If only cats could speak. Then we could get the answers to all of our burning questions, like “Why do you massage us at 4am?” and “I bought you a bed, so why do you sleep in the sink?” and “How can I help choose the right litter for you?”
While the first two questions may not apply to everyone, all cat owners at some point ask themselves how to choose the right cat litter.
For starters, there are just so many choices and so many brands to choose from.
Apart from that selection, it’s understanding the difference between your preferences… and your cat’s.
Because if you choose wrong you’ll have to live with the consequences of a cat who doesn’t correctly use their litter box.
Though your household needs and your cat’s wants may differ from those of other homes, we still find that there are some common truths about choosing healthy cat litter for your cat.
As cat veterinarians, we are here to help you look past the buzzwords and find a cat litter that will have your cat regularly and successfully using their litter box.
Cats Prefer These Kinds of Litter
Because we like to keep our cats happy, we’re starting off this blog with a focus on the types of litter cats have been known to enjoy.
- Small Particles – One of the biggest differentiators in types of litter are the particles, from pellet and crystal-like to fine grain, clumping clay litter. Generally speaking, cats prefer the feel of finer particles.
- Free of Odors – Though you may think you pick up your cat’s smells, you just need to remember how much more sensitive your cat’s nose is than yours. Though scented litter may help cover up unwanted smells, it could potentially be quite bothersome to your feline friend.
People Prefer These Kinds of Cat Litter
For as much as we love our cats, they are the ones living in our homes, not the other way around. As such, they occasionally need to give into our demands. Below we’re sharing the kinds of litter people prefer for their cats.
- Hard clumping – When cat litter clumps quickly and firmly, it’s easier to scoop and there’s less of it that’ll cling to your cat’s paw, tails, and backside.
- Odor absorbing – Another way to keep the smells to a minimum is with a cat litter that uses activated charcoal or baking soda to absorb them.
- Low dust and tracking – Overall, we like it when the cat litter stays in the litter box. Low dust litter keeps your home clean, and is generally thought of as a healthy cat litter because your cat ends up with less dust in its lungs. Low tracking litter is as it sounds, and helps reduce litter clean-ups.
Litter For Specific Situations
There are a number of situations – normally related to health – where your cat might require a certain type of litter. We’re outlining the three most common kinds below.
What Litter To Get For Cats With Asthma?
One of the best ways of keeping your asthmatic cat from dealing with an attack is to make sure their environment is free of respiratory irritants. Litter dust, as you may have guessed, can be one of the primary culprits. For a healthy cat litter you can rely on in these situations, opt for low dust litters.
What Litter To Get For Cats After Surgery?
There are situations where even low-tracking or fast-clumping litter is not going to be ideal for your cat. When they’re recovering from surgery and have stitches, surgical staples, bandages, or a wound, little can end up stuck in these sites. Rather than deal with the complications that can ensue, opt for a paper-based cat litter.
This won’t be the most natural fit for them, but it’s a great healthy cat litter that will ensure their recovery goes as it should.
What Litter To Get For Cats Learning (Or Re-learning) To Use Their Litter
If you have a household with adult cats and kittens, or adult cats who have started going outside of their box, you may need to help them “find” their box again.
This can be done with certain additives or attractant liners that essentially use scents to get your cat back to their litter box.
For More Answers From Cat Veterinarians, Visit The Catonsville Cat Clinic
At Catonsville Cat Clinic, we have been devoted exclusively to feline health care since 1997.
Our cat veterinarians are here to help you with whatever cat-related questions you may have, from choosing a healthy cat litter to figuring out your cat’s vaccine schedule. To set up your next appointment, feel free to send us a message today.