Let’s talk about one of the most important topics in a cat's life: selecting the perfect litter from the huge variety that's available. Cats can be quite picky and sometimes they need just the right litter (and you will know if you have selected the wrong type! Trust us on this one). With so many options available, finding the right one for your furry friend can be a bit overwhelming. Don't worry, for we've got the lowdown on six different types of cat litter available at your local Petland store that will make both you and your whiskered bean purr with delight!
- Clay Litter:
First up on our list is the classic clay litter, a tried and true favorite amongst cat owners. Known for its clumping ability and excellent odor control, clay litter is a reliable choice. Its easy to use and quite affordable, which makes it a staple in many households. Your cat will appreciate the soft texture under their paws, and you'll love the simplicity of scooping away messes easily. There are several brands available at Petland. Our most popular is our house brand "Here Kitty" litter which you can refill at our litter stations in our stores! For extra deodorizing power you can't go wrong with Arm and Hammer products. Long story short, we've got you covered! One important thing to note about clay litter though is that it tends to be on the dustier side, so it may not be a great option for cats (or owners) who suffer from respiratory illnesses.
- Silica Gel Litter:
For those seeking a high-tech solution to litter box odors, silica gel litter is the way to go. Composed of tiny silica crystals, this type of litter absorbs moisture and traps odors like a superhero. You get to say goodbye to unpleasant smells and hello to a fresher, cleaner environment. With its low dust content, silica gel litter is also an excellent choice for both you and your cat's respiratory health. The added bonus is one bag of silica litter lasts on average 3x as long as a bag of clay litter. This is because you are only scooping feces clumps and not urine clumps. We have many different brands of silica litter in our stores, such as Cat Love, Elegant Cat, and Naturalitter. Although some cats don’t enjoy the texture (it can take some getting used to), it's never too late to give it a try! There's a reason it flies off of our shelves. PetSafe makes an automatic litterbox that uses silica litter too! Automatic litter boxes take away the hassle of scooping out the box every day and sift through it for you.
- Crushed Walnut Litter:
A newer contender that many guests and staff go *nuts* for is the crushed walnut litter! Made from the shells of crushed walnuts, this eco-friendly option not only provides excellent odor control, but also clumps effectively. Its natural properties make it a biodegradable choice, ensuring you're doing your part for the planet. Plus, your cat will appreciate the soft, non-abrasive texture beneath their paws. It's a win-win for everyone! A huge bonus about this litter is that it smells fresh and is not very dusty. For anyone living in a city with a green bin program that allows pet waste, this is a winner for sure! The most popular walnut litter in our stores is Natures Miracle.
- Recycled Paper Litter:
Go green with recycled paper litter! Made from reclaimed paper products, this environmentally friendly option offers superb absorbency and odor control. The pellets are gentle on your cat's paws, and you can feel good about reducing your carbon pawprint. It is also easy to dispose of and biodegradable, so recycled paper litter is a fantastic choice for the eco-conscious cat parent. The added bonus is that if you have other small animals in your home (like rabbits and guinea pigs), this litter can used with them too! Daily Scoops is the most popular brand of paper litter Petland carries, it's what we use for our animals in store! The only thing that recycled paper litter doesn't do is clump, so keep that in mind when considering this type of litter!
- Plant Based Litter:
Another natural option for your cats litter box are plant based litters. We carry pine litters from Cat Country, Natures Miracle and Okocat. These are compressed sawdust litters. This type of litter naturally neutralizes odors and clumps for easy scooping. The pine scent also adds a touch of the outdoors to your cat's indoor experience. It's a fantastic option for those who appreciate a natural, woodsy aroma and want a low-dust solution for their feline friend. Additionally, we even have a tofu litter from Naturalitter, and Catit carries a pea husk litter!
- Corn-Based Litter:
Make way for the corny contender in the world of cat litter – corn based litter! Derived from renewable corn resources, this environmentally conscious option is gaining popularity for its natural composition. The absorbent corn particles clump effectively, simplifying the cleanup process. The light, fluffy texture provides a comfortable experience for your cat's paws. You can feel good about sustainability without compromising on performance with corn based litter. Natures Miracle offers many types of litter on our list, including (yes you guessed it!) Corn Litter! Some guests say their cat took a little while to get used to it, but it became a game changer once they did. This is another option that is also green bin friendly for some cities!
The Big Switch:
Okay, so you've decided to switch to a different litter now that you know how many amazing options there are. Some cats will switch over just fine and not need any transition time. Other cats, however, will need some time to adjust, so it's a good idea to mix some of the litter that they're used to in with the new litter for a little while until they get the hang of things. Gradually, mix less and less of their old litter in the box and voila! You have successfully transitioned your cat!
To Sum Things Up:
There's no one size fits all solution for every cat. Some cats have challenging behaviours that certain types of litter may evoke in them. Take your time in choosing the right type for you and your kitty. Whether you live in an apartment, or the litter box has its own room, litter is only one part of the equation. Litter deodorizers, filters, styles of box, pheromone attractants, mats, scoops and liners are just a few things that will accompany your choice of litter. Each type comes with its unique set of benefits, so finding the perfect match depends on your cat's preferences and your lifestyle. Whether you opt for the classic clay, high-tech silica gel, eco-friendly crushed walnut, sustainable recycled paper, the new player crushed corn, or the aromatic pine pellet, rest assured that a Pet Counsellor at a Petland near you will be able to assist you finding the right match so you have a happy cat and a happy home awaiting you every day. If you have any questions, feel free to pop by one of the stores or give them a call, our Pet Counsellors are happy to answer all of your questions!
Here's to a clean, fresh-smelling litter box and a content kitty by your side!
