What are the pros and cons of clumping cat litter compared to non-clumping?
We use non-clumping litter for our cats now, but I’ve heard clumping litter is easier to use. However, some cats don’t like it. Is there a specific reason for this, or is it just personal preference?
I had never used non-clumping litter until we got a cat from a home where it was used. It took me a while to adjust, but I’ve found that non-clumping litter does a much better job at controlling odors. It doesn’t track around the house or outside the litter box very much. The urine settles at the bottom, so the lower layer of clay becomes wet while the top layer stays dry and keeps the smell in check. My cat often digs around the corners of the box, where it stays dry and helps him cover his waste.
The downside is that you need to empty and clean the box completely every 10-14 days. You can extend this by scooping out the wet clay and adding fresh litter, which gives you an extra week before a full change is needed. When cleaning the box, there is a strong ammonia smell, but that’s the only time it’s noticeable.
I recently switched back to clumping litter and found it to be very dusty and messy. I have to sweep around the litter box daily. I’m thinking about going back to non-clumping litter once this supply runs out.
I am never going back to poor-quality clumping cat litter. My dad once bought some that fell apart as soon as you tried to sift it, and it left a strong ammonia smell that hit you right in the face. I won’t make that mistake again.
The issue was that cats were ingesting something while grooming and licking their paws, which then ended up in their digestive systems and clumped together. This was especially risky for long-haired cats, as they collect more of it. Additionally, flushing it down the toilet often leads to plumbing problems.
I know that clay litter can lead to health problems, while corn litter is safer and can be flushed away, though I don’t do that because with four cats, I’d be flushing too often. I use World’s Best Cat Litter, which is made from corn and forms clumps. As long as you scoop the litter boxes regularly, you shouldn’t have any odor issues, regardless of the type of litter you use.