Thursday, Oct twentieth, 2022 | By Dr. Marty Becker
There are plenty of cat litter choices on the market. Which is greatest?
Q: What sort of cat litter is greatest?
A: The quick reply to that query is no matter they’ll use. However as with something cat-related, there are nuances. Elements that have an effect on a cat’s preferences embody scent and texture. Most cats want unscented litter.
A 2018 research taking a look at feline litter preferences discovered that the 18 collaborating cats had a major desire for clay or silicate kinds of litter over wooden pellets. Within the second section of the research, during which 12 cats took half, clay and silicate litters have been in contrast. That point, cats most well-liked clay.
However the purpose there are such a lot of various kinds of litter is to enchantment to particular cat and human preferences. Take clay litter. It’s cheap, absorbent, broadly accessible and — at the least on this research — cats prefer it. Clumping clay litter is straightforward to scoop, and cats just like the sandy texture.
However clay litters might be dusty, and cats have a tendency to trace it by the home. That’s the place litters based mostly on paper, wooden and vegetation come into play. They’re nice for individuals who have allergic reactions and have to maintain mud ranges low. They’re additionally biodegradable and flushable, if a “inexperienced” litter is necessary to you.
Silica-based litter, which resembles little crystals, can be biodegradable, absorbent and dust-free. Because the research confirmed, although, not all cats like its texture.
You probably have a brand new cat or wish to swap litters for some purpose, run your individual experiment by selecting two or three litters and giving your cat a alternative. You’ll be capable of inform which one he prefers.
An important factor to recollect is that your cat’s opinion is the one one which counts on this matter. Overlook making an attempt to purchase whichever one is on sale. While you discover a litter your cat likes, keep it up.
There’s extra in Pet Connection, the weekly nationally syndicated pet characteristic I co-write with Kim Campbell Thornton and my daughter, coach Mikkel Becker.