If the litter you buy doesn't suit your cat, it will cause trouble both for you and them. Make sure to choose the best option.
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What is the best cat litter in 2024?
Cats are picky animals who like to relieve themselves in a clean and comfortable litter box. Make your pet happy by choosing the best cat litter!
Preparing to welcome your first kitty and wondering which litter to choose? There are many different types of litter. Some are made from natural materials, some are clumping, and others have the advantage of not sticking to the paws. There are also litters for long-haired cats and litters that turn colours to indicate a problem with your cat's health. It is essential to choose the right litter that your cat will like.
Felines have different tastes, and some will love the crystals in silica litter. In contrast, others will happily scratch in wood fibres. There are also litters that can be flushed down the toilet or decompose in the compost.
To help you with your choice, we have selected the best cat litters.
Summary
What are the different types of cat litter?
Whether it's wood pellets, mineral rocks or silica, it's not always easy to know which litter is the best. It is crucial to choose the right product type so that your pet starts using it as soon as it arrives.
- Clumping litter rolls the waste into small blocks that are easy to scoop out.
- Silica litter is made up of blue and white crystals and absorbs odours and liquids effectively.
- Granular litter is not biodegradable but retains all odours.
There are also scented litters, and products with a "health indicator" option. The crystals turn a particular colour when the cat's urine indicates an illness.
Which cat litter should I choose for a long-haired cat?
When choosing the best litter for your long-haired cat, look for specially shaped granules that cannot cling to the coat. Remember that anything on the ground tends to stick to long-haired cat coats, and litter granules are no exception!
Natural plant fibres are particularly effective in this situation. Not only are they environmentally friendly and absorbent, but they can come in the form of centimetre-long pellets that are too heavy to cling to the fur.
How do you lure a cat into the litter box?
Cats are naturally clean, and typically it's enough to show your kitty where the litter box is to get them to do their business.
However, some felines refuse to use their litter box, and there are several tricks to train cats to use their litter box. Place your kitten in their litter box just after feeding, and stand next to them or pet them. Don't be afraid to grab one of your pet's front paws to scratch the litter box together.
Choose a litter box that is the right size for your cat. You don't want the rims to be too high for a kitten! Adult cats need a large box that they can fit all the way in.
If your kitten tends to be anxious and stressed, start with an open litter box. Your pet won't feel confined and will find it easier to relieve themselves. Scented litter boxes are not an option for cats that like to mark their territory. The animal will not be able to smell its own soothing scents.
Finally, avoid cleaning the litter box with a strong-smelling detergent. The odour could bother your pet's delicate nose. Interestingly, cats do love the smell of bleach!
How to avoid litter box odours?
To avoid litter box odours, opt for scented litter to absorb the smells from your cat's excrement. Baking soda is also very effective against odours: pour a small amount onto the bottom of the litter box before adding the litter on top.
When cleaning your cat's litter box, wipe the bottom with a cloth soaked in white vinegar. Some cat owners add a few drops of essential oils to enjoy the delicate natural scent.
Toilet houses with a lid and cat flap also prevent odours from spreading.
How do I dispose of cat litter?
You can dispose of mineral litter by emptying it into a non-recyclable bin. Organic litter can be disposed of in compost bins.
Feline waste covered with biodegradable clumping litter can be flushed down the toilet.
What is the best place for the litter box in the house?
To find the best spot for the litter box in the house, learn to recognise your pet's tastes. Your cat will show you whether the chosen location is suitable by using the litter box or ignoring it.
Cats are very clean animals and do not like to sleep or eat next to where they relieve themselves. Therefore, it would be best to place the litter box in a neutral, hidden place where your pet will feel safe. Choose an area without much traffic so that your pet can relieve itself at ease without being disturbed.
If you are a Zen adept and wondering where to put your cat's litter box in a Feng Shui flat, choose an enclosed, well-ventilated area. Hardly anything is more unpleasant than being greeted by the smell of feline urine upon entering a flat. So choose a comfortable place for both the cat and its owners: the garage, for example, or the balcony. When you change the litter box, keep a very positive frame of mind so that your cat will feel your good mood as soon as it goes into its litter box.
