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Is Clay Litter Good For Cats

How Does Crystal Litter Last So Long

How to switch from cat clay litter to pine pellets.

Many cat parents are baffled by the fact that crystal litter can last so long. It almost seems magical. The reason it can last a while is because of how absorbent the pieces of litter are due to the microscopic pores of silica gel. The litter absorbs the odors and eliminates the moisture, so as long as you scoop the poop, the litter can stay good for up to a month.

However, crystal litter can only last that long if its used properly. The best way to use it is to discard the feces daily and stir, moving the litter from bottom-to-top and side-to-side. This can help the litter last the longest because it helps all the crystals best eliminate moisture and trap the odor. For non-clumping crystal litter, its important not to remove any litter to help properly maintain the depth. Otherwise, urine pools at the bottom of the litter box could shorter the litters usage life.

What Is The Best Cat Litter To Use

Natural cat litter is the best type of litter to use for your cats litter box. These natural cat litter includes cedar, pine, corn, beet, soybean, pulp, sawdust, and even recycled paper products.

Most natural cat litters are unscented, produce less dust, and are good at minimizing odor with their natural scents and composition filled with fiber.

If you want to use clumping cat litter, silica gel is a better option than clay. If youre unsure about what kinds of cat litter to use, you can consult a veterinarian to make the best choice for your pet kitty.

Also Read: How to litter train your kitten?

Best Litter For Cats That Need Help Learning To Use Their Litter Box

Sometimes a new kitten might need a guidemap or, more specifically, a guide scent to find and know to do their business in their litter boxes. And this may be especially true in households without any other adult cats to show the new kitten the “ropes” of their litter boxes. For these guys, using a cat attractant litter or litter additive like the ones linked below can sometimes help. And it’s not just young kittens that can benefit from these attractant litters and additives… adult or senior cats who start going outside of their boxes can sometimes benefit from them, too.

I hope this helps you find the best litter for you and your cat. Id love to know what you think and what litter you use with your cats. What has worked well for you and what hasnt? Please share your litter experiences in the comments section below.

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Best Litter For Kittens

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Adopting a new kitten is a joy for the entire family. Adults and children cant resist the big eyes, cute whiskers, and playful nature of these sweet and sassy little munchkins. If you already have cats, you may just want to continue using your current litter, but that may not be a wise choice for your tiny kitten who is just beginning to understand and experiment with the world. We know you want to provide your kitten with a healthy start to a long life, so lets get down to the brass tacks on what cat litter is best for kittens.

Flaws But Not Dealbreakers

Special Kitty Premium Clay Cat Litter, Fresh Scent, 25 lb ...

The most obvious downside of Dr. Elseys Ultra is its container. Though this litter is sometimes sold in small boxes, the lowest price is found on a 40-pound plastic bag from Amazon. Out of all the containers that litter comes in, a plastic bag is the hardest to seal, and isnt as easy to stow away as a box or a plastic bin.

That 40-pound plastic bag is twice as heavy as other litters, which come in 20-, 30-, or 40-pound cardboard-box containers that are easier to lift and store. Pet owners with minimal arm strength may have difficulty pouring Dr. Elseys Ultra into a pan, so we recommend transferring some of the litter into an easy-pour container or using a large kibble scooper that you store in the bag. Or you can grab one of Dr. Elseys 18-pound bags, which cost 7 extra cents per pound.

Dr. Elseys Ultra fell in the middle of the pack in our cleanability tests because it can leave sticky messes at the bottom of the pan. Its average-size granules dont pack as tightly as tinier granules, like those in the Arm & Hammer Cloud Control Clumping Litter, so more moisture can get to the bottom of the litter box. Dr. Elseys Ultra performed about as well as two cheaper litters we tested: the Arm & Hammer Super Scoop Clumping Litter and the Frisco Scoopable Cat Litter. If you are willing to pay a premium for harder clumps that wont stick to the bottom of a dirty pan, try our other pick, the Arm & Hammer Cloud Control Clumping Litter.

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Silica Gel Crystal Cat Litter

This cat litter is made from silica gel beads. These beads are similar to those pouches that you find in backpacks, food containers, clothing, etc.

You know, the pouches that say harmful if ingested.

In humans, breathing in silica dust can cause a variety of health issues including Silicosis, lung cancer, and kidney disease.

Typically, this occurs after 15-20 years of exposure.

But cats are much smaller than us. So that timeline is probably much shorter for them.

Why crystal litter is bad for cats:

  • Non-clumping
  • Harmful to breathe and ingest

Crystal cat litter is non-clumping and essentially dust-free.

But since it is non-clumping, you have to mix the urine around in the box.

If you dont change this litter out regularly it will turn to sludge.

These crystals are quite large, and they hurt when you step on them.

I cant imagine what its like for the cats small and sensitive paw pads.

Crystal cat litter is infused with odor-absorbing chemicals. These chemicals negatively impact human respiratory, endocrine, and immune health.

Why would it affect cat health differently?

Wood Pellets Cost More Than Clay Litter

Compared to other plant-based litters, pine pellets are a bargain. But its hard to compete with the price of clay cat litter.

Just dont let the price per pound fool you. Because theyre lighter-weight and need to be changed less often, wood pellets last much longer than clay litter by weight.

To reduce cost further, you can buy bulk horse bedding pellets or wood stove pellets rather than a commercial brand like Feline Pine. Just make sure theyre kiln dried, made from untreated wood, and contain no additives.

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Fresh Step Lightweight Extreme Cat Litter

Another lightweight clay cat litter makes our list of recommendations! This Fresh Step litter is formulated with Febreze for ultimate odor elimination. It contains activated carbon that trap and eliminate odors immediately on contact. The Febreze assists in the effectiveness of keeping your cats litter box space smelling delightful. Fresh Step lightweight clay cat litter weighs 30% less than normal litter, making it easier for cat parents to handle.

What Are The Most Ecofriendly Cat Litter Products On The Market

Boxiecat Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter Review
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Dear EarthTalk: Which are the most ecofriendly and nontoxic cat litters?Sam Barnes, Macon, Ga.

It makes sense that environmentally enlightened cat owners would want cat litter made from natural products that will not potentially compromise their health or that of their beloved pets. Many mass market cat litters contain significant amounts of silica dust which has been linked to upper respiratory issues in cats and even humans. Likewise, the chemical fragrances in many cat litters can also be toxic to cats.

Yet another issue is the sodium bentonite clay in clumping cat litters. The fact that this type of clay can swell up to 15 times its original volume when a cat urinates or defecates into it makes it an excellent cat litter substrate, as waste clumps can be scooped out and filled in without changing the entire litter box. But when cats ingest this material it can cause gastrointestinal distress that in some cases can lead to death. Also, the clay commonly used can be derived from environmentally destructive strip mining.

But thanks to increased concern for cats health and the environment, there are plenty of greener options out there. To wit, Yesterdays News cat litter is made from recycled newspaper and is reportedly three times more absorbent than clay. It is non-toxic and contains no scented fragrances, but its makers say it is still tough on odors, and is 99.7 percent dust-free. It also comes in recyclable paper packaging.

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Pellet Litter May Be A Little Harder To Find

Though its likely not an issue for most, wood pellet cat litter can be more challenging to find. Particularly in rural areas.

Clay cat litter can be bought at any grocery store, convenience store, drug store, or big box store. To find wood pellet litter, you may need to go a pet store specifically. As wood pellet litter continues to become more and more popular, this is becoming less of an issue.

The Best Flushable Corn Cat Litterbut Use Caution

Again and again while working on this guide, we heard from people who swore by Worlds Best Cat Litter, which is made of corn. We ordered some to test, just to see what the fuss was about. It smells like a farm, and objectively, it forms soft mushy clumps. But those who love it mainly love it because the company claims that the litter is flushable .

However, putting your litter down the drain can do damage to local wildlife. As weve written in our guide to dog poop bags, the US Environmental Protection Agency classifies pet waste as a pollutant, which can introduce excess nutrients and harmful microorganisms like parasites and coliform bacteria into rivers, streams, and groundwater. An issue particular to cat waste is toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection carried by cats that in humans can cause serious complications during pregnancy and for those who have weakened immune systems. In California, evidence has linked toxoplasmosis from cat feces to increased mortality in sea otters, prompting legislation to attach anti-flushing notices on cat litter bags. As a sanitation operations manager told The New York Times about wet wipes, which are also supposedly flushable: I agree that theyre flushable. A golf ball is flushable, but its not a good idea.

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Litters For Cats With Special Needs

Some cats, and even their people, will require special litters. This is particularly true if your cat or anyone in your home has a breathing condition like asthma, but there are other conditions and living situations that will necessitate special litters. Below are three common conditions/scenarios where special litters might be needed.

Cat Litter For Kittens: The Basics

12 Things To Know About Is Clay Litter Bad For Cats

Most kittens quickly recognize cat litter and how to use it. If your little guy or gal isnt sure, check out these tips from PetMD for litter training. You also want to make sure the litter is in a litter pan with low sides so its easy for them to get into the box.

If you are concerned that the kitten may try to eat the litter or lick litter dust from its fur, fill the box with a kitten-safe litter. There are several types that you can try:

  • Plant-based pellets. These include pellets made of pine, walnut, coconut shells, or paper.
  • Non-clumping clay litter. While most clay litter is clumping , there are still some traditional sandy litters on the market. Youll have to change the litter more often if you opt for an old-school litter.
  • Unscented litters. Strong perfumes and deodorizing chemicals can irritate kittens or make them want to avoid the box. Stay with an unscented litter, and, if you are concerned about litter box smell, look for a litter with baking soda to reduce odor.

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Why Clay Cat Litter Is Bad

If your cat is using a clay litter, those airborne particles can be inhaled and cause irritation, an allergic reaction, and even an asthma attack. According to vets at Cornell Universitys College of Veterinary Medicine, repeat exposure to allergens like clay dust cause the immune system to go into hyperdrive.

Is Clumping Or Non Clumping Cat Litter Better

Cats prefer clumping litter so clumping cat litter is better than non clumping cat litter. However, you must shop wisely and avoid clay, wheat, corn, crystal, and wood clumping litters. These clumping litters pose serious danger to you and your cat. Breathing in these litters can cause respiratory issues, cancer, and starch-based litters are at risk for deadly mold.

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The 9 Actual Best Cat Litter Alternatives Of 2021

Cat Litter Alternatives are available in various materials right from paper, pine, wood pellets, walnut shells, corn, wheat, etc. Each of them exhibits their own individual properties like high absorbance, odor control, and ease of scooping and clumping.

Apart from clay litter which is made of sodium bentonite, there are other forms of natural and homemade feline litter alternatives also available. These are non-toxic, contain no artificial fragrances or chemicals, and are very safe for adults as well as small kitties.

We have listed the best cat litter alternatives along with the merits and demerits of choosing each type for your kitty and household. Additionally, there is a bonus read on how you can make natural litter alternatives at home.

Best Clay Cat Litters With Our 2022 Budget

Making A Wood Pellet Cat Litter Box

Clay cat litter first came into existence in the 1940s, and its remained the most popular cat litter since then. Clay cat litter is efficient, cost-effective and convenient to purchase, so its no surprise that its remained an exceptional choice among cat parents all of these years later.

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While theres no definitive scientific evidence to prove that clay cat litter is detrimental to a cats health, some cat parents and veterinarians worry about the effects of silica dust on a cats respiratory system. Luckily dust-free solutions are available now, and some clay litters even go through a special process to reduce dust in the granules.

We believe there are a variety of excellent reasons to use a clay cat litter for your feline friends. There are many safe, healthy clay litters on the market today, and we have a handful of recommendations for you. Lets start by reviewing a multitude of benefits that clay litter has to offer.

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Grass Seed Cat Litter

Grass seed litter is natural, it clumps, and most brands offer unscented.

This is the closest to the cats natural bathroom.

Unfortunately, Ive tried 3 different brands and all of them were infested with dead bugs.

Why grass seed litter is bad for cats:

  • May grow mold
  • No pesticides means your bag could be infested with dead bugs
  • Dead bugs may be dangerous to ingest

The companies dont use pesticides on grass. No pesticides is a good thing.

But its also a bad thing. No pesticides means bugs.

These dead bugs probably arent safe to ingest.

Grass seed litter has a sweet, almost cereal-like smell to it.

I also noticed some mold growing on clumps that were in my DIY litter genie.

Arm & Hammer Cat Litter

Price: $15.99

Highlights: This litter is extremely easy to clean and contains 10% more odor eliminators than previous Arm & Hammer products.

About Cat Litter: This litter is one of the best Arm & Hammer cat litters. It features more odor eliminators than other Arm & Hammer litters, and of course, comes with its patented EZ clean technology. This means that this litter will slide right out of the litter pan no more scraping or scrubbing is needed. Moreover, this litter has a seven-day seal and destroy guarantee. Also, its formulation with Arm & Hammer baking soda provides powerful odor eliminators. The baking soda acts to actively eliminate every odor once locked in by the clump and seal technology. It is ideal for multi-cat households and is one of the best cat litter brands on the market.

Price: $21.99

Highlights: Solar-produced, is biodegradable, made from 100% walnut fibers, and is non-toxic.

About Cat Litter: Naturally Fresh is one of the best cat litter brands because they offer a natural litter that is as good for you and your cat as it is for the environment. This zero-waste option can naturally absorb ammonia odors and can form hardened easy-to-remove clumps. In addition, this litter doesnt stick to cat paws and is toxin and dust-free, effectively resulting in a cleaner, healthier household. Feel good by treating your home, cats, and planet with care while using this product.

Price: $11.00

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Benefits Of Clay Litter

Using clay litter has a wide variety of benefits for both you and your favorite feline.

Popularity

Clay litter is the most popular type of cat litter. What does that mean? It means that youll have no shortage of litters to choose from. No matter what you want from a litter scented or unscented, clumping or not you can find it in a clay litter.

Convenience

Because clay litter is the most preferred type of litter, youll find that you can buy it pretty much anywhere. This type of litter will likely be available no matter where you shop grocery store, drug store, pet store, or online.

Suitable For All Types Boxes

While clay litters are great to use in plain, old litter boxes, theyre also a perfect fit for self-cleaning, mechanical litter boxes. This is because most clay litters will have tiny grains, making it easy to sweep away for automatic boxes.

Friendly To Your Wallet

There are so many options for clay litters out there, youll find a wide variety of prices most of which are incredibly budget-friendly!

Clumping Action

Clay litter tends to have some of the best clumping technology around. The majority of clay litter brands have been on the market for a while, so they know their stuff when it comes to when it comes to making great clumping formulas that enable you to clean your cats litter box more easily.

Great At Odor Control

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