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Cat Litter: What's The Scoop?

There are several types and brands of cat litter to choose from. No one litter type will suit all situations or all cats. Experiment with a few different types to see which your cat prefers.

The type of cat litter you choose depends on:

Absorbency - how well does it soak up urine?
Availability - is it readily available where you live?
Biodegradable - is it made from biodegradable materials?
Cat's Preference - do the cats like it and use it consistently?
Cleanliness - is it easy to keep the litter box clean? Does it stick to the bottom of the litter box?
Clumping - do you want a litter that clumps? Are the clumps easy to scoop up?
Cost - how much are you willing to spend?
Digestible - is it digestible if accidentally eaten?
Dusty - how dusty is it? - especially important for cats with breathing difficulties, asthma or allergies
Non-toxic - is it non-toxic if swallowed?
Odour (Odor) Control - does it control odour (odor) well?
Tracking - do you mind litter tracking through the house? Does the litter stick to the cats fur?

Types Of Litter

Clay: The most popular litter. There are two main types: a fine-textured clumping clay litter and a coarser non-clumping clay litter. Non-clumping litters absorb some moisture. Solid matter should be scooped regularly and the litter completely changed weekly. Clumping litters absorb moisture from urine and faeces (feces) to form clumps which can be scooped from the litter box along with the solid waste. The box is topped up with fresh litter to replace what was scooped out. In theory, the litter never needs fully changing. Sometimes the clumps break apart. The litter tracks easily. Some cats develop diarrhoea (diarrhea) with this kind of litter. The litter can also be quite dusty. Clumping litter can cause intestinal blockages so should be avoided in young kittens and pregnant queens. Clumping litter should not be flushed down the toilet, because it will sediment in the drain.

Corn-cob Litter: Non-absorbent pea-sized litter is designed for litter trays with a urine collecting tray below. Faeces (feces) are removed as normal. This litter is virtually dust free. Sold as "animal bedding and litter" by pet supply companies.

Earth or Sand: Outdoor cats use earth or sand to bury their waste. It is bulky and non-biodegradable so is not suitable for indoor urban use.

Recycled Paper Litter: Recycled paper is formed into pelleted litter. This litter absorbs moisture well but remains damp. Soiled litter should be removed at least once a day. This litter is lightweight, so is easily tracked.

Sawdust or Wood Shavings: These can be used as litter. Make sure they come from untreated wood. They don't absorb moisture very well, so some cats may not use it. Cat's don't like dirty or wet feet.

Shredded Newspaper: An economical option. Line the litter box with a section from the newspaper then cover with torn strips of newspaper. After the cat uses the litter box, roll up the entire newspaper and dispose. The litter will not track through the house, but light-coloured cats may become covered in newspaper ink.

Silica Crystals: Non-clumping absorbable litter. Urine is absorbed by the litter leaving it dry to the touch. Solid waste is scooped out regularly, but the litter itself will last for up to a month without being changed. This litter can be sharp on a cats paws.

Wood-based Pelleted Litter: Expands as it absorbs moisture. It can be composted, buried or dried out and then burned. It has a tendency to track out of the litter box.

Other Types: There are several other litters available, including litters made from rice husks, soy beans and wheat.

References

Fogle B, Natural Cat Care, London: Dorling Kindersley, 1999

Page S, The Complete Cat Owners Manual, Australia: Readers Digest, 1997

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