In Part 1 we covered the history of cat litter and some general points to consider when choosing a litter type and in Part 2 we discussed the pros and cons of clay cat litter. Part 3 examines other popular litter types on the market.

Silica Gel

Those little sugar packets you find in your electronics or camera boxes that have the “Do Not Eat” warning on them contain silica gel which helps to keep moisture from ruining the product.

Now a new type of litter made from silica gel is on the market and seems to work well. Not only is the gel highly absorbent it is also non-toxic and helps prevent bacterial growth. This means that as long as you remove any solid waste you can use the same litter for up to 4 weeks so even though it costs a little more it can be cheaper in the long run to use than a conventional litter. It is also flushable and does not track dust around the house.

Compressed Sawdust

Sawdust is pressed into pellets that absorb liquid as they disintegrate. Usually made from an aromatic tree like cedar or pine the litter will naturally control odors due to the chemicals in the wood. Because this type of litter gives off a pine or cedar odor it could be an irritant to you or your cat’s nasal passages.

Plant Litters

A variety of plants have been used to make cat litters:

Ground corn cobs work very well in absorbing moisture and controlling odors and can be flushed.

Corn based litters also work very well overall but you need to change the litter every few days to avoid mold growth. It is also flushable and dustless and many cats prefer it over other litter types.

Wheat husks are used to create a flushable semi-clumping litter that seems to work well.

Recycled Newspapers

Old newspapers are ground up and pelletized to make a litter that is flushable and biodegradable.

No matter what type of litter you choose for your cat pay close attention to see if they like it. Be prepared to try several types until you find one that your cat accepts and that you can afford and manage.

Try and use at least two inches of litter to start and keep the box clean according to directions on the package. You might need to increase or decrease the litter level a little as each cat has different litter depth preferences.

If picking a cat litter sounds like a lot of work it’s because it is. Having a cat is a big responsibility and if you are going to have one as a pet the least you can do is treat it like you would any other member of your family and take the time to make sure they are happy with their litter box.

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What’s The Best Cat Litter For Your Cat? – Part 3

Related Post:

• What's The Best Cat Litter For Your Cat - Part 2
• What's The Best Cat Litter For Your Cat? – Part 1

In Part 1 we covered the history of cat litter and some general points to consider when choosing a litter type. In Part 2 we will begin our coverage of litter types starting with clay cat litter.

Clay Cat Litter

Clay cat litter comes in both clumping and non-clumping varieties. Clumping litter is a relatively new litter type having been invented in the mid 80s. It is made from a specific type of clay and has a fine texture which forms little clumps or balls when it gets wet.

This clumping action makes it very easy to remove cat urine along with any solid waste with a slotted scoop. Since only part of the litter is removed you just need to add a little more after each scooping session to keep the box “topped off”.

A big advantage with clumping litter is you don’t have to clean the litter box as often as you do with the non-clumping type. Figure on a thorough cleaning about once a month if you use clumping litter and only have one cat.

Non-clumping litter has a more sandy or granular texture and does not produce clumps that can be scooped when the litter gets wet. You can still scoop out solid waste but any cat urine is absorbed by the litter.

This can cause an odor build-up after a few days and because of this you need to clean the box and replace it with fresh litter at least once a week to keep urine odors in check. You can buy non-clumping either scented or unscented but most experts recommend not buying scented as some scents can irritate a cat’s nose.

Supposedly there has been a lot of research done on finding an odor control that a cat does not find offensive but the bottom line is either your cat will like the litter scented or they will not. You just have to experiment with different brands to see what works best for your cat.

Dust is the main problem with clay cat litters and despite manufacturer’s claims that their products are dust-free all clay contains silicon particles that have been shown to cause respiratory problems in both cats and humans. This dust gets tracked through your house as it clings to your cat’s paws and fur and can end up everywhere.

A disadvantage with clumping cat litter is that not all brands can be flushed down the toilet as the litter can swell and clog your pipes. This means it has to go into the trash which could cause an odor problem for you. Note: Always read the label on a clumping litter to see if it is flushable before trying to flush it down the toilet.

When deciding which type of litter is more economical remember that non-clumping litter must be replaced at least once a week while the clumping variety only needs to be completely replaced once a month.

As you can see there are many factors to consider when choosing a clay based litter. You have to weigh things like convenience with costs and possibly health concerns. I myself would put the health of my cat and family before convenience but that’s just me.

In part 3 we will take a look at other types of cat litter currently on the market.

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What's The Best Cat Litter For Your Cat - Part 2

Many cat owners take cat litter for granted but the truth is cat litter is a relatively modern invention and prior to its introduction many owners would use a box filled with dirt, ashes, sand or some similar material. This obviously had problems in both maintaining the litter box and keeping the house clean as the cat tended to track the litter all over the house.

In 1947 Ed Lowe gave some absorbent clay called Fuller’s Earth that he sold to manufacturing companies to a neighbor that had a cat to replace the litter they were using and it turned out to work very well. He began selling his kitty litter to local pet stores where it was an immediate hit and the kitty litter industry as we know it today was born. Further advancements in litter technology include the introduction of the Tidy Cat brand in 1964 and the world’s first clumping litter in 1984.

The way modern cat litter works is by absorbing cat urine and covering solid waste so bacteria will not grow and cause odors and can be made from anything that absorbs moisture like clay, sand, newspaper, grains and even wood chips.

There are two basic types of cat litter available today; clumping and non-clumping and they can be purchased either scented or unscented.

The advantage of a clumping litter is that moisture will make the litter stick together in little clumps or balls so it can be scooped out easily and disposed of. Because of this ease of use the clumping variety of kitty litter is the most popular.

Just as you might have your preferences for a given product a cat too will likely prefer one litter type over another. Finding the right cat litter can be a matter of trial and error but you will know pretty quickly if your cat doesn’t like the litter you are using as they will stop using their litter box.

It is not uncommon for homes with multiple cats to use several litter type as one cat might like a scented brand while another may prefer unscented. If you want to keep your cat happy and using their litter box regularly take the time to find a litter they like.

When picking a litter consider the following:

Does Your Cat Like It?

Many cats like litter that has a more sand-like texture as they can cover waste better than they can with pellet based or shredded litter.

Scented litter and litters that create dust can irritate your kitty’s nose.

Is It Easy To Use?

Can it be flushed down the toilet?

Does it create a minimal amount of dust? This keeps your cat from tracking litter all over the house.

Does it absorb urine well and clump easily together for scooping?

Does it control cat urine odor effectively?

Is it easy to clean out the litter box or does the litter stick to the box?

Is it affordable?

Is It Environmentally Friendly And Safe?

Is it biodegradable?

Is it non-toxic?

Does it contain any harsh chemicals or dyes?

In the next article we will talk more about cat litter and the different types available.

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What's The Best Cat Litter For Your Cat? – Part 1

Cats are living longer lives thanks to dedicated care from their humans, and advances in veterinary medicine. Most experts consider a cat's "senior years" to begin on her 10th birthday. After this point, the aging process begins to slow in even the most playful feline. Yet, with a little extra attention from her owner, Miss Kitty might enjoy another 5-10 years of life and love.

Just as with humans, cats often lose the ability to hear as they age. This often goes unnoticed by owners, who might chalk their cat's lack of response to typical feline aloofness. Without keen hearing and vision, however, an older cat is more vulnerable to threats from cars and dogs on the street. It is best to keep an older cat indoors. If she loves the fresh air, make sure you supervise her in a protected area.

Even the most easygoing cat can become a finicky eater in her later years. As an older cat's senses of smell and taste begin to diminish, she becomes less interested in her food. Adding moist food and warming her meals will amplify the scent and make it more tantalizing. Moist food will increase the amount of water in your cat's diet.

It is important to keep fresh water available for your older cat, and to monitor her drinking habits. Her natural thirst drive can fade with age, causing her to become dangerously dehydrated rather quickly. Take note of about how much water your cat drinks each day. If the amount suddenly drops, and you know she is not getting water from any other source, contact your veterinarian.

Remember that there have been huge advances in medical care for cats in recent years. Online shopping for cat medication has become popular, but remember that there is no substitute for regular check-ups with your veterinarian.

Common problems owners see their geriatric cats develop include difficulties swallowing due to decreased saliva production, less tolerance to extreme heat and/or cold, gum disease and tooth loss, a change in litter habits, and not sleeping well.

Recent studies have uncovered a problem with potassium balance in many older cats. Poor coat condition, loss of appetite and lethargy have been linked to a mild form of hypokalemia, or low blood potassium. Low blood potassium damages the cat's kidneys, which, in an older cat, are already weakening. This leads to a vicious cycle because declining kidney function increases the loss of potassium in the blood, which in turn causes further deterioration of the kidneys.

Arthritis and stiffness is fairly common in older cats. Because it becomes more difficult to move, a geriatric cat spends more time sleeping. If her diet stays the same, she'll begin to pack on the pounds. The extra weight adds to her discomfort, making her more inclined not to move. Without exercise her muscles will weaken. It is important to encourage an older cat into some activity every day. Physical movement will help with digestion and bowel function, as well as keep her sharp mentally.

An older cat spends less time grooming herself than in her youth. As a result, her hair becomes dry and painfully matted. Regular grooming from her owner is required to keep her coat healthy and beautiful. Daily brushing removes loose hair that can form uncomfortable hairballs in her stomach.

As your cat gets older its important that she is comfortable. You should ensure that your cat has a comfortable, warm bed that she can stretch out on. Cushions and hammock bed on radiators are popular.

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Caring for an Older Cat - Cat Health and Cat Care