How to choose cat litter: all types, pros and cons of each type

The importance of choosing cat litter is undeniable. If the cat does not like what is in the tray, it may choose a completely different place to perform its natural needs.

The modern pet products market is diverse. Therefore, choosing a suitable substrate for a cat litter box is not so difficult: you just need to evaluate the pros and cons of each and make a decision. If the product you purchase does not suit your cat, you can always try other options.

How it works

There are two types of filler, differing in their principle of action. The components either absorb secretions and odors, or form dense structures in the form of lumps with urine, which are easily separated from the main mass.

Absorbent filler

Convenient for cats as it quickly absorbs large amounts of liquid. Manufacturers use natural raw materials that are safe for animal health: special types of clay, corn, sawdust, and pulp.

Most manufacturers do not add flavorings, but the composition may include soda, activated carbon or silver ions - these components significantly improve the characteristics of the absorbent filler.

It is inexpensive, but requires more frequent replacement compared to clumping ones, and regular disinfection of the tray itself. There is an advantage to this - with frequent washing, the risk of pathogenic microorganisms multiplying in the contents of the cat litter is much lower.

Important! Opt for an absorbent one if your pet has access to the outdoors (you walk it on a harness or take it to the dacha). Absorbent litter is the best option when there are several cats living in the house.

clumping

This type of brand is more popular, since the clumping filler is convenient for owners. For its production, bentonite is often used, a clay mineral with excellent absorption properties. Wood, paper and some other materials are also used as raw materials.

Why do cat owners love clumping litter? In addition to the obvious advantages - cost-effectiveness and ease of cleaning, some brands have special additives that change color depending on the composition of the urine. So, if the animal is sick, and there are no external symptoms yet, the unusual color of these additives will allow the owner to seek help from a veterinarian in time.

A number of manufacturers include substances that change color when exposed to urine. The purpose of such additives is to clearly define the boundaries of the lump. Therefore, the pet owner can save money by not throwing away clean litter. Many brands contain a variety of fragrances - components that are useless for cats, but pleasant for owners.

Which cat litter is better: review of companies

The issue of choosing a filler should be taken very seriously. They absorb moisture and remove odors in different ways; others have additional properties, such as the presence of a fragrance or an antibacterial effect. Of course, you need to pay attention to all the characteristics - this will help narrow down the circle when choosing. But you may not be able to find the ideal option right away.

Ever Clean

This is a very high quality clumping cat litter. Made from special clay without dust. The granules are small enough not to injure the animal’s paws, and inside each granule there is activated carbon, which serves as a good sorbent and odor neutralizer. The product does not contain artificial flavors. The line presents a combined version, when silica gel is added to the clay components for better moisture absorption. Manufacturer – Netherlands.

"Barsik"

Consumers consider the domestic "Barsik" one of the best cat litters. Its price is very pleasing to buyers, and the quality does not suffer. The pebbles are based on clay, which is a powerful antiseptic – in some cases it even relieves inflammation on the animal’s paws. Wood is also added to improve absorbent properties. Due to its natural composition, it is suitable for sensitive cats with severe allergic reactions.

"Kuzya"

Many people prefer it because it is a worthy and inexpensive option. It is widely available in many stores. “Kuzya” is made from pressed sawdust - a natural raw material that does an excellent job of eliminating unpleasant odors. When interacting with liquid, the granules crumble, but at the same time perfectly absorb moisture. Suitable for different types of trays. It is easy to clean, the main thing is to do it on time. Produced in Russia.

"Clean paws"

The composition is absolutely natural and harmless to cats - it is made from pine wood processed using special technology. The aroma of pine needles does not repel the animal, but at the same time effectively combats unpleasant odors. It has good antibacterial properties, does not generate dust when spilling out of the package, and the granules in it are of the optimal size. Absorbs moisture perfectly: one package – about 12 liters of liquid. You are allowed to flush it down the toilet. Consumers consider Clean Paws one of the best cat litters.

"Siberian cat"

Russian-made filler is very popular because it doesn’t break the bank, and the quality of the product is at a fairly high level. The range of compositions is widely represented. Anyone, even the most capricious pet, will be able to satisfy their needs. The composition includes only natural, environmentally friendly ingredients. Absorbs moisture and odors very quickly.

"Zoonik"

This brand also represents a domestic manufacturer. Available in three versions: wood, silica gel and mineral - based on clay. Buyers especially praise the mineral clumping look. It absorbs moisture well, preventing liquid from reaching the bottom of the tray, does not crumble, does not generate dust and does not contain harmful impurities. The volume of packages is usually small, which is very convenient for families with one cat.

Pi-pi-bent

It is a Russian-made product. It has very good absorbent properties, forms fairly dense lumps that are easily removed from the tray with a spatula. Some options are flavored, which suits the taste of consumers. A significant advantage is safety: even if accidentally swallowed, the animal will not be harmed.

Fresh Step

Refers to American-made clumping clay fillers, there is also silica gel. The price is high, but the consumption is quite modest, so one 30-liter package lasts for five months. Ideally absorbs odors from sterilized animals and during the mating season. Sometimes you need to stir it so that the liquid is distributed evenly.

Cat's Best

Under this brand, the German company produces wood clumping substrates for cats of very high quality. They are made from environmentally friendly raw materials - spruce and pine wood. Cat's Best has very low consumption - you only need to completely change the litter once every 4-6 weeks. It is highly absorbent and does not stick to the animal’s paws. It can be flushed down the drain, which is very convenient.

Homecat

According to reviews, this is one of the best silica gel cat litters. It has fairly large granules and does not spread around the apartment on the animal’s paws. Suitable for trays with grids. There is an antibacterial effect and flavored options.

Catsan

The basis of this type is quartz sand, mineral additives and chalk. It has antibacterial properties, absorbs moisture very well and copes with unpleasant odors. Despite the chalk content, it does not stain the animal’s paws. Some consumers note the very convenient packaging - plastic bags of 2.5, 5 and 10 liters. It's worth mentioning that Catsan is suitable for kittens.

N1

The product was created by a domestic manufacturer. It belongs to the premium class, but can be purchased at an economical price. The line includes both clumping and silica gel cat litters. Made from completely natural ingredients. Copes with odors even during sexual hunting of animals.

Pussy-Cat

It belongs to the group of wood products - it is made from recycled materials: branches, bark. A significant plus is that it can be flushed down the toilet, like other wood substrates. Absorbs moisture well and fights unpleasant odors. Pussy-Cat is priced well compared to clay and silica gel options.

PrettyCat

Each product of this brand has its own characteristics. They are presented in two versions: clay and wood. Clay granules are produced using a special patented system. There are options with natural flavors. Has excellent antiseptic properties. A special line has been created for kittens. The manufacturer classifies its products as premium class.

Japanese fillers

Recently, Japanese cat litters have begun to gain popularity. And this is not surprising: Japanese manufacturers claim that their products are economical, environmentally friendly and completely safe for animals.

There is a wide range of products from Japan, and today they can easily be bought at a large pet store or ordered online.

Japanese fillers

The practical Japanese even managed to make the contents of cat litter absolutely harmless, economical, convenient for the animal and easy to dispose of.

Manufacturers use familiar materials as raw materials: clay, sawdust, soy and corn fibers. But with the help of special technologies, high-quality goods are produced that do not have serious drawbacks.

Many brands contain additives that destroy bacteria and indicators that change the color of the filler. Silica gel products are produced that can be washed with water after use and put back into the tray after drying.

Pros:

excellent clumping characteristics;
instant absorption of secretions and odor;
safe high quality raw materials;
does not stick to paws;
low consumption;
can be flushed down the toilet.

Minuses:

high price;
You need to buy with a reserve, as sometimes it is out of stock.

Types of the best cat litters

It is difficult to single out one type and call it the best - the choice is very individual. Today in stores you can give preference to one of three groups: organic, silica gel or mineral. If you are in doubt which litter is better and safer for kittens, definitely look towards organic ones.

Silica gel

This is the most expensive option, but it also consumes less than others. Fillers are absorbent superporous granular mixtures based on silica gel. Capable of absorbing a volume of liquid exceeding the volume of the filler by 30 times.

Pros:

very economical, require complete replacement every two to three weeks;
absorbs moisture better than all others and blocks odors;
the surface always remains dry.

Minuses:

quite expensive;
they creak when animals walk on them;
not recommended for kittens, as they cause poisoning if swallowed;
difficult to dispose of, since when flushed down the drain they are guaranteed to cause a blockage.

Silica gel extremely rarely causes allergies, even in sensitive cats. Large granules are suitable for long-haired individuals, small ones - for short-haired and elderly cats.

Woody

Wood-shaving types are made by pressing sawdust mixtures remaining after woodworking, and are fairly dense small granules of a natural color. When wetted, the granules swell, lose their shape and crumble.

Pros:

they are environmentally friendly, suitable for both adult animals and kittens;
hypoallergenic;
cats can chew woody substrate, and this is completely safe for their health;
prices for this type of substrate are quite affordable;
They are very easy to dispose of, even down to flushing them down the toilet.

Minuses:

the main drawback is that it does not lock out specific aromas well;
is not economical, since it has to be changed much more often than, for example, mineral ones (depending on the individual characteristics of the pet, it may be necessary to replace the substrate several times during the day);
lightweight, so it is scattered from trays by animals.

When choosing wood chip filler in a store, it is worth considering that imported products have the same composition as domestic ones, but differ significantly in price.

Mineral

These are compositions based on clay, zeolite, opalcristobalite and other minerals. They are absorbent and clumping. Compared to organic ones (wood, paper, soy), they are somewhat more practical.

Pros:

perfectly locks out unwanted odors;
excellent moisture absorption;
clumping ones are easy to dispose of, as they form a lump that can be easily removed from the tray with a scoop;
environmentally friendly;
heavy, so they don’t fly out of the tray;
have affordable prices.

Minuses:

stick to the animal’s paws and spread throughout the apartment;
sharp stones can injure paw pads;
some species generate dust;
difficult to dispose of: you have to pour the granules into a bag and then throw them in the trash;
Not recommended for kittens, as if they enter the gastrointestinal tract they can cause blockage.

Mineral litter is sometimes combined with wood litter if the cat litter box consists of two parts: a tray and a grid. Wood pellets are poured under the grate, and mineral granules are poured onto the grate. Only the used bottom layer (sawdust) is removed regularly, and the stones can be changed much less frequently. The advantage of this use is that it is a natural replacement for chemical silica gel, and it is even cheaper.

Corn, starch and soy

These types of cat litter belong to the organic group and are considered the most environmentally friendly and safe today. No flavorings or various impurities are added to their composition. Corn filler can only be absorbent, while the other two types, due to the starch in the composition, form lumps.

Pros:

low consumption;
ability to flush down the drain;
efficiency;
nice smell;
affordable price;
Possibility of use for animals suffering from allergic diseases.

Minuses:

not always easy to find on sale (more often they are ordered online on foreign sites);
gets the animal's paws dirty.

Starch, soy and corn fillers have an absolutely natural composition, so they are in demand in families with small children.

Paper

Also belongs to the group of products made from organic raw materials. Presented in the form of pressed paper granules. Many pet owners distinguish it from other species.

Pros:

has a natural composition;
perfectly neutralizes unpleasant odors;
it contains antibacterial additives, which prevents the growth of bacteria;
does not rustle when the animal uses the toilet;
is safe for cats with allergies;
it can be flushed down the drain.

Minuses:

does not absorb liquid well enough;
some complain of a specific smell.

Previously, people used regular paper for cat litter. Now technology is very developed, and the paper filler that we see on store shelves is not just overpriced paper. This is a high-quality raw material with powerful absorbent and antibacterial properties.

Carbonic

Thanks to the unique porous structure and special treatment with activated carbon, this type of substrate has a positive difference in properties. The coal type continues to rapidly gain the trust of customers.

Pros:

safe for animals even if swallowed;
has a high level of fluid absorption;
quickly forms a lump upon contact with liquid;
is environmentally friendly;
actively fights bacteria.

Minuses:

gets the animal's paws dirty;
not available in all stores.

For some consumers, a significant advantage is that after use, coal granules can be used as fertilizer. They do not harm the soil; on the contrary, they saturate it with nutrients.

How to choose the right filler

Even if you are sure that the kitten used disgusting litter in its home, provide the baby with exactly the same one for the first time. He just broke up with his mother and found himself in an unfamiliar environment - don’t create unnecessary stress for him. And after a few days you can start replacing. However, do this gradually, gradually adding new filler to the old one.
What is suitable for a kitten? Many manufacturers produce special brands for kittens. Keep in mind that the baby is not yet strong and needs high quality filler. It is not recommended to buy silica gel or highly dusty litter for your kitten, preferably (but not necessarily) wood or corn. Suitable brands: Ever Clean, Cat's Choice, Barsik.
The cat has long thick fur. A luxurious fur coat creates some inconvenience for both the animal and the owner. To prevent your pet from scattering particles throughout the apartment, purchase heavy coarse litter. Corn is definitely not suitable - it has small, fluttering particles. Popular brands for long-haired cats: Siberian cat, Cat's Best, Kuzya.
Your cat is a desperate digger. For pets who like to bury their work intensively and at the same time cover the floor with granules, wood, corn or fine clay filler will not suit them. It is better to give preference to clumping types of fillers, but the most important thing in this situation is to choose the right tray.
There are several cats in the house. Some of your pets may be picky when it comes to toileting. In order not to organize a separate toilet for each person with a personal filler, opt for a clay absorbent one. Its structure is more similar to earth and sand.

Carefully! Your cat may have an allergic reaction to any component of the litter. In the process of replacing one brand with another, monitor the condition of your pet.

Practical advice

The animal may refuse to use the tray due to the small amount of contents: add a sufficient layer of litter.
The pet may go in search of a more suitable place for delicate matters due to the flavoring included in the filler: the cat’s wishes should be a priority.
If your cat is prone to allergies, take a look at brands made from wood or corn raw materials.
Most manufacturers offer several packaging options - do not buy a large volume at once, as neither you nor the cat may like the contents.
Some brands are quite expensive, think about your monthly expenses before choosing a litter.
Think about how accessible the chosen brand is: constantly waiting for an ordered product that is not on sale will be very annoying.

What qualities should a litter have from a cat’s point of view?

Previously, boxes of sand or scraps of newspaper were used for cats, at the moment there are more options for filling the cat's litter box. From the cat's point of view, the litter should have the following qualities:

To make it convenient to dig around.
So that it is comfortable and soft to step on with the pads of your paws.
So that when diligently digging, dust does not rise in it, otherwise it will cause allergies.
So that the filler has a natural smell.
So that no negative aspects occur when eating the filler.

Buckwheat husk

Filling with this component allows you to avoid allergies, accumulation of dust, and mold inside the product. The husk has good breathability, is able to absorb moisture and dries quickly. It is not very heavy and is able to remember its shape.

This pillow filling option is one of the best for those with allergies, back pain and neck pain.

What qualities should the filler have from the owner’s point of view?

An ideal tray filler should have the following characteristics:

Absorbs odor from the tray well.
Doesn't drag itself around the house on cat's paws.
So that when the pet digs diligently in it, it does not raise dust.
To make it convenient to change and clean.
So that when eating the filler the kitten does not have health problems.
Quite economical.
To be flushed down the toilet.

From the above, we can say that the criteria for many issues between pets and their owners coincide. So, how to choose cat litter?

Features to choose from

When choosing a pillow, you need to take into account a large number of characteristics. This item is almost individual for each person. You need to pay attention to the rigidity, which determines how your spine and head will feel. At a height that would be comfortable for the neck and shoulders, and a shape that is suitable for a particular person.

The choice and service life are also influenced by quality, environmental friendliness, weight, and properties of the filler. With a huge number of options, perhaps one of the most important characteristics is the filler. It is difficult to decide which pillow filling is suitable. You need to consider all the popular options.

Latex

Hevea juice makes it possible to create one of the best fillers for an orthopedic pillow. It holds its shape well and provides support. Mold does not form in such material and mites do not appear. The only drawback is that it does not absorb moisture well, so it is not recommended for people with excessive sweating.

Note!

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Basic tips for choosing filler

Many people think how to choose cat litter? Of course, it is up to the owner to decide which component to choose for the kittens’ tray; as a rule, he is guided by the price-quality ratio. But there are some nuances that need to be taken into account:

First of all, you need to think about financial possibilities before accustoming your kitten to a certain component of cat litter.
An important aspect is safety. It is important that the filler does not cause an allergic reaction in either the pet or its owner. Some silica gel fillers, especially those containing different fragrances, can cause allergies. If your cat is prone to allergic reactions, then it is best to choose a wood type of cat litter. Pet stores have formulations labeled “hypoallergenic.”
It is important to focus on your pet’s preferences, because if he doesn’t like the toilet component, he can ignore it and go around to relieve himself.
If you do not know the reaction to the filler, then you need to take a small volume for the first time.
Also, if a cat has a skin disease, then you need to take either wood or corn litter, because they are safer for health.
If there is more than one pet in the house, then the silica gel look is good, in this case you can save on the inside of the toilet and spend less time on cleaning.
The silica gel type is suitable for adults; for children it is better to take natural formulations.
It is better for cleaning that type of component that can be thrown into the toilet after cleaning.

Nowadays, there is a wide variety of cat litter, so there is no clear answer to the question - which litter is better. Only by testing can you choose the only convenient filler that both owners and their pets will like.