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

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With so many choices on the market, it’s troublesome to say there’s one cat litter product that’s really greatest. However that’s the fantastic thing about it. As an alternative of worrying about discovering the right cat litter, you’ll be able to concentrate on discovering the product that’s best for you and your cat.

From conventional clay cat litter to silica crystals and pure options, there’s a cat litter product to swimsuit each desire. On this information, nevertheless, we’re going to concentrate on the massive query: clumping or non-clumping? Preserve studying to be taught the important thing qualities of clumping litter and non-clumping litter that will help you make an knowledgeable choice 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 basically imply? Let’s dive into the main points.

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

Because the identify suggests, non-clumping litter doesn’t kind clumps. As an alternative, 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 hold litter field odor beneath management.

You may be taught extra about particular varieties of cat litter in our Cat Litter Evaluations part. For now, nevertheless, let’s transfer on to the advantages and disadvantages of clumping versus non-clumping cat litter.

Professionals and Cons

How effectively any clumping or non-clumping cat litter performs will depend on the supplies and, in some circumstances, added substances. 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

• Kinds agency, scoopable clumps from soiled litter
• Reduces litter waste by making it simple 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 hold the litter field clear and odor-free on your cat
• Can usually be utilized in automated and self-cleaning litter packing containers
• Makes it simple to trace your cat’s urine output

Professionals of Non-Clumping Litter

• Tends to be essentially the most budget-friendly sort of litter
• Much less danger of inflicting intestinal blockage if by chance ingested
• Typically appropriate with sifting litter packing containers
• Solely requires the elimination of strong waste (and stirring to boost liquid absorption)
• Some varieties could be made with out added substances

Cons of Clumping Litter

• May cost extra per pound than non-clumping litter
• Some litter supplies may not clump as effectively others (e.g. pure versus clay)
• Ingested litter would possibly increase, posing a danger for intestinal blockage
• Would possibly require added substances (like clumping brokers)
• Requires frequent scooping to maintain clear litter out there to your cat

Cons of Non-Clumping Litter

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

Which Litter Is Proper for Your Cat?

With clumping cat litter, urine kinds strong clumps, which could be simply scooped out. Garnar / Shutterstock.com

When you’ve determined between clumping and non-clumping cat litter, you’ll be able to dig deeper into the several types of litter to seek out the precise product that works greatest for you and your cat. Take into account that points like monitoring and mud will rely extra on the fabric the litter is made out of and the dimensions of the granules than its clumping potential.

If you happen to’re nonetheless unsure whether or not clumping or non-clumping litter is your best option for you and your cat, listed here are a couple of ultimate factors to contemplate.

Clumping Cat Litter Would possibly Be the Proper Alternative If…

• You need scooping the litter field to be as fast and simple as doable.
• Your cat isn’t liable to ingesting non-food objects like cat litter.
• You wish to preserve cat litter by decreasing the frequency of litter field refills.
• Your kitten or cat has already been litter skilled.
• You’re prepared to pay a barely increased per-pound value for improved efficiency.
• You wish to reduce litter field odor by stopping it from accumulating.

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

• You like a decrease per-pound value when buying cat litter.
• Your kitten or cat tends to eat or by chance ingest cat litter.
• You don’t thoughts stirring the litter each day and making extra frequent litter modifications.
• You’re prepared to compromise on odor management and simple scooping for a lower cost.

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

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