How To Choose a Natural Cat Litter

Cat litter is an expense that all owners face and while it may be the easiest in a store or online to grab the cheapest, is it really the best choice for you, your cat, and your family?  Let’s look at natural cat litter and if it has the elements that are most important to you.

What is Natural Cat Litter?

Natural cat litters are made from plant-based materials such as corn, wheat, or other all-natural biodegradable.  They offer more options for disposable and are safer for cats and owners.

Elements of Ideal Cat Litter

While not everyone agrees on what is the most important feature or type of cat litter, there are several qualities that are important to everyone.

• Odor Control – Keeping the smell under control is at the top of any cat owner’s list. It is important for your cat as well.  ASPCA has stated that one of the top reasons a cat will refuse to use their litter box is odor.  However, some cats don’t like the scented litters, so you need to see what your cat likes too.
• Good Clumping – Many cat owners prefer clumping litters, as it is easier to scoop and clean. You do need to add fresh litter to replace what you remove.  The trick is some types of clumping litter are not all-natural.
• Low Dust – One of the disadvantages of clumping clay litter is that it can produce a lot of dust. It is an irritant for your cats just as much as humans, especially for anyone with asthma.  Dust also creates a mess, as cats can pick it up on their paws and track it around the house.  There are natural and crystal litters that produce little to no dust.
• Granule Size– This one varies on the cat's preferences. Both coarse and fine litters have their advantages.  Cats tend to prefer a fine-textured litter, which feels softer on their paws, but coarse litter is less likely to get tracked around the house.  Coarser litters are also safer for kittens under 3 months old, who may inhale or swallow finer-grained litters.
• Cost– One of the biggest reasons clumping clay litters are popular is because they tend to be cheaper. However, the overall cost of a litter is more than its price per pound.  It also needs to be changed much more often, so you go through the bags faster.  So, in the long run, it is not as cheap as it appears to be.

Pros of Natural Cat Litter

Natural cat litter come in both clumping and non-clumping varieties, they have odor control, and most are low dust.  For kitten owners, who are worried that their kitten may consume the litter, super common clay litter can cause digestive problems and even intestinal blockage.  While no cat should eat litter, natural cat litter is safer.  Adult cats don’t consume litter in the same way, however, by licking their paws some litter might be ingested, especially if it has a lot of dust.

Natural cat litter is better for environmental reasons.  Natural litters are made from renewable materials or even recycled products.  And because they are biodegradable, it’s possible to flush them down the toilet or compost the clumps, rather than bagging them up and sending them to a landfill.  Be sure to read the directions and the information on the bag before trying to flush it away.

Snappy Tom Can Help

At Snappy Tom, we care about your cat as much as you do.  Which is why we don’t only manufacture all-natural food.  We also have two types of cat litter that will make you and your cat happy.  We have Snappy Paws plant-based litter that is made from 100% natural, non-toxic, plant-based materials that are 100% compostable and biodegradable.  We also have a newer litter product.  Snappy Tom Litter Crystals.  Crystals inhibit bacteria and leave litter dry, no more clumps or saturated clay.  It is non-tracking, lightweight, and environmentally safe.  Contact us today and let us help you find the best litter choice for your family.