Learn How to Choose the Best Cat Litter in 5 Minutes

As a cat owner, one of the most important decisions is choosing the right litter for your feline friend. The perfect cat litter can make all the difference in maintaining a clean, odor-free home and keeping your kitty happy. 

Different types of cat litter have different characteristics and materials. The key to a cost-effective cat litter is that it is easy to use. This article will introduce the common types of cat litter and how to choose the best cat litter.

 

Types of Cat Litter

Clay Cat Litter 

This cat litter is made of sand or bentonite. It is more like outdoor mud litter, so it is easier for cats to accept. It has strong water absorption, is easy to clump, good odor absorption effect, and is easier to clean. After the cat urinates, the cat litter will quickly condense into a hard ball. After each clump is removed, new cat litter can be added without replacing all the cat litter. Because the particles are small, the texture of this cat litter is comfortable for cats.

Clay cat litter comes in two main varieties: clumping and non-clumping. Clumping clay litter forms solid clumps when it comes into contact with liquid, making it easy to scoop out waste. Non-clumping clay simply absorbs liquid without forming clumps.

Clay litter is a solid choice if you're on a budget and your cat is already accustomed to it. However, the dust and environmental impact are significant downsides to consider. If you do opt for clay, look for low-dust formulas and consider using a litter mat to reduce tracking.

Pros:

• Easy to clump
• Easy to be accepted by cats
• Cheap

Cons:

• Large dust, poor environmental protection
• Small particles are easy to carry out
• Cannot be flushed into the toilet

 

Tofu Cat Litter 

The main ingredient of tofu cat litter is tofu residue. It doesn't matter if cats eat it by mistake, because it is natural cat litter. Because it is made of tofu residue, it has good clumping properties, healthy and environmentally friendly, and can be flushed directly into the toilet. Tofu cat litter has less dust, which is suitable for owners with sensitive noses and cats with respiratory problems. It is also strong in odor resistance and has no odor at all.

Pros:

• Less dust, suitable for people with allergies
• Low tracking and lightweight
• Can be flushed down the toilet

Cons:

• Moisture prone to insects
• Relatively high price

 

Crystal (Silica Gel) Cat Litter 

The main component of crystal cat litter is silicon dioxide. It is beautiful and dust-free. The particles are white, translucent, and irregular, and some varieties are also mixed with some colored particles. Because the particles are slightly larger, they are not easily taken out of the toilet by cats.

After absorbing urine, the silica gel will change color, but it will remain dry, and the unabsorbed urine will seep in, so 2 layers of cat litter boxes or diaper pads are needed. After 80% of the cat litter has changed color, it can be replaced with new litter. It should be noted that feces cannot be covered and need to be cleaned regularly. The shoveled feces should be buried in the soil or thrown into the trash can. It cannot be flushed into the toilet.

Pros:

• Less dust
• Not easy to take out of the litter box
• Great odor control

Cons:

• Non-clumping, requires daily stirring
• Uncomfortable for sensitive paws
• Expensive
• Can't flush down the toilet

 

Paper Pellet Cat Litter

This cat litter is made of waste paper, with large particles. It is not easy for cats to take it out of the litter box, nor should it get on the cat. It will rot after encountering urine. Wait for a while until the cat litter is scattered before cleaning it, so it will not be difficult to shovel. This cat litter is suitable for long-haired cats. and can be flushed down the toilet after cleaning.

Paper cat litter is light in weight, soft in texture, less dusty, and has good water absorption. It changes color after absorbing urine, making it easy to distinguish. It is natural and environmentally friendly, contains fewer chemicals, and can be flushed down the toilet.

Pros:

• Less dust, suitable for people with allergies
• Lightweight
• Can be flushed down the toilet

Cons:

• No clumping
• Hard to scoop
• Mediocre odor control

 

Pine Pellet Cat Litter 

The most common pine cat litter is long strips of large particles, which are not easy to carry out. It has less dust and a pine scent. The cat litter is non-toxic, natural, and environmentally friendly, and can be flushed into the toilet and used as flower fertilizer. After absorbing water, it will automatically disperse into powder. When cleaning, shake the filter to let the powder leak out. After cleaning, it can be flushed directly into the toilet. It is a more environmentally friendly cat litter. As long as you shovel it out every day, it will not smell.

Pros:

• Low dust
• Biodegradable and environmentally friendly
• Relatively inexpensive compared to other natural litters

Cons:

• No clumping
• Double-layer cat litter boxes are required
• Not very effective in controlling odors

 

Best Cat Litter for Your Feline Friend

Choosing the right cat litter is essential for maintaining a clean and odor-free home while keeping your feline companion comfortable and happy. The best cat litter should offer excellent odor control, high absorption, and minimal dust to ensure a pleasant experience for both you and your cat.

The Neakasa Cat Litter is an excellent choice for cat owners seeking top-quality performance at a competitive price. Crafted with natural mineral litter, it offers superior odor control by effectively trapping and neutralizing unpleasant smells, keeping your home fresh for days. With a quick 2-second clumping capability, it forms firm clumps for easy scooping and hassle-free maintenance. Designed with low-dust technology, it minimizes mess and ensures cleaner air, making it ideal for cats and owners sensitive to dust. 

Combined with activated coconut shell charcoal, antibacterial agent, and sodium-based mineral sand, it can effectively ensure the health of cats and indoor hygiene. Combined with Neakasa's self-cleaning cat litter box, you will have a different cleaning experience!

 

Conclusion

When choosing a litter, consider factors like your budget, your cat's preferences, odor control needs, and environmental impact. Don't be afraid to experiment with different types to find what works best for you and your feline friend. No matter which type of litter you choose, regular scooping and box cleaning are key to keeping your cat happy and your home smelling fresh. Happy litter shopping!

 

FAQ About Cat Litter

Q: Why is my cat peeing outside the litter box?

A: Cats may pee outside the litter box due to various reasons, including medical issues (such as urinary tract infections), stress, or dislike of the litter box environment. One common cause is inappropriate cat litter — if the litter is too dusty, lacks proper odor control, or doesn't clump effectively, it can discourage your cat from using the box. Ensure you are using a high-quality litter like Neakasa Cat Litter, which provides low dust, fast clumping, and excellent odor control.

Q: What is the best cat litter?

A: The best cat litter depends on your and your cat's needs. Look for a litter that offers superior odor control, fast clumping, low dust, and is safe for your cat. Neakasa Cat Litter combines these features with eco-friendly materials, making it a top choice for a fresh and clean home environment.

Q: How often to change cat litter?

A: The frequency of changing cat litter depends on the type of litter you use and the number of cats you have. Typically, clumping litter should be scooped daily, and the entire box should be replaced every 2 to 4 weeks. Regular cleaning helps maintain a fresh and hygienic environment for your cat. You can learn more here.

Q: Can you flush cat litter?

A: Not all types of cat litter are safe to flush. Traditional clay or clumping cat litter should never be flushed, as it can cause severe plumbing blockages and damage to wastewater systems. However, some biodegradable cat litter, like tofu cat litter, are designed to be flushable in small amounts, as they dissolve more easily in water. Always check the product label for specific disposal instructions.