There are hundreds of types of cat litter on the market, so how do you find the right litter for your cat?  There are a couple of factors to consider when picking out a litter type. It is important to find a litter that works for both you and your cat.

Clumping litter or non- clumping 

Clumping litter can be a good option for a lower maintenance litter box. With most clumping litter you can remove most of what your cat leaves behind.This helps reduce odor and lessens the frequency you have to totally empty and refill the box.

There are non-clumping litters on the market, such as crystals and pellets. These litters do not clump around your cat’s excrement and cannot be scooped in the same way clumping litter can.These can be a good option for people who want to or need to dump their litter box every day. This may also be a good choice for people with small kittens, who may eat their litter.

Scented or Unscented

Most cats tend to prefer non-scented litter. However scented litter may be a good option if you keep your litter box in an area people hang out in or have multiple cats. Try different options and see what minimizes odor for you and keeps your cat using his box.

Tracking 

If you have a cat who sleeps in bed with you, tracking is really important.Waking up to litter in your bed is not fun. There are some litters marketed as non-tracking, but you can use any litter that has larger grains or a pellet litter.

Natural Litter

Natural litters have become more common in the past few years. There are walnut litters, pine litters, corn litters and wheat litters. All of these can be good options. Some clump- like the walnut litter- but most do not. I also find that the walnut litter tends to be pretty dusty.In my experience, most cats do not seem to favor natural litter any more than traditional litter, it tends to be more owner preference.

 

With so many choices on the market, choosing a cat litter can be overwhelming and hard to find the right litter. Be sure to try multiple litters to find the one your cat likes best, this will help encourage him to use his litter box.