Our previous post dealt with the litter box itself and the placement of your litter bow. now we’re going to look at other questions you might have about cat litter itself. Let’s dig right in – hopefully the nuggets you find in this article are better than the ones you find in your litter box…
KINDS OF cat LITTER
With so many different brands of litter on the market, finding the right one by trial and error may be costly and time-consuming. However, determining which type best suits your lifestyle will help you narrow down your choices.
Non-clumping clay litter, for example, was one of the first types of cat litter available; however, only a few modern cat owners still use it because. It absorbs liquid waste well, it is difficult to clean.
The most popular type of cat litter is clumping scoopable litter. It is easy to clean and comes in a variety of scents. Your cat likely will prefer unscented litter, but you can find a happy medium for both of you. If you don’t mind unscented, go with that. Otherwise, just try and stay away from any overly pungent scents.
Shredded newspaper is an environmentally friendly litter alternative if you prefer more natural options. There are pine or other wood-based litters that do the trick. Alternatively, for a cat-friendly alternative to harsh deodorizers, add a layer of baking soda to the bottom of your litter box.
Scratching the side of the litter box to wipe their paws, only putting two paws in to use the litter box, or going right next to the box are all signs that your cat does not like their litter. Shredded newspaper is an environmentally friendly litter alternative if you prefer more natural options. There are pine or other wood-based litters that do the trick. Alternatively, for a cat-friendly alternative to harsh deodorizers, add a layer of baking soda to the bottom of your litter box.
Once you’ve found a litter that your cat enjoys, you should try to stick with it for as long as you can.
GETTING THE LITTER BOX FULL
The amount of litter you place in the litter box has an impact on how you clean it later. When your cat is digging, too much litter will spill out of the litter box. Unless you have a kitten or an elderly cat who requires easier access, high-sided litter boxes are recommended to reduce spills. However, as long as your litter box is larger than your cat’s length, they will have enough room to move around and dig inside without littering the floor.
On the other hand, if there is insufficient litter, it will not absorb properly, leaving the litter box wet and stinky. If this happens, use cat-safe cleaners to clean the litter box. To avoid frustration from over- or under-filling, a good rule of thumb is to start about two or three inches deep with litter. But keep in mind that you should always clean your litter box before adding new litter.
CATONSVILLE CAT CLINIC KNOWS ABOUT CAT LITTER!
The Catonsville Cat Clinic has been providing quality veterinary care to the cats of Catonsville and the surrounding area for over 20 years! Dr. Pam Nesbitt, who bought the Catonsville Cat Clinic in July 2011, runs it with compassion in mind. To ensure that your cat is healthy and happy, a team of professionals with advanced veterinary medicine training is at your disposal. So come on over; we’d love to meet you and your cat. Follow us on Facebook for more information and advice! You can reach the Catonsville Cat Clinic by calling 410-869-0800 or filling out the form on our contact page.