What is The Best Type of Cat Litter?

What is The Best Type of Cat Litter?

What is the best kind of cat litter? Do you know how to pick the best cat litter for your pet's needs?

To answer this, first let's discuss what cat litter is. The term "cat litter" describes any material used indoors in areas where cats are trained to urinate or defecate. This litter typically goes inside a litter box and is replaced when soiled.

In nature, cats dig and scratch in soft soil to bury their waste. Cat litter was created to artificially replace this outdoor medium.

As a vet, one question I commonly get asked is: "What is the best material to use for cat litter?" There are a number of cat litter materials on the market to choose from, with different benefits and drawbacks.

These include:

• Clay litter
• Scoopable litter
• Pine-, corn-, or wheat-based litter
• Flushable litter
• Newspaper-based litter
• Silica

KEY POINT- Some cats like certain litters and not others. This article describes general trends but every cat can be different. The best cat litter for your cat is one that he or she likes!

Questions to consider about your and your cat's litter preference:

• Does your cat prefer fine sand or chunky pellets?
• Do you prefer clumping or non-clumping litter?
• Do you prefer a litter that's ecologically friendly?
• Is tracking or odor control a big concern?

Choosing the Best Cat Litter

What is the best cat litter? In general, if you were to ask many veterinarians they would recommend a scoopable clay-based unscented litter low in dust. Many cats are repulsed by the perfumed scents. The scents are made for humans – not for cats.

KEY POINT: Once you find a litter your cat likes, stick with it. Don't buy whatever is on sale this week. Cats are very particular and litter changes can lead to unwelcome modifications in bathroom habits.

I hope this gives you more information on how to choose the best cat litter for your situation.