The Ultimate Cat Litter Buying Guide

Learn about the different types of cat litter and the pros and cons of each.

Cat litter absorbs cat urine and covers feces to help reduce odorous bacteria from growing in the litter box. There are a few kinds of litter for cat owners to choose from.

The two main kinds are clumping and non-clumping. There are also natural and biodegradable options, as well as crystal ones.

It’s all about what’s best for your feline friend and your home. Discover which type of litter you should get with Blain’s Farm & Fleet.

Clumping Cat Litter

Clumping litter is one of the most popular kinds of cat litter you can buy. The litter clumps together into hard shapes when it absorbs urine, making it easier to remove from the litter box.

If you remove the waste regularly, you can greatly reduce litter box odor. By using clumping litter, you won’t have to change the litter as frequently.

However, if you don’t remove the clumps regularly, odor can build up. Clean the litter box and switch the litter at least once a month. If you have multiple cats, you’ll need to do this more.

Clumping litters come in different varieties, such as scented and lightweight.

• Scented Cat Litter: Nice for smaller rooms, where odors can make the space uncomfortable. Most cats prefer unscented litters. We recommend testing this in a second litter box for the first time to see if your cat is comfortable with the scent.
• Lightweight Cat Litter: It’s exactly what it sounds like! Although half the weight of regular cat litter has been removed from lightweight litter, that doesn’t mean it has less absorption power or lower odor control. It’s great if you don’t want to carry a heavier bag of litter or don’t have a lot of storage space.

Non-Clumping Cat Litter

Non-clumping litter is another popular option. It’s generally less expensive, and some cats prefer it over the clumping kind. The urine sinks down to the bottom of the litter box through the clay.

Odor control can vary, depending on which brand you use. Some have baking soda mixed in to absorb odors. You can also buy scented, unscented, and dust-free formulas.

Cleaning isn’t as easy as it is for clumping litter. You will need to change the cat litter once a week, and clean the litter box each time.

Crystal Cat Litter

Crystal litter can be formed from sand or a silica gel-based material. The advantage is that it’s super absorbent, so you won’t have to use as much litter. It’s also effective in absorbing and controlling odors.

However, it doesn’t clump for easy clean up. You will have to change the litter and clean the litter box about once a week.

Natural & Biodegradable Cat Litter

Natural cat litter can be made from a number of materials, including paper, wheat, or pine. You can find clumping and non-clumping natural litter. They’re great if you or your cats are allergic to dust.

The natural pellets act like sawdust and absorb any moisture and odor. The size of the pellets also helps decrease tracking and having your cat get litter stuck in their paw pads.

General Litter Information

Cats can be picky about what kind of litter they like. They might think one kind is too rough on their feet, or not like the smell of another. New cat owners should experiment with different types of litter. Once you find the right kind, don’t switch!

If you must switch, do so gradually. Cats are generally wary of anything new and might boycott the box just because of that.

Cats hate a dirty bathroom as much as we do. You should scoop the litter box at least once every day to remove any solid waste.

Cats don’t like to share their boxes with too many other cats. Ideally, each cat in your house should have their own litter box. While they may not exclusively use their individual box, it’s a good rule to follow to ensure that every cat feels like they have ample space to do their business.

At Blain’s Farm & Fleet, we have everything you need to care for your cat . In addition to litter, we carry cat food, cat toys, and more.

For more information about caring for your cats, check out our other Cats articles.