A complete guide to choosing a filler for a cat toilet

Maintaining the cleanliness of your house and your cat’s happiness can be greatly impacted by selecting the proper filler for their litter box. Choosing the best option can be overwhelming due to the abundance of options available in the market.

While some fillers are more economical or environmentally friendly, others are better at containing odors. Your priorities and your cat’s preferences will be major factors in the decision-making process.

In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of cat litter fillers, their pros and cons, and how to choose the one that works best for both you and your pet.

Type of Cat Litter	Benefits
Clumping Litter	Easy to scoop and manage, forms solid clumps when wet
Non-Clumping Litter	Absorbs moisture well, usually more affordable
Silica Gel Litter	Long-lasting, controls odor effectively
Biodegradable Litter	Eco-friendly, made from natural materials like wood or corn
Paper Litter	Soft on paws, dust-free, great for cats with allergies

How it works

There are two varieties of filler, with different working principles. Either the components form dense structures with urine in the form of lumps that are easily separated from the main mass, or they absorb odors and secretions.

Absorbent filler

Cats find it convenient because it quickly absorbs a lot of liquid. The natural raw materials used by manufacturers are corn, sawdust, cake, and certain types of clay that are safe for the health of the animal.

While silver ions, soda, or activated carbon may be added, most manufacturers do not add fragrances. These additions greatly enhance the properties of the absorbent filler.

Although it is less expensive than clumping, it needs to be replaced more frequently and the tray needs to be cleaned on a regular basis. This has a benefit in that there is a significantly reduced chance of pathogenic microorganisms growing in the contents of the cat toilet with regular washing.

Crucial! If your pet has access to the street (you walk it in a harness or take it to the country), use an absorbent filler. When there are multiple cats in the house, absorbent filler is the best choice.

Clumping

Because owners find clumping filler convenient, these brands are more well-known. Its production frequently involves the use of bentonite, a clay mineral with superior absorbent qualities. Other materials such as wood and paper are also utilized as raw materials.

Why do cat owners adore filler that clumps? Apart from the apparent benefits of being affordable and simple to clean, certain brands contain unique additives that alter color based on the urine’s composition. Therefore, the unique color of these additives will enable the owner to seek veterinary assistance in a timely manner in the event that the animal is ill and there are no outward symptoms at this time.

Many manufacturers add ingredients that, when pee gets into the mixture, change color. These additives are meant to make the lump’s boundaries crystal evident. Therefore, by not discarding clean filler, the animal’s owner can save money. Numerous brands include a range of scents, which are unusable for cats but appealing to their owners.

To ensure your cat’s comfort and your convenience, it’s crucial to take into account aspects like absorbency, odor control, and ease of cleaning when selecting a cat litter. There are several kinds of cat litter available, each with advantages and disadvantages, such as clumping, non-clumping, silica gel, and natural options. Choosing the best litter for your cat will depend on their preferences, any sensitivity issues they may have, and your own requirements for keeping your home odor-free and tidy.

Types

Fillers are classified into multiple types based on the makeup of their raw materials. Select a cat toilet brand that is appropriate for your pet, as there is no perfect product.

Clay (mineral)

Constructed from various clay rock varieties. What minerals are present in the clay that a specific manufacturer uses determines the filler’s qualities and characteristics. Brands for absorption and clumping are created.

The best material to make litter is bentonite.

Pi-Pi-Bent, Clean Paws, and Fresh Step are well-known brands.

Take Care! Clay litter should never be flushed down the toilet as it damages the sewer system.

Advantages:

• natural structure that attracts cats;
• harmlessness;
• cheapness.

Cons:

• small granules are suitable for kittens, but they produce a lot of dust;
• large granules do not dust, but can injure the delicate paws of babies;
• can stick to paws;
• poor moisture retention if an unscrupulous manufacturer uses unsuitable raw materials.

Wood

Created by pressing fine sawdust from various wood species into granules. Certain brands contain only sawdust, and occasionally they are one of the filler’s ingredients. One can flush the contents of the tray down the toilet as fine wood sawdust does not harm sewer pipes.

PrettyCat, Homecat, and Happy Paws are well-known brands.

Advantages:

• natural raw materials;
• you can buy a brand with granules of the appropriate size;
• absorbs liquid well and holds odor;
• low price.

Cons:

• a pet-digger will scatter granules all over the bathroom;
• sticks to paws;
• it is necessary to change the contents of the tray often.

Wood clumping fillers are becoming more and more common on the market; they are safe to flush down the toilet. Notable brands include the more expensive CAT’S BEST and the more reasonably priced Mr. Fresh Smart, both of which we have thoroughly reviewed.

Silica gel

This kind is created by processing silica, also known as silicon dioxide, a naturally occurring material that constitutes the majority of rocks, using specialized technology. Because of the high porosity of the granules’ internal structure, the finished product has almost no moisture and can absorb a lot of liquid.

Being expensive does not really mean that it is not cost-effective.

N1 Crystals, Cat Step, and Smart Cat are well-known brands.

Take Care! It is not recommended to flush silica gel down the toilet.

Advantages:

• excellent retention of discharge and odor;
• the contents should be removed once every two weeks;
• aesthetics: beautiful appearance and pleasant aroma.

Cons:

• not every cat will use such filler – it is very different from the structure of earth or sand;
• the crunch of granules scares off some animals;
• its unusual appearance arouses gastronomic interest in kittens, which, if swallowed, can lead to gastrointestinal obstruction.

Corn

Cat litter has recently started to be made from corn cobs. Both owners and the animals they care for will find these products useful. It can be applied as fertilizer or flushed down the toilet.

Golden Cat and Nature’s Miracle are well-known brands.

Advantages:

• absorbs moisture and odor well;
• great even for small kittens;
• eco-friendly: made from natural raw materials without additives.

Cons:

• a diligent digger will easily scatter light granules around the bathroom and beyond;
• not all stores offer such a product;
• high price.

Paper

Produced by pressing and recycling waste paper. A good alternative to fill the tray, but not quite as good as silica gel or clay in terms of properties. Small amounts of the used cat litter box contents should be flushed down the toilet.

Well-known brands: NeoSuna and A’Mur.

Advantages:

• quickly absorbs liquid and odor;
• does not stick to paws;
• even large granules cannot damage the delicate skin of a kitten.

Cons:

• requires frequent replacement;
• high price;
• rustles when the cat is enthusiastically playing in the filler.

Coal

This is an activated carbon and clay mixture. possesses great qualities and is practical for cats. Odors are effectively absorbed by coal particles.

Popular brands include Fresh Step and Molly Goddle.

Advantages:

• instantly absorbs moisture and odor;
• economical;
• has an antimicrobial effect.

Cons:

• too hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from the air) ‒ it is not advisable to place the tray in the bathroom or combined bathroom.

Japanese fillers

The resourceful Japanese have made even the cat toilet’s contents completely safe, affordable, convenient for the animal, and simple to discard.

Common raw materials used by manufacturers include sawdust, clay, and corn and soy fibers. However, high-quality products without significant flaws are produced with the aid of specialized technologies.

Numerous brands include color-changing indicators and additives that kill bacteria in the filler. Products made of silica gel are created, which can be cleaned with water after use and refilled into the tray once it has dried.

Advantages:

• excellent clumping properties;
• instant absorption of secretions and odor;
• safe high-quality raw materials;
• does not stick to paws;
• low consumption;
• can be flushed down the toilet.

Cons:

• high cost;
• you need to buy with a reserve, as sometimes it is not available for sale.

How to choose the right filler

1. Even if you are sure that the kitten used disgusting filler in its native home, at first provide the baby with exactly the same. It has just parted with its mother, found itself in an unfamiliar environment – do not create unnecessary stress for it. And after a few days, you can start replacing. However, do this gradually, gradually adding new filler to the old one.
2. What is suitable for a kitten. Many manufacturers produce special brands for kittens. Keep in mind that the baby is not yet strong and needs high-quality filler. It is not recommended to buy a silica gel or very dusty filler for a kitten, it is preferable (but not necessary) to buy wood or corn filler. Suitable brands: Ever Clean, Cat’s Choice, Barsik.
3. The cat has long, thick fur. A luxurious fur coat creates some inconvenience for both the animal and the owner. To prevent the pet from dragging particles all over the apartment, buy a heavy filler of a large fraction. Corn is definitely not suitable – it has small, fluttering particles. Popular brands for long-haired cats: Siberian cat, Cat’s Best, Kuzya.
4. Your cat is a desperate digger. Pets who like to diligently bury their business and at the same time cover the floor with granules will not suit wood, corn or clay filler of a small fraction. It is better to give preference to clumping types of fillers, but the most important thing in this situation is to choose the right tray.
5. There are several cats in the house. Some of the pets may be picky about the toilet issue. In order not to organize a separate toilet with personal filler for each, opt for a clay absorbent. In structure, it is more similar to earth and sand.

Take Care! Any filler ingredient could cause an allergic reaction in the cat. Keep an eye on your pet’s condition when switching brands.

Practical advice

1. The animal may refuse to use the tray due to the small amount of contents: pour a sufficient layer of filler.
2. The pet may go in search of a more suitable place for delicate matters due to the fragrance included in the filler: the cat"s desires should be a priority.
3. If your cat is prone to allergies, take a closer look at brands made from wood or corn raw materials.
4. Most manufacturers offer several packaging options ‒ do not buy a large volume at once, as neither you nor the cat may like the contents.
5. Some brands are quite expensive, think about monthly expenses before choosing a filler.
6. Think about how accessible the chosen brand is: the constant wait for the ordered product, which is not available for sale, will be very annoying.

Selecting the appropriate cat litter is crucial for the cleanliness of your home and the comfort of your cat. Every kind, including clay, silica gel, and natural alternatives, has benefits and drawbacks. Making the best decision for your pet can be aided by knowing your cat’s preferences and the effectiveness of the litter.

When choosing a litter, don’t forget to take aspects like odor control, dust levels, and cleaning ease into account. Try using a different type of litter if your cat appears uncomfortable or refuses to use the one provided.

Not only will the proper litter keep your cat’s environment clean, but it will also make them feel more comfortable going about their everyday business.

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