There are several different types of cat litter that have become very popular:  scoopable litter, traditional clay litter, environmentally friendly litter and crystal cat litter.  With the wide variety of choices, there are plenty of ways to satisfy anyone shopping for the best cat litter to use for their cats.  It is important that the cat be happy with the litter, but also that the litter does a good job of covering up the smelly odors from the litter box.

Scoopable

 

The most popular type of litter today is scoopable litter.  If you are in the market for a scoopable litter, there is sure to be a perfect match available just for you.  Some types of scoopable litter offer more in the way of odor absorbing, but this also means they are strong-smelling when you add them to the litter box. 

 

The makers of Fresh Step brand cat litter have recently begun marketing specially-scented litter; such as lavender and mountain forest.  The smells are not overpowering, but they are definitely not right for everybody.  This particular brand of litter, even the traditional regular scent, is strong-smelling and can be undesirable to a sensitive nose.  The best aspect of this litter, however, is the even, solid clumping performance.  Various types of scoopable litter have clumps that will fall apart when you try to scoop them, or clumps that solidify into one large mass that is difficult to scoop. 

 

Other popular types of scooping cat litter are Tidy Cat, Arm & Hammer and store brands.  Tidy Cat scoopable litter works really well and does a good job of clumping.  There are a couple of formulations, like multiple cat long-lasting odor control or instant odor control.  If the litter box is full of instant odor control litter, it is obvious after several days (even with regular scooping) that it is not meant for long-term odor absorbing. 

 

Scoopable litter is definitely the most popular and can be found at almost all local grocery, warehouse and pet supply stores.

 

Crystal Cat Litter

 

Crystal cat litter is the least popular and the most difficult to find.  The crystal pellets of litter are designed to absorb urine, but all scooping of solid waste is done daily while performing litter box maintenance.  The litter is designed to last several weeks, then the entire box of litter is discarded and fresh is added.

 

A significant drawback to this litter is the practicality of use in a multi-cat household.  Too many cats using one litter box will quickly overtake the capacity to soak up urine in the box.  Another drawback is some cats are not interested in properly using the litter box because of the size and shape of the crystals.  Clearly that is by far the most undesirable result and the best one to avoid. 

 

The crystals may work for some, but they are not as widely available as any other types of litter, and their use is limited to small cat households.

 

Clay

 

Clay litter has long been a popular choice for indoor cats.  It is a practical, less expensive alternative to scoopable litter, but a definite drawback is regularly emptying the entire litter box.  In some situations clay litter is perfect, for example when taking care of kittens.  Small kittens can inadvertently ingest scoopable litter and until they are old enough and large enough, it is safer to use a clay litter or an environmentally-friendly cat litter, like litter made into pellets from pine, newspaper, or corn cob.

 

There are at least as many types of clay litter as there are varieties of the scoopable, clumping kind.  Most of the litter will be similar in size and texture, but each brand has a different type of scent.  Again, this is similar to the scoopable litter.

Alternative Litter Choices:  Pine, Newspaper Pellets, Corn Cob

 

Several different alternatives to clay, scoopable or crystal litter are available today.  There is litter made from compressed bits of newspaper, like Yesterday’s News, litter made from recycled pine sawdust, even scoopable litter made from corn cobs.  The biggest drawback to using an alternative litter is the odor.  Even with regular scooping of solid waste, the litter offers no odor control of any kind.  The pine pellets offer a bit of pine smell when stirred, but overall there is a smell associated with these types of litter.

 

The recycled newspaper pellets work well because the pellets absorb the urine, but do not break down into smaller bits, so less of the litter is tracked around the house from the litter box.  Pine pellets, made from recycled sawdust, turn back into sawdust when the cat urinates in the box.  This is easily tracked throughout the house because it does simply become sawdust.

 

The scoopable litter made from corn cobs, such as World’s Best Cat Litter, is a great alternative, but with the same drawbacks as the other types, there is no odor absorbing material.  This is, however, an extremely affordable, environmentally-friendly alternative to the other types of cat litter.

 

Choosing Cat Litter

 

When choosing the perfect cat litter, it is important to consider your lifestyle, frequency of scooping the litter box, scent and ease of scooping or emptying the litter box.  All types of litter will work in your litter box, but a key factor is whether or not your cat will prefer that type of litter.  Some shapes and sizes can be undesirable for the cat, such as the crystal cat litter.  Other types of litter can have specific purposes and are good for temporary use.  One example of this is the newspaper pellet litter.  This is often recommended after surgery, such as declaw surgery for the cat.  The pellets will not cause any extra pain or discomfort while the cat recovers and the paws heal.  The newspaper pellets can also be used after a pediatric spay or neuter surgery on a kitten. 

 

Whether you choose scoopable, clay, crystal or an alternative litter, remember to watch your cat closely as you switch to a new litter.  The most important thing is to make a gradual switch so you never have a problem of litter box avoidance with your cat.  Keep the litter clean by scooping the box or emptying the box regularly and you will have a happy cat with a clean smelling home.