A variety of studies have found that cats prefer their litter to be soft and fine-grained. A recent study compared three types of unscented litter—wood pellets, silica microgranules, and nonclumping clay granules. Overwhelmingly, the cats chose silica and clay over the pellets.
The choice of clumping versus non-clumping litter is a personal decision. Though many cats appear to prefer clumping litter because it is easier for them to push aside, some cats prefer non-clumping clay.
The choice of litter material is important and is very individual for each cat. Some cats prefer clumping litter and some non-clumping, some prefer fine and some coarse substrate, while some prefer absorbent and some non-absorbent materials. Some cats need lots of material and some only a little.
However, you must shop wisely and avoid clay, wheat, corn, crystal, and wood clumping litters. These clumping litters pose serious health risks to you and your cat. Breathing in these litters can cause respiratory issues, cancer, and starch-based litters are at risk for deadly mold.
Crystal litter absorbs urine and dehydrates waste, making it five times more effective at reducing odors than other litters such as clumping clay. It is also more cost-effective as cats use less crystal litter over time.
Some cats dislike crystal litter because it pokes their paws uncomfortably. Corn, wheat, and pine. These types of litter are made of natural, biodegradable substrates. They don't usually clump (though World's Best Cat Litter does), but most of them have low or no dust.
Crystalline silica is not biodegradable and is said to be a cancer-causing agent. Over time, crystalline silica can accumulate in your cat's lungs, resulting in a condition called silicosis, which causes shortness of breath and reduced lung capacity.
Scoop the Litter Box Frequently
Using a litter scoop with small and closely set holes, clean the clumps out of the litter at least once daily—more often if you have more than one cat. To keep the smell to a minimum after cleaning, add some litter to replace what you removed while cleaning.
Cat litter with silica crystal beads are typically dust-free, which helps keep the area around your pet's litter box clean. Crystal-based litter is also effective when it comes to odour neutralizing and lasts much longer compared to other cat litter.
How Often Should You Change the Cat Litter? If you use a clumping litter, it's best to scoop the box daily and change it out completely at least monthly. If you have more than one cat, it may be best to change the cat litter more often, every 2-3 weeks.
Having multiple boxes prevents overcrowding into one, where your cat has to step on others' waste and may feel like there's not a spot clean enough to “go.” Not finding what she needs in her litter box, she'll choose another spot where no stepping over waste is required.
Cats are particular about their food and litter, and they usually don't like having their food close to their litter. This could result in your cat creating a new litter box somewhere in your home, like your bed, your bathtub, behind your living room couch, and the like.
The main key benefit with non-clumping litter is that it can be at least 50% cheaper than the clumping variety so this is an obvious tick in the box, especially if your cat is happy and content with it.
Be sure to remove the clumps daily and top off with fresh litter to maintain a three-inch level. For non-clumping litter, we recommend changing the litter box every 7-10 days.
Also, choose the right spots for your litter boxes. Don't put a box in a small, enclosed area, like a tiny bathroom or closet, which will concentrate litter box odors. A larger, well-ventilated area is best.
Flushing cat litter down the toilet, even if that cat litter is marketed as safe for pipes, allows Toxoplasma gondii to enter the water supply and increases the possibility of public infection. In short, it is NOT advisable to flush kitty litter down the toilet in ANY circumstance.
Scoop up your litter into a biodegradable bag and toss it into your garbage. You can buy a bag, or you can just wrap your used litter in a newspaper, tie it up, and dispose of it that way.
Reusable. In theory, dirty crystal litter can be reused. It requires extensive washing, soaking, and drying, but it means you can get months of use out of one bag of crystal litter.
Pros: Crystal litter absorbs urine and moisture. Some brands are known to be super-absorbent and are silicon-based litters. Cons: Many cats (seniors!) are sensitive to the jagged nature of some crystal litters.
I notice the crystals have turned yellow. Does this mean it is time to change? The yellow staining comes from the cat urine and does not in itself indicate change.
You Should Never Flush Your Cat's Poop Or Litter!
One of the biggest problems with flushing your cat's presents is the harmful parasites in your feline's stool called toxoplasmosis.
Our Crystals litter absorbs urine with no need to scoop it. You simply sift or mix the litter daily to facilitate odor control. Solid waste should be scooped shortly after your cat uses the litter box.
Many experts recommend that the best litter for kittens under four months old is non-clumping clay or crystal litter. These types of litter have larger granules and don't stick to your kitten's paws or fur.