What Size And How Many Litter Boxes Do I Need
Cats need a litter box that is at least 1.5 times their length and has enough space for them to comfortably dig and bury their waste. Regardless of their size, households with more than one cat need more than one litter box, according to Dr. Megan Wilson, a veterinarian at the Pennsylvania SPCA in Philadelphia. A good rule of thumb is one litter box per cat plus one extra. See our guide to the best litter boxes for more on this.
How To Switch Cat Litters
Switching to flushable cat litter is not as simple as purchasing a bag and filling the litter box.
Cats are really finicky, Derse says. Some will go into the litter box and use with no problem, but some will go outside the box.
For a smooth transition, Derse advises placing multiple litter boxes around the house and filling one with the old litter and one with the new, flushable product to see how the cat responds. If the cat avoids that litter box with the flushable litter altogether, your feline might never adapt. Consider experimenting with a different brand of flushable litter to see if there is one your cat prefers.
Over time, mix in ever-increasing amounts of flushable litter in with the old litter so the change is gradual.
You have to go slow and almost trick them into using it, Derse says.
Related
Clay Litter Vs Biodegradable Litter
Unfortunately, 70 years later, clay litter is still the norm. Why is it unfortunate? Because clay litter has the most negative impact on our environment as well as being detrimental to the health of both humans and cats.
Besides the fact that people are just programmed to use it, I think its main attraction is its low cost compared to other types of litter. Clumping clay litter, which is a little more expensive, has similar pros and cons to regular, non-clumping litter.
Average cost for clay litter: $.30/pound Average cost for clumping clay litter: $.50/pound
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Easiest Clean Up: Arm & Hammer Platinum Slide Cat Litter
If cleaning the litter box is your least favorite chore, then Arm & Hammer Platinum Slide cat litter might make the job go quicker. EZ Clean technology makes the cat litter nonstick so that it slides ride out of the tray and into the trash. There is no need to scrape or scrub the litter box. Additionally, its dust-free and creates a seal to control odors.
Should You Really Flush Cat Litter
The cat litter might be labeled flushable but that doesnt mean its safe to send it down the toilet to the wastewater treatment plant. In fact, some state governments, including Rhode Island, prohibit pet owners from flushing pet waste.
The California legislature even passed a bill that requires flushable cat litter manufacturers to add a statement to their packaging that discourages cat owners from flushing cat litter down the toilet.
And as previously mentioned, even flushable litters can cause plumbing and septic tank issuesbut that doesnt mean flushable litter is a bad idea.
The main reason a litter is eco-friendly is because of the litter, not how you dispose of it, Derse says. There are excellent flushable litter products out there that can go into the garbage can and go to the landfill to biodegrade.
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What Cat Litter Is Biodegradable
- Worlds Best Cat Litter
- Okocat Litter
- Pioneer Pet Smartcat All Natural
- Little Maid Walnut Litter
- Frisco Corn and Wheat Litter
- Feline Pine Litter
These are just a few of the options for biodegradable cat litter.
As time goes on and science improves some options may become more popular than others.
It is important to note that if you or your kitty shows signs of allergies around a natural biodegradable litter, it may be time to switch to one that uses different ingredients.
Neither you nor your cat enjoys sneezing while dealing with the litter box.
Why Is My Cat Sleeping In Their Litter Tray
If you have a kitten who likes to nap in their litter tray, the most likely explanation is they just havent quite worked out whats what yet. However, if you have an adult cat who has suddenly started sleeping in their litter tray, this could be because of an underlying medical problem, such as a urinary infection, kidney stones or diabetes. So its important to get your cat checked out by the vet. If medical problems have been ruled out, the issue is a behavioural one and suggests your cat is feeling territorial or stressed. Have you recently adopted your cat? Are there other animals in the house that might seem like a threat?
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Do You Recommend Clumping Or Non
This really comes down to what you and perhaps more importantly your cat prefers. The only exception to this is if you have a kitten, in which case wed always recommend non-clumping litter. This is because kittens sometimes eat their litter and clumping litter could clump in their stomach.
Assuming youve got an adult cat, the biggest difference between clumping and non-clumping litter is the cleaning routine. Non-clumping litters, such as Catsan Hygiene litter, absorb a large volume of liquid. This means, as long as you remove faeces daily, the litter tray will stay fresh for approximately a week. Once a week, youll need to empty the litter tray completely and fill it with new litter.
Clumping litter, such as Catsan Ultra Plus litter or Catsan Natural clumping litter, forms a clump around urine or faeces so that you can easily remove that instead of having to empty the entire litter tray . This can mean less frequent thorough cleaning, although its important to remember that cats are scrupulously clean and will expect their litter tray to be too!
Aside from cleaning, the other main differences a cat parent will notice is that non-clumping litter, being porous, is lighter. This is convenient when youre out shopping, but it does mean the litter comes out of the tray slightly more easily when your cat digs. Clumping litter is heavier to carry but more likely to stay in the litter tray.
No 7 Rated Fresh News Post Consumer Paper Pellet Cat Litter
Overall buyers rate this Fresh News Post Consumer Paper Pellet Cat Litter with an average buyer satisfaction rate of 78% and is a highly popular choice for many cat owners.
This litter is made from 100% recyclable paper. It also has baking soda in it to really help neutralize odors. It is also non-allergenic and dust-free.
It comes in the form of soft natural pellets and they come in a resealable bag that keeps them fresh.
This is a non-clumping natural litter made from paper. People also use this litter a lot for rabbits and other small pets. This litter will need to be changed every 3-4 days.
PROS
- 52% of all buyers gave this one a full 5 star rating
- Buyers say that the paper absorbs some of the urine, but not it all, so needs regular cleaning
- Buyers said the litter was good value for money
- Buyers also said that this could be used as a compost
CONS
- 10% of all buyers gave this one a low rating
- Some buyers say that this litter is smelly
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What Does It Mean If A Cat Stops Urinating
If a cat stops urinating altogether, it is likely they are experiencing a feline urinary tract disease such as bladder inflammation or urinary stones or crystals, problems to which male cats are particularly susceptible. When a cat can’t urinate, deadly toxins begin to build up, triggering a life-or-death emergency. Blockages that aren’t removed within 24 to 48 hours by a veterinarian can kill a cat.
If a veterinarian rules out medical problems like FLUTD, anxiety may be the culprit. A behaviorist can help identify what is triggering the behavior and offer solutions.
Read All About Recycled Paper Litter
Litter made from recycled paper has been growing in popularity over the past several years. There are several companies, including those offering clay litter, that are now making recycled paper litter at reasonable prices. The litter companies shred the newspaper and form it into small pellets or gravel-sized pieces. Since it is made of paper, it is completely biodegradable, although it’s not recommended to be flushed. Recycled paper litter is available in both clumping and non-clumping options. The non-clumping litter receives higher consumer reviews than the clumping version, so you may want to start with the higher-rated option first.
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Which Flushable Cat Litter Is Best
It can be difficult, messy and smelly to change your cats litter box, which is why its a great idea to purchase a flushable cat litter thats biodegradable and eco-friendly. You can safely flush these litters into your sewage system without too much harm to the environment or plumbing. Flushable cat litter is typically made from materials like plant matter, grains, wood and paper. There are many options to choose from, but the Worlds Best Cat Litter Multiple Cat Clumping Formula is a stellar flushable cat litter for those new to the product.
Arm & Hammer Naturals Cat Litter Multi Cat 18lb Bag
- AN ODOR-FREE HOME STARTS HERENATURALLY! Contains natural corn fibers, plant based clumping agent, baking soda, plus mineral oil for dust control. Also contains an artificial fragrance. Outstanding cat odor control for multi-cat households
- OUTSTANDING ODOR ELIMINATION WITH NATURAL INGREDIENTS. The power of ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda + Corn + Plant extracts deliver superior odor control for multi-cat households. Natural clumping cat litter destroys the toughest kitty litter box odors
- HIGHLY ABSORBENT, ABSORBS 2X AS MUCH LIQUID as clumping clay cat litter. Easy to scoop cat litter clumping binds into small, light, easy to remove clumps. With natural corn fibers, a plant-based clumping agent + Baking Soda
- LOW DUST FORMULA, 50% LIGHTER than traditional clay cat litter. Easy to carry, easy to pour. Natural cat litter with corn fibers, plant extracts, Baking Soda, and mineral oil for dust control. Natural kitty litter with a soft footing cats will love
- SUPERIOR ODOR CONTROL FOR MULTI-CAT HOUSEHOLDS. Natural cat litter specially formulated to provide outstanding cat odor control for homes with multiple cats. Fresh Scent fragrance plus natural ingredients for outstanding cat litter odor control
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Best Cat Litter For A Fresh And Clean Litter Box
Cats are soft, cuddly and overall great pets. Considering that they dont require walks several times a day, theyre easy to care for. However, they do require a litter box, which comes with its own challenges, especially regarding cat litter.Finding the right cat litter is difficult, considering how many are available. These top picks can help you choose the right cat litter for your feline friend.
Corn And Corn Mix Litter
Arm & Hammer Naturals Double Duty Clumping Litter
Ingredients: Natural corn fibers, plant-based clumping agent, baking soda, and mineral oil for dust control. It also contains an artificial fragrance. They dont specify what the fragrance is or its source.
This is my favorite go-to litter. I have found it at Walmart, Tractor Supply and . It is hit or miss with all three sources so that is why I have been forced to try other brands. It clumps pretty good, is almost dust-free, tracks very little, keeps the odor down and has a pleasant scent. Some think it is too strong but it becomes subdued fairly quickly. Overall, I think it out-performs the other biodegradable litters Ive tried.
Average cost: $.86/pound
Tidy Cats Natural
Ingredients: Cedar and pine for odor control and corn to absorb liquid.
This Tidy Cats litter was the first litter I tried when the Arm & Hammer wasnt available. I like it but it is dustier when cleaning the box and, I think a little lighter, so it tracks more. It doesnt clump quite as well and the clumps fall apart easily. It does a good job keeping odor down.
Average cost: $.79/pound
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Do You Need To Switch Litter
Here are a few questions that may help you decide if it’s time to switch your litter:
- Does your cat seem aversive to using the litter box?
- Are you frustrated with how often you have to empty out and clean the litter box?
- Are you concerned that your cat is tracking a lot of litter all over your home?
- Do you have multiple cats?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you may want to buy a new type of clumping litter to trial.
Is Clumping Cat Litter Bad For Cats
Clumping clay litter is bad for cats because it contains sodium bentonite and silica dust, both of which can be harmful to your cats health, and yours. When the litter is made from natural, sustainable, renewable, and biodegradable materials, its safe for your cat.
Sodium bentonite is the agent that makes clay litter clump. The material forms hard clumps and expands up to 15 times its size when absorbing liquid. This is an issue for our cats when they ingest the litter by cleaning it off their paws. Its not a material that belongs in our cats bodies and it can cause intestinal blockages.
Many will argue that there isnt scientific evidence backing up that claim, but thats simply because studies havent been conducted on the negative effects of clay litter.
When we use common sense and think about how often our cats use the litter box, that the litter gets stuck between their toes each time, and that they clean it out with their mouths, we know our cats are ingesting small amounts of litter.
We can also use common sense to determine that clay should not be ingested, by humans or by cats. And when a clumping clay litter brand warns that their litter can clog the drains in our homes, its also likely it could cause a blockage in our cats.
Most cats dont ingest enough litter to cause a major intestinal blockage or to create major health issues. But that doesnt mean clumping clay litter is a safe material for them to have in their bodies.
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Worlds Best Cat Litter Clumping Formula
The Worlds Best clumping cat litter is made from naturally-compressed corn. The small granules create little to no dust, and are free of silica dust and chemicals. Tight clumps form after your cat uses their litter box, and you can easily scoop them for low maintenance cleanup. We like that Worlds Best cat litters because they are eco-friendly. This clumping cat litter is also biodegradable and can be flushed via a septic or sewer system.
Browse The Full Range Of Biodegradable Cat Litter Products Available At Zooplus
Clumping: A flushable cat litter that is also clumping? That really is the trouble-free way to care for your cats hygiene! These flushable cat litters are available from a range of well-known reputable brands and are made from natural materials that are easy to dispose of without harming the environment. For example, manure made from whole kernel corn or pine wood, making them dust-free, eco-friendly and compostable. A clumping biodegradable litter will provide a delightful scent to ensure neutralisation of any of the unpleasant odours usually associated with a cat litter box, so you can keep your home smelling fresh. It captures fluids rapidly and forms them into compact clumps that you can easily remove without hassle.
Non-Clumping Litter: These non-clumping biodegradable cat litters are generally in pellet form and have high moisture absorbency levels. They immediately lock in fluids and prevent unpleasant odours seeping into your home, as well as being ideal for small pet homes. The pellets do not give off any dust or spores, making them ideal even for those with breathing difficulties.
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Do Cats Prefer Clumping Litter
Cats prefer a clean, dry litter box and clumping litter allows cat owners to keep the litter box cleaner than non-clumping litter. Clumping litters absorb liquids quickly, which keeps the litter box drier and odors down.
However, whether you use a clumping or non-clumping litter, its important to scoop and change regularly. If clumps of litter and feces arent scooped from the litter box daily, odors will quickly build up and your cat wont be able to find a clean spot in the box to go. Using a product such as Litter Genie can make scooping easier and ensure your home doesnt smell like a litter box.
Cats dont notice if a litter clumps or not. However, they will notice if their litter is uncomfortable to walk on, irritating to their respiratory system and nose, or is dirty and has a strong urine odor.
How Do You Dispose Of Clumping Cat Litter
The best way to dispose of clumping cat litter is to put it in the trash. If youre using a clumping clay litter, thats the only option. When using a natural clumping litter, you have more environmentally-friendly options such as putting it in a biodegradable trash bag or composting it.
Biodegradable litters only:
- Throw clumping litter and cat waste in the trash use a biodegradable bag when tossing biodegradable litter to reduce waste.
- Throw litter clumps and feces in the trash & compost litter its important to compost biodegradable litter properly. It should not be used in gardens growing edible items or near a water source.
- Use composted litter as fertilizer its important not to use it in edible gardens. Instead, use the decomposed litter in flower gardens or flower pots.
Although many cat litters claim to be flushable, its best not to flush any type of cat litter or waste. In some US states, its even illegal to flush cat litter.
Most water treatment systems arent able to properly treat the bacteria, parasites, and pathogens found in cat feces. Even when feces are removed from the litter before flushing it, traces of bacteria are left in the litter.
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