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There are many elements to bringing a cat or small kitten into your home, and one of those which is most overlooked is which is the best cat litter to use.
Choosing the best cat litter is important, especially if your cat spends the majority of the time indoors. You will need to create an environment where your cat is comfortable in using the litter tray, and an integral part of this is using the most suitable cat litter for her needs.
We have gone into some detail regarding cat litter reviews, different types of litter and various other options to help you find the best cat litter. The table below will also help to provide you with a starting point for the most popular brands of cat litter available today.
Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
---|---|---|---|---|
Top Top | Ever Clean Extra Strong Clumping Cat Litter, 10 Litre, Scented | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
Top | Catsan Hygiene Non-Clumping Cat Litter 20L | Prime | Buy Now | |
Top | World's Best Cat Litter, Clumping, Biodegradable, Original 3.18kg | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
Top | Pettex Pampuss Woodbase Cat Litter 30 Litre | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
Top | Breeder Celect Cat Litter, 30L | PrimeEligible | Buy Now |
Which Type of Cat Litter?
One of the first choices you will be faced with will be to decide which type of cat litter to use. The most common types of cat litter are clumping cat litter and non-clumping cat litter, and most litters will be one variation or the other.
Best Clumping Cat Litter
Clumping cat litter is one of the most common types of cat litter used among cat owners. It is convenient, economical and easy to use as the litter tray does not need to be changed as often as if you use a non-clumping cat litter.
This type of litter has traditionally consisted of granulated bentonite clay which forms nice and firm clumps when it comes into contact with moisture, making it easy for the clumps to be removed and leaving the rest of the litter clean and fresh.
Although this means that you won’t have to completely change the entire litter tray as frequently as if you were to be using non-clumping litter, you should still empty and thoroughly wash the tray every couple of weeks. This means that your bag of clumping cat litter should last just a little bit longer than if you were using non-clumping litter.
This has been a very effective way of managing cat litter, and it is still the most popular form of clumping cat litter available today.
Unfortunately, bentonite clay is not very environmentally friendly so newer forms of clumping cat litter have recently been developed. These take the form of materials such as wood pellets, corn kernels and paper.
Many of the leading brands have realised that consumers are now demanding a more eco-friendly version of clumping cat litter so they have developed excellent products that are much better for the planet, even if they are slightly more expensive.
Some of the recommended brands of clumping cat litter include Pettex Premium Clumping Cat Litter, Ever Clean Extra Strong Clumping Cat Litter and World’s Best Cat Litter, and we have provided more details in the reviews section below.
Clumping cat litters are also effective if you have more than one cat and need to use multiple cat litter, and is also worth mentioning that clumping cat litter is not the best option if you are introducing your kitten to the litter tray for the first time as kittens are so sensitive and it can be dangerous for them to digest.
Finally, clumping litter is also a good choice if you use litter tray liners, especially if you use sifting litter tray liners where the soiled litter is removed in the liner every day and the clean litter is 'sifted' back into the tray.Best Non-Clumping Cat Litter
The main difference between clumping and non-clumping cat litter is that non-clumping cat litter absorbs the moisture rather than forming into clumps.
This means that you will not have to remove clumps of litter on a regular basis, but you will need to change the whole tray more frequently.
Benefits of Non-Clumping Cat Litter
1. Absorbency
One of the main benefits of non-clumping cat litter is that it is usually very absorbent. This is true of market leading non-clumping cat litters such as Catsan Hygiene, which is able to quickly absorb and lock away moisture like a sponge.
Wood pellet cat litter is another type of non-clumping cat litter, and the natural elements of the wood can quite often absorb a large amount of moisture.
This is also true of silica cat litter, which comprises of large, solid granules of sodium silicate. These granules are super absorbent, so they absorb a lot of moisture and some manufacturers of silica cat litter claim that you will only need to completely change the tray a couple of times a month!
2. Ease of use
In general, trays of non-clumping cat litters will not need to be changed as often as clumping cat litter and they are also easy to use as it is simple to change the tray and dispose of the litter.
Some wood pellet cat litters can be deposited onto the compost heap, which will reduce the amount of waste and is also good for the environment.
It is also possible to flush some non-clumping cat litters down the toilet, and one of the leading brand is World’s Best Cat Litter. Although this is technically classed as a clumping cat litter, the clumps do disintegrate when they come into moisture for a second time making it possible to flush them.
3. Masks the smell
The best non-clumping cat litters are able to neutralize the odours associated with cat waste, even if the litter remains in the tray for a few days after use.
Wood pellet cat litter is a natural product, so this does help to mask and reduce the smells associated with cat litter.
The pellets can usually hold the ammonia smell quite well, and many litters are now scented. Although this can help to reduce the smell further, be careful when using scented cat litters as a strong scent can put your cat off from using the litter tray completely.
4. Dust free
Although it is almost impossible to find a completely dust free cat litter, some non-clumping cat litter such as paper cat litter will contain a lot less dust than traditional clumping litters.
Dust free cat litters are very good for cats that may have respiratory problems, and there are some excellent options available such as Pettex Premium Grey Cat Litter
There are many different brands and types of non-clumping cat litter, and we have reviewed such a few of the options such as Breeder Celect cat litter, Catsan Hygiene Litter and Pettex Pampuss
Best Cat Litter Tray
As well as selecting the best cat litter, you will also need to select a cat litter tray that your pet will be comfortable in using.
A huge range of cat litter trays are available today, and your choice of tray will depend upon your budget and the type of litter tray your cat prefers.
Options range from cheap and simple plastic trays to larger trays and enclosed hooded litter tray options.
Although this type of litter tray will be slightly more expensive, they can be more hygienic as the litter is hidden from sight so this is worth considering if you have small children or toddlers in the family.
They also provide the cat with a private place to use the toilet, which they will enjoy as naturally private animals.
Other types of cat litter tray include automatic litter trays which are great as there is no need for scoops or filters so you will have much less contact with the litter. One other option to make things easier is to use litter tray liners which should keep the litter within the liner so it is easy to dispose of.
Corner cat litter trays or small cat litter trays are a great option if you live in a smaller house or flat so are limited for space. There are also outdoor cat litter trays available!Smelly Subject
Another factor to consider when selecting the best cat litter is the best way to deal with the natural odours associated with your pet’s waste.
Cat litters are available in a huge variety of scents, and although this does help to mask most of the smell it is recommended not to use a very strong scent as this can be overwhelming for the cat which means they may find their own place to go.
A small amount of baking soda in the litter can be a good option to help to mask the smell without turning the litter tray into a no go area.
Best Cat Litter for Kittens
If you are in the process of bringing a kitten into your home, then there are plenty of things to consider and litter training is just one of them!
It is advisable to start litter training as soon as possible so the kitten gets used to the litter tray, and although there are lots of different types of litter trays available it is best to keep things simple with a tray she can get in and out of easily.
Some cat litters are more suitable for kittens than others, and the best option to start with is to use a pellet or clay based litter.
Our website also reviews the most popular brands such as World’s Best Cat Litter, Catsan and Pettex to help you find the best cat litter, as well as considering other options such as scoops, mats, liners and storage. We will also try to tackle some of the other key questions all cat owners face such as just how to deal with the soiled litter.
Cat Litter Reviews
You will find reviews of many different types of cat litter on this site, but as there are so many variations and brands available we thought it would be useful to provide an overview of 5 of the most popular litters around.
World's Best Cat Litter
This is an extremely popular brand of cat litter, and is different from other brands as it is made from corn kernels.
This means that the litter forms strong and easy to scoop clumps, making it easy to dispose of. It is also great for your cat’s health and for the environment as it is made from completely organic material.
Although it is more expensive than most other brands, a bag of World’s Best Cat Litter should last 2-3 months providing fantastic value for an excellent brand of litter.
Catsan Hygiene Cat Litter
This is a market-leading, non-clumping litter that keeps the litter tray clean and hygienic.
The litter consists of natural sand quartz and chalk, which helps to lock away a large amount of moisture and keep the tray noticeably cleaner.
Catsan Hygiene Litter also neutralises odours, is very low on dust, lightweight and easy to use. A great choice for a non-clumping litter.
Pettex Pampuss Wood Pellet Cat Litter
This cat litter is manufactured from unique recycled wood pellets, which are highly absorbent, light to handle and easy to dispose of.
The pellets have a nice woody smell and they are biodegradable, so the used litter can be scooped into the compost heap.
Pettex Pampuss Woodbase Cat Litter performs very well, and as it is a wood pellet cat litter it is less expensive than some other types of litter.
Ever Clean Cat Litter Extra Strength
Ever Clean Extra Strength is a premium clumping cat litter that includes an advanced formula and premium clay granules.
This means that extra strong clumps are produced that are easy to remove from the tray and reduces waste. This litter is available in scented or unscented varieties, but the scent is only activated when it comes into contact with moisture so it should not be too overpowering for your cat.
This litter also keeps odours locked away, so it is a great choice if you would prefer a clumping litter for your tray.
Breeder Celect Cat Litter
This is a paper cat litter, which makes it different from the options above as the pellets are made from 99% recycled paper.
This means they are very absorbent, dust free and don’t have a fragrance, which can be an advantage as cats can sometimes be put off by a scented litter.
Great for the environment, paper cat litter is growing in popularity and this is a leading brand.
Summary
Now that you have seen the options and reviewed our top picks for the best cat litter, it is up to you to pick what meets you and your cat’s needs and is in your price range.
You will need to consider your cat’s preference as well as your own, and you may need to try several different types of litter until you find one that your pet is happy to use.
I have tried loads of litter but the winner is always Ever Clean