Cat litter is designed to serve a purpose. It deals with urine and solid waste so feline companions can live comfortably with their humans. There are two basic categories under which most litter can be placed: clumping and non-clumping. Clumping litter is made to harden upon contact with liquid. One of the best clumping clay litters on the market is Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat Ultra Premium Clumping Litter. Litter boxes are freshened up by scooping out the hard clumps. Non-clumping litter relies on its absorptive powers. Feline Pine is a non-clumping natural biodegradable choice that can even be use with kittens. The best of both worlds can be found in clumping biodegradables like SmartCat All Natural Clumping Litter. Many factors come into play when choosing a litter, some of which will be in direct relation to the cats' preferences, some of which will be based on human factors like available space and number of boxes set-up.
Any of the clumping litters are going to offer supreme results in terms of odor control and ease of use. Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat Ultra Premium Clumping Litter lasts longer than competitors before a complete change is necessary. It is a medium grained litter so it is safe for kittens and tends to cause less dust. Free from fragrances cats loathe.
Clumping clay litter is most popular, though organic, biodegradable litters like Feline Pine are gaining popularity. Clumping biodegradables have also become a viable option for more people and are available at most grocery stores. Crystal cat litters are super absorbent, but they may be uncomfortable to cat paws.
Most cats are content with around one to two inches of litter in the bottom of the pan. The grain, or texture, of the litter can also change the amount of litter needed. For lighter litters like SmartCat All Natural Clumping Litter, cat lovers should add about an inch of litter to prevent cats and their waste from sinking to the germy bottom of the pan.
This depends on how many cats are using the pans, how many pans are available, and what type of litter is used. If clay clumping litter is scooped daily, changes may only be needed every two to three weeks. Non-clumping litters should have poop scooped daily, with changes occurring any where from once a week to every other day in multi-cat households.
Cats can be picky about how litters smell and how they feel on their paws. To avoid confusion and refusal to potty in the pan, it's best to transition slowly. Start off by adding a bit of the new litter to the old. As you scoop out waste or clumps, increase the amount new. If too much of the new is added initially, cats may not react well.
Some pet lovers choose covered boxes to prevent litter from being tossed out while kitties are covering their private business. Privacy seems to be important to some cats, so covered boxes meet that need. Keep in mind that some older or larger cats may struggle to maneuver in a covered pan.
There is a general rule that says one cat equals one litter pan, then throw in one extra for good measure. That way there is always one box available for a kitty in need. If there are areas of concern (old pee spots), be sure to clean thoroughly and add an extra litter box to the area if possible.
At least one litter pan should be easily accessible on each floor. Make sure you avoid feeding areas. Cats are less likely to use a litter pan set-up in the vicinity of their food. They also prefer quiet potty arrangements. Washer and dryers tend to make noises that startle cats. Finally, avoid heat sources. Keep litter pans away from radiators and clothes dryers to minimize bacteria growth and smell.