Types of Cat Litter

Life with cats used to be so simple. You'd open the door and the cat would go out to use "the facilities" in the garden and come back in. Then, in 1947, Ed Lowe discovered that an absorbent clay called Fullers Earth made the "purrfect" filler for cat boxes. He called his discovery kitty litter, and life with cats hasn't been the same since. Now cats and their caretakers can choose from countless brands and styles of cat litter.

  1. Clay Litter

    • Clay litter is the least expensive cat box filler, but it's also the most labor intensive because it gets very wet, very fast. Change the box every day to minimize this problem. Cats don't like to get their feet wet. If the litter is damp, chances are your cats won't use it.

    Clay-Based Clumping Litter

    • Clay-based clumping litter will keep your cat's box neat and dry. And since all you have to do is scoop out the solid waste and clumps of urine, your litter box chores will take just minutes. Be aware that clumping litter can be very dusty though, and without a mat just outside the box to trap the scattered litter, your cats could track it everywhere. Use high quality litter so the clumps don't fall apart and spill wet litter back into the box as you scoop.

    Plant-Based Clumping Litter

    • Litter made from ground corn or wheat also keeps your cat's box clean and dry. It's not as dusty as clay-based litter, and most cats like it. If your cat is allergic to wheat or corn, avoid plant-based litter. It could make him very itchy and uncomfortable.

    Pellets

    • Pellets made of pine or recycled paper are very popular among cat caretakers but less popular among cats. Humans like them because they're completely dust-free. Cats find them uncomfortable underfoot, and many cats refuse to use them.

      Introduce pellets gradually. Add just a few to the litter your cat is using now and slowly increase the amount until she is using only pellets.

    Crystals

    • Made from silica gel, litter box crystals are nontoxic and dust-free. They absorb urine, keeping the box dry. Most brands get smelly after just a few days though. And for a cat, digging in silica is nowhere near as satisfying as digging in clay. If you add crystals to clumping litter to minimize the dust, the litter will not clump as well.

    Scented Cat Litter

    • Cat litter comes in a variety of scents, from "clean" and "fresh" to lavender and orange. These scents appeal to humans but smell odd and unappealing to many cats. Your cat will be more likely to use his box if you give him unscented litter that doesn't disguise his own unique scent.

    Cat Litter for Special Needs

    • Health Meter Cat Litter can alert you to health problems by changing color. Dr. Elsey's makes special litter for cats with litter box aversions, kittens, senior cats and cats with long hair.

      But, if your cat's behavior, appetite or litter box habits change suddenly, don't wait for her litter to change color. Take her to the vet right away.