What is clumping cat litter?
Clumping litter reacts with urine to bond together when used, making it easier to remove any ‘used’ pieces.
You can take these out after each use, and top the litter up if your cat likes their tray to be the most sanitary it can be. You should still completely empty and clean the tray every week or so, but overall it should reduce waste as you’re not getting rid of unused litter.
Why should I choose clumping cat litter vs non-clumping?
It is thought that clumping litter is preferred by many cats, and this is before even mentioning that it is a lot easier for you to manage too.
Cats seem to like the feel of clumping litter under their paws as it is often made from materials such as clay. And as mentioned above, you can ensure that the litter stays as clean as possible which helps the fussiest of kitties. It makes your job of scooping up any used parts a lot easier, too.
How often should I replace clumping cat litter?
Clumps should ideally be removed after each use, which is twice daily. Some litters will say how long they can go before needing to be replaced fully, but the general rule is that all litter should be dumped after a week, and the litter tray washed, dried and ready to go again.
Is bentonite litter safe for my cats?
Clay clumping litters contain bentonite, which is an absorbent swelling clay consisting mostly of montmorillonite. This can sound quite scary when you’re choosing something that your cat may use every day, but don’t worry – bentonite litter is perfectly safe for cats.
Pet products are thoroughly tested before they go on sale, especially the ones we have picked out on our website. The only danger with any clumping litter would come if your cat ingests it. While most litters are relatively safe if ingested in small doses, clumping litters such as bentonite would obviously clump in the throat or stomach, causing illness.
Should I pick a flushable cat litter?
People may believe that flushable litter can cause issues in the long term, just like flushable wipes for humans which actually gather up en masse and can cause blockages.
But if used correctly, flushable litter can actually be really great for cutting down on waste. Just place the clump in the toilet and wait for the litter to dissolve before flushing, so there’s nothing solid which can cause issues. You should only get rid of one clump at a time.
However, we still say popping it in the bin is best, or at least splitting how you dispose of it every so often so as not to cause issues.
If your cat is on treatment which makes them slightly radioactive (such as for hypothyroidism), then the flushable litter will be necessary.
How much is clumping cat litter?
You will often pay more for the clumping litter versus the non-clumping, even if it is just basic clay options. It also applies to the own-brand varieties.
This could be a deciding factor if you’re wondering whether to go for clumping or not, but basic clumping options will generally not be too extortionate.
For a 10kg bag, you could pay anywhere between around £10 up towards £20. Bear in mind that those at the higher end of the price scale may have extra properties which mean they don’t need to be changed as often which could save you some money in the long term.