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 most, you will need to think about the filler.
Why is litter so important, since some cats do just fine without it or are content with torn newspaper?
- First, the smell. In cats, especially uncastrated ones, it is so strong that it instantly spreads throughout the apartment and hardly disappears. Good filler absorbs unpleasant odors and lock them securely. In addition - and this is especially important! - most cats are very clean, and if the tray smells bad, they may refuse to use it, preferring, for example,. Few people will like to play the game “have time to clean the tray or look for where it smells from”.
- Second, liquid. Paper does not absorb moisture well, and if you use newspaper instead of filler, the cat can 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.
- Third, convenience. If the cat is left alone for the whole day while her owners are at work, the litter will allow her to use the litter box several times, which means eliminating the need to bump into puddles here and there.
When choosing a filler for a cat litter, you need to pay attention to its following properties:
- High liquid absorption.
- Environmental friendliness, safety for an animal and for the person.
- No dust that can settle on the wool.
- No strong odor (you can often find flavored litters that cats rarely like).
- Ease of use and disposal.
The material does not have to be natural, there are high-quality synthetic fillers. Consider 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 flake and clump when exposed to moisture. It is a medium sized granules.
Advantages:
- Eco-friendly and safe natural material. The only possible threat to the health of a cat is that very rarely large chips can come across that can hurt you. They are easy to spot and remove in time.
- Ideal for any cat, even those with allergies.
- Profitability. Compressed granules, when soaked, increase in volume; a thin layer of granules at the bottom of the tray is sufficient. Thanks to this, one pack of filler is enough for a long time.
- Ease of disposal. Wood filler, unlike others, can be flushed down the toilet. (Attention! Do not wash off a lot of filler at once, otherwise you can make a blockage!)
- The best choice for cat litter if it is intended for a kitten. Toddlers often gnaw on filler, it is very important that they do not get poisoned and do not harm themselves. Sawdust in this sense is completely safe.
Flaws:
- Does not absorb odor as well as more expensive materials.
- It needs to be replaced more often, since sawdust cannot absorb a lot of liquid (sometimes indicated on the packages for a period of 3-4 days 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 digging in, so a tray with sides is preferable for wood filler.
Fillers 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 easy-to-use option, suitable, however, only for adult cats (remember that kittens can gnaw on litter). When wet, it forms small hard lumps that are easily removed from the tray with a special spatula. Often used together with wood filler - sawdust absorbs liquid and eliminates odor, and clay granules poured on top prevent sawdust from flying out of the tray.
Advantages:
- Very convenient to use.
- Can quickly absorb a significant amount of liquid.
- The mineral filler made of zeolite (unlike clay) perfectly retains odors.
- Environmentally friendly material.
- Mineral fillers are more difficult for a cat to scatter outside the tray.
Flaws:
- The cost is higher than that of wood filler.
- There is a lot of dust from clay fillers.
- Bentonite clay does not hold odors well, and lumps of clay often get stuck in the pads of the cat's paws.
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 distinguished by its high cost, and, perhaps, this is the only reason 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 it only needs to be changed every 1-2 weeks. It consists of white crystals, with the addition of special substances to eliminate odor.
Advantages:
- Ideal for a home with multiple pets.
- Completely eliminates unpleasant odors, while retaining a lot of liquid.
- The shelf life of such a filler 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 trays for small kittens.
- Some cats are afraid of the crunch that this litter makes when stepped on.
Video with information about various types cat litter:
KotoDigest
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There is a need for a cat litter box. A modern cat litter box is a pellet tray. 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 soaked. During replacement, it emits an unpleasant smell of urine. This is its disadvantage. Suitable for multiple animals.
Did you know? Cats use as much fluid to lick their fur as they do to urinate.
clumping
The principle of operation is the formation of lumps when urine enters, which are easy to throw out of the tray with a special scoop and add the right amount of clean granules. Its advantage is economy and ease of cleaning. It does not stick to the paws of animals and is not taken out of the tray. Clumping litter is considered the safest for cat litter, as it is non-toxic and consists of natural raw materials. Ideal for kittens.
Types of fillers
Cat litters are distinguished by the material of manufacture. 
Mineral
This species is in high demand among cat lovers because of its low cost. It consists of natural minerals - zeolites. Due to the loose and porous structure of the granules, it quickly absorbs moisture, and lumps form when wet. It is enough to change it once a week. Has no foreign smell. 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 solid lumps and are able to completely absorb specific odors. When replacing, it gathers dust and spreads with its paws around the house.
Important!Clay filler must not be flushed down the toilet!
woody clumping
For cat litter, woody clumping litter is more often chosen. It is low cost and easy to use. In addition, it is the most environmentally friendly and hypoallergenic, without additives. Its granules are made from pressed sawdust. Wet granules delaminate, and sawdust turns into lumps. Neutralize unpleasant odors for a short time. Cleaning is no problem. Lumps can be thrown out of the tray with a special spatula and disposed of through the sewer. It has one drawback - small dust from sawdust spreads around the apartment. 
silica gel
Silica gel litter has recently been used for cat litter. These are white transparent granules from the dried gel of silicate acid. They absorb a large number of moisture and prevent the growth of bacteria. They well absorb unpleasant smells and are absolutely harmless. The granules do not spread and do not gather dust. You can replace them once a month. Disadvantages: high price, emits a slight hiss when urine enters, which can alert and frighten cats. 
Corn
It is rarely found in our pet stores, it is more popular in European countries. Produced from waste corn cobs. It is reliable against strong odors, forms lumps 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 carry far from the tray. 
How to use
Fillers for sure to be poured only in a dry and clean tray. A layer of 5-7 cm deep is allowed. Absorbent ones need to be replaced once every few days, but solid excrement must be removed from the tray every day. If you use clumping, then partial cleaning of the contents of the tray is carried out 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 flushed down the drain. But you need to remember that clay granules cannot be disposed of in the toilet. They swell in water and can clog drains. Store litter for cats in dry rooms, away from food. Avoid contact with chemicals.
Choose the right one
To make the right choice and understand which cat litter for the toilet will be the best for a pet, you need to consider a number of features.
Ability to absorb moisture
Not all formulations reliably absorb moisture. Clumping granules do this best. Under the action of the liquid, they form a dense lump. The leader in this group is the gel cat litter, it long time may remain dry. Wood and corn pellets are slightly inferior in quality. Under the influence of water, they disintegrate and need to be replaced more often. 
Odor absorption and retention
Mixtures should have a good ability to eliminate odors. This property is distinguished by silica gel. More natural granules absorb odors worse.
Did you know? A cat has about 12 whiskers on each side of the muzzle.
Ability to flush down the toilet
When choosing, consider ease of disposal. Many manufacturers include this information on their packages. It is allowed to dispose of wood pellets in the toilet in a small amount. But clay can clog sewer pipes.
Presence of fragrance
Some manufacturers use fragrances. But not all cats like them, and the animal may refuse the “fragrant” tray. Foreign scents can cause allergies in cats, so do not rush to buy them.
Hypoallergenic
Some substances in the composition of the fillers can cause an allergic reaction in a pet. The safest mixtures of natural materials: sawdust, clay, corn.
economy
When choosing an important role is played by the cost and frequency of use. Here it is important to choose the best value for money. Mineral and wood will be more economical in price. The cost of silica gel and corn is higher, but profitability is achieved due to their infrequent replacement. 
Filler Rating
The ranking takes into account important factors: ease of use, ease of disposal, economy and cost. The most environmentally friendly are wood. They do not cause allergic reactions in animals. They are inexpensive. Gel will help save cash due to the rare replacement of the contents of the tray. Capable of absorbing a lot of liquid. Cats like mineral and clay because of their similarity to ordinary earth or sand.
Anastasia Korableva
The instinct makes the cat cover up its tracks and leave no waste products in sight. Having buried the waste, the animal feels calmer and more confident. Do not deprive your pet of the pleasure of tinkering in the litter by providing him with only an empty tray!
How not to hit the sky with your finger and choose the right one? Remember there's nothing for a cat better than earth or sand. Do not start with exotic options: the animal may decide that the tray is not intended for toileting at all.
Important! The best content won't force a cat to use a small litter box meant for kittens. The cat litter should be big.
Ideal filler, according to the pet:
- convenient to dig;
- no foreign odors;
- quickly absorbs liquid.
The ideal filler, according to the owner:
- perfectly neutralizes the smell;
- convenient to clean;
- is cheap;
- does not require frequent replacement;
- does not dust;
- does not spread throughout the house, sticking to the cat's paws.
How it works
There are two types of filler, differing in the 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 bulk.
Absorbent filler
Convenient for the cat, as it quickly absorbs a large amount of liquid. Manufacturers use natural raw materials that are safe for the health of the animal: special varieties of clay, corn, sawdust, pulp.
Most manufacturers do not add flavors, 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, and regular disinfection of the tray itself. There is a plus in this frequent washing the risk of reproduction in the contents of the cat litter of pathogenic microorganisms is much lower.
Important! Opt for an absorbent if your pet has access to the street (walk it on a harness or take it to the country). Absorbent litter is the best option when there are several cats in the house.
clumping
Brands of this type are more popular, since the clumping filler is convenient for the owners. For its manufacture, bentonite is more often used - a clay mineral with excellent absorbing 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 - economy 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 introduce substances into the composition that change color when urine enters. 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 according to the composition of raw materials. There is no perfect kitty litter box: choose the right brand for your pet.
Clay (mineral)
Made from different types clay rocks. The quality and properties of the filler depend on what minerals are included in the composition of the clay used by a particular manufacturer. Absorbent and clumping grades are available.
Bentonite ‒ best material to make filler.
Popular brands: Pi-Pi-Bent, Clean paws, Fresh Step.
Carefully! Never throw clay filler into the toilet: this will disable the sewer.
Pros:
- natural structure that attracts a cat;
- harmlessness;
- cheapness.
Minuses:
- fine granules are suitable for kittens, but there is a lot of dust from them;
- large fraction granules do not generate dust, but can injure the delicate paws of babies;
- can stick to the paws;
- do not hold moisture well if an unscrupulous manufacturer uses unsuitable raw materials.
Woody
Made from small sawdust different breeds wood pressed into pellets. There are brands that are 100% sawdust, and sometimes they are one of the components of the filler. Small sawdust will not damage the 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 a suitable size;
- absorbs liquid well and retains odor;
- low price.
Minuses:
- a pet digger will scatter pellets throughout the bathroom;
- sticks to paws;
- the contents of the tray need to be changed frequently.
silica gel
This type is made from silica (silicon dioxide) - a natural substance, which is the main component of almost all rocks, processed using a special technology. The finished product has almost zero moisture, 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 into the toilet.
Pros:
- perfectly retains discharge and odor;
- you need to clean the contents once every two weeks;
- aesthetic: beautiful appearance and pleasant aroma.
Minuses:
- not every cat will use such a filler - it is very different from the structure of the earth or sand;
- the crunch of granules scares away some animals;
- its unusual appearance arouses gastronomic interest in kittens, which, if swallowed, can lead to obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract.
Corn
Corn on the cob has only 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:
- well absorbs moisture and smell;
- great even for small kittens;
- environmentally friendly: made from natural raw materials without additives.
Minuses:
- a diligent digger can easily scatter light granules around the bathroom and beyond;
- not all stores offer such a product;
- high price.
Paper
Produced by recycling and pressing paper waste. A good option for filling the tray, but slightly inferior in performance to clay or silica gel. The used contents of the cat litter 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 enthusiastically fumbles in the filler.
Carbonic
It is a mixture of clay and activated charcoal. It has excellent characteristics and is convenient for cats. Charcoal particles effectively absorb unpleasant odors.
Popular brands: Molly Goddle, Fresh Step.
Pros:
- instantly absorbs moisture and odor;
- economical;
- has antimicrobial activity.
Minuses:
- too hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from the air) - it is undesirable to place the tray in a bathroom or combined bathroom.
Japanese fillers
The practical Japanese even managed to make the contents of the 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, a high-quality product is produced that does not have serious flaws.
Many brands contain additives that kill bacteria and indicators that change the color of the filler. Silica gel products are produced, which can be rinsed with water after use and poured into the tray again after drying.
Pros:
- excellent clumping characteristics;
- instant absorption of secretions and odors;
- safe high quality raw materials;
- does not stick to paws;
- small expense;
- can be flushed down the toilet.
Minuses:
- high price;
- you need to buy with a margin, as sometimes it is not available for sale.
How to choose the right filler
Carefully! The cat may have an allergic reaction to any component of the filler. In the process of replacing one brand with another, monitor the condition of the pet.
- The animal may refuse to use the tray due to the small amount of content: pour a sufficient layer of filler.
- The pet can go in search of more suitable place for delicate cases due to the flavoring that is part of the filler: the desires of the cat should be a priority.
- If your cat is prone to allergies, look for brands made from wood or corn.
- 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 monthly expenses before choosing a filler.
- Think about how affordable the chosen brand is: the constant expectation of the ordered product, which is not available for sale, will be very annoying.
Cat litter is optional, 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 just right for your pet.
CONTENT
Tray with filler: photo
What is the best tray filler?
The best cat litter is the one that suits your cat and you the most. There is no universal recipes, as in the question 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 filler, which lasts for a long time and which does not let in odors, will become indispensable.
If you or your cat is allergic to dust and chemicals, wood or corn litter is the safest option.
In the end, the pet itself can give an answer to the question of which filler is better for a cat tray: if you see that it misses the tray every now and then, it means that it may hint to you that you need to change the type of filler.
paper filler
The Soviet method of filling the tray is simply to cut paper and throw it on. Such a tray for a cat is a little more interesting than an empty one, since the paper partially absorbs water, and the 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 printing ink. That is, if you are already using paper, then it should be clean. And in this case, no savings are obtained - and any meaning disappears in the paper tray.
clay filler
The most popular filler for trays is clay clumping filler (bentonite). It is made from clay or minerals opalcristoballites. 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 with a scoop. If you 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 package. If the filler consists of very large pieces, it can pass urine to the bottom and clump badly. 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.
Tailed cats love this type of filler most of all: it looks like earth, so cats are happy to dig holes and bury all their good.
But such a filler also has disadvantages: if the cat loves to dig too much, then the skin on the paw pads can become a little coarse.
In addition, sometimes kittens play with such a filler and eat it. If you see that this problem has become serious, then it is better, at least for a while, to change the type of filler to a more environmentally friendly one, because. eating clumping can result in intestinal obstruction.
Another nuance is that the clay filler, when scattered and digging, raises a cloud of dust, to which a 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 filler
Wood filler can not be attributed to a number of the most hygienic, comfortable and loved by cats, but it is the most environmentally friendly type. It is a wood block - compressed sawdust granules. Churbachki smell pleasant, do not raise dust when poured, do not cause allergies.
But the filler also has disadvantages: logs do not crumple when moisture gets on them, but, on the contrary, break up into sawdust, so cleaning the toilet with wood filler is rather inconvenient. We recommend using wood filler only with a tray with a grid (grid), so that all the pieces of wood that break down into sawdust seep through the grid into the pan, from where you can remove them.
Also in wood fillers occasionally there are sharp pieces of wood accidentally caught, and this is undoubtedly another minus.
The advantage of wood filler is its low price and widespread availability. In these parameters, it competes with clay.
Silica Gel Tray Filler
Silica gel filler is a relative novelty on the market. It is artificially created white crystals of silica gel formed from silicic acids. These crystals perfectly absorb moisture, they do not even need to be clumped. This is how they differ from absorbent filler. Silica gel retains the smell perfectly. 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.
Such a filler is available in pet stores and online stores, but it is not always available in supermarkets.The package 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, less love of cats for a toilet with silica gel: it hisses a little when moisture gets in, which is scary, 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 enters the stomach and intestines in large quantities, it absorbs all the moisture, resulting in a blockage. Therefore, this type of filler is strongly not recommended for kittens who like to play in the tray. Numerous cases are known when animals died.
Zeolite based filler
Zeolite is a volcanic substance and an excellent adsorbent, having a porous structure in which liquid and odor are trapped and from which moisture does not evaporate and, consequently, odors do not spread. But it is difficult to find such fillers in our latitudes.
The best filler for a kitten's toilet is wood, due to its environmental friendliness. But, on the other hand, cats like such a toilet less, and it doesn’t really keep the smell. Therefore, the owners often refuse it in favor of clay, which is an excellent alternative, although less environmentally friendly.
But the silica gel filler is not suitable for kittens at all, because, although they do not like to go into it when needed, they may love to eat it: we recall that if ingested, such a filler will absorb all the moisture it encounters and can lead to blockage of the gastrointestinal tract. tract. When eating clay filler, this can also happen, but only if the cat eats it in large quantities, and this is unlikely.
Litter for litter box training
People often search the internet for "kitty litter for litter box training". There is no separate type specifically for accustoming to the tray, but clay can conditionally be considered as such. Why? It is he who is most liked by kittens: they jump into such a toilet with pleasure, rummage there, and walking in the tray becomes a kind of ritual and attraction - they rummaged, did their business and carefully buried it. Kittens, as a rule, love this process very much, because it helps to realize important instincts: in nature, cats bury their deeds.
But a tray without a filler will, on the contrary, be uninteresting to a kitten, so the beast can ignore it for a long time. If you have the financial opportunity, still accustom your pet to the filler - this will remove many problems.
How often to change the filler in the tray?
How often to change the litter in the tray will directly depend on the type of litter, as well as how many cats you have, what gender they are, and what is happening to them now.
So, for example, cats pee very often during estrus - and the tray must be removed as urine accumulates.
If the cat in the house is not alone, but the tray is shared, then no matter how good the filler is in it (except for silica gel), it will have to be changed every day. Not entirely, of course, but only the contaminated part.
In the usual case, when your cat or cat lives in splendid isolation and reigns supreme in the tray, most often you need to sort out the wood filler, because. it doesn't hold the scent. It is advisable to do this once a day. Clumping clay filler can be sorted out 1 time in 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 rest, which is changed about 1 time in 7 days, if there is only one cat, but everything needs to be changed entirely. That is, do not sort out the waste, but simply pour out the old and pour in the new.
It seems that there is nothing simpler than cat litter, however, 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 to understand all this diversity, at first glance, is not so simple. Today we will look at the main types of cat litter, find out their pros and cons, and also try to find out which cat sorbent is better, and why this is.
All sold 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 meant for the same thing: to absorb liquid waste the vital activity of the animal, not allowing the smell to come out. However, the efficiency and principle of operation of each type of sorbents 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 bites a few pieces out of curiosity, he will not receive any harm.
However, such pellets also have disadvantages - the smell of cat urine is too strong to be contained by wood shavings. Swollen lumps are best removed immediately so as not to get a characteristic “ambre” throughout the house.
Positive points:
- environmentally friendly, safe for pets;
- quickly absorbs a large amount 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).
- poorly retains the smell of ammonia (the main "flavor" of urine);
- light, and therefore able to fly outside the tray in especially "diligent" cats when instilled.
There is one more nuance - many manufacturers, trying to improve their products, add flavors to sawdust - to make it smell more pleasant. However, not all cats agree with this state of affairs: some especially sensitive natures may completely abandon such a “fragrant” tray and choose another place in the house, which is not good.
Trying to figure out which wood litter is best for a cat, it can be easy to get confused: there are a lot of manufacturers of this type of litter. Many consumers believe that it makes no sense to overpay for an imported pack - and they are partly right: the composition of imported wood pellets will be identical to the composition of any Russian manufacturer. Among the most popular domestic brands of pressed wood chips are:
- TM "Kuzya" - produced by the company "Arcade" for 18 years. According to the manufacturer, the technology has been improved all this time. Judging by the reviews - a really high-quality product. Price - from 120 rubles for 4.5 kg.
- Barsik is a product of Intel, which has been 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 the leader among manufacturers of domestic wood pellets for the cat litter box. The cost of granules is from 140 rubles per pack of 4.5 kg.
- "Clean paws" - products of the Ukrainian plant located in the Dnieper. It has been produced since 2008, and has been a leader in the zoosorbent market for a long time. Price - from 170 rubles. for 4.5 kg.
You can see the current price of cat litter and buy it right here:
mineral fillers
All mineral sands can be conditionally divided into bentonite (palygorskite, from clay), and zeolite. These sands are much more practical than wood pellets, and retain stool odors well. However, there are a number of disadvantages - they are not recommended to be flushed down the toilet, and besides, this is not the best filler for kittens. If swallowed, the baby can get a blockage in the esophagus, and more serious injuries.
Clay-based minerals clump very quickly, forming a dense, sticky texture. Thanks to this, the paws of the animal remain clean, and the smell is securely held 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 pot sand - it reminds them of the wild, and they begin to dig 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, however, they retain the smell better.
Opinions regarding disposal vary: some experts (and the manufacturers themselves) argue that clay sands can be flushed down the toilet, and their opponents are frightened by inevitable sewer blockages. The truth is about in the middle: small lumps can be flushed down the toilet, but you can’t pour out a full tray of clay - this is almost guaranteed to lead to clogging of the pipe.
The best mineral adsorbents for cat litter, according to Russian buyers, are:
- Catsan - white mineral granules, sold at any pet store. The manufacturer, Mars, guarantees that the granules will reliably retain the smell in themselves and will not stain your pet's coat. Requires a 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 market leaders in fillers in Russia. It 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, 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 bentonite clay product. 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. Flavored series - 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 the product. Due to this porosity, this material is able to absorb liquid 30 times the volume of the sorbent itself. This ensures that unpleasant odors are retained for a long time, which means that there is no need to change the granules often. It is only necessary to remove solid waste, and such a portion of the crystals will be enough for 14-25 days (depending on the size of the pet).
The disadvantages of this type of granules are the high price, as well as the fact that the crystals are quite noisy when the animal walks on them. This can scare off timid cats, as well as disturb the owners at night. In addition, silica gels are not recommended for use in the toilet of kittens - they can get poisoned by swallowing the crystals out of curiosity. Dispose of by flushing down the toilet is prohibited - guaranteed to lead to blockage sewer pipes, and it is very problematic to clean such a cork.
The most popular in our country are such manufacturers:
- Fresh Step made in the USA. Its price starts from 714 rubles per pack of 1.81 kg. Despite the high price, this filler is in constant demand among the Russian consumer.
- "Nasha Marka" - popular and inexpensive crystals made in China by order of CJSC "Gatchinsky KKZ". Such a product costs from 430 rubles for 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 pack of 1.5 kg. In the composition, in addition to silica gel crystals, the so-called "magic balls" are added, designed to remove unpleasant odors.
- "Siberian cat" is a brand we already know. The cost of such crystals starts from 390 rubles for 1.85 kg.
