cat litter - clumping -v- non clumping

bubbles567

Hi Folks

I've recently adopted two kittens which now makes me a four cat household.

I've been using the non clumping cat litter (the pink one from pets at home, 30 litre size) and I'm thinking about possibly changing. the cats now have pink paws and there's a bit of dust, although non are ever dust free.

I personally don't like the wood pellets. I've heard about the clumping cat litter but the one I tried (from Aldi) I didn't particularly like. To be honest I didn't really know what to expect from it.

I've read about 'the worlds best cat litter' (clumping) and it has fantastic reviews, but it's pricey. Although I don't mind paying extra if it's going to last and do a good job.

Having four cats now means i'm cleaning the litter trays out twice a day and a full change about every three days. I've been using a less litter in each tray to try and stretch the cost out.

So, I'm after advice on the best cat litter and perhaps I should change to the clumping type?

cheers!

bitemebankers

I normally recommend wood pellet cat litter because it's cheap, sustainable and captures smells quite well. Not sure why you don't like it.

bubbles567

I don't like the way it disintegrates into saw dust nor do I like the woody smell it gives off.

lisajane8482

I used to use wood pellets but used to find them everywhere (and the sawdust), after reviews I've started using Biokat from zooplus.

http://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/cats/cat_litter/biokats/fine_grain/137226

I buy 2x15l bags. The first lot only lasted a month but the second lot I bought will last 2 months. I used a heck of a lot filling up the trays (3 in total) but now all I do is sift out the clumps and refill as needed. Once a week I empty the tray (in to another one) give it a wipe out, let it dry then put the litter back in with a full change once a month. I let it run down to the bare minimum before I do a full change.

It does track a little but I think that could be more the fact that the kitten seems to like to sit back to front in the tray (i have one of these http://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/cats/cat_litter_litter_boxes/litter_tray_cat_toilet/328076) and when he buries his business he flicks some out.

He also seems to get it stuck to his feet (he likes to play in water, generally the water bowl, before visiting the tray) so end up with little white kitty prints all over.

gettingready

I have 4 cats like you OP and only use Biocat.

2 bags last me exactly a month with my 4 boys, indoor cats 80% of the time.

I put one whole bag between 2 massive trays, half a bag in each. Scoop twice a day (it clumps brilliant) and only do complete change/clean every 2 weeks, for the second bag.

This si the Biocal I use:



2x15 litre bags cost under £15 and last the whole month.

The trays I have are those ones:



They are massive, my 10kg Teddy can get in and use it....

For Under £15 per month I think for 4 cats the Biocat is brilliant - and it clumps brilliantly

spugzbunny

I've heard clumping is potentially a health issue as if your cat eats it, it will clump in their stomach.

It would take a particularly 'special' cat to start eating the litter mind!

bacardi66

Im very happy with Pets at Home clumping litter - my 18 year old cat is so fussy with his food these days I would be surprised if he started eating the litter

bubbles567

Guys thank you so much for the replies. I think I'm going to try the clumping again, and see if it works out more economical. But if the puddies don't like it then it's all change again.

SnowyOwl_2

spugzbunny wrote: »

I've heard clumping is potentially a health issue as if your cat eats it, it will clump in their stomach.

It would take a particularly 'special' cat to start eating the litter mind!

Yes, this is true! Usually it is not a problem - as you say, not many cats would eat their litter, however some little kittens don't have the sense to not eat it. The problem really is that it gets licked off paws. The litter has something in it to draw water into it and it can congeal in a big heavy ball in the gut. OK so it doesn't happen to many cats, but in the cats which are susceptible to the problem it can cause havoc.

southcoastrgi

i use sanisbury clumping was £1-89 for an 8 ltr bag but i think the price has gone up now

lisajane8482

SnowyOwl wrote: »

Yes, this is true! Usually it is not a problem - as you say, not many cats would eat their litter, however some little kittens don't have the sense to not eat it. The problem really is that it gets licked off paws. The litter has something in it to draw water into it and it can congeal in a big heavy ball in the gut. OK so it doesn't happen to many cats, but in the cats which are susceptible to the problem it can cause havoc.

Oh dear, I have a kitty who goes in with wet feet quite often and gets it stuck to his paws, when I'm in I try to take it off but when I'm not it's highly likely that he licks it off.... guess I'll be changing litter just to be safe