The “toilet” issue is one of the most important and discussed among cat lovers. After all, it depends on him whether the cohabitation of a person and his pet will be comfortable. After you choose the best one, you will need to think about the filler.
Why is litter so important, because some cats get along just fine without it or are content with torn newspaper?
- Firstly, the smell. In cats, especially non-castrated ones, it can be so strong that it instantly spreads throughout the apartment and is difficult to dissipate. Good filler absorbs unpleasant odors and locks them securely. In addition - and this is especially important! – most cats are very clean, and if the litter box smells bad, they may refuse to use it, preferring, for example, . Few people will like playing the game “have time to clean the tray or look for where the smell is coming from.”
- Secondly, liquid. Paper does not absorb moisture well, and if you use newspaper instead of filler, the cat may wet its paws and tail, after which it will go for a walk around the house, leaving foul-smelling marks. The same applies to an empty tray without filler.
- Thirdly, convenience. If the cat is left alone for the whole day while its owners are at work, the litter will allow it to use the tray several times, which means it will eliminate the need to stumble into puddles here and there.
When choosing cat litter, you need to pay attention to the following properties:
- High level of liquid absorption.
- Environmentally friendly, safe for animals and humans.
- No dust that can settle on the wool.
- No strong odor (you can often find scented litters, which cats rarely like).
- Ease of use and disposal.
The material does not have to be natural; there are high-quality synthetic fillers. Let's look at the main varieties, noting their advantages and disadvantages.
Wood filler
Wood litter is perfect for any cat.The cheapest and very popular. It is made from compressed sawdust, which separate and clump when exposed to moisture. It is a medium-sized granule.
Advantages:
- Eco-friendly and safe natural material. The only possible threat to the cat's health is that very rarely large chips can come across that can cause injury. They are easy to notice and remove in time.
- Ideal for any cat, even those with allergies.
- Economical. The compressed granules, when soaked, increase in volume; a thin layer of granules at the bottom of the tray is sufficient. Thanks to this, one package of filler lasts for a long time.
- Easy to recycle. Wood filler, unlike others, can be flushed down the toilet. (Attention! Do not wash off a lot of filler at once, otherwise you may cause a blockage!)
- The best choice for cat litter if it is intended for a kitten. Kids often chew on the litter; it is very important that they do not get poisoned or harm themselves. Sawdust in this sense is completely safe.
Flaws:
- Doesn't absorb odor as well as more expensive materials.
- It needs to be replaced more often, since sawdust cannot absorb much liquid (the period of 3-4 days sometimes indicated on packages is a publicity stunt; in fact, it is better to change it at least twice a day).
- Wet sawdust is easily scattered by a cat when buried, so a tray with sides is preferable for wood filler.
Fillers made from paper and grain waste are close to wood in their characteristics and material.
Mineral filler
Mineral litter is only suitable for adult cats. Made from bentonite clay different varieties and other minerals, such as zeolite. A very convenient option to use, however, suitable only for adult cats (remember that kittens can chew the litter). When wet, it forms small hard lumps that are easily removed from the tray with a special spatula. It is often used together with wood filler - sawdust absorbs liquid and eliminates odor, and clay granules sprinkled on top prevent sawdust from flying out of the tray.
Advantages:
- Very convenient to use.
- Can quickly absorb significant amounts of liquid.
- The mineral filler made of zeolite (as opposed to clay) perfectly retains odors.
- Environmentally friendly material.
- Mineral litter is more difficult for a cat to scatter outside the litter box.
Flaws:
- The cost is higher than that of wood filler.
- There is a lot of dust from clay fillers.
- Bentonite clay does not retain odors well, and lumps of clay often get stuck in the cat's paw pads.
Silica gel filler
Silica gel filler is very practical, it can be changed once every 2 weeks. The most modern and practical option, which is highly expensive, and perhaps that is the only reason why it has not yet supplanted all the others. However, if there are several cats in the house, silica gel litter can be much more economical than other types, since it requires little and only needs to be changed every 1-2 weeks. Consists of white crystals, with the addition of special substances to eliminate odor.
Advantages:
- Ideal for a home that contains several animals at once.
- Completely eliminates unpleasant odors, while retaining a lot of liquid.
- The lifespan of this litter remains unsurpassed: it is enough to replace it once every 2 weeks, removing only solid excrement from the tray the rest of the time.
- Economical due to the fact that only a thin layer is required.
- Very hygienic and safe.
Flaws:
- Very high cost.
- Cannot be used in litter boxes for small kittens.
- Some cats are afraid of the crunching sound this litter makes when stepped on.
Video with information about various types cat litters:
KotoDigest
Thank you for subscribing, check your inbox: you should receive an email asking you to confirm your subscription
There is a need for cat litter. Modern cat litter is a tray with granules. Their main task is to absorb and “lock” persistent aroma. The range of cat litters in pet stores is large. It is difficult for a beginner to understand the variety of names and prices. All mixtures differ in composition and properties. When making a choice, you need to take into account their characteristics and understand how important it is to choose good filler for cat litter.
Varieties
According to the principle of action, granules are of two types: absorbent and clumping.
Absorbent
This type perfectly absorbs moisture and neutralizes odors, but does not lose its structure. Change the contents of the tray only when all the granules are saturated. During replacement, it produces an unpleasant odor of urine. This is its disadvantage. Suitable for use by multiple animals.
Did you know? A cat uses as much fluid to lick its fur as it does to urinate.
clumping
The principle of operation is the formation of lumps when urine gets in, which are easy to throw out of the tray with a special scoop and add the required amount of clean granules. Its advantage is that it is economical and easy to clean. It does not stick to the paws of animals and is not carried out of the tray. Clumping litter is considered the safest for cat litter, since it is non-toxic and consists of natural raw materials. Ideal for kittens.
Types of fillers
Cat litter is distinguished by the material it is made of. 
Mineral
This species is in high demand among cat lovers due to its low cost. It contains natural minerals - zeolites. Thanks to the loose and porous structure of the granules, it quickly absorbs moisture; when wet, lumps form. It is enough to change it once a week. Has no foreign odor. Mineral litter is ideal for cat litter during the period of accustoming the animal to the tray.
In clay granules
Natural clay granules are considered the most natural for cats. They are close to natural conditions. When wet, they form hard lumps and are able to completely absorb specific odors. When replaced, it gathers dust and is scattered around the house by paws.
Important!Clay litter must not be flushed down the toilet!
Woody clumping
Wood clumping litter is often chosen for cat litter. It is distinguished by its low price and ease of use. In addition, it is the most environmentally friendly and hypoallergenic, without additives. Its granules are made from pressed sawdust. Wet granules separate and the sawdust turns into lumps. It doesn't take long to neutralize unpleasant odors. There are no difficulties with cleaning. Lumps can be thrown out of the tray with a special shovel and disposed of through the sewer system. It has one drawback - fine dust from sawdust spreads throughout the apartment. 
Silica gel
Silica gel litter has recently begun to be used for cat litter. These are white transparent granules of dried silicate gel. They absorb a large number of moisture and prevent the growth of bacteria. They absorb unpleasant odors well and are absolutely harmless. The granules do not spread and do not gather dust. They can be replaced once a month. Disadvantages: high price; when urine gets in, it produces a slight hissing sound, which can alert and frighten cats. 
Corn
It can rarely be found in our pet stores; it is more popular in European countries. Made from corn cob waste. It is reliable in combating strong odors, forms clumps and is easily removed from the tray. It is enough to replace once a month. It can be flushed down the toilet. Cons: The granules are very light and spread far from the tray. 
How to use it correctly
Fillers must be poured only into a dry and clean tray. A layer 5-7 cm deep is allowed. Absorbents require replacement once every few days, but solid excrement must be removed from the tray every day. If you use clumping ones, then partially clean the contents of the tray every day. Only lumps are removed, and new granules are added. General replacement of the entire tray is carried out once a month. Used granules are thrown into the trash or washed down the drain. But you need to remember that clay granules cannot be disposed of in the toilet. They swell greatly in water and can clog the drain. Cat litters should be stored in dry rooms, away from food. Avoid proximity to chemicals.
Choosing the right one
To make the right choice and understand which cat litter While the toilet design will be the best for your pet, you need to take a number of features into account.
Ability to absorb moisture
Not all compositions reliably absorb moisture. Clumping granules cope best with this task. Under the influence of liquid they form a dense lump. The leader in this group is gel cat litter, it long time can stay dry. Wood and corn pellets are slightly inferior in quality. When exposed to water, they disintegrate and need to be replaced more often. 
Odor absorption and retention
The mixtures must have good odor elimination properties. Silica gels have this property. More natural granules absorb odors less well.
Did you know? The cat has approximately 12 whiskers on each side of its face.
Possibility to flush down the toilet
When choosing, consider ease of disposal. Many manufacturers indicate this information on the packages. Small quantities of wood pellets are allowed to be disposed of in the toilet. But clay ones can clog sewer pipes.
Presence of flavoring
Some manufacturers use flavorings. But not all cats like them, and the animal may refuse the “fragrant” tray. Foreign scents can cause allergies in cats, so don’t rush to buy them.
Hypoallergenic
Some substances in fillers can cause an allergic reaction in a pet. The safest mixtures are from natural materials: sawdust, clay, corn.
Economical
When choosing, cost and frequency of use play an important role. Here it is important to choose the best price-quality ratio. Mineral and wood ones will be more economical in price. The cost of silica gel and corn is higher, but efficiency is achieved due to their infrequent replacement. 
Filler rating
When compiling the rating, the following are taken into account: important factors: ease of use, ease of disposal, efficiency and cost. The most environmentally friendly are wood ones. They do not cause allergic reactions in animals. They are inexpensive. Gel ones will help you save money cash due to rare replacement of the contents of the tray. Capable of absorbing a lot of liquid. Mineral and clay ones are liked by cats because of their similarity to ordinary soil or sand.
Anastasia Korableva
Instinct forces the cat to cover its tracks and not leave waste products in sight. Having buried waste, the animal feels calmer and more confident. Don't deprive your pet of the pleasure of tinkering with the litter by giving him only an empty tray!
How not to miss the mark and choose the right one? Remember that there is nothing for a cat better than earth or sand. Do not start your selection with exotic options: the animal may decide that the tray is not intended for toileting at all.
Important! The best contents will not force your cat to use a small litter box designed for kittens. The cat litter box should be large.
The ideal filler, according to the pet:
- convenient to dig;
- no foreign odors;
- quickly absorbs liquid.
The ideal filler, according to the owner:
- perfectly neutralizes odor;
- convenient to clean;
- is cheap;
- does not require frequent replacement;
- does not generate dust;
- does not spread throughout the house, sticking to the cat's paws.
How it works
There are two types of filler, differing in their principle of action. The components either absorb secretions and odors, or form dense structures in the form of lumps with urine, which are easily separated from the main mass.
Absorbent filler
Convenient for cats as it quickly absorbs large amounts of liquid. Manufacturers use natural raw materials that are safe for animal health: special types of clay, corn, sawdust, and pulp.
Most manufacturers do not add flavorings, but the composition may include soda, activated carbon or silver ions - these components significantly improve the characteristics of the absorbent filler.
It is inexpensive, but requires more frequent replacement compared to clumping ones, and regular disinfection of the tray itself. There is a plus in this - when frequent washing the risk of pathogenic microorganisms multiplying in the contents of the cat litter is much lower.
Important! Opt for an absorbent one if your pet has access to the outdoors (you walk it on a harness or take it to the dacha). Absorbent litter is the best option when there are several cats living in the house.
clumping
This type of brand is more popular, since the clumping filler is convenient for owners. For its production, bentonite is often used, a clay mineral with excellent absorption properties. Wood, paper and some other materials are also used as raw materials.
Why do cat owners love clumping litter? In addition to the obvious advantages - cost-effectiveness and ease of cleaning, some brands have special additives that change color depending on the composition of the urine. So, if the animal is sick, and there are no external symptoms yet, the unusual color of these additives will allow the owner to seek help from a veterinarian in time.
A number of manufacturers include substances that change color when exposed to urine. The purpose of such additives is to clearly define the boundaries of the lump. Therefore, the pet owner can save money by not throwing away clean litter. Many brands contain a variety of fragrances - components that are useless for cats, but pleasant for owners.
Kinds
All fillers are divided into several types based on the composition of the raw materials. There is no ideal content for cat litter: choose a brand that is suitable for your pet.
Clay (mineral)
Made from different types clayey rocks. The quality and properties of the filler depend on what minerals are included in the clay used by a particular manufacturer. Absorbent and clumping grades are available.
Bentonite ‒ best material for the manufacture of filler.
Popular brands: Pi-Pi-Bent, Clean Paws, Fresh Step.
Carefully! Never throw clay litter into the toilet: this will damage the sewer system.
Pros:
- natural structure that attracts the cat;
- harmlessness;
- cheapness.
Minuses:
- fine granules are suitable for kittens, but they create a lot of dust;
- granules of a large fraction do not generate dust, but can injure the delicate paws of babies;
- may stick to paws;
- do not retain moisture well if an unscrupulous manufacturer uses unsuitable raw materials.
Woody
Made from fine sawdust different breeds wood compressed into pellets. There are brands that are 100% sawdust, and sometimes they are one of the filler components. Small sawdust will not damage sewer pipes - the contents of the tray can be flushed down the toilet.
Popular brands: PrettyCat, Homecat, Happy Paws.
Pros:
- natural raw materials;
- you can purchase a brand with granules of the appropriate size;
- absorbs liquid well and retains odor;
- low price.
Minuses:
- a pet digger will scatter granules throughout the bathroom;
- sticks to paws;
- It is necessary to change the contents of the tray frequently.
Silica gel
This type is made from silica (silicon dioxide), a natural substance that is the main component of almost all rocks, processed using special technology. The finished product has almost zero humidity, and due to the high porosity of the internal structure of the granules it is able to absorb a large volume of liquid.
The high price is not a big disadvantage: it is very economical.
Popular brands: Smart Cat, Cat Step, N1 Crystals.
Carefully! Silica gel should not be thrown down the toilet.
Pros:
- perfectly retains secretions and odor;
- The contents must be removed once every two weeks;
- aesthetics: beautiful appearance and a pleasant aroma.
Minuses:
- not every cat will use such litter - it is very different from the structure of earth or sand;
- the crunch of the granules scares away some animals;
- with its unusual appearance, it arouses gastronomic interest in kittens, which, if the granules are swallowed, can lead to gastrointestinal obstruction.
Corn
Corn cobs have recently been used to make cat litter. Such products are convenient for owners and animals like them. It can be flushed down the toilet or used as fertilizer.
Popular brands: Nature’s Miracle, Golden Cat.
Pros:
- absorbs moisture and odor well;
- great even for small kittens;
- environmentally friendly: made from natural raw materials without additives.
Minuses:
- a diligent digger will easily scatter light granules throughout the bathroom and beyond;
- not all stores offer such goods;
- high price.
Paper
Produced by recycling and pressing paper waste. A good option for filling a tray, but is slightly inferior in characteristics to clay or silica gel. Used cat litter contents should be thrown into the toilet in small portions.
Popular brands: A’Mur, NeoSuna.
Pros:
- quickly absorbs liquid and odor;
- does not stick to paws;
- even large granules cannot damage the delicate skin of a kitten.
Minuses:
- requires frequent replacement;
- high price;
- rustles when the cat is enthusiastically fiddling around in the litter.
Carbonic
This is a mixture of clay and activated carbon. It has excellent characteristics and is comfortable for cats. Coal particles effectively absorb unpleasant odors.
Popular brands: Molly Goddle, Fresh Step.
Pros:
- instantly absorbs moisture and odor;
- economical;
- has an antimicrobial effect.
Minuses:
- too hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from the air) - it is not advisable to place the tray in a bathroom or combined toilet.
Japanese fillers
The practical Japanese even managed to make the contents of cat litter absolutely harmless, economical, convenient for the animal and easy to dispose of.
Manufacturers use familiar materials as raw materials: clay, sawdust, soy and corn fibers. But with the help of special technologies, high-quality goods are produced that do not have serious drawbacks.
Many brands contain additives that destroy bacteria and indicators that change the color of the filler. Silica gel products are produced that can be washed with water after use and put back into the tray after drying.
Pros:
- excellent clumping characteristics;
- instant absorption of secretions and odor;
- safe high quality raw materials;
- does not stick to paws;
- low consumption;
- can be flushed down the toilet.
Minuses:
- high price;
- You need to buy with a reserve, as sometimes it is out of stock.
How to choose the right filler
Carefully! Your cat may have an allergic reaction to any component of the litter. In the process of replacing one brand with another, monitor the condition of your pet.
- The animal may refuse to use the tray due to the small amount of contents: add a sufficient layer of litter.
- The pet can go in search of more suitable place for delicate matters due to the flavoring included in the filler: the cat’s wishes should be a priority.
- If your cat is prone to allergies, take a look at brands made from wood or corn raw materials.
- Most manufacturers offer several packaging options - do not buy a large volume at once, as neither you nor the cat may like the contents.
- Some brands are quite expensive, think about your monthly expenses before choosing a litter.
- Think about how accessible the chosen brand is: constantly waiting for an ordered product that is not on sale will be very annoying.
A litter box for a cat is not a necessary item, but it is 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.
CONTENT
Tray with filler: photo
Which litter tray is best?
The best cat litter is the one that best suits your cat and you. There is no universal recipes, 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 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 opalcristobalite minerals. 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 litter cannot be classified as the most hygienic, comfortable and loved by cats, but it is the most environmentally friendly type. 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. Therefore, this type of litter is categorically not recommended for kittens who like to play in the tray. 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 filler 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.” There is no separate type specifically for litter tray training, but clay 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 can ignore it for a long time. 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 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.
It seems that there is nothing simpler than cat litter, but with the development of the pet industry, many types of this product have appeared, which are radically different in composition and properties, but all serve the same purpose. And understanding all this diversity, at first glance, is not so easy. Today we will look at the main types of litter for cats, find out their pros and cons, and also try to find out which cat sorbent is better, and what causes this.
All commercially available hygienic granules for cats can be divided into three large groups:
- wood (made from wood waste by pressing);
- mineral (obtained from natural clays and materials);
- silicate (or, as they are also called, silica gel).
They are all designed for the same thing: to absorb liquid waste vital activity of the animal, preventing the smell from escaping. However, the effectiveness and operating principle of each type of sorbent differ.
Wood pellets
This type of product is made by pressing sawdust, and the output is neat, high-density granules. When moisture gets on them, they instantly absorb it, swelling and crumbling into a homogeneous mass. This great option litter for kittens - even if the baby chews a few pieces out of curiosity, he will not receive any harm.
However, such granules also have disadvantages - the smell of cat urine is too strong for wood shavings to contain. It is best to remove swollen lumps immediately so as not to get the characteristic “amber” throughout the house.
Positive points:
- environmentally friendly, safe for pets;
- quickly absorbs large amounts of moisture;
- the cheapest from the assortment of any store;
- can be flushed down the toilet (in small portions);
- economical (due to the increase in volume, a fairly thin layer at the very bottom of the tray).
- does not retain the smell of ammonia (the main “flavor” of urine);
- lightweight, and therefore capable of flying outside the tray of particularly “diligent” cats when burying.
There is one more nuance - many manufacturers, trying to improve their products, add flavorings to sawdust to make it smell more pleasant. However, not all cats agree with this state of affairs: some particularly sensitive natures may completely refuse such a “fragrant” tray and choose another place in the house, which is not good.
When trying to figure out which wood filler is best for a cat, you can easily get confused: there are a lot of manufacturers of this type of granules. Many consumers believe that there is no point in overpaying for an imported pack - and they are partly right: the composition of imported wood granulates will be identical to the composition of any Russian manufacturer. Among the most popular domestic brands of pressed wood chips are:
- TM “Kuzya” has been produced by the Arkada company for 18 long years. According to the manufacturer, the technology has been improved all this time. Judging by the reviews, it’s a really high-quality product. Price – from 120 rubles per 4.5 kg.
- Barsik is a product of Intel, known on the market since 1991. For such a long time, the company has managed to earn the trust of many thousands of consumers, and is a leader among domestic manufacturers of wood pellets for cat litter boxes. The cost of granules is from 140 rubles per pack of 4.5 kg.
- “Clean Paws” is a product of a Ukrainian plant located in Dnieper. It has been produced since 2008, and has occupied a leading position in the zoosorbents market for a long time. Price – from 170 rub. for 4.5 kg.
You can now see the current price of cat litter and buy it right here:
Mineral fillers
All mineral sands can be roughly divided into bentonite (palygorskite, made from clay) and zeolite. These sands are much more practical than wood pellets, and retain the odors of feces well. However, there are a number of disadvantages - they are not recommended to be flushed down the toilet, and they are not the best litter for kittens. If the granules are swallowed, the baby can get a blockage of the esophagus and more serious injuries.
Clay-based minerals clump very quickly, forming a dense, sticky structure. Thanks to this, the animal’s paws remain clean, and the smell is securely retained inside the lump.
Zeolite granules have a very porous structure, due to which they are able to absorb much more liquid than they weigh.
Many animals like this type of cat potty sand - it reminds them of the wild and they start digging in it with all their might. Therefore, when choosing such a hygienic filler, it is necessary to choose a tray with a high side, or even a closed one. Such sands are more expensive than sawdust, but they retain the smell better.
Opinions regarding disposal vary: some experts (and even the manufacturers themselves) claim that clay sands can be flushed down the toilet, while their opponents are afraid of inevitable sewer blockages. The truth is approximately in the middle: small lumps can be flushed down the toilet, but you cannot pour out a full tray of clay - this is almost guaranteed to lead to a clogged pipe.
The best mineral adsorbents for cat litter, according to reviews from Russian customers, are:
- Catsan - white mineral granules, sold at any pet store. The manufacturer, Mars, guarantees that the granules will reliably retain the odor and will not stain your pet’s fur. Requires complete replacement every 5-7 days (in addition to removing lumps and solid waste). The cost of such pleasure is from 400 rubles for 5 liters. pack.
- "Siberian Cat" is one of the leaders in the filler market in Russia. Produces many types of both wood pellets and mineral cat sands. The raw material is high-quality bentonite clay mined in Khakassia. Price 5 kg. packs start from 210 rubles.
- Fresh Step is a product of Clorox, which is headquartered in the USA. Many breeders from all over the world have already determined for themselves which cat litter is best, because Fresh Step is very popular in many countries, and has long been recognized as one of the leaders in this market. Cost – from 750 rubles for 6.35 kg.
- Pi-Pi-Bent is a Russian product made from bentonite clay. It is produced by Liding LLC, and judging by the reviews, this sand is one of the most popular domestic products in this area. The cost of a pack is from 270 rubles per 5 kg. The flavored series is a little more expensive (from 290 rubles).
The most practical, but also the most expensive hygienic sorbent. It is made from dried solutions of silicic acids. The result is crystals with a huge surface area - up to 800 square meters in 1 gram (!) of product. Due to this porosity, this material is capable of absorbing liquid 30 times larger in volume than the sorbent itself. This is guaranteed to hold back unpleasant odors for a long time, which means there is no need to change the granules frequently. You just need to remove solid waste, and this portion of crystals will last for 14-25 days (depending on the size of the pet).
The disadvantages of this type of granules include the high price, as well as the fact that the crystals make quite a lot of noise when an animal walks on them. This can scare away timid cats and also disturb owners at night. In addition, silica gels are not recommended for use in the toilet of kittens - they can become poisoned by swallowing the crystals out of curiosity. Disposal by flushing into the toilet is prohibited - it is guaranteed to lead to clogging sewer pipes, and cleaning out such a plug is very problematic.
The most popular manufacturers in our country are:
- Fresh Step made in USA. Its price starts from 714 rubles per pack of 1.81 kg. Despite the high price, this filler is in constant demand among Russian consumers.
- “Our Brand” are popular and inexpensive crystals manufactured in China by order of the company ZAO Gatchina KKZ. This product costs from 430 rubles per 1.66 kg, which makes it a worthy competitor to more expensive brands.
- TM "Kotyara" is a domestic silica gel, very popular among Russian breeders. The cost of this product is from 470 rubles per 1.5 kg package. In addition to silica gel crystals, the composition contains so-called “magic balls” designed to remove unpleasant odors.
- “Siberian Cat” is a brand already familiar to us. The cost of such crystals starts at 390 rubles per 1.85 kg.
