What is the best cat litter to use? Which litter is best for kittens?

Filler for cat litter box- an optional item, but extremely convenient, so if your budget allows, we recommend using it. After reading the article, you will be able to determine best filler for a cat litter box that is suitable specifically for your pet.

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Tray with filler: photo

Which litter tray is best?

The best cat litter is the one that best suits your cat and you. There are no universal recipes here, as well as in the matter of choosing a tray for a cat, but there are general recommendations.

If several cats in your house go to one tray, then silica gel litter will be indispensable, which lasts a long time and does not allow odors to pass through.

If you or your cat is allergic to dust and chemicals, the safest option is wood or corn litter.

In the end, the answer to the question of which litter is best for a cat’s litter box can be given by the pet himself: if you see that he keeps missing the litter box, it means that he may be hinting to you that you need to change the type of litter.

Paper filler

The Soviet method of filling a tray is to simply cut up some paper and throw it in. This cat tray is a little more interesting than an empty one, since the paper partially absorbs water, and feces can be buried. But newspaperPeople use filler less and less because it is unhygienic, because the paper gets wet and then it is difficult to remove it from the tray.

In addition, newspapers are usually allowed on the tray, and this is harmful to the cat due to the printing ink. That is, if you are already using paper, it should be clean. And in this case, no savings are achieved - and any meaning disappears in the paper tray.

Clay filler

The most popular litter for trays is clay clumping litter (bentonite). It is made from clay or minerals opalcristobalite. The result is a mixture that, after contact with liquids, clumps and becomes solid. Hardened pieces of filler can be easily removed from the tray using a scoop. If you have poured a sufficient layer of filler (from 3 cm), it will not allow moisture to pass to the bottom, so you will need to wash the tray less often.

There are clumping fillers different sizes: one has more grains, the other has less. The caliber is written on the packaging. If the litter consists of very large pieces, it may leak urine to the bottom and clump poorly. Therefore, it is better to choose a smaller caliber. Although it still depends on the manufacturer: you need to try several brands and settle on the most suitable one.

Tails love this type of litter the most: it looks like earth, so cats happily dig holes and bury all their stuff.

But this type of filler also has some disadvantages: if the cat likes to dig too much, then the skin on the paw pads may become a little rougher.

In addition, sometimes kittens play with this filler and eat it. If you see that this problem has become serious, then it is better, at least temporarily, to change the type of filler to a more environmentally friendly one, because Eating clumping can result in intestinal obstruction.

Another caveat is that clay litter, when scattered and dug, raises a cloud of dust, to which the cat may be allergic. Monitor your pet: if he shows signs of illness, such as watery eyes, try changing the litter and see if the symptoms go away.

Tray with wood filling

Wood filler cannot be classified as the most hygienic, convenient and loved by cats, but it is the most environmentally friendly clean look. It consists of wood blocks - compressed sawdust pellets. The logs smell pleasant, do not raise dust when poured, and do not cause allergies.

But the filler also has disadvantages: when moisture gets on them, logs of wood do not clump together, but, on the contrary, disintegrate into sawdust, so cleaning a toilet with wood filler is quite inconvenient. We recommend using wood filler only with a tray with a mesh (grid), so that all the logs that have broken down into sawdust seep through the grate into the tray, from where you remove them.

Also, wood fillers occasionally contain random sharp pieces of wood, and this is undoubtedly another disadvantage.

The advantage of wood filler is its low price and widespread availability. According to these parameters, it competes with clay.

Silica gel tray filler

Silica gel filler is a relative newcomer to the market. It is an artificially created white crystals of silica gel formed from silicic acids. These crystals absorb moisture perfectly, they don’t even need to clump. This is how they differ from absorbent filler. Silica gel retains the smell very well. IN Everyday life We deal with this substance when we buy, for example, shoes: the package usually contains a bag of balls. This is silica gel.

This filler is available in pet stores and online stores, but it is not always available in supermarkets.The packaging costs several times more than a bag of clumping litter, but it is more economical: 5 kg is enough for 1 month for one cat.

The disadvantages of the filler are the high price, the less love of cats for litter boxes with silica gel: it hisses a little when it gets wet, which is scary, and besides, silica gel does not look like earth. There is also a danger if it enters the gastrointestinal tract. The fact is that if silica gel gets into the stomach and intestines in large quantities, it absorbs all the moisture, resulting in blockage. That's why this type litter is strictly not recommended for kittens who like to play in the litter box. There are numerous cases where animals died.

Zeolite filler

Zeolite is a volcanic substance and an excellent adsorbent, having a porous structure into which liquid and odor are locked and from which moisture evaporation and, consequently, aromas do not spread. But such fillers are difficult to find in our latitudes.

The best litter for a kitten is wood, due to its environmental friendliness. But, on the other hand, cats like this kind of toilet less, and it doesn’t really hold the smell. Therefore, owners often abandon it in favor of clay, which is an excellent alternative, albeit less environmentally friendly.

But silica gel litter is generally not suitable for kittens, because, although they do not like to go to it when they need to, they may love to eat it: let us remind you that if ingested, such a litter will absorb all the moisture it encounters and can lead to blockage of the gastrointestinal tract. tract. This can also happen when eating clay litter, but only if the cat eats a large amount of it, and this is unlikely.

Litter for litter box training

People often search online for “kitten litter for litter training.” A separate type There is no litter specifically for litter box training, but clay litter can be considered as such. Why? This is what kittens like most: they happily jump into such a litter box, rummage around there, and going to the litter box becomes a kind of ritual and attraction - they rummaged around, did their business and carefully buried it. Kittens, as a rule, love this process very much, because it helps realize important instincts: in nature, cats bury their little things.

But a tray without filler will, on the contrary, be of no interest to the kitten, so the animal for a long time can ignore it. If you have the financial opportunity, still accustom your pet to the litter - this will solve many problems.

How often should I change the litter in the tray?

How often to change the litter in the litter box will directly depend on the type of litter, as well as how many cats you have, what gender they are and what is currently happening to them.

For example, cats pee very often during estrus - and the litter box needs to be removed as urine accumulates.

If there is more than one cat in the house, and there is a shared litter box, then no matter how good the litter it contains (except for silica gel), it will have to be changed every day. Not the whole thing, of course, but only the contaminated part.

In the usual case, when your cat lives in splendid isolation and reigns supreme over the tray, most often you need to sort out the wood filler, because... it doesn't hold the smell. It is advisable to do this once a day. Clumping clay filler can be sorted out once every 2-3 days. You just need to sift the clumped part with a scoop and add a little new sand, that is, you don’t need to change everything. The silica gel filler lasts longer than the others, which is changed approximately once every 7 days if there is only one cat, but the whole thing needs to be changed. That is, do not sort through the waste, but simply pour out the old and add in the new.

If a cat appears in the apartment, a toilet is equipped for it. More and more owners prefer ready-made mixtures for tray toilets. However, they are all different and the question becomes, “what is the best cat litter”? They are divided into types, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Types of mixtures

Cat litter is made in the form of balls, which can be small, medium and large. They all remind natural environment which the cat prefers. The granules are made from different materials, which absorb liquids and even odors well. Some fillers need to be changed completely, while from others only used balls or lumps are selected.

Bedding is divided into two main types - absorbent and clumping. They eliminate fluids in different ways. Types of cat litter also differ in the materials used for the production of granules:

• mineral based;
• corn;
• from sawdust of trees;
• clay-based;
• in the form of silica gel balls.

All fillers are collected differently. Clumping - into piles, absorbent - simply crumbles and does not need daily replacement.

Advantages and disadvantages of mixtures

Fillers for cat litter should be selected based on the age category of the animals, their number in the apartment, the pet’s fur and sensitivity. If the skin is very delicate, then it is better to buy a finely granulated bedding, otherwise the animals may get injured. For cats with long hair, medium or large balls are more suitable.

Clumping mixture

Clumping filler absorbs moisture well, but at the same time rolls into small piles. The cat owner will have to change them once a day. Instead of used lumps, new ones are poured. However, sometimes the litter can leak cat urine into the bottom of the tray. To avoid this, pour only 8-10 cm of mixture into the tray.

The advantages of the filler include:

• economical to use;
• good masking of the smell of cat urine;
• convenient cleaning;
• safety (due to natural materials);
• cats themselves prefer it;
• Can be used even for small kittens.

The disadvantages include high cost and the need for daily replacement. It is also not recommended to use it if there are two or more cats in the house. The clumping litter does not have time to dry, and if there is no mesh in the tray, it will also spread throughout the room on the pets’ paws.

Absorbent

Absorbent bedding has a different operating principle. After the cat uses the tray, the structure of the filler does not change, but odors and moisture are retained well. However, you need to change the mixture in the toilet completely. The litter is good for owners of several cats at once. The advantages of the mixture include:

• no need to replace every day;
• perfectly neutralizes the odors of cat urine;
• has low cost;
• There are separate types of toilet mixtures for kittens;
• one part is enough for a third of a month.

The disadvantages include the unpleasant odor of the mixture itself. If even only half of the litter is used, the cat may refuse to go into the litter box.

Mineral

The best cat litter is mineral litter. Its balls are made of clay. On average, a kilogram of mixture costs only 100 rubles. Mineral ones are best suited for cats that are just beginning to be toilet trained. The advantages include:

• perfectly absorbs cat urine;
• affordable price;
• formation of easily removed lumps.

There are a little more disadvantages - the filler does not absorb odors well and sticks to the paws. When dry, it scatters dust, so it is not suitable for cats that like to dig holes. The mixture should not be flushed down the toilet or used on kittens.

Clay granules

Clay mixtures can be clumping or absorbent. Top brands are made from bentonite clays that swell with moisture. The mixture has different sizes of balls; large ones can even injure a cat, while small ones can be used for kittens. The cost per kilogram is approximately 50 rubles. The filler is sold in bags of 3, 5, 10 kg. The advantages include:

• natural natural materials;
• use for small kittens;
• looks like earth, so cats like it;
• large range of varieties.

The disadvantages include dust, which can be spread when the toilet is filled or when the cat urinates. If there is no mesh on the tray, the filler will partially spread throughout the apartment.

Woody

For cats, the best litter is a clumping wood mixture. It is made from sawdust, which is compressed into granules. Most often, coniferous trees are used for backfilling. The cat easily gets used to this filler. A kilogram of the mixture costs about 100 rubles. The advantages include:

• the filler is the most environmentally friendly of all types;
• cats really like it;
• has a pleasant pine smell;
• used for kittens;
• The mixture can be thrown into the toilet.

The only drawback of the filler is that microparticles of sawdust sometimes get dragged around the house on the cat’s paws.

Silica gel

Silica gel mixture is one of the latest innovations. The filler is made of polysilicic acid in the form of cloudy white granules with inclusions. The cost of 3.8 liters is approximately 190 rubles. The advantages of the mixture include:

• rare replacement (a couple of times a month);
• the mixture remains dry;
• does not generate dust and is not carried around the house by a cat;
• quickly absorbs liquid;
• bacteria do not multiply in the mixture;
• harmless to cats (if they don’t eat it);
• does not release the smell of urine and excrement.

The disadvantages include a rather high price and a crunchy sound. It often alarms and irritates cats. If it enters the stomach, the mixture becomes life-threatening for pets.

Corn mixture

Corn mixture is made from cobs. Their finely porous core is used. The mixture is very similar to wood, but its cost is much more expensive and such bedding is quite rare. The price per kilo of the mixture is approximately 160 rubles. The advantages include:

• the mixture is made from natural materials;
• economical to use;
• quickly eliminates odors;
• perfectly absorbs moisture.

The disadvantages include the lightness of the granules, as a result of which the mixture often ends up scattered around the tray. The filler has no pleasant aroma, which cats often don't like.

Which mixture should I choose for a kitten?

Since cats sometimes begin to eat all litter sprinkles, such mixtures are not recommended at all for pets under 4 months of age, especially silica gel or mineral ones. They can lead to the death of animals.

For babies over 4 months old, fillers with small balls are best. In this case, the tray should be deep and have a mesh so that the baby does not get his paws wet. You can put two in the toilet different types, on the bottom - wood, on top - mineral. If there is a mesh on top, then the kittens will not be able to reach the bedding to chew on it.

Principles for choosing fillers

The use of filler has its own characteristics that you need to pay attention to when choosing. For the best moisture absorption, clumping mixtures come first. The leader is silica gel filler, followed by wood and corn varieties.

When it comes to absorbing cat urine and neutralizing odor, chemical mixtures are in first place; natural ones are somewhat worse. Some mixtures, for example corn, also have an unpleasant odor.

If you choose according to the criterion of flushing into the toilet, wood ones are in the lead. They are followed by corn. Mineral minerals should not be flushed down the toilet at all. However, wood and corn can only be thrown away in small batches.

It is very difficult to choose a mixture for cats based on the criterion of flavors. Some pets are attracted to the smell of lavender, others - pine needles and vice versa. Sometimes hypoallergenicity plays an important role. In this case, litter made from natural materials is preferable for the cat.:

• clay;
• sawdust;
• corn cobs.

If you choose based on cost-effectiveness of use, then mixtures of mineral components are in the lead, and then those of wood. The most expensive are corn and silica gel fillers. When choosing, it is not the cost of packaging that should be taken into account, but the frequency of replacement of mixtures.

When determining what is the best cat litter, you need to focus on the age category of the pets, their number in the house, and sensitivity to odors. If desired, you can use two mixtures at once. However, the most optimal options are fillers made from natural ingredients.

Fillers for cat litter - how to choose and use so that the house does not have a characteristic unpleasant odor.

When a new pet appears in the house, you should take care of purchasing a suitable tray and backfill. A capricious animal may refuse to use sand or finely cut newspaper. Commercially available special backfills are easy to use and effectively eliminate unpleasant odors. You can familiarize yourself with the main types of product and ratings of the most popular cat litters to make the right decision.

Types of cat litters

The following types of cat litter can be found on sale:

• Mineral. They are the most popular in their niche. Clay is used to make them; they are of the clumping type. The advantages are reasonable price and ease of use. Disadvantages include the inability to retain the smell, ease of spread throughout the apartment on the animal’s paws, and the impossibility of disposal into the sewer.
• Clay. It can be both clumping and absorbent. It is made in the form of granules, so it will not be difficult for the owner to choose the right product for both adult animals and children. The advantages of such backfill include low price and natural composition. The disadvantage is the increased formation of dust from the product; animals easily carry it around the apartment on their paws
• Silica gel. It is an opaque granule and is an expensive type of filling for trays. It has many advantages: it needs to be changed a couple of times a month, it absorbs odors and moisture well, bacteria do not multiply in it, and animals do not carry it around the house. Disadvantages include the high price and loud crunching sound when the animal starts rummaging in the toilet. It is not used for kittens, since if swallowed, the animal’s life is in danger
• Woody. Made from pressed sawdust. Refers to clumping products. The main advantages include: reasonable price, natural composition, safety. Animals quickly get used to this filler; it can be used for kittens and washed down the drain. The only drawback is the increased formation of dust and the product scattering into small pieces as it is used.
• Corn. Rarely found on sale, the price can be high. It is made from corn cobs and is a clumping type. TO positive aspects The product includes its naturalness and good consumer properties. The only drawback is the difficulty of purchasing

It is impossible to say definitively which of the products presented above is better or worse. Much depends on the individual characteristics of the animal and the preferences of the owner.

How to choose the right cat litter? What to pay attention to

When choosing cat litter, you can follow these rules:

• The owner needs to calculate his financial capabilities. When an animal gets used to a certain type of such product, it will not be easy to switch it to a cheaper analogue
• If there are many cats living in the house, it is better to give preference to an absorbent composition, since the clumping compound will be constantly wet, and the animals will be able to spread it everywhere on their paws and fur.
• The age of the animal should be taken into account. For kittens, formulations with small granules and natural composition are preferred. For adults, coarse-grained fillers of mineral or silica gel type are suitable.
• You should not purchase products with fragrances. Firstly, the flavor itself can cause allergic reaction at the cat's. Secondly, the animal may simply not like the smell and refuse to use the litter box.
• For cats with allergies, it is better to use natural compounds to avoid exacerbations of the disease.
• The cost-effectiveness of the product must also be taken into account. For example, clumping types retain their functions longer; they are gradually poured into the tray as they are used. Absorbent compounds must be thrown away completely and replaced with a fresh portion weekly.
• The pet should like the filler. If the cat is reluctant to use the litter box and throws the product out of the toilet, you should think about replacing the composition.

Important! You should not immediately buy a large pack of filling as it is not known whether the product will suit the animal or not.

How to use cat litter? detailed instructions

Below is step-by-step instruction How to use cat litter:

• First, you should choose a cat litter box in which the animal can fit freely and can row and bury litter without hesitation.
• The toilet is filled to a maximum of 10 cm with the selected filler
• If you use clumping types, then it is necessary to remove the lumps formed from cat excrement after each trip to the potty. In the case of absorbent types, the contents of the toilet should be completely changed every 5 to 10 days

Properly selected backfill can greatly simplify animal care and eliminate unpleasant odors in the room.

How often should you change cat litter?

How often to change cat litter will depend on the number of animals in the home, as well as the type of product used. For example, absorbent fillings are changed approximately once a week, when they become visibly damp in appearance and the animal refuses to use the tray or expresses obvious displeasure: hitting the side with its paw, meowing loudly. In the case of clumping species, owners can add the missing amount of product after each removal of excrement.
However, just cleaning the litter is not enough; you should also periodically wash the cat litter itself. To do this, the pot is cleaned of residues and washed with water. For cleaning, you can use disinfectant cleaning products, applying them in small quantities to the bottom and walls of the toilet. Then you should thoroughly wash away traces of litter and excrement using a rag or sponge. After this, the tray is washed several times under running water, wipe dry and fill with a fresh portion of the product.

Is it possible to flush cat litter down the toilet?

As a rule, manufacturers of wood and corn formulations allow small portions to be flushed down the drain. In the case of mineral, clay and silica gel fillers, this is prohibited.
The best method for disposing of such waste is to throw it in an individual plastic bag in the trash. This will prevent clogging sewer pipes, and the house will not smell of used filler.
Information on whether cat litter can be flushed down the toilet should be found on the packaging.

Rating of the best cat litters

Below is a rating of the best cat litters according to consumers:

• Fresh Step Extreme Carbon Plus. It is of the absorbent type, holds unpleasant odors well, and does not spread throughout the house. Contains Activated carbon, due to which the development of pathogenic bacteria in the tray is suppressed. It should be changed once a week
• Kuzya Woody. Backfill made from sawdust. Consumers note the good quality of the product and its cost-effectiveness. Many are attracted by its naturalness and ease of use.
• Crystals No. 1. Silica gel litter for cat litter boxes has an antibacterial effect. It retains odors well, does not generate dust and does not spread throughout the apartment. Economical, a pack of 12 liters is enough for a medium-sized animal for almost 3 months

Filler for small kittens – which one is better?

If a kitten appears in the house, then the question may naturally arise: what cat litter is best for kittens? To begin with, you can use the product that the breeder uses, as it will smell like mom and will help the kitten get used to the new litter box faster. For babies, it is better to choose formulations with small granules and avoid using silica gel types, as their creaking and rustling noise can frighten the kitten. A good option– wood composition, since it is natural and will not cause negative reactions in a small pet.

Making cat litter: video

Below is a video about making cat litter:

There is nothing complicated in choosing the optimal backfill for a cat litter box. It is important to consider not only your own preferences, but also your pet’s willingness to use specific type product.

Cat litter is an important hygiene product that allows a busy owner not to rush to the litter box every time the cat relieves itself. But there are a lot of types of filler, so right choice difficult to do. First of all, you need to find out from the nursery where the kitten was brought from, whether he is accustomed to the litter box, and what kind of litter was used there before. You can choose a litter convenient for your cat yourself by trying different brands.

• Show all

  What to consider before choosing a filler

  Cat litter neutralizes the unpleasant odor of urine in the litter box. However, not every animal is ready to go to a tray with any filler. You need to choose the one that suits your particular pet.

  To begin with, you should take a closer look at the cat’s habits and habits. If the kitten in the nursery is accustomed to silica gel litter, and the tray contains wood, then you can expect capricious behavior from the animal. The pet will go to the toilet in the place that it considers more convenient for this.

  It is recommended to consider the safety of raw materials. A curious kitten will want to taste a particularly aromatic litter. If a cat digs into litter with its paws, pollen from the litter can settle in the lungs, and strong-smelling litters can cause allergies. Therefore, you should give preference to a product whose packaging indicates that the product is environmentally friendly, does not contain additives and has not been subjected to chemical treatment.

  One of important parameters selection of filler is its price. Before choosing one option or another, you need to see how often the filler in the tray is replaced, how often it is purchased new packaging. Knowing this, you can easily calculate how profitable the purchase of a particular product will be.

  

  Types of fillers

  If your pet is susceptible to allergies or skin diseases, you should try to choose the most environmentally friendly option. If your pet has an obstinate character, you should not experiment too much: you need to choose the option that is most similar to the previous filler. The owner of several cats should pay attention to a product that will be used sparingly, and the owner of a kitten should pay attention to a lighter and safer litter.

  

  Woody

  This type of filler consists of chips and shavings pressed into granules coniferous trees. There are large and small granules: the first are intended for adults, the second - for kittens.

  A big plus is the low cost. The product has a pine aroma and effectively fights odor. The filler can be purchased at any pet store. But the granules can quickly disintegrate, turning into sand, which the cat will carry around the house on its paws, adding trouble to the owner during the cleaning process. Also, sometimes you can find large chips that can injure the animal, but they are easy to notice and remove.

  

  

  Based on paper and grain waste

  The cheapest and most environmentally friendly option. If the base is paper, the filler has low absorbent and water-retaining properties. If the filler is based on grain processing products (especially corn), then the filler acquires a completely different level of quality. The product is made from corn cobs. Thanks to their porous structure, they absorb moisture well, eliminate excess odors and have a long service life. The disadvantage is the low weight of the granules - the particles are easily carried around the house by the cat and scattered on the floor.

  "Grain" fillers have not yet received sufficient distribution in Russia. Today they are used widely only for rodents.

  

  The most popular and affordable among fillers. The material for it is bentonite clay. various types or opalcristobalites. Bentonite perfectly absorbs liquid and swells, forming lumps (hence the name), which are easy to remove when cleaning the tray. This type of litter retains odors quite poorly, which causes significant inconvenience to cat owners. When burying feces, your cat may inhale the dust released by the bentonite or spread it across the clean floor.

  Some cat owners have to deal with the fact that the litter does not clump. However, the issue here is not the quality of the product, but how to use it. According to the instructions, you need to pour at least 8-10 cm of filler into the tray - then clumping will occur correctly. If there are several cats in the house, lumps may also not have time to form, so the owner of two or more animals should pay attention to other options.

  

  Absorbent mineral

  They are small stones that darken upon contact with liquid. This filler is made from the environmentally friendly volcanic mineral zeolite. Thanks to the abundance of microscopic pores, zeolite evenly absorbs moisture and retains unpleasant odors. The principle of operation of the filler is the complete absorption of urine by the granule - this way moisture is not retained in upper layers zeolite

  If liquid accumulates at the bottom of the tray and causes an unpleasant odor, it is necessary to stir the filler. This is necessary so that it is completely saturated. The disadvantages of this option include the fact that it will not be possible to change the granules in portions. Cats are accustomed to burying their excrement, which makes it much more difficult to replace the stones piece by piece. But this option is suitable for the owner of several animals.

  

  Silica gel

  Considered to be of the highest quality. These are small white crystals made from dried polysilicic acid gel with high absorbency. Despite the high cost, the filler is consumed very economically due to its long service life. Usually, special substances are added to the crystals to help them better retain moisture and odors. So, you can completely change the composition of the tray once every 3-4 weeks. One of the disadvantages of silica gel is that it produces a crunchy sound when digging, which can be stressful for some cats and make it difficult for them to get used to it. Before use, crystals should be stored in sealed packaging to avoid loss of absorbent properties - silica gel can begin to absorb moisture in the air.

  

  Advantages and disadvantages of each type of filler

  To decide which filler is best to choose for your pet, you need to summarize all known information about each option and take into account individual characteristics cats.

  The table below summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of each type of filler:

  4. Paper/grain - the most environmentally friendly.
  5. Absorbent mineral - the most suitable for the owner of kittens or several cats.

  Filler type	pros	Minuses
  Woody	Eco-friendly, pleasant smell, inexpensive, can be used for kittens, absorbs well	It can be carried around the apartment by a cat; rarely, a cat may come across large chips that can cause injury
  Paper/grain	Eco-friendly, absorbs well, pleasant smell, inexpensive	Paper does not absorb moisture well, is not very common in Russia, cannot be used for several animals, and is not suitable for all cats
  Clumping mineral and clay	Economical, absorbs well, easy to clean in parts, environmentally friendly, as close as possible to a cat’s natural ideas about the toilet	Cannot be used for several animals, may create dust and stick to paws, does not hold odors very well, too large lumps can harm the animal, difficult to clean if you deviate from the instructions
  Absorbent mineral	Suitable for use by multiple cats and kittens, inexpensive, effectively combats odors	Can have a strong smell when cleaning, not suitable for cats who cannot tolerate even partially dirty trays, uneconomical due to frequent replacement
  Silica gel	Absorbs moisture well, effectively fights odors, economical, suitable for use by several cats, easy to clean in parts	Expensive, not suitable for kittens, some cats may not tolerate the crunchy sounds of silica gel

To ensure that a cat in a house or apartment does not go to the toilet anywhere, but is accustomed to the tray, it is necessary to choose the best litter for cat litter. Of course, you can use regular sand or paper, but this will be uncomfortable for the pet and inconvenient for its owners. The products presented in this rating, based on customer reviews, are the highest quality, safe, effective and good value. Check out their advantages and disadvantages and choose the appropriate option.

Which brand of cat litter is best to choose?

Such pet products from Japanese, Chinese, American, German and Russian production. The competition among them is extremely high, but they can withstand it with dignity, leaving behind other companies, the following brands and firms:

• Pussy-Cat is a brand owned by the Kis Pis Group company, which sells hygienic litter for pets. The company began its activities in 1987. Its products are environmentally friendly, recognized as safe for animals and are not very expensive.
• Effem GmbH– in this rating it is represented by Catsan Ultra Plus cat litter. This German manufacturer, guaranteeing high quality, safety and ease of use of its products. It has excellent absorption capacity, which makes its use comfortable for animals.
• Catsan is an American brand whose products are manufactured in Germany. Its range includes clay and mineral type– clumping and absorbent. They come in thick cardboard packages with handles and cost slightly above average.
• N1 – premium cat litters affordable price, which are produced in Russia. The brand's product range includes absorbent and clumping fillers, mainly silica gel. Cats respond well to them, do not walk past the toilet and do not spread its components around the apartment.
• Cat Step– the owner of the brand is the largest manufacturer of pet products on the Russian market, Amma company. Its products are created for hygienic use of the toilet by cats, to eliminate unpleasant odors in the litter box and eliminate them in the apartment. It is non-toxic, does not cause allergies and does not stick to the paws of pets.
• Zoonic– the brand arouses interest wide range pet supplies, including for filling the tray. It is owned by the Oris company, one of the oldest in Russian market. The range includes wood and silica gel, clumping and absorbent fillers. Most of them are available in small packages of up to 6 kg.
• Barsik– the trademark is registered by Intel, which has been operating on the Russian market since 1991. Its products are distinguished by high quality, hypoallergenic, safe and reasonable prices. They reflect the smell of cat urine well and prevent it from spreading throughout the apartment or house.

The most budget-friendly brands on the market are Zoonik and Barsik, and the quality of their products is not inferior to those included in the premium class category.

Rating of the best cat litters

When compiling this TOP and in the selection good fillers for cat litter, customer reviews and veterinarian opinions played a huge role.

These are the parameters we also paid attention to when analyzing the characteristics of the product:

• Type – wood, silica gel, corn, mineral or clay;
• Packaging volume and its convenience;
• Natural composition and safety of use;
• Reaction of cats to raw materials;
• Type – absorbent or clumping;
• Ease of use – can it be flushed down the toilet, is it easy to clean with a spatula, etc.;
• Natural aroma and protection against urine odor;
• Which cats are suitable for – by age and breed;
• Economical consumption and replacement frequency.

A special selection criterion was the price-quality ratio of the fillers, the brand under which they are produced, and their availability for sale.

The best wood litter for cat litter

Here it is worth taking a closer look at two fillers from well-known brands"Barsik" and "Zoonik".

Barsik is the best wood filler that pleases even the most picky cats. It consists of small soft granules that are comfortable for the animal’s delicate paws. The material is environmentally friendly and does not harm four-legged animals, is easily distributed throughout the tray, absorbs cat excrement well and thereby reduces the unpleasant odor. Its prevention is also helped by adding special ingredients to the composition. The raw materials are safe for humans and nature, being biodegradable.

Advantages:

• Cheapness;
• High quality;
• Can be flushed down the toilet;
• Does not clump;
• Stays dry;
• Suitable for small kittens.

Flaws:

• Not sold everywhere;
• Can be spread on cats' paws.

Barsik Natural is sold in a large 4.5 liter paper bag; it does not have the usual handle, so carrying the bag is not very convenient.

I have been using this litter for more than six months, it does not clump, it is suitable for trays of different sizes and cats of all breeds...

Expert opinion

This wood filler is in no way inferior to its predecessor in the rating. Its use is comfortable for cats and humans; the granules perfectly absorb urine, have a pleasant aroma and cover up its odor. It belongs to the premium class due to its hygiene and environmental friendliness; it is made from natural raw materials. The granules are small in size, but at the same time they do not stick together and are not spread throughout the house. One package sells 5 kg.

Advantages:

• Cats like to dig holes in it;
• It is carefully raked with its paws and does not fly apart;
• It does not compact, which allows you to create volume;
• Convenient packaging with handles that does not get wet;
• Inexpensive.

Flaws:

• Sometimes there is a bit of "sawdust".

The Best Silica Gel Litters for Cat Litters

N1 Crystals cat litter is one of the best because it is environmentally friendly, safe and absorbs a large amount of moisture. Due to this, one load of product in the tray lasts for several days, which allows you to save money. It has a normal smell to which the animal responds well and does not repel them due to its softness. Silica gel granules do not stick to the pet's paws and fur and do not injure its tissues. Since it contains special components, the appearance of an unpleasant odor in the house is eliminated.

Advantages:

• Economical to use;
• Hypoallergenic;
• Dust does not appear when filling the tray;
• Easy to clean toilet;
• Non-toxic.

Flaws:

• Do not flush down the toilet;
• Tough if the animal wants to chew it;
• Not suitable for small kittens.

This cat litter is regularly included in the ratings of the best among silica gel ones due to optimal combination High Quality and cheapness. It is made from a specially prepared gel that is safe for adult cats. It can be long time do not change, as the raw material absorbs moisture well and suppresses the unpleasant odor of urine. Cats have no difficulty burying their excrement, but it may create some noise when creating the hole. Cat Step is manufactured using European technologies and is recommended for use by veterinarians.

Advantages:

• Large volume – 15.2 l;
• Convenient packaging;
• Lasts a long time;
• Contamination is easily removed;
• Does not stain cats' fur or paws;
• Does not cause allergies.

Flaws:

• Not sold everywhere;
• It is better not to use for small kittens.

The Best Corn Cat Litters

This is one of the most environmentally friendly options that is completely safe for your pet. The animal reacts normally to it and quickly gets used to it.

This corn litter attracts attention due to its low price, safety and ease of use. It is hypoallergenic and does not harm the health of animals and people. It can be flushed down the toilet without clogging the drain or causing damage to the soil due to the biodegradability of the raw material. It is made from environmentally friendly corn grains, soft to the touch and pleasant to the cat's paws. N1 Naturel does not spread throughout the house and does not require constant sweeping of floors.

Advantages:

• A spatula with large holes is also suitable for cleaning the tray;
• Wonderful, natural aroma;
• Natural composition;
• Looks aesthetically pleasing;
• Pleasant to the touch;
• The remains can be used as fertilizer;
• Flushes down the toilet without any problems.

Flaws:

• Small volume per package – 4.5 l.

According to reviews, the N1 Naturel corn litter can be changed only 1-2 times a month, which is very beneficial for the wallet and convenient for cat owners.

The Best Clay Cat Litters

This type of filler is inexpensive and can be used in the tray for a long time without replacement, but it retains the odor a little worse than wood filler.

This cat litter is highly rated for its ability to keep your home clean. When wet, the raw materials do not stick to the cats' paws and do not spread across the floor. If particles are swallowed, there is no threat to the pet’s health, since the material is natural and does not cause intoxication. Wet lumps can be easily removed with a spatula; there is no need to completely replace the contents of the tray. The composition of Catsan Ultra Plus is close to the most natural, so four-legged animals stop walking past the toilet.

Advantages:

• Small granule size;
• Softness of raw materials;
• When combined with water, they form compact pieces, which makes cleaning in the tray easier;
• Natural composition;
• Does not cause allergies.

Flaws:

• Small volume.

The bag in which the Catsan Ultra Plus filler is packed is made of thick paper and is equipped with a convenient handle for comfortable carrying.

The best mineral cat litters

Such fillers are made on the basis of zeolite, they perfectly absorb moisture and the resulting lumps are easily removed from the tray.

This is the only flavored cat litter in the rating, ideal for adult cats. But for small kittens it is not recommended to use it due to possible blockage of the gastrointestinal tract if particles are swallowed. It is interesting from the point of view of ease of cleaning, instant absorption of moisture, due to which the product always remains dry. It's not off-putting pet and does not force him to walk past the tray. This will also allow you to clean it less often, which will save you some money.

Advantages:

• Reliable protection against urine odor;
• Pleasant natural aroma;
• Practical packaging with handles;
• Convenient release form;
• There is no sound when the cat creates a hole.

Flaws:

• Cannot be disposed of by flushing down the toilet.

The key feature of Pussy-Cat is its antibacterial effect, which reduces the likelihood of infection of the animal.

Which cat litter is best to choose?

It is better for cats with allergies to buy wood or corn fillers, which are natural and safe. They are also recommended to be chosen for small kittens and purebred cats. For everyone else, ordinary means will do. In order for animals to use the tray comfortably, it must have a pleasant aroma and protection from the smell of urine, quickly absorb moisture and remain dry.

Depending on the situation, we can recommend choosing the following options from this rating:

• For small kittens, Barsik Natural will be the most preferable.
• Pedigree cats, especially if they suffer from allergies, will be completely satisfied with Zoonic Wood.
• For those who are just getting used to the tray, it is worth choosing N1 Crystals.
• If you need not to change the contents of the tray for a long time, it is best to choose N1 Naturel Corn or Cat Step Silica Gel.
• For those looking for something with an antibacterial effect, perfect choice there will be Pussy-Cat Oceanic.
• If your cat goes to the toilet either outside or in the litter box, you can take a closer look at Catsan Ultra Plus.

As you can see from this rating, for each case you can name your own best cat litter. Therefore, when choosing it, you need to focus on the age, breed and health of the pet, and only then look at the type of product.