Cat owners in the UK know the importance of choosing the right cat litter to ensure a clean and odour-free home. With so many options available, it can be challenging to find the cat litter that suits your cat and keeps your living space smelling fresh. In this guide, we will explore various cat litter options and provide tips on how to eliminate unwanted odours.
Types of Cat Litter
- Cat litter wood pellets: One of the popular choices among cat owners is non-clumping cat litter wood pellets. These pellets are not very absorbent so don’t provide much odour control. They are however eco-friendly as they are biodegradable and often made from sustainably sourced wood, but the sheer volume of litter you need to use negates most of the eco credentials
- Clay cat litter: Clumping clay cat litters do provide relatively good odour control. However, they are made by adding bentonite to clay litter which includes the process of strip mining and is incredibly detrimental to the environment. It also produces a huge amount of dust during production contributing to air pollution and is very heavy so not very convenient to transport, store or fill trays with. Some people overlook these factors and still prefer it to more sustainable options as seen by the success of traditional cat litter brands like Catsan and Ever Clean.
- Clumping wood cat litter: Wood clumping litter forms easy-to-remove clumps when it comes into contact with moisture, simplifying the cleaning process and minimising odours. Often made from sustainable sources, wood clumping cat litter is an excellent choice if you are looking for a cat litter that doesn’t smell
- Clumping corn cat litter: Similar to clumping cat litter made from wood, corn clumping litter is incredibly effective, highly absorbent and has a neutral smell. This is also an excellent choice if you are looking for high performance litters.
- Cat litter crystals or silica cat litter: Silica or crystallised cat litters are formed from a silica gel. This gel is absorbent and also provides odour control. Silica gel is a crystallised form of silicon dioxide. Silica litter is derived from sand – a non-renewable resource. It provides great odour control but can be dangerous if your cat ingests it, plus it is not environmentally friendly.
Choosing the right cat litter
When selecting cat litter that doesn't smell, consider the following factors:
- Cat's preferences: Cats can be picky about their litter. Pay attention to your cat's preferences regarding texture and scent, as they are more likely to use the litter tray consistently if it suits their liking.
- Odour control: Look for cat litter specifically designed for odour control. Cat litter like Tippaws Long-lasting Clumping Litter have highly effective odour control.
- Absorbency: Opt for cat litter with high absorbency to keep moisture at bay. Clumping cat litters are known for their ability to absorb liquids quickly.
- Size of the litter tray: Ensure that the cat litter tray is appropriately sized for your cat. Cat litter trays that are too small can lead to litter being kicked out, causing a mess and potential odours.
- Type of litter tray: Consider investing in a cat litter tray with a lid or a hooded tray. These designs help contain odours and offer privacy to your cat during use.
- Litter mat or tracking mat: Place a cat litter mat outside the tray to catch any litter particles that may get stuck to your cat's paws, preventing them from being spread around your home.
- Cleaning frequency: Regularly scoop and clean the litter tray. Cat litter should ideally be changed every 4-5 weeks, depending on the type of litter and the number of cats in your household.
- Flushable options: If convenience is a priority, consider flushable cat litters like Tippaws Long-lasting Clumping Litter. These litters can be safely disposed of down the toilet, reducing the need for constant bag disposal.
- Environmental impact: For eco-conscious cat owners, cat litter made from recycled wood or the by-products of other industries is a sustainable choice that minimises environmental impact.
- Budget: Cat litter comes in various price ranges. You’ll generally find premium cat litters that are found online only are more specialised and therefore perform better, compared to cat litters you’ll find in supermarkets such as Aldi cat litter, Tesco cat litter, Sainsbury’s cat litter, Asda cat litter or Lidl cat litter.
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