When you’re a cat parent, the most important things in your home are cat food (of course!) and cat litter.
A litter box, by definition, is a box used to collect urine and feces of pets indoors, such as cats, rabbits, and other small animals- either instinctively or by training. These are filled with cat litters that are composed of a variety of materials that hold the cat’s waste until thrown away.
In this blog post, we will cover all the basics of cat litter — how much to use, varieties, as well as how to keep the litter box and disposal process smooth and clean.
Keep reading!
How Much Cat Litter To Use?
This is a crucial factor, although often overlooked when filling the litter box with cat litter. Too little cat litter won’t serve the purpose and too much will make your cat uncomfortable with the shift in weight and movement.
The ideal amount is considered to be 3 to 4 inches in the box, however, it’s best to start with 2 inches and then increase according to your cat’s comfort and needs.
Types Of Cat Litter You Can Buy on the Market
You can choose from a variety of cat litter that is available, and what you think is best suited for your cat and your pocket. Let’s have a look at a few.
Clumping cat litter
Thomas Nelson, in the early 1980s, discovered that a certain type of clay (bentonite), clumps when exposed to moisture- and thus, clumping cat litter was found. The advantage of this clay was- that instead of having to change the entire litter box, you can just remove the clumps formed after your cat is done with its business.
Biodegradable Cat Litter
Each year, close to 10 million tonnes of cat litter ends up in landfills, where it just gets soiled. To provide an alternative that is more environmentally friendly, biodegradable litter is used.
These formulas usually come in various combinations of recycled and renewed products, such as newspaper, wheat, pine pellets, sawdust shavings, dried orange peels, etc.
You can even make your own kitty litter using these or similar products, there are many ‘recipes’ on the internet put up by various cat owners.
Clay-based Cat Litter
The first commercially available cat litter was marketed by Edward Lowe, packaged as “kitty litter”- it was the first large scale use of clay in litter boxes, whereas previously, they used to use sand or ashes.
Silica Gel Litter
For an option of the highest absorbency and complete odor elimination, silica gel litter is used- this is made from granulated silicon dioxide, and is quite economical as compared to clumping litter.
How To Keep Your Cat’s Litter Box Clean
Follow the five easy steps for convenient and hygienic cat waste disposal.
- Select a box and place it
You first have to choose from a variety of boxes, and place it accordingly in a place that your cat approves- make sure that the box is large enough for your cat to roam around freely in, without any overhang.
- Line the box
This is not a compulsory step but is great if you are using non-clumping litter because it contains the extra urine that pools in the box- easier to throw away.
- Pour in the kitty litter
Pour in the litter that you chose- a minimum of 3-4 inches in height, if your cat is a scratcher and digs in.
- Clean frequently after your cat is done with its business
Frequently, is almost twice a day, and more often if needed. You will have to replace the kitty litter that was scooped up and then refill the litter box.
- Dump the scoops and wash the box
Wash with unscented soap and hot water. Dry thoroughly before adding in a new batch of litter.
That’s about it, we’ve got you and your cat covered to finish its daily business the right way.
How do you ensure your cat poops in the litter box? Share some tips in the comments section!