Litter-ally Essential: Choosing the Right Cat Litter for Your Feline Companion

If you've ever found yourself on a quest for the purr-fect cat litter, you’ve come to the right spot. Choosing the right products as a new pet owner can be daunting with so many options to pick from. Picking the best litter is important because as we all know, cats can be selective. The litter you choose can impact your cat’s comfort and willingness to use a litter box. Each litter also has a different level of scent and dust control. Selecting the right one can make all the difference in your household cleanliness and odor control.  We've sifted through the vast world of kitty litter to unearth the hidden gems that will keep your furry friend's paws happy and your home smelling fresh. Say goodbye to litter box blues and hello to a more harmonious coexistence with your feline companion. Get ready to pick the right litter that will leave your cat feeling like the king or queen of the litter box! Firstly, the most important factors to consider when selecting a new litter for your kitty include; texture, materials, scent and cleanliness.  

Kitty Litter Texture

Just like us, cats have preferences when it comes to texture. Some enjoy the feeling of fine-grained litter between their paws, while others prefer a coarser, more natural texture. Take note of your cat's litter box habits and experiment with different textures to see what they prefer. Think of it as a paw spa experience tailored exclusively for your feline diva or dude. Let's dive into the different textures of kitty litter and explore their characteristics:

Fine-Grained or Clumping Cat Litter

Fine-grained litter is one of the most popular options on the market. It consists of small, sand-like granules that feel soft under your cat's paws. This texture is often associated with clumping litter, where the granules clump together when they come into contact with moisture or urine. Clumping litter allows for easy removal of soiled areas, keeping the litter box cleaner and fresher. Cats generally find fine-grained litter comfortable to dig and cover their waste. Sustainably Yours Mulit-Cat Litter and Multi-Cat Plus Litter are great fine-grained litter options. Both are made from corn and cassava, two crops that are completely natural, renewable and biodegradable. Sustainably Yours is made in a proprietary way that virtually eliminates dust. It doesn’t contain any chemicals or fragrances. Plus, it’s formulated for minimal tracking! It works exceptionally well to form solid clumps. These clumps not only entrap any residual odor but unlike ordinary plant-based litters, they can easily be scooped out without breaking or crumbling.

Coarse or Non-Clumping Litter

Coarse-textured litter has larger granules that resemble small pebbles. Unlike clumping litter, non-clumping litter does not form solid clumps when wet. Instead, it absorbs moisture while keeping the litter box bottom dry. Coarse litters are favored by some cats who enjoy the sensation of digging and scratching. They can provide good odor control, but it requires more frequent complete litter box cleanings to maintain freshness. Feline Fresh Pine Pellet Litter is our choice for best non-clumping litter. This liter utilizes a natural by-product of the lumber industry, Southern Pine. It pelletizes the product for maximum performance. They process the pellets so they are completely clean, sterile, dust free and healthy. No tracking or sticking to your cat’s fur or feet.

Crystal or Silica Gel Kitty Litter

Crystal litter, made of silica gel, has gained popularity in recent years. This type of litter features large, translucent granules that are highly absorbent. The crystals absorb moisture and lock in odors, keeping the litter box fresher for longer periods. Crystal litter tends to be low-dust, making it suitable for cats with respiratory sensitivities. The texture is unique and may take some cats time to adjust to, but many cats find it comfortable to walk on. Our pick for best crystal litter is Snappy Tom Crystal Cat Litter. Snappy Tom Crystal Cat Litter is a highly absorbent cat litter that locks up liquid and odour on contact. This lightweight litter is made from 100% silica crystals and will absorb moisture from cat urine or feces and then evaporate. Leaving the litter box and the area free of odour and less dust or mess that comes typically with clay litter. Snappy Tom Crystal Cat Litter is non-toxic and is suitable for all cats. This litter is also biodegradable and over time will turn into sand.

Natural or Biodegradable Litter

Natural or biodegradable litters are made from various materials such as recycled paper, wood pellets, corn, or wheat. These litters come in different textures depending on the material used. For example, recycled paper litter is typically soft and pellet-like, while wood pellet litter has a coarser texture. Natural litters offer eco-friendly alternatives and often have good odor control. However, cats with sensitive paws may have preferences regarding the texture of these litters, so it's worth observing your cat's reaction. Choose Naturally Fresh if you’re looking for an all-natural, biodegradable litter option. It comes in many different types including quick-clumping, multi-cat, herbal attraction and more. Each formula is made from walnut shells, an annually renewable non-food agricultural product. This litter is virtually dust-free, low-tracking and easy to clean up.  Remember, finding the right litter texture is all about ensuring your cat feels at ease in their litter box, which can contribute to their overall well-being and litter box habits.

What’s My Cat Litter Made Of?

If you're a planet-conscious pet parent, you'll be thrilled to know that eco-friendly cat litters are gaining popularity. These litters are often made from sustainable materials like recycled paper, corn, or wood pellets. Not only are you reducing your environmental pawprint, but you're also providing your cat with a natural litter option. It's a win for Mother Earth and a win for your kitty! As mentioned above, our favorite choice for an all-natural, biodegradable cat litter is the Naturally Fresh line. Here’s a quick breakdown of the different materials used in our selection of kitty litter:

• Feline Fresh: Southern Pine
• Naturally Fresh: Walnut Shells
• Sustainably Yours: Corn and Cassava Crops
• World’s Best: Whole Kernel Corn and Plant Fibers
• Alpha Paw Genius Litter: Naturally Occurring Mineral Silica Gel
• sWheat Scoop: Wheat Starches
• Snappy Tom Crystal Cat Litter: Silica Crystals

As you can see, the materials different litters are made from are vast! Choosing the right texture and material for your cat often come down to sustainability and preference. 

Odor Control and Scented Cat Litters

Let's talk about scents. Some cats prefer a fragrance-free experience, while others enjoy a touch of aromatherapy with their litter. If your cat falls into the latter category, you're in luck! There's a plethora of scented litters available, ranging from lavender dreams to tropical paradises. Just remember to choose a scent that won't overpower your home or send your cat running for cover. A little whiff of freshness goes a long way! Our top pick for scented litter is World’s Best Lavender Scented Multiple Cat Clumping Litter. You can spare your home from that foul ammonia smell, and cleanup becomes a breeze with this fast-clumping formula! The soft lavender scent keeps your cat’s litter box smelling clean and covers any nasty scents with ease. If lavender isn’t your vibe, try the Naturally Fresh Multi-Cat Alpine Meadow Scent Litter. The unique alpine meadow blend of herbs and botanicals provides a fresh scent that’s long-lasting.  If you’re looking for a litter with strong odor-control but are sensitive to scents, try the Naturally Fresh Ultra-Odor Control walnut shell cat litter. This litter is scentless but is enhanced with triple-action enzymes to neutralize fecal, urine and ammonia odors upon contact.

Tracking, Cleanliness and Dust Control

No cat wants to step into a cloud of dust every time they visit their porcelain throne. Opt for a low-dust litter to keep your kitty's air quality pristine. Trust us, your cat will thank you with a gentle head bump or a long, luxurious nap. Plus, it means less dusting for you, so it's a win-win situation! We all love our cats, but we don't necessarily love finding litter scattered throughout the house like a trail of crumb clues. Fear not, for there are litters specifically designed to minimize tracking. Look for litters with larger granules or those equipped with tracking-reducing technology. Your floors will thank you, and you'll avoid those unexpected midnight encounters with rogue litter particles.  The World’s Best Zero Mess Unscented Litter is the best of both worlds with low-tracking properties and virtually zero dust residue. It has a patented blend of naturally super-absorbent whole kernel corn and plant fibers to trap liquids and odors in tight clumps, with no dust or mess. Designed for high-performance use, this multi-cat-strength litter is lightweight, 99% dust-free, 100% natural, and totally flushable for easy cleaning. By forming clumps quickly, it also prevents the litter from sticking to the litter box. Plus, it’s septic-safe, eco-friendly, and free of toxins or silica so it’s safe for the whole family.

Conclusion

Choosing the best cat litter doesn't have to be a daunting task. By considering factors like clumping abilities, dust levels, scents, eco-friendliness, textures, and tracking, you can find the perfect fit for both you and your feline companion. Remember, a happy cat means a happy home, and a happy home means more cuddles and playtime with your furry friend. So, bid adieu to litter box woes and say hello to your perfect litter fit!  It's important to note that every cat is unique, and individual preferences can vary. Some cats may be more finicky about texture, while others may adapt to different textures without any issues. When introducing a new litter, it's advisable to do so gradually, mixing it with the existing litter to help your cat adjust. By observing your cat's behavior and preferences, you can determine which texture they find the most comfortable and enjoyable. Lastly, check out our Facebook and Instagram pages for new product promotions and store information.