Types and ratings of cat litter

Almost every home has a pet. If it's a cat, its litter box needs attention. These animals are clean creatures and require a designated area to relieve themselves. So, what types of cat litter are there? Product ratings will help you make the right choice. Let's look at the most popular types of cat litter.

Main selection parameters

Every cat owner should buy cat litter. It allows eliminate unpleasant odors, and also facilitates the litter box cleaning process. The quality of the product directly affects a pet's behavior while relieving itself. The main function of cat litter is to quickly and effectively absorb liquid. Ideally, the litter should also trap all unpleasant odors.

These factors play a key role when choosing such products. It's important to consider that the waste products of such animals contain a significant amount of ammonia, which has a strong and unpleasant odor. Many natural and artificial fillers can eliminate unpleasant odors. Ratings of such products will help you make an accurate choice.

Cat litter should be perform several functions at once:

1. Liquid absorption. Otherwise, the product will not be able to retain liquid and prevent the spread of unpleasant odors.
2. Eco-friendliness. The product must be environmentally friendly. It's best to choose a material that's safe not only for humans but also for your pet.
3. Ease of use. The litter should not cause discomfort to the animal while defecating. The material should also be easily separated from the litter box and easy to clean.

Clumping fillers

The principle of operation of this filler is quite simple. When liquid comes into contact with it lumps are formed, which can be easily removed from the litter box if needed. There's no need to change the entire litter. Cleaning the cat litter box daily is a must. To do this, remove all clumps and other solid waste. Afterwards, you can add the mixture to the litter box until the required amount is reached.

This type of litter is suitable for those with only one pet. It's much more convenient. When the cat goes to the bathroom, the resulting litter will be easier to remove. It's easier to clean up after one animal than after several. Furthermore, the litter usually dries slowly, so pets can spread it throughout the apartment.

You should be extremely careful when choosing such products. Many pet owners complain that such formulations are very absorb moisture poorlyAs a result, the liquid simply flows to the bottom of the tray. The mixture begins to clump and stick to the sides of the container, making it very difficult to clean. Experts say many people simply use such mixtures incorrectly. As the instructions indicate, the layer should be 8 to 10 centimeters thick. Only then will the product absorb moisture and retain unpleasant odors.

Advantages and disadvantages

Of course, such products have a number of advantages. The list of benefits includes:

1. Cost-effective. The product is economical to use if you only have one cat in the house.
2. Completely eliminates all unpleasant odors.
3. Makes cleaning the cat litter box easier. Simply remove any solid waste and clumps from the tray.
4. It does not emit toxic substances. This filler is completely safe, as it is made only from natural ingredients.
5. The structure of the litter is similar to that of sand, so it doesn't cause any problems for the animal.

As for disadvantages, there are practically none. The main thing is to use clumping cat litter correctly. The only problem is slow dryingBecause of this, the material can only be used for one animal. If several cats use the litter box, the mixture will spread throughout the entire room.

As the ratings and popularity of some products show, the best clumping cat litter products are:

1. Uniclean "Clumping"
2. Siberian cat "Ultra"

Absorbent filler

This type of cat litter works a little differently. This product is able to absorb and retain moisture, without changing its structure. This prevents odors from spreading throughout the room. It should be changed, like other litter, as soon as the liquid is saturated. Otherwise, your pet's waste will accumulate at the bottom of the container, emitting unpleasant odors. If your pet refuses to use the litter box, it's time to replace its contents.

This material must be changed completely, as animals bury their waste products, and the litter does not change its structure. This prevents clumps from forming. And removing the used material is not easy.

Advantages and disadvantages

This product can be used by those who have several cats. The composition dries very quickly., and animals won't be able to spread it throughout the apartment. However, it will need to be changed frequently. One portion lasts about 10 days. Among the advantages of absorbent litter are:

1. Low cost.
2. It retains unpleasant odors well.
3. Suitable for those who keep several pets.
4. Made only from natural materials that are suitable even for kittens.

As for the disadvantages, it is worth highlighting:

1. If the litter box material is half-dirty, the animal may refuse to use it. This increases litter consumption.
2. When changing the product, pet owners inhale unpleasant odors, as the product only serves to trap them.

Clay products

This type of cat litter can be either clumping or absorbent. This material is suitable for cats who have been trained to use litter. It's best to buy litter made of bentonite, as this material swells when exposed to moisture. When choosing clay litter, pay attention to the size of the granules. Larger granules are not suitable, as they can damage the cat. can seriously injure the paws.

Clay cat litter offers numerous benefits, including:

1. Naturalness. Clay is a unique product. It is safe and free of dangerous toxins.
2. Cats like this type of litter.
3. Wide range of products.
4. Suitable for kittens.

Of course, such a product has its drawbacks tooThis list includes:

1. Marking. The material easily gets caught on pet paws and spreads throughout the apartment.
2. Be careful when filling the tray, otherwise you risk creating a cloud of fine dust.

Wood products

Today, wood cat litter is made not only absorbent but also clumping. This product is typically made from pine sawdust, which is pressed into granules of specific sizes. It's worth noting that this type of litter is considered the safest and most environmentally friendly. Furthermore, the material has a pleasant pine aroma.

The operating principle of this product is as follows: liquid quickly absorbed into granules, and they begin to crumble into small particles.

Advantages and disadvantages

Filler made from pine sawdust has many advantages:

1. Ecologically clean product.
2. Pleasant aroma of pine needles.
3. Relatively low cost.
4. Suitable for kittens.

As for the downsides, there is only one: scattered granules can cling to the cat’s paws and spread throughout the house.

In the ranking of the most popular wood materials for cat litter includes:

1. "Clean paws."
2. Barsik
3. "Murzik".
4. "Kotyara".

Silica gel filler

This product has appeared on the market in our country relatively recently. Silica gel filler has good absorbent properties. However, it cannot be called environmentally friendly, as it is manufactured using drying of polysilicic acid gelThis filler should be stored in a tightly sealed container. Otherwise, the product will lose its properties upon exposure to air.

Advantages and disadvantages

Among the advantages of this product it is worth highlighting:

1. Convenience when cleaning the tray and replacing the filler.
2. Can be used if there are several cats in the house.
3. Economically consumed.
4. Absorbs moisture well and retains odors.

Of course, such a product also has some drawbacks. Among them:

1. Do not use on kittens. Contact with mucous membranes may cause a chemical burn. Keep in mind that kittens love to try everything.
2. Some animals don't like its structure.
3. High cost.

Silica gel cat litter: rating

The most popular silica gel products are:

1. "Katsan".
2. "Murzik".
3. "Kotyara".
4. Fresh Step.

Corn filler

This the cheapest productHowever, it's not as popular. Corn litter is typically used for rodents. Many manufacturers produce special lines for kittens and cats. It's made from corn cobs. The granules come in small, large, and medium sizes. The last two varieties are best for adult cats. It's worth noting that this type of litter is only available in absorbent varieties.

Advantages and disadvantages of corn litter

Corn cat litter has a number of advantages:

1. It has a pleasant and light aroma.
2. Non-toxic and completely safe for animals.
3. Excellent moisture absorption.
4. Can be flushed down the drain.
5. Relatively low cost.
6. It doesn't spread around the apartment on its paws.

The main drawback of this product is that it can't be used on multiple animals at once. Furthermore, such products are unpopular and not available in every store.

In conclusion

After purchasing, fill the cat litter box and pay attention to how your cat reacts to it. Some materials Not all cats like themThis will help you make a choice. If your pet refuses to use the litter box, the litter should be replaced. Only through trial and error can you find the ideal cat litter material.