kitten Archives -

Having a Litter box is just a necessary part of owning a cat or kitten. Everybody likes a clean potty, even kittens. My older cat Pizza the Wonder cat, has even started showing a preference for different kinds of litter. We have tried several of these options to ensure Pizza Cat is happy and continues to USE the litter box. Thankfully there are 8 common popular choices of cat litter to choose from.

Traditionally, clay litter has been used as the “best choice” for litter boxes But nowadays, there are several types of litter made from different ingredients. This article will educate you about 8 common popular choices of cat litter available today. Clay, Silica, Pine, Walnut, Wheat, Grass, Corn, and Paper

Some people don’t even choose special cat litter; rather, they prefer using some things available near their home such as dust, sand, animal bedding, chicken feed, etc. However, these alternatives are not useful for long-term use because of dust, smell, parasites, etc. Another important thing to keep in mind is whether your cat likes or dislikes the litter material. Cats have a natural instinct to cover their tracks (and excrement) , and litter that feels comfortable on those kitty paws is an important consideration.

1. Clay litter

Clay litter is the most popular type of cat litter. Because of its easy availability and established litter type, clay litter is the most used litter all around. It is available in low-dust and dust-free options. Other varieties of clay litter include scented and non-scented, large clay pieces, and fine clay particle litters. Clay litter turns into a softer wet cement-like texture after absorbing urine.

Furthermore, clay litters are also available in clumping and non-clumping varieties. Some people prefer clumping clay litter in which the part of clay that absorbs urine becomes clumpy and hard, and you can dispose of it cleanly. Some people prefer inexpensive regular non-clumping clay litter, which they replace as a whole when it is necessary. Clay litter doesn’t always do an excellent job of covering the smell. Often clay litter needs to be replaced more frequently than other products. Common bargain brand nonclumping clay litter can be messy and cats notoriously track clay litter making clean-up more inconvenient. However, choosing non-clumping, scented quality brand products, along with frequent scooping, is a good choice.

2. Silica litter

Silica litter is more expensive than a same-weight bag of clay litter. But silica gel litter lasts longer than clay litter. Many companies advertise silica gel litter as a better option than clay litter. In addition, they claim it is not as dusty as clay litter, absorbs urine, and you don’t need to scoop it out, just need to scoop the poop. SIlica does a good job of absorbing and masking the scent, it lasts longer because it doesn’t disintegrate when wet. Pizza cat prefers it over clay litter. The silica from Kitty Poo Club is large making it less likely to track too far and is easier to clean up.

It is more expensive than clay litter.

Some varieties of silica gel litter like Pretty litter brand, possess color change indicators to indicate the urinary system’s health. In recent years more companies have adopted this technology and have added this type of litter to their product line.

This is one of my favorite litter materials and this is what we use. I am a big fan of Kitty Poo Club, a disposable litter box delivery service. We have tried several of the litter options they have and have always come back to their basic silica. We live in a small space and it is effective, especially in the summer when it is hot and the smell from the litter box seems to be more noticeable in the small space.

Cats have an instinct to cover their feces to avoid the smell. This instinct can be beneficial for you if you are keeping a pet cat in your home. Several types of litter boxes are available in the market, which offers you the best option to avoid your cat’s feces smell.

3. Pine litter

Pine litter is also one of the popular litter types because of its ability to fight off the odor. As the name indicates, pine litter is made of pine trees. In addition, it is famous for its lightweight and no dust characteristics. Because of its lightweight, it is softer than clay litter and easy to use and manage. Most people prefer litters made from lighter materials like pine.

Pet parents prefer pine litter because they consider it more environmentally friendly and cherish its natural ability to fight off a bad odor. They are available in both clumping and non-clumping varieties.

4. Wheat litter

Wheat litter is just like pine litter and is famous for its eco-friendly nature. Furthermore, it is a good alternative for clay litter, but it comprises processed wheat. It is pet parent-friendly as you can flush its clumps after absorbing urine. They naturally control the odor as there are no added dyes or perfumes in the wheat litter. When your cat urinates, it converts into a sawdust-like structure, and you can easily scoop it out of the box.

5. Grass litter

Despite less commonly available, grass litter can also be an alternative to traditional clay litter. Structurally it is like pine and wheat litter types, but it is biodegradable dry grass seed litter. It also possesses the same characteristics of clumping as other litter types. When your cat urinates, it clumps so that you can easily scoop the waste out. Many pet parents avoid added dyes and chemicals, and to their desire, it doesn’t contain any. It is low dust litter and is soft and light as compared to clay litter.

6. Corn litter

In the list, the next better alternative to clay litter is corn litter. Mostly it is available in scented variety, but it still is biodegradable litter. Comprising of dry corn kernels, it is lighter than clay litter. When your cat urinates, it forms clumps that are to scoop out. There are some varieties of corn litter that attract cat’s attention. There are some concerns over corn litter about mold growth. The main issue is about the aflatoxins that can be deadly for your cat. Contrary to that, companies offer aflatoxins-free corn litters.

7. Walnut shell litter

Modern cat litter has expanded its varieties, and there is an available walnut shell litter type. Walnut shell litter has shown more absorbency than clay litter type, works great for odor control clumps. Low dust makes this litter type more popular, and some companies are offering red or brown color litter depending on your cat’s choice. Ground-up granular walnut shell litter is biodegradable.

8. Paper litter

Among all other litter types, paper litter is popular among pet parents with cat paw injuries. Paper litter is recycled and processed paper or simply the waste newspaper. These litter types have low dust, and they offer little or no concern for irritating wounds. They are softer than clay litter and have no fragrance. Paper litter doesn’t form clumps and doesn’t control the bad odor very well. For these reasons, pet parents use them for short-term periods.

Final thoughts

Finally, you should choose the type of litter that works best for you and your feline friend. There are 8 common options for cat litter that you can choose from based on your priorities. Whether you are looking for biodegradable litter, scented, easy to scoop, or not, there are many choices.

Kitty Poo Club Back to School Special

Cats and kittens are easy to care for and relatively inexpensive to care for. However, once you know the basics of feeding, litter boxes, grooming, general health, and safety, it is easier to care for your new family member. So, here is the top practical advice and things to consider when bringing a new kitten home.

If you are a new cat or kitten owner or are bringing a new kitten home, you may have many queries about caring for your new feline friend. As you may already know, cats can do many things like they often do fun. They are playful, free, loving, curious, intelligent, and entertaining. Because you need information about cat care, your pet is lucky to have a caregiver.

We’ll start with the tip that your cat loves and is the most important in feline care and management.

Here are the Ten best first-time kitten owner tips:

Tip 1: Assist Your Kitten in Feeling Safe

Since your cat can be nervous at first, make your home as inviting as possible. If your cat is anxious and hides from you, that’s perfectly natural. Cats dislike change in general, so it can take some time for her to adjust to all of the different smells and sounds in your home.

You can assist your cat by providing her with her room or space to escape and feel secure. Put a soft bed in there for her to curl up in. Some cats may prefer an enclosed bed to hide when they are stressed. Add a pair of catnip toys and a fuzzy blanket to the mix.

Is catnip good for my kitten?

Tip 2: Pay a visit to the veterinarian

Find a good veterinarian for your pet, make an appointment for a checkup, and make sure his vaccinations are up to date. It is very important to make sure you microchip your new family member as well. The cost of spay , neuter and microchipping is usually included in the cost of adoption at local shelters. It is imperative REGISTER YOUR KITTENS MICROCHIP NUMBER ON THE NATIONAL DATABASE. If your new cat escapes, keep the microchip number and a picture of him on your computer or another safe place.

Tip 3: Feed your cat healthy and balanced food:

Your food choices have an enormous impact on your cat’s overall health, so you’ll want to make sure you’re feeding him or her some nutritious food.

If you know the cat food brand that your cat is eating previously before adopting it, you must give a small amount of the same food to your cat to be maintained / on a regular diet. Then, gradually change the food to a new diet. It requires a minor adjustment and a gradual transition, preventing stomach upset.

Kittens (cats under one year old) should eat a kitten formula because they are still growing and need a high-calorie diet.

If your cat possesses a significant health problem or is overweight, underweight, or senior, it is best to seek help from your veterinarian and let him choose the right food. For example, if your cat needs to drop some weight, it needs to do so slowly for health reasons.

On average, for a healthy cat or kitten, these types of food found in the grocery store or pet store.

Canned food

Most cats love to eat canned food, also known as ‘wet food.’ This type of food provides high water levels and extra hydration when the cat is used to it.

Canned food comes in various textures and tastes, such as chunks, slices, chunks in gravy, patties, or minced pieces. Some cats have specific preferences others will eat anything.

Dry food

Some people prefer to give dry food or wet and dry food mixture to cats. Like canned food, read the ingredients label and find brands in the first few ingredients with meat. Try to avoid by-products, fillers, and artificial flavours.

Only buy a small new bag unless you’re sure your cat likes it.

How much should I feed my cat?

It depends on the weight and activity level of your cat. Either follow the recommended dose given on the food packaging or consult your doctor.

Kittens (up to year) need high caloric diet to match their active nature.

Tip 4: Choose water bowls and food dishes:

Stainless steel dishes and bowls are ideal for food and water. Unlike plastics, they are odourless and easy to clean. Having more than one dish and cup is a good idea, so you always have a clean handkerchief available to clean the bowl and plates.

Food Dishes:

Cat dishes are best for feeding because they are shallow, making it easy for cats to eat food. Use a dish where the rubber ring is present around their base, so the dish is not pushed around the floor when the cat eats.

Cups of water:

Keep the water bowl in a place where your cat can reach at any time. Cats love fresh drinking water, so change the water at least once a day and wash the cup with warm, mild water at least a few times a week.

To encourage more water use, place the water bowl in two places.

Tip 5: Have a litter box

Here are some things to know about litter boxes and accessories:

Litter Box

You will need at least one litter box for each cat. Covered containers can trap odor, and for some cats, it’s not comfortable, so avoid it.

Whatever box you choose, make sure it is large enough. Small boxes are suitable for kittens, but cats over 10 or 11 pounds can not get in a tiny package. Choose an extra-large if needed.

Box scooping

Scope once or twice a day to keep the box clean for your lovely cat. About once a week, change all the litter and wash the container with dish detergent and warm water or use a disposable litter box.

I have been using Kitty Poo disposable litter box delivery for several years now. It is so convenient and recyclable as well ! You can read my review here.

It can be irritating but check for abnormalities in their feces or urine (such as worms, mucus, or blood). Also, note if there is diarrhea, hard stools, or stool quantity more or less than usual. If you notice something abnormal, call your veterinarian and make an appointment.

Tip 6: Brush your cat

Brushing is painless and does not take much time. Most cats enjoy cleaning because it gives them comfort. In addition, regular brushing removes dead hair, dirt and keeps the skin healthy.

How often to brush?

Short or medium-haired breeds should be cleaned once a week. Like Persian or Ragdoll, long-haired hair should be washed two or three times a week.

Brush type

A regular bristle brush works best for most cats. However, if your pet sheds a lot, you can also use a metal bristle brush to remove more hair. If you are in a good pet store and are unsure what type of brush to take, ask the staff to recommend it.

How to prevent mats:

Mats are rough clumps of fur that form if the coat is not cleaned enough. As the weather warms up, the shedding increases, so it is essential to brush to remove dead hair and avoid mats.

Mats can form any cats’ hair size, but they are more familiar with medium to long-haired breeds.

Once they are formed, they are challenging to compete with. You will need a professional groomer or doctor to remove them.

Tip 7: Bathe your cats

Most cats do a great job of keeping themselves clean. Unless they are dirty from going out or getting old and not cleaning themselves properly, two or three baths a year is usually enough.

Here are some tips for taking a bath:

Use a mild shampoo designed for cats and avoid taking soap or water anywhere near their eyes or ears.
Avoid flea treatment shampoo (unless your doctor recommends it) because many cats have been affected by certain flea-specific shampoos.
After bathing, use a towel to dry it thoroughly, then keep it warm somewhere until it dries.
Once the coat is completely dry, a good brush will make it fluffy and beautiful.

Tip 8: Keep your cat’s claws trimmed

You will need a small pair of cat scissors to trim your cat’s claws. Trimming is essential if the claws are long, sharp, broken, or flaky. When claws are significant or not trimmed enough, your cat may snatch your clothing or furniture.

Trimming claws two times per month is usually enough
The front claws of cats typically grow faster than the back
Make sure to use sharp scissors. Once they are dull, they tear their claws instead of trimming, which is painful for cats.

Tip 9: Give your cat a place for the nap

Most cats usually sleep a lot during the day, giving themselves a comfortable place to rest. It could be a comfy cat bed or a soft blanket of its own.

Some cats prefer the sun and warm spots to sleep. Others want to hide in a dark and private place. Consider where your pet often sleeps and make a bed in that area.

Tip 10: Give them Treats

Our furry friend love treats us as much as we do. Here are some of their favourites:

Cat treats:

It’s a good idea to have a treats bag around to reward your cat. Buy treats from where you buy food. There are many flavours to choose from: fish, beef, chicken, cheese, tartar control, salmon, and even catnip.

Cat grass:

Many cats like fresh cat grass. It can be found at some pet or health food stores, or you can buy a kit and grow it yourself. It only takes some days to grow, and your pet is happy to enjoy it.

Conclusion

Cats are lovely creatures. They are adorable and playful. But, we all know cats are obligate carnivores. So, their primary diet must be made up of meat. Cooked beef, chicken, turkey, and small amounts of lean deli meats are a great way to give them that. However, raw or spoiled meat could make your cat sick. As a kitty owner, it is your responsibility to keep your cat healthy and fit by providing the best quality food and nutrition when you bring your new cat home. You can do this easily by following our above mentioned practical advice for a kitten.

Tag: kitten

8 Common Popular Choices of Cat Litter