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Who would have guessed that there are so many options for cat litter? Crystal litter, clay vs tofu litter (yes, tofu), odour lock, dust-free or scoopable? How do you navigate this complicated world of cat litter?
Not to worry, we’ve cut through the jargon in this quick guide so you can make the best choice for your family.
The litter you choose is important for both, pet and the parent. If your cat doesn’t like the litter, they could start avoiding their litter box, resulting in stress as well as accidents. On balance, for your peace of mind and convenience, the litter also needs to be great at absorbing odours and simple to use.
If you are a novice to cat litter, this is useful to know, if not you can skip ahead to the next section. ‘Clumping’ cat litter just means that when your kitty uses their tray, the pellets around this area clump together. Then all you have to do is use a scoop to dispose the clump. Non-clumping litter absorbs liquid and odours but doesn’t form these clumps, so you probably need to replace all the litter in the tray more frequently.
Over the years, a number of different materials have been used to make cat litter from paper to wood fibres and more innovative choices like soy and even cassava root! Here’s a quick cat litter comparison of the available options:
This litter is made up of tiny balls of natural bentonite clay, it absorbs odours and clumps instantly when your cat uses their tray. Depending on the brand it could also emit a fragrance when wet. It’s convenient to use as the entire tray doesn’t need to be changed too often, and the clumps can be scooped up and disposed in your bin. Clay pellets are rate low on dust dispersal.
Pros
Natural, low effort and quite convenient to use
Has excellent odour control properties
Bentonite clay is natural
Cons
Most types are formulated to be low on dust but are not dust-free
Minimal possibility of pellets being tracked outside the tray by your cat
Silica crystal cat litter
This litter doesn’t typically clump but it does absorb liquids and smells. It offers very low risk of dust compared to other litters and doesn’t need to be changed too often. On the other hand, this is not recommended for kittens as it’s not usual for them to chew on pellets and these crystals shouldn’t be ingested.
Pros
Excellent odour control and absorbency
Very low dust cat litter
Fewer litter changes, convenient to use
Cons
Non-clumping
Not eco-friendly
Can be tracked outside the litter box
Eco-friendly, plant-based litter varieties include wood, tofu and even cassava root litters.
Tofu cat litter
Using soy-based tofu in cat litter makes it soft underfoot for your cats and it does an excellent job of trapping odours. It’s almost completely dust free so it’s relatively safer to use in homes where respiratory issues are a concern. This litter is eco-friendly and is even flushable, depending on the plumbing regulations in your area. It can also be safely disposed of with the household waste. This litter clumps as well so it’s quite convenient.
Pros
Natural components and relatively eco-friendly
Almost dust-free are a concern
Clumping and convenient to use
Possibility of being flushable, depending on your plumbing
Cons
Higher cost
Softer clumps
Need to confirm if it is safe to flush in your plumbing system
Wood-based litter
Pellets of this litter are made up of wood fibres which are naturally absorbent and trap odours well. This is an eco-friendly litter but don’t necessarily clump so the tray needs to be changed more frequently. Litter can be disposed with household waste.
Pros
Biodegradable and eco-friendly
Odour control
Low on dust and lightweight
Cons
Doesn’t clump, requires more frequent changes
May require more space for storage
Cassava cat litter
Another innovative plant-based option is cat litter made with cassava root. This litter is eco-friendly and highly odour- and liquid-absorbent. It’s chemical-free, and the pellets stick together when used. It’s even safe to use for kittens
Pros
Natural and eco-friendly
Highly absorbent
Safe for kittens
Cons
Not-dust free
Low availability and higher cost
Cats may not take to it easily
So, which of these options would work best for you? It depends on what is important for your situation. It would make sense to start by understanding features are most important for you and your pet. If your pets or any member of the household is sensitive to dust, then opting for a low-dust variety is best. If convenience is a priority, a clumping cat litter is the best option. If you’re particular about being eco-friendly, there are several options to choose from as well.
Once the litter meets a certain level of quality, the best one is the one that works for you. Here are our three recommendations
Nurture PRO – Tofu cat litter
Nurture pro is 100% biodegradable and eco-friendly. The pellets are soft under your pet’s paws and it is almost completely dust-free. It’s superb odour control keeps your space smelling fresh. This doesn’t have any added synthetics or fragrances.
HUFT Natural and Clumping
This HUFT litter is chemical-free and convenient to use. It’s made with natural bentonite clay that clumps when it’s used, so all you have to do is scoop it out when required. It’s perfect to keep your cat’s litter tray clean. Its odour absorption properties, coupled with a subtle lavender fragrance, are ideal for a pleasant space.
Odourlock by Intersand
The instant clumping feature of this clay-based litter makes it very convenient, and you end up using less litter over time. One of the highlights of this litter is its odour lock feature that neutralises the ammonia from your cat’s business. It works well for a home with multiple cats.
Choosing the right litter makes a world of difference to your cat’s hygiene routine. You may have heard that cats are very picky about where they do their business and the type of litter you use has a big impact. Visit the HUFT store closest to you for a recommendation that’s tailored to your feline’s needs.
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