The Top Qualities to Look for when You're Choosing Clay-Based Cat Litter

Being that I'm a long-time pet parent, I'm experienced in the Cat Litter Department. I've bought cheap clay cat litter when I was trying to pinch pennies. I've even bought the expensive brands when I was looking for the best. And I've bought most everything in between. Just like cat food- and even cat litter boxes- not all clay cat litter is created equally. There are big differences between them. When buying litter, you have to find a product both you and your cat like. If your cat doesn't like it, and won't use it, you've got troubles. And, if the litter doesn't do its job, and isn't easy for you to maintain, then it's just no good. Read this informative article and find out what the top qualities to look for when you're choosing clay-based cat litter.

1. The Clay Cat Litter You Choose Should Control Box Odors
This characteristic ranks right up there with me. I don't want people to be able to walk in my house, take a whiff, and know instantly that I have cats. The best cat litter- whether it's scented or not- traps urine and feces odors so you don't smell them anytime, even when you're cleaning the litter box. Of course, the best product won't be able to remain hidden from the nose if the litter box isn't cleaned or scooped daily. Look for words like "Long-Lasting Odor Control" or "Blocks Odors" to find the right product. Personally, I favor the clay-based cat litter that contains baking soda, a natural odor neutralizer.

2. For A Cleaner House And Healthier Lungs, Choose a Clay Cat Litter That Produces No Dust
Dust is a common trait of all the cheap cat litter I've bought. Besides smelling the odors, there's nothing worse than scooping or re-filling the box and a cloud of dust billows up into the air. I've bought clay cat litter that, after a few days, you could see a coating of white dust covering everything near the box. Just imagine, everytime your cat scratches in the litter box, s/he is breathing that dust too. Gross. Look for "Dust-Free" or words to that effect to find the cleanest cat litter.

3. Look For A Clay-Based Cat Litter That Doesn't Track
Another one of the top qualities to look for when you're choosing clay-based cat litter is, a product that doesn't track. You want the litter to stay in the box, not be tracked clear across the floor on your cat's feet. It's hard to tell how big the clay particles are just by looking at the box, but the bigger the better. The smaller particles get trapped in between your cat's toes more, and in the pads of their feet. Look for words like "Non-Tracking" or "Low Track" when you choose clay-based cat litter.

4. Compare Prices- The Most Expensive Clay-Based Cat Litter Isn't Always the Best
I've found that the cheapest cat litters are the worst. You get what you pay for in that respect. Then again, paying top dollar doesn't mean it will perform the best. It's been my experience that the cat litter with the top qualities has a middle-of-the-road price. Tidy Cat and Arm & Hammer are two of the best clay-based cat litters I've found. I'm buying the latter right now. When I bought it this week, it was on sale at $4.99 for a 14-pound box.

5. Choose A Cat Litter That Your Feline Likes
Last, but certainly not least is, choosing cat litter your cat likes. Historically, the cats I've had liked clay-based litter just fine. The cats I have now find it suitable too. Some cats are finicky. If you're not sure what type of cat litter to buy, start out with clay litter and go from there. I buy the scoopable kind because it's the easiest to use. Look for the word "Scoopable" or "Clumping" on the box.

Resources
Kassidy Emmerson
http://www.petproductadvisor.com/buyers-guide/selecting-the-right-litter-for-your-cat/124/page1.aspx