Cats instinctively expel wastes in dirt or sand. Cat litter is from clay, wood, and several materials that are accommodating for cats. Litter boxes or pans are collection boxes suitable for indoor urine and feces collection. The depth of litter in a litter box should be about 3 to 4 inches because cats instinctively dig up dirt to cover their waste.
Cats can be pretty picky with the type of litter they use. Some cats are also sensitive to smell, and some have allergies. Regardless, there are different cat litter to suit everyone’s preferences. Before purchasing cat litter, there are several factors to note. Some of these factors include the litter material, absorbency, odor control, dust level, tracking, number of cats, and clumping ability.
Absorbency is the ability of a material to soak up the liquid. When purchasing a cat litter, look out for litters that have high absorbency. Litters with high absorbency will still look fresh regardless of the number of times cats expel wastes in them. Silica gel or crystal litters have the highest absorbency. Odor control is the ability of a litter to mask the smell of excreta with scents. Some scents may not appeal to your cats. Therefore, choosing litters with odor control can be more of trial and error.
Dust levels of litter can affect the surfaces in the house and the lungs of a cat. Look out for dust-free litters when purchasing cat litter. Sometimes, when cats step out of the litter box, their paws take some litter, and they track around the house. Litters with larger particles do not track as much as litters with finer particles. When purchasing cat litters, look out for those with low tracking. However, you can make use of a litter mat that helps remove particles from cats’ paws when they step out of the litter box.
Some cat litter has multi-cat formulations. These formulations can handle waste from multiple cats and control the odor. The clumping ability is its ability to form clumps when cats pass waste into the litter. Clumps make cleaning of the litter box easy. Non-clumping litter does not clump waste, and cleaning this litter requires total disposal. However, non-clumping litter is cheaper than clumping litter.
Cat litter can be from various materials. The material of a cat litter is an essential factor in determining its absorbency, odor control, dust level, tracking, and clumping ability. Cat litter materials include clay, silica gel, pine, wheat, corn, grass, paper, and walnut shells.
Clay litter is the cheapest and most available cat litter. Although it is highly absorbent, the litter changes color after absorbing urine. Clay litter has a heavyweight, is dusty, and the texture tracks easily. Silica gel or crystal litters are the most absorbent cat litter. They don’t have as much dust as clay litters, and they reduce tracking. Silica gel cat litters are pretty expensive, but they are long-lasting and are suitable for odor control.
Pine and wheat litters are both natural litters and are suitable for odor control. Both litters are environmentally safe and absorbent. Pine litter is lightweight, has low dust, and it is available in clumping and non-clumping litter. Wheat litter, on the other hand, forms clumps, and it is flushable.
Corn litter is also natural, lightweight, and biodegradable. This litter does not clump as much as other natural litters. It is susceptible to the growth of mold, especially aflatoxin, which is dangerous to cat health. Grass litter is also natural, lightweight, and low-dust. It is light and an ideal alternative to clay litter. However, grass litter is not commonly available.
Paper litter can be from processed, recycled, or shredded paper. It is softer than clay litter and suitable for cats with paw injuries. This litter had no fragrances or dust. Although the litter is absorbent, it forms no clumps, and there is no odor control. Walnut shell litter is from walnut shells and is biodegradable; It is highly absorbent and controls odor. The litter forms clumps and reduces tracking. However, the litter has a lot of dust.
The best cat litter is a clumping litter with odor control because it is easy to clean and there is no smell. The worst cat litter is a scented, non-clumping clay litter. A high level of fragrance can be choking, especially for people and cats sensitive to smell. Also, non-clumping litter is difficult to clean; it requires a lot of changing. Clay litter is also high-tracking and dusty.
Cat litter packages come with instructions on usage. Generally, to use cat litter, fill an empty litter box with the litter up to a depth of about four inches. This depth is because cats like to dig and cover up their waste. Always clean the litter at least once a day by taking out clumps and waste. Please dispose of the waste in thrash or flush it depending on its properties. Afterward, refill the litter box to the original depth.
It is best practice to do a total change of the litter at least once a month. After emptying the litter box, wash with mild, unscented soap and water. Dry the litter box and refill it with the cat litter. You can sprinkle baking soda in the litter box before adding the litter because baking soda can eliminate odors.
When cleaning litter boxes, use nose masks and goggles to avoid inhaling germs and dust. Always use gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after handling the litter box.
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The 7 Best Cat Litter are Reviewed Below
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Below is a review of the seven best cat litter in 2021. Kindly follow through to select one that suits your preferences.
1
Dr. Elsey’s Premium Clumping Cat Litter
Dr. Elsey’s cat litter is an ultra-style, clumping, and unscented cat litter. The litter has a granular size, and it is from 100% bentonite clay. The clay is suitable for maximum clumping, which makes scooping easy. It also prevents moisture from reaching the tray’s bottom. The litter is 99.9% dust-free. It has a hypoallergenic formula that makes it suitable for people and cats with allergies. Also, there is a medium gray clay formulation that keeps the litter in the box and reduces tracking. Dr. Elsey’s cat litter has natural ingredients for odor control, and it is suitable for both single and multiple cats. The litter can prolong litter box freshness and also keep the home fresh in between litter box cleanings.
Place 3 to 4 inches of the cat litter in a litter box. This depth allows cats to dig and cover up their waste naturally. Scoop the waste at least once daily with a scooper and dispose of it in an outside garbage can. Do not flush or dispose of in gutters. Add more litter to make up the depth. Always use gloves and wash your hands after handling the litter box.
Key Features:
- Ultra style
- 100% bentonite clay
- Low dust
- Hypoallergenic formula
- Heavy, non-tracking grains
- Hard clumping, medium grain clay
- Natural ingredients
- Multi-cat formulation
Specification:
- Brand: Dr. Elsey’s
- Dimensions: 4 ×15 × 26 inches
- Weight: 40 lbs.
Pros
- The litter is from bentonite clay. it has a granular size that aids maximum clumping and prevents moisture from reaching the tray’s bottom
- It is 99.9% dust-free
- The hypoallergenic formula makes it suitable for cats and people with allergies.
- The grains are heavy, and they prevent tracking.
- The litter is hard clumping. It prevents clumps from breaking down, and it allows sifting and easy disposal.
- The litter has natural ingredients for controlling odor. The natural scent keeps the home fresh in between litter box cleanings.
- The litter is suitable for households with multiple cats. It can prolong litter box freshness.
Cons
- The package is heavy. It weighs 40 pounds.
- Clumps cannot flush
2
Purina Tidy Cats Natural Cat Litter
Purina Tidy Cats litter is from pure nature cedar, corn, and pine. The litter has an intense clumping action, and it allows easy scooping and disposal. A 99.9% dust-free formulation aids clean pouring and a 10-day odor control formula that is highly absorbent. The natural scent is appealing to cats, and the litter is suitable for households with multiple cats.
Pour the Purina Tidy Cats Natural Cat Litter up to a depth of three to four inches in a litter box. Remove clumps at least once a day and add more litter to maintain the depth. Clean the litter box with warm water and mild soap between litter changes and wash hands after handling.
Key Features:
- Combination of cedar, corn, and pine
- Strong Clumping action
- Dust-free
- 10-day odor control
- Lightweight clumps
- Natural, fresh scent
- Multi-cat formula
Specification:
- Brand: Purina Tidy
- Dimensions: 6.5 × 14 × 17 inches
- Weight: 12.5 lbs.
Pros
- The combination of cedar, corn, and pine gives a natural scent that fights tough odors and welcomes cats.
- There is an intense clumping action that allows easy scoop and removal of clumps.
- The cat has a 99.9% dust-free formula that allows easy pour
- There is a 10-day odor control formula that is highly absorbent
- The clumps are lightweight, and they enable easy sifting and disposal
Cons
- The litter has a powerful fragrance that may not be suitable for people and cats with high sensitivity to fragrance.
- The appearance of the litter is like sawdust, and it is not dust-free
- The litter does not clump waste well.
3
World’s Best Cat Litter
World’s best cat litter is a flushable, naturally safe litter with natural plant ingredients for odor control. It is from whole kernel corn and is people, pet, and planet-friendly. The fragrance of the litter is a natural, lavender fragrance and a light floral scent—the world’s best cat litter a quick clumping action that allows easy scooping. The litter is also lightweight and 99% dust-free, which causes less mess and reduces tracking. There are no artificial perfumes, and it is suitable for households with multiple cats.
Transition slowly When using the world’s best cat litter. This transition is to allow your cat to get familiar with the litter. Use one-third of the world’s best cat litter to your cat’s current litter. When the cat is familiar with the litter, use two-thirds of the world’s best cat litter. Afterward, transition fully to the world’s best cat litter. Do not mix the world’s best cat litter with non-clumping litter.
Scoop the litter at least once a day to remove clumps. The clumps are flushable and safe for septic tanks and sewers. Wash hands with soap and water after cleaning the litter box. Keep the litter box away from the cat’s food and water dishes.
Key Features:
- Whole kernel corn
- Flushable and naturally safe
- Natural Lavender fragrance
- Light floral scent
- Multi-cat formula
- Quick clumping
- 99% dust-free
- No artificial perfumes
Specification:
- Brand: World’s Best
- Dimensions: 18 × 12 × 6.5 inches
- Weight: 28 lbs.
Pros
- World’s best cat litter is from whole kernel corn, which is people, pet, and planet safe.
- The litter is flushable and safe for sewers and septic tanks
- There are no artificial perfumes
- The litter has natural plant ingredients for odor control. It has a light floral scent and natural lavender fragrance.
- The litter is suitable for multiple cats.
- It is easy to scoop the litter because of the quick clumping
- The litter is 99% dust-free. It reduces tracking, and there’s less mess.
Cons
- The litter may breed mites and ants if left for too long before cleaning.
4
Okocat Unscented Featherweight Clumping Wood Cat Litter
The Okocat cat litter is unscented and has featherweight. The litter is plant-based, and it is clean and healthy. This litter is from wood, and the wood fiber stops odor creation. The Okocat cat litter clumps waste, making scooping easy. There are no artificial fragrances, toxic dyes, and synthetic chemicals, and the litter has a fresh, natural scent. The texture of the litter is soft and similar to clay, and it is super lightweight. The litter is also 99% dust-free, and it offers a clean pour.
Add about 4 inches deep of Okocat unscented cat litter in a litter box. The depth allows the cats to dig and cover up their waste. The litter has clumping properties and allows easy scooping. Scoop the litter at least once a day to make the litter fresh and accommodating for the cats. Add extra litter to make up the dirt. Always wash your hands after handling cat litter boxes.
Key Features:
- Plant-based litter
- Odor prevention
- Waste clumping
- Fresh, natural scent
- No artificial fragrances
- 99% dust-free
- Soft texture
- Flushable
- Featherweight litter
Specification:
- Brand: Okocat
- Dimensions: 11.5 × 9.25 × 12 inches
- Weight: 16.4 lbs.
Pros
- The litter is plant-based which is clean and healthy
- It prevents odors from both liquid and solid waste
- It clumps wastes and allows easy scooping
- There is no lingering odor, and the litter gives a fresh, natural scent
- The litter is environmentally safe. There is no artificial fragrance, toxic dyes, or synthetic chemicals
- The litter is about 99% dust-free, and it allows clean pour
- The texture of the litter is soft and similar to clay
- The litter is flushable
- It has featherweight, and it can last a long time
Cons
- The litter tracks quickly. Use a litter mat to reduce tracking.
5
Fresh Step Crystals Premium Cat Litter
Fresh Step cat litter is a crystal cat litter that improves the maintenance of a litter box. The crystals absorb moisture and control odor for up to 30 days. The litter has low dust as it is suitable for automatic litter boxes. Fresh Step cat litter features an ammonia block technology that blocks odors, and the litter reduces tracking.
Add fresh step Crystals Premium Cat Litter to a litter box at a depth of about 3 to 4 inches. Stir the litter when there is a liquid waste to improve absorption. Scoop the litter at least once a day. Add more litter to make up for the depth. Always wash your hands after handling the litter box.
Key Features:
- Crystal cat litter
- Odor locking crystals
- 30 days odor control
- Ultra-lightweight
- Low dust
- Multi-cat usage
- Ammonia block technology
- Low tracking
Specification:
- Brand: Fresh Step
- Dimensions: 15.2 × 11.6 × 3.8 inches
- Weight: 8 lbs.
Pros
- The crystal litter s improve maintenance of the litter box
- The crystals absorb moisture
- The litter controls odor up to 30 days
- It is Ultra lightweight. An 8-pound bag can last as long as a 28-pound clumping litter bag.
- The litter has low dust. It helps with cleaner surfaces and clearer air
- The Ammonia block technology blocks odors
- It is suitable for households with multiple cats
- The crystals reduce tracking
- It is ideal for self-cleaning litter boxes
Cons
- It has a strong scent
- The litter is quite pricey
- Cats have to adjust to the texture of the litter
- Liquid waste sinks to the bottom of the litter. The litter requires stirring before absorbing liquid waste.
6
Arm and Hammer Cloud Control Platinum Cat Litter
Arm and Hammer Cloud Control cat litter eliminate both liquid and solid waste odor. The litter destroys odor on contact, and it has a hypoallergenic light scent. The litter bag has a no-spill spout, and it is easy to pour. The litter forms hard clumps that improve scooping, and it is 99% dust-free with low tracking. Arm and Hammer cat litter can control odor for seven days. It has a dander shield technology that reduces airborne dander when scooping.
Pour 4 inches of the litter in a litter box. Scoop at least once a week. Scoop the litter once a week and dispose of it in a thrash only. Refill the litter to make up for the depth.
Key Features:
- Moisture-activated odor eliminator
- Hypoallergenic light scent
- No-spill spout
- Hard clumps formation
- 99% dust-free
- Low tracking
- Dander shield technology
- Seven days odor control
Specification:
- Brand: Arm and Hammer
- Dimensions: 7 × 11.75 × 13.69 inches
- Weight: 37 lbs.
Pros
- The moisture-activated odor eliminator eliminates odor from both solid and liquid waste.
- The litter destroys odor on contact.
- There is a fresh hypoallergenic scent that is suitable for people and cats with allergies.
- The bag has an easy-pour, no-spill spout that aids in refilling
- The litter forms hard clumps with the waste, and they are easy to scoop
- It is dust-free
- The litter reduces tracking
- Dander shield technology reduces airborne dander during scoops
- The litter can control odor for seven days
Cons
- The package weighs 37 pounds, and it is pretty heavy
- The litter is pricey.
7
sWheat Scoop Natural Cat Litter
The sWheat Scoop cat litter is natural and environmentally safe. The litter is 100% biodegradable, and it is from wheat and other renewable resources. The wheat is farm-grown, and the litter eliminates odors. The litter forms compact clumps that are easy to scoop, and the waste is flushable. However, this litter is only suitable for single cats.
Fill an empty litter box with 3 inches of sWheat Scoop Natural Cat litter and add one inch of the current cat litter on top. Scoop clumps at least once a week and change the litter at least once a month. The scoops are flushable. Repeat this process when changing the litter but add half-inch of the current litter. Do this repeatedly till the cat is familiar with the sWheat litter before changing the litter. Always wash your hands after handling the litter box.
Key Features:
- Environmentally safe natural cat litter
- Farm grown wheat
- Odor elimination
- Fast-forming clumps
- 100% biodegradable
- Flushable
- No added dyes and fragrances
Specification:
- Brand: sWheat scoop
- Dimensions: 5 × 5 × 5 inches
- Weight: 25 lbs. pack of 12
Pros
- The litter is natural and environmentally safe
- The ingredients are farm-grown and from renewable resources
- The clumps are fast-forming and compact
- It is easy to scoop the clumps
- The clumping litter eliminates urine and ammonia odors
- The litter is flushable and 100% biodegradable
- There are no added dyes or fragrances
- The litter is ideal for single cats
Cons
- The litter is dusty and does not reduce tracking.
Buying Guide Questions
Below are answers to FAQs regarding cat litter. The guide covers how to get rid of cat smell in the house and how to maintain cat’s litter and litter box. Do well to follow through.
How do you keep a litter box from smelling?
Litter boxes are collection boxes for animal waste. They are most suitable for cats. Cats like expelling waste in the sand, and litter boxes use a litter that looks like sand. The best litter for litter boxes are the ones that clump feces. This Clumping ability makes scooping easy, and they also give a fresh smell. Some of the best ways of keeping litter boxes clean include;
Scooping daily: scooping once or twice daily helps remove clumps and keep the litter box fresh. Always use gloves when cleaning litter boxes and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after cleaning the litter box.
Wash thoroughly: using soap and water to clean a litter box can reduce the smell. Washing of litter boxes should be regularly, at least once a month. After washing, dry the box and use a fresh litter
Ventilate: keeping the litter box in a well-ventilated area can reduce smell
Baking soda: This can absorb odors, and it gives a natural scent that doesn’t affect cats. Sprinkle baking soda at the bottom of the litter box before adding fresh litter.
Is there a cat litter that doesn’t smell?
Yes. There are cat litters that eliminate odor. These cat litters are unscented, or they have natural, fresh scents. Some of the best odor control cat litter include Purina Tidy Cats Pure Nature Cat Litter, Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Ultra Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter, and Best Multi-cat Lavender Clumping Corn Litter.
How do I get rid of cat smell in the house?
Cat urine and feces can cause cat smell in the house. There are different ways of getting rid of cat smell. Some of these methods include;
Use of cleaners such as white vinegar and enzymatic cleaners to break down and eliminate odors
Use of air fresheners: natural air fresheners can absorb cat smell. Air fresheners like baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and lavender can eliminate cat smell.
Cleaning of litter boxes: daily scooping and regular washing of litter boxes can eliminate odor. It is best to empty litter boxes twice a day and wash them about twice a month. Also, use unscented litter in the litter box.
Use of multiple litter boxes: for households with multiple cats, it is best to have more litter boxes. Always purchase boxes that correspond to the number of cats, plus one. Multiple litter boxes prevent cats from using the same litter box, which can concentrate odors.
Groom cats: cat grooming include cleaning and brushing. Use toothpaste specifically for cats. If odors persist, take the cat to a vet.
Vacuum: vacuuming play area and surfaces cats like can also reduce odors. There are vacuum cleaners specifically for pet hair.
How often should you change out all the kitty litter?
The frequency of changing cat litter depends on the type of litter and number of cats in the household. The two types of cat litter include Clumping litter and clay litter. Clumping litter allows easy scooping of waste, while clay litter only absorbs waste. Clay litter requires changing every day to keep odor under control, while clumping litter only requires scooping at least once a day. However, it is best to change all the cat litter and wash the litter box thoroughly at least once a month when using clumping litter.
For households with multiple cats, it is necessary to change the litter regularly. However, there are litter boxes with a Multi-cat design. This type of litter does not require frequent changing. Using multiple litter boxes for household cats also reduces the frequency of changing the litter.
What kills the smell of cat spray?
Cats spray when communicating with other cats. Spraying is a means of marking territory or a sign of looking for a mate. Cats spray on vertical surfaces, and they can go back to the spray area if there is no thorough cleaning. Cat spray has uric acid that can leave a lingering smell. Some substances that can get rid of the smell of cat spray include white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, dish soap, and enzymatic cleaners.
What cat litter do vets recommend?
Vets recommend unscented and clumping cat litter. Unscented litter is safe for cats because cats are sensitive to smell, and heavily scented litter can cause respiratory problems. Clumping litter clumps cat waste and makes scooping and disposal easy. The best-unscented clumping litter includes Dr. Elsey’s unscented, clumping, cat litter, tidy cat clumping cat litter, and yesterday’s news cat litter.
Why does my cat’s litter smell so bad?
Cats expel their waste on litter in a litter box. Smelly poop can make the litter smell so bad. Diet, medication, food contamination, digestive issues, and intestinal parasites can all cause stinky poop. Check with a vet on how to resolve if your cat has smelly poop. The type of litter also affects the smell. Natural litters like unscented clay, wood pellets, and paper do not clump feces, and they can hold on to the smell of poop even after cleaning. It’s best to use litters that control odors.
Can I put baking soda in cat litter?
Yes. Baking soda absorbs foul odors. Also, baking soda is a natural, unscented substance that does not cause allergic reactions for cats. Sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of the litter box before adding the litter. Sprinkling baking powder eliminates odor and keeps the cat litter fresh.
Conclusion
Cats expel waste in a litter that looks like sand. Cats are sensitive to smell and can be choosy when it comes to litter. This post reviews the seven best cat litter for odor control. The article also covers the usage and maintenance of cat litter. Kindly follow through to select the litter that most suits your preferences.