The Scoop on Cat Litter: Types of Litter. No one likes scooping litter but it is often an inevitable part of owning a cat. In the wild, cats often use soft sandy areas to do their business, so at home, we do our best to mimic these conditions. From clay to paper, clumping, and flushable, there are endless options, so it’s important to try different combinations to find what works best for you and your cat. What are some things to keep in mind when choosing the best litter for you and your furry friend? It is important to note that some kitties have a specific litter preference and may not want to use anything else. They might prefer a certain texture or scent, but luckily, there are dozens

of brands to choose from. You also might want to consider cost, length of use, absorption, dust, weight, and odour control.

Clay litter is by far the most common variety of litter material. It is cheap and readily available. Many cat owners opt for clumping litter as it absorbs urine and makes

for easy clean-up. Within the clay variety, there are also different sub-varieties such as dust-free, scented, unscented, and light weight.

Silica gel litter works by absorbing liquids but instead of scooping it out, you simply remove feces and shake the box to evenly distribute the gel particles. Owners then change the gel once the particles become saturated. Some owners prefer silica litter as it has low dust and great absorption ability. Some brands may market their litter as better for long-haired cats as it does not track outside of the box as readily as other kinds of litter.

Paper litter is often made out of recycled paper or newspaper. Many vets suggest using paper litter when cats are injured or recovering from surgeries as it does

not have any dust or scent and is typically softer than clay litter. They do not clump like other kinds of litter, but they often readily absorb urine. Paper litter may not control odour as well as other types of litter and is often only used in the short term.

Wood litter is a great alternative for owners who want to use naturally sourced litter in their cat’s boxes. Made from wood particles, this kind of litter is available

in clumping and non-clumping varieties and is not much different from clay litter. Wood litter brands often emphasize features such as less dust and chemicals, as well as odour control and optimal absorption. Owners with long-haired kitties may find that wood particle litter may get caught in their cat’s paws and subsequently tracked around the house.

With increased environmental consciousness, many cat litter brands have come up with other natural litter materials. These all work in a similar fashion and are made out of substances such as grass, wheat, corn, and walnut shell.

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Specific brands of litter may be targeted to different cat’s needs. Some litter is made to attract kitties in hopes of reducing the chances of them doing their

business in unwanted places. Other types of specialty litter include PH indicating gel litter, litter made for senior cats, and litter for cats with sensitive paws.

At Cat Sitter Toronto Inc., our sitters are experienced in working with all kinds of litter material and boxes. We are also trained to monitor litter boxes for any changes that may indicate illness. Recently we just Launched “The Scoops” which is our new Litter Box Care program. Click Here to find out more