The Best Cat Litter for Odor – No More Smells

Cats warm our hearts in many different ways, but although they are cute and cuddly, owning one comes with a few downsides. One of the most common problems is a stinky litter. Nobody likes a smelly litter, not even the cats themselves. Although this problem can be managed by cleaning the litter regularly, the most convenient solution is buying the best cat litter for odor control.

But buying a good litter is easier said than done; it can be hard to choose with so many options available. Fortunately, this guide will tell you what you should look out for when shopping for odor control cat litters.

Cat Litter Material

Cat litters can be made out of different materials. They include clay, clay hybrid, natural, and crystals. Some litters can also be made out of a combination of different materials. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Clay

It is the most common material for making cat litters. It is the cheapest and its clumps are quite strong, allowing them to hold a lot of moisture. On the downside, clay is quite heavy, smelly, dusty and tracks rather easily. It is a favorable material for cat owners looking for pocket-friendly prices.

Clay hybrid

Additives such as baking soda, crystals, and plant extracts can be combined with regular clay to help in aspects that clay may not be favorable in. These type of hybrid litters combine the traditional qualities of clay with a unique touch.

Silica Crystals

Silica litters are the best at absorbing odors, are scent free, can absorb high amounts of moisture and are extremely lightweight. However, these specialized qualities come at a cost: The litters are very expensive. Apart from being environmentally unfriendly, they can also pose health risks if consumed in large quantities. So if your cat is constantly chewing on the litter, it would be best to avoid ones made from silica.

Natural

If you care about the environment, there are a variety of litters made from biodegradable materials including pine, wood, soybean, recycled paper products, wheat, etc. Some of the materials may perform well in clumping ability, odor fighting, and moisture absorption while others may not. These types of litters are favorable for environmentally conscious cat owners who may be willing to compromise on other aspects.

How Well the Litter Clumps

Clumping litters will make life easier for you and your cat. They usually react with cat pee to form hard lumps that are easy to scoop out during cleaning. Cats also like the feel of most of these clumping litters. Semi-clumping litters will combine with the cat waste but won’t form hard, solid clumps. These may help to absorb odor but will be a lot difficult to remove during cleaning.

There are litters on the market that won’t form clumps at all. All they do is mask the odor until the litter box is exhausted. Although they are cheaper and are low maintenance, they are not effective in odor control. Cleaning is also hectic as it involves dumping out the entire litter and refilling the litter box.

Clumping speed is important to consider when looking for the best cat litter for odor control. The quicker the clumping speed, the less time there is for the ammonia to escape into the room. Clump hardness is also important since soft clumps may break open during cleaning and release horrible odors.

Kitty Litter Tracking

There’s nothing as frustrating as finding soiled litter around the house. If there is to be any odor, it should be limited to the litter box. A litter with high tracking will stick on your cat paws and, invariably, find its way all over your home. Litters with small, light granules will stick on your cat more easily. Bigger-sized granules are, therefore, more preferable for reduced tracking.

Before Buying Cat Litter

Stick to one brand – As much as switching to a better option may sound convenient, cats are creatures of habit. Your cat may find it difficult to switch from one brand of litter to another. So unless it’s absolutely necessary, always aim for consistency.

Cheap is expensive – Cheaper litters can be quite attractive, but you may find yourself compromising on aspects such as clumping ability, odor control, and tracking.

Your cat’s comfort is important – no matter how effective the litter is, it won’t bring you any joy if your cat is constantly fussing around and meowing whenever they have to use it. Choose something that your cat is comfortable with.

Kittens may need special treatment – What may work for an adult cat may not do as well with kittens. For instance, fine-grained litter may pose health risks for young kittens since they can easily ingest the fine particles.

The cat is the final judge – You may spend a lot of time seeking advice from experts and other users on what cat litter to buy, but it will all be pointless if your cat won’t go for it.

Sometimes the litter is not the problem – If your cat is avoiding the litter and choosing to relieve itself elsewhere, it could be sick, and you should consider visiting the vet as soon as possible.

There are many factors to consider when shopping for the best cat litter for odor control. This article has outlined some of the important ones including material, tracking, and clumping. But what you ultimately choose will depend on your personal preference and, most importantly, your cat’s comfort. Consider all factors deeply and determine what you deem vital when shopping for a cat litter. Have a budget in mind, but don’t forget that cheap is expensive.

Finding the best cat litter for you and your pet will be a process rather than an event. Ensure you check out online reviews before settling on a brand, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes during purchasing; it might take a few trials before you get the perfect litter. Finally, all factors considered, your cat should be the final judge on which litter is the best to buy.