Should you buy a clumping or non clumping cat litter? Which one is better for your cat? These are some of the few questions that you’ll have to answer as a cat lover.
It’s likely you have seen those advertisements trumping how convenient and hygienic it is to use a clumping cat litter. But you may have also heard how many cats would still rather stick to the good ole non-clumping cat litter.
And with the broad range of kitty litter choices, you can’t help but be confused on which litter to get for your feline friend.
A Closer Look at Clumping Cat Litter
To clear the air in the long, drawn-out clumping vs. non clumping cat litter debate, let’s take a closer look at the characteristics of both cat litter types.
As the name indicates, clumping cat litter can make cat’s urine and feces form into a nice solid clump. It typically contains a material called bentonite that absorbs liquid up to 10 times its weight.
Clumping cat litter corners a significant share of the kitty litter market. It’s not surprising as cat owners find it more convenient for litter removal as they can quickly scoop out tight clumps.
Benefits Of Using Clumping Cat Litter
The following are the major advantages of using clumping cat litter:
1. Ease and quickness of cleaning up
Clumping litters can make clean up urine and litter fast and easy. Aside from cat litter causing your cat’s business to be trapped in tight, firm clumps that are easy to scoop, a clumping cat litter traps urine before the liquid seeps to the bottom of the litter box.
Because of that quality of clumping cat litter, you don’t have to chisel or scrape the bottom of the cat litter box to clean it and get rid of the unpleasant odor.
2. Superior odor control
Speaking of odor, another good reason to consider getting a clumping cat litter is that it can make your house smell less stinky. Although non-clumping cat litter can also control odor, there’s no doubt that clumping cat litter does a better job in this regard.
Non-clumping cat litters, after all, will stop working when they become saturated. This can lead to urine pools in the litter box. This would make your cat litter box smell, and worse, force your cat to do her business elsewhere.
But with clumping cat litter’s ability to absorb urine, your cat’s pee won’t be likely to seep into the bottom of the litter box. It’s because clumping cat litter would absorb the urine in creating those tight lumps that you will eventually scoop out.
3. It is economical
Although clumping cat litter is more expensive than the non clumping variety, it is more economical in the long run.
Once the soiled litter is scooped out of the box, you only have to replenish the litter box by adding fresh clumping litter. There’s no need to replace the unused or unsoiled litter.
4. It’s more environment-friendly
A Closer Look at Non Clumping Litter
Before clumping cat litter became the rage among cat owners, the non clumping litter was the preferred litter type. It became commercially available just after World War II.
The main component or material of non clumping cat litter is a type of clay called calcium bentonite.
Aside from clay, there are other materials used in non clumping cat litter. These include natural and environment-friendly materials such as whole kernel corn and walnut shell.
While it is no longer as popular as it once was, non-clumping cat litter is still used by many cat lovers. For one, it remains very effective at removing cat urine odor. This is due to its ability to absorb urine.
Plus, non-clumping cat litter products usually come with additives like baking soda and charcoal that can control unpleasant odors.
Benefits Of Using A Non Clumping Cat Litter
Aside from being relatively good at odor control, the following are the advantages of using non clumping cat litter:
1. It’s cheap
Non clumping cat litter products can be cheaper by at least 50 percent compared to their clumping counterparts. It is not a shock that many cat lovers continue to buy non clumping litter.
2. Dust control
Non clumping litter is less dusty compared to clumping cat litter. This makes it an excellent choice for cat owners who have respiratory problems. It is also safe to use in cats with asthma.
3. Low maintenance
Most of the non clumping cat litter available in the market can stay in the litter box for a week. There’s no need to regularly replace the non clumping cat litter with fresh litter.
4. Cats still like it
Finally, non clumping cat litter is still bought by cat owners whose pets prefer it. Clay litter, after all, is appealing to most cats. Our feline friends like to dig in, and step on clay litter.
Here Is A Youtube Video That Shows The Difference Between Clumping And Non Clumping Cat Litter
So Which Is Better A Clumping Or Non Clumping Cat Litter?
It’s a toss-up between clumping and non clumping cat litter. As you can see, both cat litter types has its pros and cons. It’s really up to you to decide which is more suited for your pet.
Now the best way to find out which is better suited for your cat is to try both cat litter types. You can start by buying one or two varieties of clumping and non clumping cat litter. Then perform a quick litter preference test.
You can do this by bringing out a few pans and filing these with different cat litters. Line up the pans and see which one your cat is inclined with. There’s a good chance he’ll try each, but he would only pee in his favorite.
Once you have found out which litter your cat prefers, you should stick with it. You might have heard how cats are creatures of habit. They don’t like changes to their routine.
Thus if your cat has made you known that he likes an unscented brand of cat litter, then use it for his litter box. You don’t want to piss him off and start to be rebellious by pooping on your carpet.
In case you have to change cat litter box because of serious reasons like health concerns, you can follow these simple tips in switching your cat’s litter:
- Introduce a small amount of the new litter by combining it with the old litter.
- Slowly increase the ratio of the new cat litter over a period of 2-3 weeks.
- Observe your cat and look for signs of anxiety or litter box reluctance
Simply put, it’s really up to you to decide the right cat litter for your pet.
If you like the convenience and superior odor control, then you might as well go with the clumping cat litter. But if you’re wary of dust and costs, then you should buy the non-clumping variety.
To find out which type of cat litter your cat prefers, perform a cat litter preference test. And once you have determined the litter your cat likes, stick with it as much as possible.
Enjoy shopping for a cat litter for your feline friend. Don’t forget to write in our comments section if you have any question about this article.
Additional Resources:
http://www.animalplanet.com/pets/clumping-vs-non-clumping-cat-litter/
http://www.petmd.com/cat/centers/litter/evr_ct_clumping-versus-non-clumping-cat-litter