Cat litter is one of the first things a cat guardian should provide before taking a kitten home. It is what will fill the cat litter box, which is where the animals do their business. It is not very difficult to teach a feline to use the box correctly, as it is something instinctive for them. However, some doubts may arise when buying cat litter, untilbecause there are so many options, so how do you decide which one is best for your pet?

If this doubt has already crossed your mind or you are thinking of trying new types of cat litter, there is nothing to worry about anymore. We have gathered below everything you need to know about all versions of cat litter, how to change and dispose of it, tips on how to clean cat litter boxes and much more. Just follow along!

Learn about all the types of cat litter

• Clay granules

This type of cat litter is made with bentonite-type clay granules. With high absorption power, this is an efficient and inexpensive option to take care of pets' needs, but it is not so sustainable. When it comes into contact with the cat's urine, clay granule litter forms clumps that make cleaning easier.

On the other hand, if your kitty likes to dig, these clumps can easily fall apart. Another disadvantage is that this cat litter does not inhibit odors, so it can leave the house with a strong smell.

• Sand granules

Cat litter pellets are another cheap and, in theory, effective option for collecting cat pee and poop. The only problem is that cat litter often forms a kind of sludge when it comes into contact with urine, and the chances of your pet getting their paws dirty and bringing the mess to the rest of the house are high. A tip to get around the problem is to use hygienic cat mats.

Despite being a comfortable material for cats, it is good to keep in mind that this type of cat litter does not have much absorption capacity and does not retain odor. Therefore, litter changes should be done more frequently.

• Wood pellets

This is a type of cat litter that, in addition to being sustainable, has several other advantages. Made with pine grains, the granules have a high absorbent capacity and, unlike the options above, manage to neutralize the odors of the litter box very well. They form a kind of powder when they come into contact with urine, which makes cleaning much easier, but it is important that this is sieved outdaily.

In addition, because it is biodegradable, the wood pellets for cats, once used, can be disposed of in the toilet itself without causing clogs and without harming the environment.

• Silica sand

Despite being a little more expensive, silica cat litter is often the preferred option for owners because of its ease and high durability. This type of litter basically works like a sponge: the silica crystals or balls are formed by a gel that absorbs pee internally through micropores and neutralizes bad odors.

In addition to the fast and powerful absorption, the grains can be reused for more than a week without the need for replacement, which is quite an advantage for guardians who have a busy life. Another positive point is that this is a cat litter that does not stick to the animal's fur, and has a great cost-benefit because of its performance.

But beware: it is important to be careful with the ingestion of silica sand for cats. Even with so many benefits, the great disadvantage of the material is that the substances present in this type of sand are considered toxic for pets and, therefore, should not be ingested by the kittens at all.

What is the price of cat litter?

Cat litter can be found in different versions, and each has a different value. The average price is usually as follows:

• Clay granules - It costs around R$10.
• Sand granules - It costs around R$10.
• Wood pellets - It costs between R$ 30 and R$ 50.
• Silica sand - It costs between R$ 30 and R$ 40.

Of all the types of cat litter, the cheapest are clay and sand, but they are not necessarily the most economical. For those looking for good value for money and good durability, silica sand is the most suitable, as it yields a lot and can be reused.

As for the performance of cat litter, this will depend on the number of felines in the house. If it's just one kitten, a normal 4 kg pack usually lasts about a month. The ideal is to bet on packs of 10 to 20 kg, especially if there is more than one kitty at home.

So, what is the best cat litter?

This is a common question among guardians, after all, our pets deserve all the best. To choose the best cat litter, there is no right answer and it will depend on a number of factors. It is necessary to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each product, such as cost, disposal, sustainability, cleaning and odor. It is also important to note which granule your kitten adapts tobetter, as cats are very picky about their hygiene.

For those who have a routine full of commitments and cannot change the material so often, silica sand for cats is the best option. It is also the best sand that does not leave a smell, as it has a high capacity to inhibit odors. For those who like practicality and look for sustainable options, wood pellets for cats serve well.

On the other hand, if you're more concerned about price, the cheapest versions of cat litter are those with clay or sand granules. However, in this case, it's important to bear in mind that cleaning should be done at least twice a day.

What replaces cat litter?

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself if, in addition to litter, cats can also use other materials in the litter box? The answer is no! There are even some natural options that indicate as substitutes for the cat toilet, such as cornmeal, cassava flour and canjiquinha grains. However, they are not suitable materials to deal with the needs of animals, and can even bring many health risks to felines.So you can't put cornmeal in the cat litter, or cassava flour and derivatives. It's best to buy a quality hygienic cat litter!

In addition to cat litter, there are different models of boxes

The choice of cat litter box is also super important to take care of your pet's needs. There are several different models, which are suitable for different situations. See below which ones they are:

• Open cat litter box
• Open cat litter box with higher sides
• Closed cat litter box
• Cat litter box with sieve

To choose the litter box, it is necessary to evaluate the type that best meets the needs of the pet and the guardian. The model must support the size of the animal well. In the case of the closed cat litter box, it is important that the feline can make a complete turn inside the box without getting cramped. In addition, your friend's habits and behaviors should also be taken into account: if he likes to play in the litter box.If he is more relaxed in this sense, any type will do.

As for the guardian, the suggestion is to make a comparison with your routine. If you don't have much time to sanitize the box every time, the models with a sieve and closed are ideal. If cleaning is not a big problem, you can opt for an open cat litter box, which is very cost-effective.

How often is it recommended to change the cat litter?

This will depend mainly on the material used. The hygienic clay and sand granules, for example, need to be changed at least 3 times a week, or the bad smell can end up impregnating the house and the kitten will feel very uncomfortable - and may even result in the cat peeing and pooping in the wrong place.

Wood pellets for cats also need to be changed regularly, as the dust formed by contact with urine can end up spreading around the room and generate an unpleasant odour in the long term. Our suggestion is to change it at least 1 to 3 times a week.

Silica sand, on the other hand, does not need daily replacement, and holds up well for a few weeks without any material replacement. It inhibits bad odors, and the deadline for replacement is usually two weeks, but in some cases it can even last longer. However, even with this durability and resistance, those who like to keep everything clean can change the material at least once a week.

Also remember that, in addition to knowing when to change your cat's litter and dispose of it, it is important to maintain regular litter box hygiene by thoroughly washing the accessory with soap and water and drying it well before filling it with your chosen litter.

How to make the cat litter?

There is no way to increase the performance of cat litter, other than to go for a litter that is naturally longer lasting (in this case, silica sand). Apart from this type of litter, cats are unlikely to make the other versions yield as much in the long run. There are even some tips on the internet to mix the litter with other materials - such as cassava flour - but this is not the case.So think twice before you go down that road.

How to dispose of cat litter correctly?

To dispose of cat litter, you will need a large bowl, shovel and hygienic bags. The first step is to pass all the litter from the box into the bowl, which will help to detect the material that goes to the garbage, which should be collected with the shovel. With that, just separate the blocks of urine and feces from the cat and throw into the hygienic bag. Then just tie a knot and throw all the litter into the bag.material straight into the garbage can.

When it comes to clay granules, sand or silica sand, disposal should be done in a regular garbage can. However, you can also opt for more sustainable versions than these. Biodegradable sands are a great alternative: they take less time to decompose in the environment, cause no environmental damage and can be disposed of in the toilet without clogging.

How to use cat litter: see the step by step to teach your cat to use the litter box!

Contrary to what many people think, it is not at all difficult to teach kittens to pee and poop in the right place. They, by instinct, naturally resort to litter boxes, as they realize that there is a suitable space to bury their needs (another behavior that happens instinctively). That's why both the cat litter and the box are accessories that cannot be missing in your home.home of a feline.

But how do you teach your cat to use the litter box correctly? Although it comes naturally to them, you can give them a little push. Just follow the step by step:

Step 1: Choose the place where the cat's toilet will be. This is where you will place the litter box for your friend to relieve himself. But it is important to be careful, as the chosen space should ideally be away from where the cat sleeps and from his food and water bowls.

Step 2: Establish a routine with your kitten. In the case of kittens, it's common for the urge to pee and poop to happen half an hour after the kitten feeds and drinks water, but it can also be right after he wakes up. Keep an eye on this to direct him to the right place.

Step 3: If you observe the cat rummaging through carpets, cushions and upholstery, immediately take it to the litter box. Cat, when it is tight to go to the toilet, is usually accompanied by these signs, so it is the right time to teach it where to relieve itself.

Step 4: Positive stimuli - such as words of encouragement and treats - are welcome to teach your cat, so don't hesitate to congratulate your little friend every time he goes potty. This way he will feel encouraged to repeat the behavior.

Step 5: If your cat makes a few mistakes, don't fight with it. Kittens in particular can take some time to learn and are not always able to control their bladder, so don't punish or chastise it if it makes a mistake. The best thing to do is to increase your observation to direct it correctly the next few times. Before long, the cat litter will be used correctly.