  can be used to make cleaning easier. Be sure to fill the box with at least 2 inches of litter and refill as necessary.

Litter Types

  • Clay clumping -- Offers an easy way of cleaning up and keeping out bad odors. The clay lumps poop and urine into rock-size (c)lumps that are easily picked up by scoops. Requires minimal heavy maintenance, since relatively clean litter is left behind when clumps are removed. Should be fully replaced once a month.
  • Clay non-clumping -- Absorbs, but doesn't clump. It requires more maintenance (replaced once a week) and odor control varies according to brand and the frequency of your cat's litter box use.
  • Crystal -- This fine, sand-based litter doesn't do the best for clumping, but it is good at absorbing odor. To clean it up you must completely empty the box once a week and replace it with new litter.
  • All-Natural/Biodegradable -- This all-natural, non-toxic type of litter that comes in clumping or non-clumping form. It is best for homes where either the humans or the animals have allergies since it is dust-free. It makes for easy cleanup since it is flushable. Plus, it is great at controlling odor.
    • Biodegradable litters include brands made from plant materials, wood, and paper. More than any of the above litters, these litter types won't stick to paws and track.
  • Silica pellets -- Look like capsules or beads and absorb liquid, changing color when filthy and in need of change. In the meanwhile, only feces need to be scooped. Tracking won't be an issue.

Major Manufacturers

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