Ought to You Select Clumping or Non-Clumping Cat Litter?

Strigana / Shutterstock.com

With so many choices on the market, it’s tough to say there’s one cat litter product that’s really greatest. However that’s the fantastic thing about it. As a substitute of worrying about discovering the proper cat litter, you may deal with discovering the product that’s best for you and your cat.

From conventional clay cat litter to silica crystals and pure alternate options, there’s a cat litter product to swimsuit each desire. On this information, nonetheless, we’re going to deal with the large query: clumping or non-clumping? Preserve studying to be taught the important thing qualities of clumping litter and non-clumping litter that can assist you make an knowledgeable resolution between them.

What’s the Distinction Between Clumping and Non-Clumping Litter?

The apparent reply is that one sort of cat litter clumps and the opposite doesn’t, however what does that actually imply? Let’s dive into the small print.

Whatever the materials it’s constituted of, clumping cat litter usually accommodates added clumping brokers that trigger liquid-soaked litter granules to stay collectively and harden right into a stable mass. This makes it attainable to scoop clumps of urine out of the litter field, leaving clear litter behind to be reused. Clumps may also kind round free stools, relying on the consistency, however stable waste is usually straightforward sufficient to scoop by itself.

Because the identify suggests, non-clumping litter doesn’t kind clumps. As a substitute, it depends on its absorbency to maintain the litter field from turning right into a soupy mess. By absorbing liquid on contact, non-clumping cat litter additionally helps preserve litter field odor underneath management.

You possibly can be taught extra about particular forms of cat litter in our Cat Litter Opinions part. For now, nonetheless, let’s transfer on to the advantages and downsides of clumping versus non-clumping cat litter.

Professionals and Cons

How nicely any clumping or non-clumping cat litter performs depends upon the supplies and, in some circumstances, added elements. On this part, we’ll talk about the final execs and cons broadly related to clumping and non-clumping cat litter.

Professionals of Clumping Litter

• Types agency, scoopable clumps from soiled litter
• Reduces litter waste by making it straightforward to take away solely used litter
• Absorbs moisture on contact to maintain the litter field dry
• Requires much less frequent emptying and refilling of the litter field
• Helps preserve the litter field clear and odor-free on your cat
• Can usually be utilized in automated and self-cleaning litter containers
• Makes it straightforward to trace your cat’s urine output

Professionals of Non-Clumping Litter

• Tends to be probably the most budget-friendly sort of litter
• Much less danger of inflicting intestinal blockage if by accident ingested
• Typically suitable with sifting litter containers
• Solely requires the elimination of stable waste (and stirring to reinforce liquid absorption)
• Some varieties may be made with out added elements

Cons of Clumping Litter

• May cost a little extra per pound than non-clumping litter
• Some litter supplies won’t clump as nicely others (e.g. pure versus clay)
• Ingested litter would possibly increase, posing a danger for intestinal blockage
• Would possibly require added elements (like clumping brokers)
• Requires frequent scooping to maintain clear litter accessible to your cat

Cons of Non-Clumping Litter

• Odor would possibly accumulate quicker as a result of soiled litter stays within the field
• Usually requires extra frequent litter adjustments than clumping litter
• Much less cost-effective if frequent substitute is required
• Typically can’t be utilized in automated litter containers
• More difficult to trace your cat’s urine output with out seen clumps

Which Litter Is Proper for Your Cat?

With clumping cat litter, urine types stable clumps, which may be simply scooped out. Garnar / Shutterstock.com

When you’ve determined between clumping and non-clumping cat litter, you may dig deeper into the several types of litter to search out the precise product that works greatest for you and your cat. Remember that points like monitoring and mud will rely extra on the fabric the litter is constituted of and the dimensions of the granules than its clumping capacity.

For those who’re nonetheless undecided whether or not clumping or non-clumping litter is your best option for you and your cat, listed here are just a few last factors to think about.

Clumping Cat Litter Would possibly Be the Proper Selection If…

• You need scooping the litter field to be as fast and straightforward as attainable.
• Your cat isn’t vulnerable to ingesting non-food gadgets like cat litter.
• You need to preserve cat litter by decreasing the frequency of litter field refills.
• Your kitten or cat has already been litter educated.
• You’re keen to pay a barely larger per-pound value for improved efficiency.
• You need to reduce litter field odor by stopping it from accumulating.

Non-Clumping Cat Litter Would possibly Be the Proper Selection If…

• You like a decrease per-pound value when buying cat litter.
• Your kitten or cat tends to eat or by accident ingest cat litter.
• You don’t thoughts stirring the litter every day and making extra frequent litter adjustments.
• You’re keen to compromise on odor management and straightforward scooping for a cheaper price.

When making your resolution between clumping and non-clumping cat litter, don’t overlook to take your cat’s preferences under consideration. It doesn’t matter what sort of litter you select, every day scooping is a should if you wish to reduce litter field odor and preserve the field clear and cozy on your cat.

Be taught extra concerning the several types of cat litter in our detailed roundup of the greatest cat litter merchandise.