Cat litter can be a confusing concept, especially for new feline owners. Is it compulsory? Does my cat still need a litter box if I have a garden? How do I choose the best cat litter for my cat? I’ll answer all your most pressing questions when it comes to cat litter boxes and caring for cats.
Here’s the complete guide to kitty litter and everything that goes along with it. From boxes and litter to the very best placement. Here’s what you need to know.
Contents
Best Cat Litter Box for Your Feline
As every good cat owner knows, every kitty is unique. So how do you choose a litter box to suit your own cat’s preferences? There are a few factors you’ll need to consider.
What kind of cat litter box would you prefer to have, and how much upkeep does it take? You’ll need to get a box that’s only as high maintenance as you can handle.
You’ll also need to consider your cat’s personal preferences, the age of your cat, and the convenience of the cat litter box.
For instance, if your cat values privacy, then having a hooded litter box can give your kitty the privacy they need, right inside your house. However, if you’re a cat owner with very little time on your hands, then providing your kitty with a disposable litter box might be the best option. This may take the hassle out of cleaning it.
Another excellent option for busy cat owners is a self-cleaning litter box for your cat. This litter box automatically removes waste, so there’s no need for you to scoop, clean, or refill the litter box after use.
If your cat is particularly fussy, why not allow your pet the combination of privacy and cleanliness in a hooded self-cleaning litter box. This box allows your kitty to slip inside unseen to do their business in privacy, and it cleans it itself. Which means less scooping and cleaning for you as the owner.
If you’re looking for a cat litter box that isn’t an eye-sore in your house, then why not splurge on a decorative cat house and side table. The cat litter box is contained inside the cat house, which also acts as a side table.
Freda Cat home
Modern Design, 3 Colours
I love this simple and stylish cat litter box. Your cat will have its privacy and it is very easy to clean – just open the door and take out the tray.
Hayleyville Enclosure
Two tone wood
Both a cat house and a kitty litter box, this modern piece masquerades its true purpose. Two doors make for easy access
⇒ Don’t miss my Guide to the Best Cat Products for your home.
Having something that has multiple purposes is always a great investment. It will also be tucked away where your cat feels comfortable abluting in privacy.
If you’re really in the mood to spoil your feline friend, splurge on luxury cat litter. The design is sleek and elegant, with nothing close to an eye sore. Even you will want one!
How to Choose the Best Cat Litter
Of course, you want the best cat litter for your feline, especially when they’re your cats. Cause let’s be honest, our feline friends always deserve the best.
Unfortunately, the only way to find out which cat litter type best suits your cat’s poop is to test them out. It’s a trial and error type process.
5 Types of Cat Litter
The type of cat litter you use might not remain consistent throughout your cat’s life. As your cat’s diet changes, and as your feline friend ages, so does their stool consistency change.
This means you may have to switch it up from time to time, or have a few different kinds on hand at any given time.
Here are the most popular kinds of cat litter:
1. Hemp Pellet Cat Litter
Hemp pellet cat litter is often hard to find. Still, this is the best cat litter if you’re looking for something affordable and good for the environment. It’s resistant to insects, dust, and pesticides, as well as being a flushable substance.
2. Clay Cat Litter
Clay cat litter is suitable for all cats, it’s easy to find, and most of all it’s affordable. The downside to clay cat litter is that it needs to be changed often, which can be rather high maintenance.
3. Clumping Cat Litter
Possibly the most popular form of cat litter these days is clumping cat litter. As the name suggests, this litter clumps together when wet, making it very easy to clean.
It’s the ideal litter for adult cats, but not great for kittens as they often try to ingest clumping litter.
⇒ USA – Buy Non Clumping Clay Litter
⇒ UK – Buy Non Clumping Clay Litter
4. Crystal Litter
Crystal litter is a highly absorbent kitty litter that’s made of silica gel beads. Crystal litters also aid in odor control, which is a big plus as it means having to clean your kitty litter box a little less often.
Although they are more expensive than other forms of kitty litter, they do last a lot longer.
One thing to keep in mind is that some cats don’t like the feel of the rough crystals on their paws. So it’s something you’ll just have to try out.
I recommend buying a smaller bag at first so that if your feline friend isn’t a fan, you’re not stuck with a large bag full of crystal litter.
These also come in a variety of fresh scents to keep your cat litter smelling fresh (even when it’s just been used).
⇒ USA – Buy Crystal Cat Litter
⇒ UK – Buy Crystal Cat Litter
5. Best Cat Litter for Odor
Buying odorized cat litter of any kind is a great way to keep a handle on the stench that can develop quite quickly. Although you’ll still have to clean out the cat litter box every day, you won’t have to deal with any unpleasant smells during the day.
How to Use Cat Litter
For first-time cat owners, cat litter remains quite the mystery. You may have a litter box fresh from the store, and a bag of litter you think is suitable for your cat, but what next?
Here’s how you should be setting up your cat’s kitty litter box.
How Much Litter to Put in a Litter Box
How deep should cat litter be? The usual rule of thumb is about 2 – 3 inches. But wait. Before you start pouring away, be sure to line the box with litter box liners. This stops a pull of urine from collecting at the bottom of the litter box.
Depending on the type of litter you’re using, the amount of litter needed will vary. So the best thing to do is to follow the instructions on the packet of the kitty litter. That way, you simply can’t go wrong.
Where to Put a Cat Litter Box
Cat’s are strangely private creatures, and when it comes to their toilet time habits, they’re equally as private. If you have a hooded litter box for your cat, that’s all the privacy they’ll need.
However, if the litter box is open, it’s important that you place the cat litter box in a quiet, secluded portion of the house.
This way they’ll have their privacy and will be unlikely to be disturbed while they’re busy doing their business.
⇒ Getting a new kitty? Check out my guide to How to Look after a Kitten, 6 Best Kitten Wet Food Options and 8 Best Kitten Dry Food Options
How Many Kitty Litter Boxes Should You Have
The general rule of thumb when it comes to the number of cat litter boxes you need, is you need one per cat, plus one extra. This means that there’s one available for each cat at all times. You could be cleaning one, but there will still be one available for each feline.
It also means that if one fills up quickly, there are still others available for use during the day.
How to Keep a Cat Litter Box Clean
As you are probably aware, cats are notoriously clean creatures. As such, they like their environment to be a clean space too. If their litter box is not cleaned often, they will choose to do their business elsewhere, which will more than likely be harder to clean.
A cat litter box should be cleaned out at least twice a day. This ensures that there’s never a mess lying around for very long.
Once you’ve emptied out the litter and removed the litter box liner, wipe down the box with antibacterial soap. This prevents the possibility of bacterial and fungal infections.
Disposing of Cat Litter
Once you’ve cleaned out the litter box, you’ll get to the real dirty business – disposing of the cat litter. Although it doesn’t always have to be a dirty business.
If you’re using a biodegradable litter box, the best and most eco-friendly way of disposing of cat litter is by composting it. This way, it goes back into the ground to be used for good, rather than harming the environment.
Your other option is to throw the kitty litter into a compostable kitty litter bag and throw the bag in the trash. This too causes a minimal effect on the environment as it will decompose naturally.
Final Thoughts on Cat Litter Options
Now that you have a better idea of what you’re doing when it comes to cat litter, you can ensure your cat’s hygiene and toiletry needs are taken care of. Putting yours, and your cat’s mind at ease.
While cats are extremely picky creatures, and it may be a matter of trial and error to see what they prefer, you’re well on your way to finding out.
Please Note: This Best Cat Litter post contains affiliate links. That means if you click through on most of the links and end up making a purchase I will receive a small commission. This will not effect the price that you pay. I wanted to make sure that you were aware of this.
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