Maintain A Tidy Home With The 5 Best Non-Tracking Cat Litters

Types of Cat Litter: Explained

Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of the various types of cat litter and find the perfect match for your household and feline needs.

Clay Litter: The old faithful, clay litters are affordable and effective at absorbing moisture. However, it can be dusty and requires frequent changing. Best for budget-conscious households and cats without respiratory issues.

Clumping Litter: A fan favorite, clumping litter forms solid clumps when wet, making scooping a breeze. It’s a bit pricier than clay litter, but it lasts longer. Ideal for busy households and those who appreciate convenience.

Silica Gel Litter: Fancy a futuristic touch? Silica gel crystals are ultra-absorbent and control odor like a champ. They’re lightweight and low-dust, but the price tag is higher. Great for cats with sensitive lungs and humans with a penchant for high-tech solutions.

Recycled Paper Litter: Environmentally conscious cat parents, rejoice! Recycled paper kitty litter is biodegradable and comes in pellet or granule form. It’s dust-free but may not be as absorbent or odor-controlling as other options. Best for eco-friendly cat owners and cats with allergies.

Wood Litter: Made from sawdust or wood shavings, wood litter is a natural, biodegradable option with a pleasant scent. It’s relatively low-dust and can control odor, but it may not clump well. Perfect for those seeking a sustainable and aromatic choice.

Corn or Wheat Litter: These plant-based litters are flushable, biodegradable, and offer decent odor control. However, they may not be suitable for cats with grain sensitivities. Best for eco-conscious households without grain-sensitive cats.

How to Keep Your Litter Area Spick-and-Span

Maintaining a clean and hygienic cat litter area is essential for your cat’s health and well-being, as well as for the overall cleanliness of your home. By following a few simple steps and establishing a regular cleaning routine, you can ensure that your cat’s litter area remains pristine and odor-free.

Daily Maintenance:

Scoop the litter box at least once a day, removing any clumps or solid waste. This not only keeps the litter area fresher but also encourages your cat to use the litter box consistently.

Be sure to use a dedicated litter scoop and dispose of the liquid and solid waste in a sealed bag or container to minimize odors. You can also try scented cat litter to minimize that stink, but bear in mind not every cat will take to a strongly-fragranced formula.

Weekly Cleaning:

Once a week, empty the entire litter box and clean it thoroughly with warm, soapy water. Avoid using harsh chemicals or strong-smelling cleaning products, as these may deter your cat from using the litter box.

All you need to do is rinse the box well and dry it completely before refilling it with fresh litter. Maintaining a clean litter box reduces the risk of unpleasant odors and helps prevent bacterial growth that could cause health issues for your cat.

Litter Mat and Surrounding Area

Place a litter mat or rug beneath the litter box to catch any stray particlesfrom your cat’s paws and prevent that pesky litter tracking on the carpet. Regularly shake out or vacuum the mat to remove debris and keep the litter area tidy.

Additionally, it’s a good idea to periodically wipe down the floor and any nearby surfaces with a mild cleaning solution to remove any lingering litter dust, fur, or dander.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I switch my cat to a new litter?

If your cat isn’t picky, or takes well to change, switching the litter can be as easy as cleaning their litter box and replacing it with a new one. However, if your cat is hesitant to do new things, you can start by blending the new litter with their old litter and gradually getting them used to their new habitat.

Another way to make the switch easier for your cat is to pick a non-tracking litter that is similar to their current litter. If you have a high-tracking crystal litter, swap it for a non-tracking silica litter. It’s important to be patient during the process, give your cat time to adjust so that you can step into a fresher home with a happy cat.

What do I do if my cat still makes a mess with a non-tracking litter?

Let’s face it, some cats just love to make a mess, and products can only work so hard to battle their tendencies. If you have a cat who is still bringing litter out of their box, there are a few other things you can use with the non-tracking litter to help keep sandy floors at bay.

Adding a litter box mat catches litter they may bring out in their coat, paws, or by kicking. You can also switch to a domed litter box that prevents litter from flying out while your cat is covering their waste.

Are non-tracking litters as absorbent as other cat litters?

Yes. Like all cat litter, different formulas and mediums will result in different absorption levels. Rest assured, you can find a non-tracking litter that provides the absorbency you need and the clean floors you desire.

Low-tracking cat litter doesn’t differ in ways of absorbency and odor control. What makes it different is clumping ability, sturdiness, and weight which all help keep the litter where it belongs while providing you the same functionality you need.

What makes litter low-tracking?

Basically, low-tracking cat litter is designed to minimize the amount of litter that gets tracked around your home by your cat. The primary features of low-tracking litter include larger, heavier granules and a smoother texture than standard cat litter, which helps prevent it from sticking to your cat’s feet.

Additionally, some low-tracking litters use a unique formulation that combines ultra-absorbent medium-grain clay with heavy non-tracking granules, allowing for rapid absorption of liquid and preventing it from sinking to the bottom of the litter box.

How do I keep my cat litter from being tracked around the house?

It can be quite frustrating to discover small litter particles dispersed throughout one’s home. However, there are effective methods to manage your cat’s litter and maintain cleanliness. Begin by selecting a low-tracking litter that is less prone to sticking to your cat’s paws.

Additionally, position a reliable litter mat under the box to capture any stray granules. It is important to consistently scoop and clean the litter box to discourage your cat from spreading litter. Lastly, consider looking into litter boxes featuring high sides or a top entry to prevent litter particles from escaping.

Can cats find their litter box if you move it?

Cats are incredibly resourceful and intelligent creatures, and they can definitely find their litter boxes even if you move them.

Cats have a strong sense of smell, and they rely on it to navigate their environment. So, when you move their litter box, they’ll use their powerful sniffers to track it down.

Keep in mind that sudden changes can be stressful for cats. So, when moving their litter box, try to do it gradually, inch by inch, day by day. This way, your kitty can adapt to the new location without any anxiety.

Do cats need privacy when using the litter box?

Yes, cats generally prefer privacy when using the litter box. Providing a quiet, easy-to-reach corner that offers privacy can encourage proper litter box use. Some felines may feel more comfortable using a completely covered cat litter box (these are great for odor-control, by the way!), while others may like an open design placed in a calm, low-traffic area of your home.