16.10.201806.10.2021 Ivan Korabelnikov 2 comments
All cat owners know that choosing a litter is a very painful question. After all, you have to take into account not only your preferences, but also the interests of your mustachioed pet. Modern cats are quite picky; not every filler suits them.
How to choose the best cat litter Try experimenting with different types and find the best option that suits both you and your pet. Also check out our rating of cat litter.
Rating of cat litter
Feedback from cat owners and expert opinions helped us create the rating. Analysis of characteristics and components, as well as stories from owners about the behavior of animals, made it possible to give the most accurate assessment of the quality of offers from manufacturers.
When selecting the TOP, the VyborExpert.ru team was guided by the following characteristics:
- Environmental friendliness;
- Type – absorbent or clumping;
- Features – presence of aromatic additives, absorption of odors;
- Disposal method;
- Price.
We pay attention to the packaging and some other points to highlight all the positive qualities. The work of our team will help experienced and novice cat owners quickly determine which cat litter to choose.
Wood litter for cats: rules of use and disposal
Using wood filler is not difficult.
There are several options, depending on the tray configuration:
- Spread the granular or clumping mixture in a 3 cm layer.
- Place a 1 cm layer of filler and cover with a mesh.
- Place wood pulp on the mesh in a layer of 1 cm.
If there is a mesh in the cat litter box, this reduces the likelihood that the pet will get its paws dirty.
Feces should be removed from the cat litter immediately, and it is recommended to completely change the litter if an unpleasant odor appears. Before adding new mass, the tray must be washed with soap and water.
The wet mixture should be thrown into the trash container. If the packaging indicates that wood material can be disposed of through the sewer system, you can flush it down the toilet in small portions.
The Best Silica Gel Cat Litters
Silica gel is designed for instant absorption. It perfectly absorbs odors, preventing them from spreading throughout the room. Natural, cats quickly get used to the tray. That's why our team has paid enough attention to the products to select the best absorbent cat litter.
CCKat
The peculiarity of the product is its ability to quickly absorb and neutralize unpleasant odors. It instantly forms into lumps that animals do not spread around the house. Natural, thoughtful, so it does not generate dust and does not cause rapid contamination of the room.
The consumption is economical, the package lasts for about a month. Its price is quite low, which often attracts buyers. It is easy to clean; due to its excellent clumping properties, it is quickly disposed of with regular waste. This offer is often chosen by those who prefer to receive good quality at a low cost.
According to reviews, animals quickly get used to the tray and they like the composition. Silica gel does not stick to paws. And this becomes an additional advantage of the offer and often makes it a sales leader.
Advantages:
- Fast clumping;
- Does not spread throughout the house;
- Does not generate dust;
- Low price;
- Economical consumption.
Flaws:
- Dispose of only in trash.
SiSiKat will appeal to those owners who are trying to find an economical and high-quality option with excellent odor absorption ability. Tested - there are no unpleasant odors in the apartment even if you remove the tray at the wrong time.
N1 Crystals
Premium class, which is confirmed by the price. At the same time, quality also benefits - it quickly gathers into lumps and perfectly retains moisture and odor. Doesn't stick to paws and doesn't spread around the house. Pets quickly get used to the new tray and visit it with pleasure, which pleases the owners. It will make much less cleaning, and it won’t take much time to replace the tray either.
Clumping cat litter is produced for animals of different ages and genders. Separately, there are hypoallergenic offers for pets prone to allergic reactions. The ideal composition - and your cats will be healthy. There will never be a foreign smell in the house, which is typical for apartments where cats live.
With all the listed advantages, the only thing that may confuse you is the cost. But with economical consumption, we can talk about its quite reasonable relationship with quality. Of all the products in the Premium line, this is not the most expensive and makes it possible for everyone to afford silica gel filler.
Advantages:
- Fast absorption;
- Hypoallergenic;
- Cost-effective;
- Detains odors.
Flaws:
- The granules are colored and can stain the tray;
- It is unacceptable to flush it down the toilet.
If we talk about the Premium line, our experts recommend choosing this product. This is a worthy offer for those owners who prefer to use clumping types.
The best shampoos for cats
Types of fillers
Cat litter comes in a wide variety. You come to a pet store and are simply overwhelmed by the abundance of bags and sachets. Let's first figure out what they are and how they can be distinguished from each other.
Until recently, cat lovers used sand, cut paper or sawdust. Unfortunately, none of these materials could hide the lingering smell of cat waste.
Modern industry has come to the aid of cats and their owners by creating well-compressed kibble that absorbs moisture and odors. You can breathe a sigh of relief (literally)!
But the business has expanded so widely that sometimes you have to scratch your head and think for a long time about what to buy for your cat. And we all know firsthand how tempting advertising can be.
Fillers can be divided into two types according to the principle of action.
- Absorbent. It absorbs moisture and unpleasant odors, but does not change its structure, only its color. The frequency of replacing the contents of the cat litter depends on the layer of granules and the amount of liquid absorbed. As soon as the smell appears, you need to empty the tray and add new filler. This usually happens once every 5-7 days.
- Clumping. When liquid gets on the granules, they form a dense lump, which is conveniently removed with a special lattice spatula. Fresh “pebbles” are immediately added. A distinctive feature is that the tray must be deep enough to add a layer of at least 7-10 cm, otherwise lumps will not form. This type is very popular among owners of several cats, who can go to one tray without any disgust. The “validity period” of such a toilet varies from several weeks to a month.
What are “magic” granules made of? Oh, there is a wide choice here, whatever manufacturers add to make their product different from others and attract customers. But the main composition is divided into only a few positions.
- Clay. Bentonite clay is used here, which absorbs moisture and odors well. Cats consider this litter as close to nature as possible and dig into it with pleasure. Disadvantages include dustiness; clay particles can stick to the paws and spread throughout the apartment.
- Woody. Well-compressed sawdust from coniferous trees. Highly environmentally friendly material, can be disposed of in the sewer without any problems. However, the granules are quite easily “trampled” and turn into dust, and this is additional garbage. Yes, and you have to change the filler quite often, since rapid soaking leads to the appearance of an unpleasant odor.
- Corn (cereals). Waste from corn cobs, grain crops and soybeans. Clean, environmentally friendly, flushes down the toilet, perfectly retains odor. But the granules are so light that they quickly spread around the tray. For effective use, the filler is best combined with mineral granules, which are poured on top and prevent the spread of “corn” throughout the apartment. Unfortunately, this filler is not yet widely used in Russia; it can mainly be purchased only on the Internet.
- Mineral. These are small pebbles made from the volcanic mineral zeolite. Its porous structure absorbs moisture and aromas like a sponge. Recommended for kittens and when using different fillers in combination. You can't flush it down the toilet!
- Silica gel. A modern artificial filler made from hardened polysilicic acid gel. It is considered one of the best at present, however, it is not without its shortcomings. One of them is ease and distribution throughout the apartment. Not all cats trust it, since it “crunches” and “rustles”, and when liquid gets on it, it also hisses a little. Yes, and the cost is not encouraging yet.
The best clay cat litters
The rating of cat litter continues to be clay. The composition is recognized as most similar to the natural environment that animals choose on the street. It is made from clay of different breeds, which gives cats the opportunity to bury waste products. It is usually completely natural and contains no artificial ingredients. But such features cause one drawback - the mass can stick to the paws and spread around the apartment. But first things first with real examples.
Leading Professional Bentonite
The key word is Professional. This is a litter tray actively used by professional breeders. Therefore, it can be found in large packages of 15 kg. Often this wholesale option has a positive effect on the price, which also increases the popularity of the offer.
Made from natural bentonite clay without additives. Lumps form quickly and remain dense enough for easy disposal. It is important that you do not need to change all the clay. Simply remove the formed circles and replace them with fresh ones. Due to instant clumping, stench is successfully neutralized.
It should not be flushed down the toilet. And you need to keep a close eye on your pets so that they don’t spread clay all over the house on their paws. Although this particular product among similar ones is considered one of the most convenient, therefore it is often used where there are a lot of kittens.
Advantages:
- Natural;
- Hypoallergenic;
- Environmentally friendly;
- No complete replacement required;
- Price.
Flaws:
- Dispose of in the trash.
Nursery owners or breeders of purebred pets often opt for such a product. If you need a clay one, this option is worth considering.
Fresh Step Extreme
It is included in the list of the best, so our experts could not ignore it. This is a really good offer, although expensive. Compared to competitors, it absorbs more liquid and effectively neutralizes odors. These are features of special light gray clay with low mass. It also guarantees minimum consumption.
Blocks odors. It has a light aroma of freshness, but it is unobtrusive and is almost not felt in the house. Consumption is minimal, lumps are quickly removed, and the vacant spaces are filled with new mass, which allows one package to be used for more than a month.
One of the disadvantages is the ability to stick to the paws, but the manufacturer tried to reduce this drawback to a minimum. Therefore, according to reviews from breeders, there is practically no dirt in the apartment, especially if you regularly change the contents of the tray.
Advantages:
- Environmental Safety;
- Fast absorption of water;
- Economical consumption.
Flaws:
- High price;
- Can't be flushed down the toilet.
When comparing the quality and cost of goods, those that stand out for their low cost and excellent characteristics come to the fore. Fresh Step Extreme is slightly inferior to its competitors for reasons of economy, but this is not a significant disadvantage for everyone.
The best cat foods
Review of the most popular fillers
Now let's look at what the manufacturers offer (information is provided in the tables), and then turn to real reviews from users who have tested the fillers on their pets. Their opinions are presented in the advantages and disadvantages of the product.
1st place. Mr.Fresh Smart
| Type | clumping |
| Compound | Wood, from coniferous wood |
| Package volume | 2.3; 4.4; 8.8 kilograms |
| average price | From 300 to 3,500 rubles |
| Peculiarities |
|
Advantages:
- can be flushed down the toilet;
- good clumping;
- complete absence of odor;
- ecologically pure;
- does not cause allergies;
- lighter than bentonite fillers;
- German quality;
- different shapes of granules;
- taking into account the length of pets' fur (there are fillers for short- and long-haired cats).
Flaws:
- not found.
Clumping litter Mr. Fresh Woody for short-haired cats (9 l) 9 l
2nd place. N1 Crystals
| Type | Absorbent |
| Compound | Silica gel |
| Package volume | 5 liters |
| average price | 455 rubles |
| Peculiarities |
|
Advantages:
- ease of use;
- no need to change frequently, “locks the smell” for up to 3 weeks;
- pleasant appearance of fresh filler;
- The larger the package, the better the price. 30 liters is enough for several months.
Flaws:
- dusty;
- high price;
- different sizes of granules, from very small to pieces of 4 mm. If you step on your bare foot, you can get hurt;
- crunches under its paws, not every cat trusts it;
- cannot be flushed down the toilet;
- the granules stick to the paws and spread throughout the apartment.
Users are concerned about the high cost, but this is compensated by good efficiency and high odor absorption. The disadvantages are minor.
N1 Crystals
3rd place. Fresh Step Crystals
| Type | Absorbent |
| Compound | Silica gel |
| Package volume | 3.6 kilograms |
| average price | 1,545 rubles |
| Peculiarities |
|
Advantages:
- economical. The tray may not be changed for up to three weeks;
- perfectly absorbs moisture and odors;
- optimal granule size;
- hypoallergenic.
Flaws:
- high price;
- light, crumbles around the tray.
Expensive filler, on the one hand, scares away buyers, and on the other, makes them think that the product is of high quality and worth the money. Indeed, these gel granules “lock” odors well and retain moisture, and most importantly, the filler can lie in the tray for a long time without replacing it with a new one.
Fresh Step Crystals
4th place. Catsan Hygiene Plus
| Type | Absorbent |
| Compound | Sand. Made from quartz sand and chalk |
| Package volume | 5 liters |
| average price | 440 rubles |
| Peculiarities |
|
Advantages:
- beautiful packaging;
- aesthetic white granules.
Flaws:
- Expensive;
- absorbs poorly and, as a result, does not “hold” the smell;
- uneconomical to use;
- has a lime aroma;
- causes allergies in some cats;
- spreads around the apartment on its paws.
According to users, there are significantly more disadvantages than advantages.
Beautiful appearance is not an indicator of quality. Catsan Hygiene Plus
5th place. Fresh Step Extreme Clay
| Type | Absorbent |
| Compound | Clay |
| Package volume | 6.4 kilograms |
| average price | 781 ruble |
| Peculiarities |
|
Advantages:
- holds odor well;
- economical, lasts a long time (up to two weeks);
- easy to use;
- cats like it;
- has a natural aroma.
Flaws:
- cannot be flushed down the toilet;
- inconvenient packaging without a handle;
- gathers dust and spreads throughout the apartment;
- high price.
Quite an economical and acceptable option. The main thing is that it has a long shelf life and good absorption of odors and moisture. Unfortunately, debris spreads on the paws from almost all clay, wood and gel fillers.
Fresh Step Extreme Clay
6th place. Ever Clean Lavander
| Type | clumping |
| Compound | Clay with added activated carbon |
| Package volume | 6 l/ 6 kg |
| average price | 904 rubles |
| Peculiarities |
|
Advantages:
- complete odor absorption, good absorbency;
- it clumps well if you follow the instructions and add a layer of at least 7 cm;
- convenient to remove lumps;
- low dust content;
- beautiful stylish packaging with a handle;
- ideal for owners of multiple cats;
- hypoallergenic;
- Quite economical, the package lasts for a month.
Flaws:
- Expensive;
- the instructions on the packaging are too small;
- spreads throughout the apartment;
- cannot be flushed down the toilet.
The main thing is to follow the instructions correctly. Many users complain about poor quality and bad clumping, but then it turns out that they only added a small layer. Clumping litters require high trays and a layer of granules of approximately 10 centimeters. Then everything will work out for you - it will be easy to remove waste, and the efficiency of the filler will increase significantly.
Ever Clean Lavander
7th place. N1 Naturel Green tea
| Type | clumping |
| Compound | Woody. It contains wood fibers from high-mountain Himalayan cedar and Ceylon green tea leaves. |
| Package volume | 4.5 liters |
| average price | 420 rubles |
| Peculiarities |
|
Advantages:
- can be flushed down the toilet;
- neutralizes odors well;
- economical, for one cat the package lasts from three weeks to 1.5 months;
- heavy small granules, do not spread throughout the apartment;
- does not stick to the tray, unlike clay ones.
Flaws:
- difficult to find on sale;
- not all cats are delighted with it;
- high price;
- Not all owners like the smell of green tea.
The manufacturer warns in advance that not every cat will accept this filler. However, if she likes him, you can't go wrong either. High absorbency, amazing efficiency and easy disposal will more than pay for all your costs.
N1 Naturel Green tea
8th place. Ever Clean Multi-Crystals
| Type | clumping |
| Compound | Clay infused with silica gel crystals for maximum odor control. |
| Package volume | 6 l/6 kg |
| average price | 904 rubles |
| Peculiarities |
|
Advantages:
- easy to use;
- small granules with multi-colored crystals look very aesthetically pleasing;
- low dust content;
- clumps well, no extra granules are wasted;
- reliably “locks” odors;
- the tray does not get dirty;
- efficiency. The packaging lasts for more than two months;
- a variety of unobtrusive scents, you can choose the one you like best;
- convenient packaging with a handle, opens from the side, like washing powder, which allows you to dispense the filler.
Flaws:
- cannot be flushed down the toilet;
- high price;
- small granules get stuck in the paws and spread throughout the apartment.
A very convenient and effective filler, especially if you follow the instructions for use. The pros far outweigh the cons, and the high cost is offset by the low consumption.
Ever Clean Multi-Crystals
9th place. Cat's Best Original
| Type | clumping |
| Compound | Woody |
| Package volume | 2.1 kg/5 l |
| average price | 430 rubles |
| Peculiarities |
|
Advantages:
- environmentally friendly, without chemical additives;
- perfectly absorbs odor;
- It clumps well and is easy to clean. The lumps are half as large as in clay fillers;
- does not generate dust;
- economical. The package lasts for 6-8 weeks.
Flaws:
- inconvenient instructions on the packaging;
- sometimes it sticks to the paws and spreads throughout the apartment;
- high cost, but compensated by efficiency.
Cats love natural ingredients, and sawdust in particular. What’s nice is that it’s economical, since moisture is “locked” in the granules and instantly turns into tiny lumps that are easy to remove.
Cat's Best Original litter (10 l)
10th place. Zoonik Clumping
| Type | clumping |
| Compound | Clay, made from environmentally friendly bentonite clay |
| Package volume | 5 liters |
| average price | 150 rubles |
| Peculiarities |
|
Advantages:
- low cost;
- almost no dust.
Flaws:
- does not clump well, fresh lumps crumble;
- does not “hold” the smell;
- granules are spread throughout the apartment;
- requires frequent changes, high consumption;
- does not flush down the toilet.
Users are unhappy with this filler. The advantages are so scanty that they are not even compensated by the low cost. The manufacturer should think about product quality.
Zoonik Clumping
11th place. Cat Step Silica Gel
| Type | Absorbent |
| Compound | Silica gel |
| Package volume | 7.6 liters |
| average price | 615 rubles |
| Peculiarities |
|
Advantages:
- absorbs odor well;
- aesthetic appearance;
- effective in combination with mineral filler.
Flaws:
- cannot be disposed of in the toilet;
- spreads around the apartment on its paws;
- high price;
- not very economical, packaging is not enough even for a month;
- gets a little dusty when poured;
- noisy.
The disadvantages are the same as any silica gel filler. The main thing is good absorbency, and all the disadvantages can really be compensated for by pouring a layer of mineral filler on top. Its granules are quite heavy and do not allow the gel balls to stick to the paws.
Cat Step Silica Gel
12th place. Pi-Pi-Bent Classic
| Type | clumping |
| Compound | Clay |
| Package volume | 5 kg |
| average price | 260 rubles |
| Peculiarities |
|
Advantages:
- neutralizes odors, absorbs moisture well;
- does not generate dust when poured;
- forms strong lumps;
- convenient to clean;
- low cost;
- does not cause allergies.
Flaws:
- spreads throughout the apartment;
- cannot be flushed down the toilet;
- to achieve the desired effect you need a thick layer;
- sticks to the shoulder blade.
Support domestic producers. Believe me, it is not inferior to famous import brands. This brand annually ranks highly in the “100 Best Products of Russia” competition.
Pi-Pi-Bent Classic
13th place. Happy Paws Woody
| Type | Absorbent |
| Compound | Woody |
| Package volume | 8 liters |
| average price | 115 rubles |
| Peculiarities |
|
Advantages:
- low cost, large packaging;
- ease of disposal;
- harmless to the body;
- economical consumption;
- There is no dust even at the bottom of the pack.
Flaws:
- spreads throughout the apartment;
- the granules quickly “trample” into small sawdust, odors appear and absorption decreases;
- fragility.
A budget option for unpretentious owners and their pets. Natural wood fibers are perfectly disposed of in the sewer system and do not cause the slightest harm to cats. The main thing is that the owner is not lazy and removes the contents of the tray on time, otherwise garbage and an unpleasant odor are guaranteed.
Happy Paws Woody
14th place. Golden Cat Ecoline Corn
| Type | Absorbent |
| Compound | Corn |
| Package volume | 6 liters |
| average price | 250 rubles |
| Peculiarities |
|
Advantages:
- low cost;
- natural;
- absorbs odors well;
- does not cause allergies;
- has a pleasant light smell of corn;
- economical.
Flaws:
- It's hard to buy in a store, only online.
The filler is so good that users only complain about the inability to buy it, which is already expensive.
Golden Cat Ecoline Corn
The best soy cat litters
Good and often cheap cat litter is made from soy. It refers to herbal offerings that are completely safe for both adult pets and kittens. Therefore, in our rating we did not forget to highlight the best, in our opinion, offers of the corresponding category.
Cat Step Tofu Original
Soy is a guarantee of safety for any animals, including adults and small cats. The components form into lumps when exposed to liquid, and the odor is blocked. The recycling principle resembles the method characteristic of clay ones. You can throw out only individual lumps, replacing them with a new portion. Consumption in such a situation is quite economical, and in combination with a low price, such features are appreciated by buyers.
Soy does not stick to the cats' paws, so you won't have to pick up litter around the house. It is also dust-free and does not contain small shavings or debris. This is suitable for owners who value cleanliness in their apartment as much as possible. The stench is blocked for about 24 hours, which is enough time to clean the cat's litter box.
Pleasant aroma and special structure are attractive to animals. Cats quickly get used to the new place and go to the litter box with pleasure. An important advantage is that it is washable, which simplifies disposal.
Advantages:
- Eco-friendly;
- Rapid absorption of water and aromas;
- Doesn't stick to paws;
- Price;
- Flushed down the toilet.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
A worthy product among environmental compounds. It is impossible not to mark it on the leaderboard, which is what we did for you.
Siberian cat TOFU Green tea
This product has many advantages. It clumps quickly and uses components that remove odor for as long as 24 hours. Even if you didn't come home until late at night, you won't be greeted with unpleasant odors when you return. Soybeans retain moisture perfectly and will not allow stench to seep through.
Biodegradable, hypoallergenic. Even if accidentally used instead of food, it will not harm the animal at all. At the same time, it does not stick to the paws, like competitive types made from natural clay.
Easy to clean. Individual lumps are simply thrown into the toilet, since the proposal is flushable. It is very convenient and economical. In place of the recycled elements, a fresh composition is simply added; the cat tray does not need to be washed. The green tea flavor adds a pleasant aroma of freshness and cleanliness to the room where the tray is located.
Advantages:
- Biodegradable;
- Hypoallergenic;
- Natural;
- Absorbs quickly;
- Doesn't get dusty.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
It is difficult to find disadvantages for products that consist of environmentally friendly components. So we will not try to look for them, but will simply invite buyers to pay attention to this product item.
How to use wood filler
The main advantage of the wood mixture is the ability to flush it down the toilet, so there are no difficulties with cleaning. It's easy to use. The required amount of filler must be poured into the tray according to the instructions. If the pet uses a tray with a mesh, then the filler is poured onto the bottom of the tray, and the mesh is placed on top (with such a tray, in principle, you can not use the filler, but then you have to wash it immediately after the animal uses the tray).
Lumps or granules that have absorbed liquid must be removed immediately. It is important to note that you do not need to change the contents of the tray completely.
It is recommended to completely clean the litter box every month to change the unpleasant odor. You need to wash the entire tray using laundry soap, a solution of baking soda and warm water, or a cat litter cleaner. Another detergent that will not leave a smell behind is also suitable for this (because the aroma can scare away a picky animal from the tray).
The best wood litter for cat litter
Next on our list is wood filler. Another species that can bring pets closer to their natural environment. It is created from wood shavings and bark of different types of wood. The choice is large, there are many offers, as in other categories of such goods. But our team, after evaluation and analysis in the TOP, identified the following.
Homecat
The product is universal and suitable for cats, rodents and other small animals. It is produced on special equipment, which first grinds, then cleans it from dust and debris, and only then presses the raw material. The granules are strong and without the slightest admixture of fine dust.
The granules easily absorb liquid. Animals quickly get used to this option; they like the aroma of wood and the opportunity to bury. It doesn’t hurt to add to everything that the product is cheap, and this makes you pay even closer attention to it. Wood pellets can be washed off, but we would recommend disposing of them in the trash. Another convenient disposal option is to use it as compost. A great way to add some natural fertilizer to the soil.
Advantages:
- Excellent absorbency;
- Odor protection;
- Price;
- Biodegradable.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
One of the best in the ranking is the wood composition, because it has a low price with relatively good characteristics. It is not always possible to find an equally cheap alternative.
Clean paws
The absence of synthetic additives and the pleasant aroma of wood are attractive to cats. Pets love them because it brings them closer to their natural habitat. The manufacturer made sure that both animals and their owners were comfortable. Therefore, it contains components that retain liquid and block unpleasant odors.
There are no chemical components, so the product is suitable for animals with allergies. This cat litter is flushable down the toilet. It can easily be disposed of in the sewer, but we would recommend that owners of a small plot of land use it as compost. The consumption is economical, the packaging lasts a long time. We would like to add that the granules do not stick to the paws, which guarantees perfect cleanliness in the room even in the absence of the owner of the house for a long time.
Advantages:
- Hypoallergenic;
- Biodegradable;
- Flushed down the toilet;
- Low price.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
When considering soy formulations, breeders often choose Clean Paws as an example of quality and reasonable price.
Kinds
There are several types of fillers, they affect the purity and the choice of the user. We list the varieties and indicate their strengths and weaknesses in the table below.
| Type of filler | Advantages | Flaws |
| Clay | natural composition, suitable for cats of all ages, well accepted by animals, reminiscent of natural soil | sticks to the cat's fur, cannot be disposed of in the sewer, requires careful handling |
| Silica gel | absorbs moisture, copes with cat odors, requires replacement once a week, does not stick to fur | contains acids, not suitable for kittens |
| Woody | environmentally friendly and safe filler, washes down the drain, suitable for animals of all ages | Frequent cleaning of the tray, sticks to the paws |
| Corn | flushes down the toilet, does not clog the sewer, absorbs odors and moisture | a lot of garbage and dust |
| Paper | fast absorption, no odor, does not stick to paws | rustles, requires frequent replacement |
| Carbonic | absorption of unpleasant odors, antimicrobial effect | should not be placed in the bathroom |
The best mineral litter for cat litter
A mandatory item in the ranking is mineral. Produced from natural minerals with a porous structure. They may additionally include flavorings and have different compositions. But most often the type chosen for animals is one that allows them to bury waste. They are often advised to buy for anyone who has picked up a kitten on the street, since in this case they feel like they are in conditions close to their natural environment.
Pussy-Cat Oceanic
It is based on zeolite, a natural mineral whose structure is very similar to ordinary earth. Despite the fact that it is scented, there are no unpleasant odors that would scare away pets. Even an adult cat will quickly get used to the litter box if its main habitat was the street before.
The composition is antibacterial and effectively traps stench so that there is no stench in the house. Cleaning is easy, since zeolite absorbs water perfectly, but at the same time remains dry on top. It does not stick to the paws, which is important for products with a similar consistency.
Quite economical in consumption, average price. When actively used, it generates a little dust, so replacement must be done carefully. According to reviews, the most dissatisfying thing is the packaging. The paper bag is not very durable and often breaks.
Advantages:
- Absorbs moisture;
- Hypoallergenic;
- Reminds me of earth;
- Blocks odors.
Flaws:
- Fragile package;
- A little dusty.
Pussy-Cat is a good way to quickly accustom an outdoor cat to a litter box. He will appreciate the composition of zeolite because it most closely resembles earth.
Kuzya
Does not clump, absorbs moisture, retains odors. At the same time, it has a fairly low cost. The offer is especially popular among breeders who keep several cats. For them, this product is beneficial in terms of price and quality ratio, as well as due to economical consumption.
The mineral composition is hypoallergenic, so it is suitable for animals with allergic reactions. It produces little dust and allows for burying, which makes the toilet convenient for many cats. There is no unpleasant odor, which is very important for animals. It does not repel, it allows you to quickly get used to the place, even if it is new or the kitten has just settled in this apartment. Since the minerals do not stick to the paws, the composition does not spread throughout the house.
A paper bag may tear after opening. But these are trifles if you analyze all the other advantages and disadvantages of the product.
Advantages:
- Eco-friendly composition;
- Ability to bury;
- Price;
- Economical consumption.
Flaws:
- Insufficient odor retention.
When you need to make a choice in favor of saving, it is important to look at these options. Perhaps they cannot be called ideal, but they meet all the basic requirements and are pleasingly affordable.
The benefits of silica gel for cat litter and how to use it
Silica gel is a synthetic substance that is used in a number of areas of human life. It has also found its application in the field of pet care.
What is cat silica gel
Silica gel litter for cats is a hydrophobic sorbent. It is produced by colloidal mixing: the product goes through dehydration and baking of silicic acids at high temperatures. During this process, crystals of considerable strength and a spongy structure are formed.
Silica gel for the tray is sold in the form of transparent crystals, there are different shapes. Sometimes colored granules are added there, which act as an indicator of the performance of the filler. The composition may include aromatic additives.
Advantages
Silica gel has several disadvantages, but this product has more advantages. Next we will talk about the main ones:
- effectively and quickly absorbs moisture, reliably holding it in the granules;
- absorbs odor well;
- the color of the granules makes it clear when it’s time to change the filler;
- does not stick to the pet’s paws and fur;
- a special formula of crystals prevents spillage from the tray when raked by a cat;
- the filler does not get wet and does not stick to the tray, so it is easy to clean;
- only needs to be changed a few times a month;
- hypoallergenic.
This type of filler is used very economically, which compensates for the high cost compared to analogues.
Kinds
The main difference between types of silica gel is the size of the granules and color. Filler of this format can be divided into indicator and natural. The composition of the first type, after getting wet, changes color to red or blue, this is due to the addition of metal salts to the granules.
White silica gel is considered the safest; it contains a minimum of additives, and some manufacturers claim that it does not pose a threat even if swallowed.
The filler is sold in the form of large, medium or small granules. More compact crystals make less noise when used by your pet, but take longer to absorb liquid. For cat owners, large granules are the most convenient; they quickly absorb moisture and do not stick to the paws.
Terms of use
Recommendations for use may vary depending on the manufacturer, so it is better to study the instructions. Usually no difficulties arise in the process; it is enough to follow simple rules:
- Place only in a completely dry and clean tray.
- The height of the filler layer should be at least 5 cm. Then you can gradually add granules as needed.
- It is better to remove pet waste using a mesh spatula.
You also need to pay attention to the composition of the filler. For long-haired breeds, large granules are suitable, and if the kitten is small, a product with a safety mark for babies would be the ideal solution.
How to choose cat litter
Don't think that choosing cat litter for kittens and adult cats is so easy. It’s not enough to just buy the first compound you came across in the store, pour it into a tray, and the cat will immediately start going to the toilet in the specified place. The composition must be selected so that it meets the requirements of the breeder and is attractive to the animal. And for this, several parameters are assessed.
Type of filler
Manufacturers choose clay, wood, silica gel, soy, and mineral components. Each proposal has advantages and disadvantages. The natural composition is necessarily hypoallergenic, but at the same time may have low absorbent properties. In addition, wood generates dust, just like minerals.
On the other hand, silica gel, which perfectly and instantly absorbs water. But it is not always suitable for kittens and can provoke allergic reactions.
Absorbency
An important indicator that will help assess quality. A good composition absorbs liquid instantly. Moreover, this applies to both silicone components and natural minerals. The faster the liquid is absorbed, the less risk that the cat will spread dirt around the house on its paws.
Clumping is easy to clean up. It is considered more economical, since moisture will form a small ball, which the owner disposes of separately. There is no need to completely change the contents of the tray - there is a reduction in consumption.
Neutralization of odors
An important indicator that ensures the comfort of the owners. Unpleasant indoor odors are a common problem for cat breeders. And if you don’t clean the toilet on time, the stench will spread throughout the apartment. High-quality fillers will eliminate the problem, even if you are away from home all day.
Not all offers on the market cope with this task. Silica gel products always come first; they block mineral and wood odors no less reliably. Things are worse with clay and soybeans, but there are worthy ones in such categories as well.
Other Features
Additionally, pay attention to the following nuances:
- Age – not all products are designed for kittens. Children need to select the composition especially carefully, as they may accidentally swallow a lump or taste the contents of the box. It is important that there is nothing among the ingredients that could cause stomach problems.
- Wool – Clay and shavings are not recommended for those with long hair. Small particles remain on the paws, stick to the fur, and then spread around the room.
- Additives – scented fillers add a pleasant smell to the room where the tray is installed. But cats are not always attracted. They can be off-putting, making it difficult to get used to the toilet.
When choosing products from our rating, evaluate these parameters to buy the best.
Pros and cons of wood filler
Wood fillers have both advantages and disadvantages, in general, like all available mixtures from other materials.
Advantages of wood filler:
- affordable cost and easy availability - you can buy wood filler in almost every pet store and shopping center, and its cost is less than other types;
- the disinfecting properties of the fibers prevent the spread of bacteria;
- high degree of moisture absorption;
- environmentally friendly material that does not contain any additives;
- you can flush it down the toilet without any problems, because the granules are destroyed when wet, so they do not clog the pipes;
- Suitable for both kittens and cats;
- The highest quality of the granules is confirmed by a huge number of positive reviews from owners of furry pets.
Disadvantages of wood filler:
- If you ignore cleaning, an unpleasant odor will appear, so it is forbidden to leave the tray uncleaned for a long period of time. In addition, many cats will not go into a dirty litter box.
- When wet, the granules begin to crumble, so animals can carry them around the apartment on their paws.
To prevent such problems from appearing, it is recommended to change the wood filler in a timely manner.
Which cat litter is best?
The VyborExpert.ru team has compiled a detailed rating with a list of the best fillers in different categories. A short analysis will allow cat owners to find an option that meets all the requirements. But we also want to once again draw attention to the TOP leaders:
- SiSiKat – affordable and fast-absorbing with dense silicone lumps;
- Siberian cat TOFU Green tea – suitable for kittens, does not harm the stomach;
- Clean paws – replicates the natural environment;
- Kuzya is a good option for cats that were picked up on the street.
The list from our team is more than detailed. Buy quality, enjoy cleanliness and the absence of unpleasant odors, regardless of the number of cats in the house.
