Having a cat as a pet comes with a lot of responsibility. As the owner of this little creature, it is only natural to want to give it the best possible living conditions. That means quality food, a toy to play with and a great spot to rest. That last point is very important, because it also means finding a good litter for your companion.
Why choosing the right litter for your cat matters
Cats are clean animals by nature. They need a truly comfortable and safe place to do their business when they are at home. Very few cats go outside to relieve themselves. This leads people who adopt these furballs to set up a cat litter box in their apartment.
This setup helps prevent the accidents and house-soiling incidents a cat can cause when relieving itself. Above all, it protects your apartment from dust and bad smells.
In addition, the cleaning of this setup is the owner's job. So the owner should choose a litter that takes very little time to clean. As for the choice of substrate at the bottom of the litter box, your furball has the final say. If it doesn't like the one you picked, you will need to change it as soon as possible.
What should you prioritize when choosing your cat's litter?
Choosing a litter for your cat's comfort is not an entirely easy task. Two conditions must be met. The first concerns the animal: the owner must be sure the setup actually meets the needs of their companion. The second is about how much time the owner has for its upkeep.
Apart from these aspects, several other factors come into play in finding the most suitable litter. These include:
- ease and frequency of cleaning;
- absorbency;
- the amount of dust it gives off;
- the cost of the litter.
Besides the litter itself, there are other criteria to consider. One example is the box it will go in. Here too, you need to be very careful, because a litter box should not be chosen at random. Depending on your cat, you will need a box that keeps it comfortable. Think about the shape of the box, which will depend on the cat and how it urinates. Some animals will need a box with raised sides so urine doesn't spill over. Then consider the size of the litter box. A box that is too small may restrict the cat's freedom of movement, and cats love to turn around and scratch in their litter.
The different types of litter for your cat's needs
Once the criteria for choosing a cat litter are defined, you can explore the different types. This will help you learn more about the subject and choose the one best suited to your cat's needs.
Plant-based litter
Nature lovers and those who care about the environmental side of litter tend to choose plant-based litter. Plant-based litter is mainly made of plant fibers of all kinds, in the form of fibers or pellets. It is 100% natural and biodegradable, so it won't add to your household waste when you need to change it every 4 or 5 days. As a result, used plant-based litter can be flushed down the toilet or even composted.
Silica litter
This litter is one of the best choices among the high-end litters on the market. Made from zeolite in the form of small microporous crystals, it is known for its unbeatable absorbency. It is a mineral that efficiently drains the liquids it absorbs while completely masking bad odors. Thanks to its high absorbency, silica litter can last a month and only needs changing once the silica crystals turn yellow. However, the cat's droppings will need to be removed every day. This can be a hassle at times.
Also worth reading: What to do if your cat is stressed?
