Is all cat litter just alike? Is low priced cat litter as good as expensive one? Some may think so and simply go for the cheapest solution available. As so often it is not only a question of price but rather of personal preference that determines which your and your cat’s favorite litter will be. Let’s take a closer look at the two widely used clay based litters, clumping and non clumping cat litter.
Clay Based Cat Litter – The Basics
Clay litter, regardless if clumping or non-clumping works more or less in the same way: the litter absorbs the cat’s urine and covers the feces. The goal is to bind liquids and to prevent bad odor. To accomplish this even better certain brands contain things like carbon and/or fragrances.
Between clumping and non-clumping cat litter, which one should you choose?
Clumping cat litter has the advantage that the urine clumps the litter together which makes it very easy to scoop those out together with the solid waste. Changing the complete content of the cat litter box is usually only in intervals of four to six weeks necessary. At this point it’s also a good idea to disinfect the box before refilling to prevent bacteria growth. Inbetween simply replace the amount you scoop out daily.
Similar to clumping litter, non-clumping kitty litter may have additional ingredients besides dried and granulated clay. Fragrances, carbon or baking soda may be added in order to keep things fresher and better smelling. Solid waste can be scooped out in the same manner as it’s done with clumping litter but the cat’s urine will only be absorbed by the clay without building clumps. Over time the saturated clay will accumulate at the bottom of the litter box. About once a week this build-up needs to be removed by emptying the whole box. If you have a larger cat or more than one you will have to do this most likely in shorter intervals.
If you want to use a clay based cat litter and forego other options like biodegradable litter or silica gel based products then the best course of action is to try either type, clumping and non-clumping. Cats usually accept both and it is up to you to determine what suits you better, daily scooping and replacing or dumping the litter boxes content in shorter intervals.
