Cats have come indoors to stay and consumers are as fastidious as their feline about controlling litter box odor – which is why cat litter matters.
While litter boxes aren’t the most glamorous part of owning a cat, it’s the part that can make or break a relationship. According to a report from the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy (NCPPSP), inappropriate elimination was the most commonly reported behavior issue that led to nearly 43 percent of cats being relinquished.
So, this is a very important topic…
Cat Litter Matters
Technology and behavioral studies are helping the pet industry create an entirely new market for litter boxes.
Whether you choose an automatic litter box, a biodegradable litter box, or a new size or shape, there is no legitimate reason to relinquish a cat due to litter box problems.
Here are a few of the newest innovations that we’ve had a chance to look at in cat litter.
Litter Types
Cat owners continue to seek out quality and innovation in cat litter and manufacturers are meeting that challenge. New varieties of litter range from clay-based clumping litter that allows waste to be easily managed with maximum odor control, to litter made from alternative materials or lighter-weight litter that result in greener practices.
“We know lugging heavy cat litter is a pet peeve of many cat owners, but also understand that sacrificing odor-control for weight won’t cut it,” said Niky Roberts, Tidy Cats brand representative. “New Tidy Cats LightWeight
There are dozens of natural cat litters. Some of our favorites are centered on wheat, wood, and even green tea.
Wheat litter is an excellent choice for those who want to cut down on dust from clays. Swheat Scoop Natural Cat Litter
Cat litter can be found in many forms, including green tea leaves. Manufacturers like Next Gen Pet are exploring alternatives to clay and have introduced a wood-based litter that incorporates green tea during their manufacturing process.
“Green tea naturally contains an astringent called Catechin that contains antioxidant properties which work as an effective deodorant and anti-bacterial agent,” said Stan Yamamoto, CEO of Next Gen International. “The green tea works with the wood to suppress the growth of bacteria, which is the primary source of cat box odors.”
Crystal Cat Litters
Crystal cat litters, like those from ScoopFree, are dust-free and nontoxic. These silica or sand-based litters are superb at minimizing odor and you won’t have that dangerous dust floating around the box each time you clean it or your cat uses it. Crystal litters last much longer and a single tray of these types of litters can last your cat up to a month of us.
Specialty Plastic Cat Litters
Plastic litters are not as commonly known about, but they are excellent for specific conditions. If you are tasked with bringing your veterinarian a urine sample from your cat, plastic cat litter can be very helpful in getting that sample without stressing you or your cat.
You can also choose from more natural specialty litters like safflower seed, waxed corn, and other substrates. Each has a unique advantage to your cat.