Types of Cat Litters: The Best Products for Odour Control & Clumping

If you’re a cat parent, you’d know how essential it is to maintain a clean home while supporting your feline’s instinctual needs to relieve itself. Here’s when a cat litter comes in handy. The granular material, used in a litter box, helps absorb cat urine and faeces and controls odours. Cat litters also provide a soft medium for cats to help follow their instincts to dig and bury their waste, keeping your home clean and hygienic. If you’re looking to buy a good cat litter and the overwhelming options in the market are confusing you, you’ve come to the right place.

In this blog, we will discuss the different types of cat litters found in South Africa. Read on to find out more!

Types of Cat Litters

Let’s take a glance at the different kinds of cat litters available on the market.

Clay

Clay litter comes in two forms, clumping and non-clumping.

Clumping cat litters allow the urine and faeces to be removed easily from the box without the need to empty the entire box. Clumping litters generally feature a material called bentonite that helps the litter to transform into a solid clump as it absorbs liquid. Once clumped together, the litter can be eliminated from the box easily.

Non-Clumping litters, on the other hand, work well to eliminate odours associated with cat urine. It can absorb a larger volume of urine when compared to clumping cat litters. However, urine may begin to accumulate at the bottom of the litter box if the litter becomes fully saturated. Therefore, non-clumping cat litters generally need to be replaced and their box cleaned once a week.

Crystal

Made of tiny silica gel beads, crystal cat litters are excellent absorbers and work very well to control odours. This type of cat litter is usually more expensive than the others but tends to last longer. However, many felines tend not to like the texture of crystals and get reluctant to step on them. Also, crystal litters can be dangerous for cats if ingested in large quantities of over a long period of time.

Natural Materials

Natural cat litters, often termed as eco-friendly litters, are generally made using biodegradable materials like wood, soy and corn, rather than clay. They are completely plant-based, free of additives and chemical deodorisers. It is safe for you and your family. Natural cat litters also work well to clump liquids into a lump, ensuring a clean surrounding.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Which litter is best for odour control?

Cat litters featuring clumping clay and silica crystals are generally best for locking in moisture and preventing unwanted odours.

• How often should I change the litter?

The waste should be scooped daily. Clumping litters should be replaced every 3 to 4 weeks and non-clumping ones should be changed twice a week for a single cat.

• How many litter boxes should I own?

It is advisable to have one box per cat, plus one extra box. For example, a one-cat household should have two boxes, and a two-cat household should have three.

Ending Note

In South Africa, cat parents enjoy access to a diverse range of litters, including traditional clay (both clumping and non-clumping), crystal and eco-friendly plant-based options, like soya and corn. While clay litters excel in odour control and affordability, natural alternatives support low dust and sustainability to cater to environmentally conscious households.

Ultimately, the best choice should depend on your cat's preferences, litter box setup and priorities like ease of cleanup or ecological impacts.