The Best Clumping Litter for Multiple Cats

Identification

• The first clumping litters date back to the 1940s, when owners first started keeping their cats indoors. These litters were clay based, like many of the brands of litter on the market today. Clumping litters have a fine, gravel-like texture and form hard clumps when they come into contact with liquids such as cat urine. These litters allow you to scoop away the urine clumps and feces completely, leaving the box clean without having to change the entire amount of litter out of the box as often. The ASPCA recommends using clumping litters as cats seem to prefer the texture; households with multiple cats can keep the boxes cleaner by scooping them daily.

Clay Clumping Litter

• The most common type of clumping litter for cats is composed of fine clay particles which form very hard clumps and absorb odors well, according to the Humane Society of the United States. Cats prefer the fine texture of this type of litter, and multiple cat litter boxes have less odor from clay litter due to the moisture-absorbing qualities. Purchase multiple cat formulas, which form harder clumps than regular formulas, which will not break up when walked on by other cats. Clay litters cost less than natural litters, so you may prefer these economical litters if you have multiple cats and multiple litter boxes to save on costs. You cannot flush clay litter down the toilet and you should not use litters containing sodium bentonite clay with young kittens under 4 months of age. If kittens ingest this chemical, it can form a blockage in their intestines.

Natural Clumping Litter

• Manufacturers use ingredients such as recycled newspaper, pine shavings and corn cobs to make natural clumping litters. These litters generally cost slightly more than clay-based litters, but are biodegradable and generally weigh less than clay litters, making the bags of the litter easier to carry. These litters have a softer texture than clay litters that your cat may prefer and do not contain sodium bentonite or silica, chemicals which can lead to intestinal problems in cats. You can flush many of these natural litters down the toilet to reduce odors in your home from cat urine and feces when you scoop the litter boxes. For cats or people with allergies, choose a natural clumping litter as they produce less dust than clay litters.

Considerations

• When purchasing a litter for multiple cats, keep in mind that you need to find a litter that all of your cats want to use. To do this, purchase two to three different types of litter for your cats and place them side-by-side in separate litter boxes. Observe your cats and see which box they prefer to use, then switch to this one exclusively. If one of your cats has issues with using the litter box, you may want to purchase a litter designed to attract cats to it, or sprinkle some catnip in the box. While many multiple cat litters come scented, which may cover odors in your home, the ASPCA recommends that cats prefer to use unscented litters. To prevent litter box issues, use a brand of clumping cat litter your cat will use and provide your cats with enough boxes for each of them to use, plus one.