Whether you’re a new cat owner or you’re just looking for ways to improve your favorite feline’s experience at home, choosing the right kitty litter is an important facet of cat wellness. Here are some tips on choosing a litter that will work the best for your cat and your home:
Do Some Kitty Litter Research
There are practically as many litter options as there are cat breeds. Before you decide on one, do some research on different styles to narrow down your selection. Some of the most common litter choices are:
- Clay litter: Many cat owners favor this type of litter because it is made with natural ingredients and plant extracts that absorb odors without exposing your kitty to dangerous chemicals.
- Wheat: Another natural litter variety, wheat clumps and absorbs odor. It is also biodegradable.
- Silica: These crystals are a little more expensive than other litter options, but they absorb liquid and odor very well. They can also be used for about a month before they need to be changed.
- Wood pellets: Although wood pellets do not clump, they are dust-free and have a natural deodorant, which helps minimize odors. Some kitties do not like the natural wood scent, however, so you should test it out before fully committing to it.
Give Your Cat a Choice
Since your cat is the individual that really needs to like the litter, it is important to give her a say in the matter. If you are having a hard time deciding between a few different options, you can set up two or three boxes with different kinds of litter and see which one your cat gravitates toward. After about a week, you should have a clear idea of your kitty’s litter preference.
Use Caution When Switching Litter
If you have been using a certain kind of litter for a long period of time but feel like it’s time to change, it is important to do it slowly and give your cat a chance to transition. If you immediately switch from wood pellets to silica, for example, it could cause your cat stress and negatively impact his behavior. Start by adding a little bit of the new litter to your old litter to give him a chance to get used to the new smell and texture. Do this for about seven-ten days until you have fully transitioned to the new kind. Most of the time, cats will start using the new litter without issue, but if you notice that your kitty is starting to do his business outside of the litter box, schedule a wellness exam so we can ensure everything is okay.
At Berkeley Veterinary Center, we want to make sure your pets have everything they need to live a happy and healthy life. As an AAHA-accredited veterinary center, we take your pet’s health seriously. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, please call (732) 269-3600.
Tags: Cat Care, cat litter, cat wellness