Several types of cat litter are currently on the market. I choose to use clumping litter with my cats. Clumping cat litter can offer many benefits along with some disadvantages that should be considered when choosing a type of cat litter to use for your pet.

Clumping litter is popular because it makes litter box cleaning easier. When the cat uses the litter box, the waste material combines with the litter to make clumps that can be easily scooped out. Some clumping litters have a deodorizing scent to help mask the litter box smells. Overall, using clumping litter tends to lead to less litter box odor issues. Since the odor-causing cat waste is being scooped out, clumping litter can actually work out to be less expensive than other types of litter because the litter doesn’t have to be completely replaced as often. The texture of the litter can be softer and therefore, more comfortable for your cat’s paws.

If your cat eats litter, clumping litter would not be a good choice because the litter can be harmful if ingested. Clumping litters vary greatly in quality, so you may have to try several brands before finding one that both you and your cat like. Also, clumping litters tend to be more easily carried on the cat’s feet into other areas of your house. Clumping litters can be dusty but the amount of dust varies by brand.

Some clumping litters have additional features available. Antibacterial litters inhibit the growth of bacteria which can cause litter box odors. There are also clumping litters that are advertised as no track and low track which supposedly reduce the amount of litter that the cat tracks through your home. Some litters are unscented, and some contain charcoal which is supposed to eliminate odors. A few clumping cat litter brands even claim to be flushable in the toilet. But, many clumping litters are not biodegradable.

Unfortunately, the generic brands do not seem to work as well as some of the name brands. Tidy Cat Multiple Cat Litter has worked the best for my cats. A new version was released recently that has a blue lid and “Tidy Lock” which I actually prefer because the clumps seem to stick together better, and I like the scent. My cats were fine with changing to this litter, but apparently some owners have cats who objected to the new litter which is why the older version with the red lid has been brought back to the market.

Ultimately, your cat will decide which is the best litter to use. If the cat doesn’t like your litter choice, he or she may refuse to use the litter box, forcing you to find an acceptable brand of litter for your cat. But, clumping litters can be the best choice for many cats and their owners.