Selecting a cat litter that appeals to each you and your feline is usually a problem. When you may be out there for a model that makes cleanup simpler, your cat might have robust emotions concerning the litter’s odor and texture.
In case your cat avoids their litter box, it may be their approach of telling you they don’t like the way it feels on their paws, or they could discover the scent of the litter offensive.
So, what’s a cat proprietor to do? With so many various choices of cat litter to select from, discovering one that you simply and your cat each like is usually a little intimidating.
Within the seek for the right litter, Dr. Carly Fox, senior veterinarian at Schwarzman Animal Medical Center in New York, says it’s vital to take a number of elements into consideration.
“Take into consideration issues like litter upkeep (how typically do you need to scoop?), odor, absorbency, and price,” Fox explains. “For kittens, or eco-conscious homeowners, non-clumping litter may be the perfect wager.”
Our Prime Non-Clumping Litter Picks
Clumping vs. Non-Clumping Cat Litter
Cat litter is available in two foremost kinds: clumping and non-clumping. With clumping litter, a cat’s waste “clumps” collectively, making it simpler to wash. Non-clumping cat litter has good moisture-absorbing capabilities, permitting it to successfully take away the odor of cat urine, however because the litter soaks the urine up (quite than forming into clumps), you might want to alter your cat’s litter field extra typically.
Many cat homeowners discover that clumping cat litter is easier to scoop and streamlines the clean-up course of because you don’t have to eliminate the contents of your entire litter field.
On the flip facet, some cats can ingest clumps, leading to intestinal blockage or choking, making non-clumping litters interesting from a security perspective.
Clumping cat litter is made out of clay or silica gel crystals, whereas non-clumping cat litter will be made with clay, crystals, or a plant-based different equivalent to pine, corn, wheat, or wooden.
Non-clumping litter tends to be extra light-weight and absorbent, and higher for the atmosphere. “Sure forms of non-clumping litter are extra eco-friendly as a result of supplies they’re made out of,” says Dr. Fox. “For instance, non-clumping litter made out of corn, recycled newspaper or wooden shavings is biodegradable/compostable.”
“Non-clumping litter additionally has much less each day upkeep since there isn’t a scooping of waste,” continues Fox. “It’s additionally finest for kittens who are usually curious and sometimes eat their litter. This habits usually resolves by the point they attain 6 months – so ideally, non-clumping litter needs to be used with younger kittens, because it’s much less more likely to trigger an intestinal obstruction.”
Different Advantages of Non-Clumping Litter:
- Sometimes cheaper than clumping litter
- Tends to be much less dusty and decrease monitoring
- Ultimate for cats who received’t use the litter field if there are clumps
How We Ranked Our Non-Clumping Litter Picks
We spoke to veterinarians and cat homeowners to seek out the perfect non-clumping cat litters in the marketplace, making an allowance for the next elements:
Comfort/cleansing. One of many foremost issues cat dad and mom search for when buying cat litter is how simple it’s to take care of, clear, and eliminate, so we made certain to name this out at any time when attainable.
Security. We perceive that along with a cat litter that’s handy, you additionally need one which received’t be dangerous to your kitty, which is why we took word of any security data for every decide.
Scores/evaluations. Having the stamp of approval from different pet dad and mom is big in relation to making a pet buy, so we ensured that the entire merchandise on our listing acquired at the very least a 4-star score and primarily constructive feedback.
Worth. Cat litter is one thing that you simply’ll be shopping for to your kitty’s complete life, and discovering the right steadiness of worth and efficiency is vital. With that in thoughts, we highlighted which litters will provide you with probably the most bang to your buck.
6 Greatest Non-Clumping Litter Picks of 2023
You by no means fairly understand how a kitty goes to react to a brand new litter, however listed below are among the finest non-clumping cat litters that even finicky felines appear to seek out “purr-fect.”
Total Greatest Non-Clumping Cat Litter
Our Choose: Ultra Micro Crystals Cat Litter
When you’re searching for a non-clumping litter to make your life simpler, Extremely Micro Crystals Cat Litter checks all of the packing containers. It’s odor free and delicate in your cat’s paws, and it affords immediate liquid absorption for simple cleanup. Made with sand-like silica gel crystals which might be light-weight, nearly dust-free, and long-lasting, this litter absorbs moisture and traps odors rather well, which implies it will get a thumbs (or paws) up from each cats and their homeowners.
Execs
- Non-toxic and secure for cats
- Much less messy than clay litter
- Crystals will be raked and used once more for as much as a month
- One 5 lb bag is estimated to be sufficient for one cat for one month
Cons
- Some prospects discovered that it produced a superb quantity of mud
- Greater worth level
Greatest Non-Clumping Cat Litter for A number of Cats
Our Choose: Purina Tidy Cats 24/7 Scented Non-Clumping Clay Cat Litter
A hardworking cat litter that may maintain as much as multiple kitty, Purina’s Tidy Cats non-clumping clay cat litter is our decide for combating odors in multi-cat households. Its extended-release deodorizing system affords triple-odor safety to chase away urine, feces, and ammonia smells on a steady foundation. Plus, it’s tremendous absorbent and nearly 100% dust-free for much less mess.
Execs
- 99.6% mud free
- Out there in quite a lot of bag sizes
- Light-weight
- Good choice if you happen to want to alter the litter field quite than scoop
- Nice worth level
Cons
- Some prospects weren’t keen on the scent
Greatest Worth Non-Clumping Cat Litter
Our Choose: Fresh Step Non-Clumping Premium Scented Cat Litter
A family title within the cat litter world, Contemporary Step affords high quality merchandise that get the job accomplished, like this non-clumping selection. Made with Febreze to supply a recent scent with each step of the paw, this low-dust clay litter delivers 7-day odor management to maintain smells utterly contained. Many purchasers rave about its lasting capabilities, which permit them to go longer in between litter cleanings with out the stench. It’s not the most affordable litter on our listing, but it surely does are available at a superb worth for the enduring worth it supplies.
Execs
- Made with Febreze for a paw-activated recent scent
- 7-day odor management
- Clients mentioned it requires much less altering than different manufacturers
- Low-dust formulation
- Good worth level
Cons
- Some prospects famous that this litter tracked extra
- The scent will not be for everybody
Greatest Pure Non-Clumping Cat Litter
Our Choose: Skoon All-Natural Cat Litter
If you wish to scale back your cat’s carbon pawprint, this all-natural product will get excessive marks. Clients say Skoon successfully traps odors and combats mud, all whereas being eco-friendly. Made from diatom pebbles, Skoon’s distinctive formulation is so absorbent that you should utilize much less litter and lower your expenses. Households may relaxation simple realizing that Skoon is non-toxic.
Execs
- Light-weight and extremely absorbent
- Non-toxic and hypoallergenic
- Low mud to get rid of monitoring
- Makes stable waste simple to scoop
- Clients say it really works properly in multi-cat households
- Unscented, lemon, and lavender choices
Cons
- Some reviewers say moist litter gathers on the backside of the field
- Greater worth level
Greatest Deodorizing Non-Clumping Cat Litter
Our Choose: Feline Pine Platinum Non-Clumping Cat Litter
Arm & Hammer merchandise are often known as a family staple, and their non-clumping cat litter isn’t any exception. The recent pine scent controls odors successfully with out added fragrances and chemical substances, and the extremely absorbent pine pellets absorb liquid and lock away ammonia odors. Since cats are naturally drawn to the odor of recent pine, you received’t have to bribe your feline to make use of their litter field. The litter’s pure scent and low-dust design advantages each cats and their homeowners who could also be allergic or delicate to smells. Plus, its light-weight consistency makes cleansing up after your cat a breeze.
Execs
- Extremely absorbent, compostable pine pellets
- No harsh chemical substances
- Half the load of clay litter, making for simpler disposal
- Pellets flip to sawdust when moist for simple sifting
- Non monitoring and low mud
- Sustainable manufacturing course of means no bushes are reduce right down to make this litter
Cons
- Some reviewers felt it didn’t work properly in a multi-cat dwelling
- Some prospects discovered the sawdust laborious to wash
Greatest Non-Clumping Litter for Kittens
Our Choose: CatSpot Non-Clumping Coconut Cat Litter
All of us need to give cute itty-bitty kitties the absolute best begin in life, and CatSpot makes that simple with their natural, all-natural, non-clumping cat litter, made out of coconut. Since kittens, and even some cats, are susceptible to consuming litter, CatSpot shuns dangerous chemical substances and makes use of shaved bits of coconut shells. You possibly can really feel good realizing that in case your kitten manages to eat a little bit of CatSpot while you’re not trying, it received’t trigger digestive issues or end in an unplanned journey to your veterinarian.
Execs
- Unscented, absorbent, and simple to wash
- Light-weight and mud free
- Nice for these with allergy symptoms
- No clumping brokers, chemical substances, or poisonous clay
- Flushable or will be emptied in your yard or compost bin
- A 5 lb bag of CatSpot is alleged to have the identical absorbency as a 20 lb bag of clay litter
Cons
- Some reviewers talked about that it tracked
- Greater worth level
Non-Clumping Cat Litter Purchaser’s Information
Now that we’ve coated a few of our favourite non-clumping cat litters, let’s go over just a few issues to contemplate as you’re selecting one.
Elements. Relying in your wants/ preferences, take into account the elements which might be within the cat litter you’re buying. “For particular elements, if odor management is a precedence, search for a formulation that incorporates deodorizers equivalent to baking soda,” says Rachel Geller, Ed.D., cat behaviorist and president/founding father of All Cats All of the Time, Inc.
Supplies. Since allergy symptoms will be a difficulty with sure forms of non-clumping cat litter, you should definitely choose one which received’t irritate you or your kitty. “Some folks and a few cats have issues with the mud, so search for a pure non-clumping cat litter that’s low mud or dust-free,” recommends Geller. “Pure cat litter made out of supplies like recycled paper tends to be much less dusty than clay litters. Different dust-free choices are pine, corn, wheat, beet pulp, walnut shells and wooden.”
Variety of cats. In keeping with Geller, non-clumping cat litter is a superb selection for multi-cat households. “Non-clumping litter is great at controlling cat urine odors as a result of it absorbs giant quantities of urine, making the cats extra doubtless to make use of it,” she explains. “An absorbent litter is especially vital for litter in a multi-cat family. In fact, you continue to have to observe the litter box rule of getting another field than the variety of cats you have got.”
Your litter field. Whereas non-clumping cat litter works properly with most packing containers on the market, Geller warns towards utilizing it you probably have an computerized or self-cleaning box. “Computerized litter packing containers work finest with clumping litters, so urine and poops will be simply separated and sifted away.” When you do have an computerized litter field however are desirous about making an attempt non-clumping cat litter, you’ll most likely need to seize a unique field together with it.
Non-Clumping Cat Litter FAQs
Nonetheless have questions on non-clumping cat litter? No downside! We’ve rounded up just a few of our most regularly requested to go away you as knowledgeable as attainable.
How must you clear non-clumping cat litter?
In relation to cleansing your non-clumping litter, Geller says consistency is vital. “I like to recommend scooping the stable poops from the non-clumping litter each day, or extra if you’re dwelling and see there’s a poop. To wash pee from non-clumping cat litter, change out the litter completely and wash out the field with cleaning soap and water as soon as per week.”
Nevertheless, each cat is totally different, so it’s vital to regulate primarily based by yourself state of affairs. “This timeframe might change primarily based on what number of cats are within the family, what number of litter packing containers you have got, [whether] the cats want one field/location over one other, and your cat’s private routines.”
Are you able to flush non-clumping cat litter?
Whereas some non-clumping cat litter might technically be marketed as flushable, Geller typically warns towards it for the well being of your pipes and your native water. “Some forms of litter can soak up as much as 15 instances its weight in pee, which turns into heavy and blocks the pipes and sewer,” she says. “Cats carry the Toxoplasma Gondii parasite, which might infect people, significantly in being pregnant. Flushing any cat litter down the bathroom, clumping or non-clumping, can probably introduce this parasite into the group water provide and infect different folks, in addition to marine life.
Do cats want clumping or non-clumping cat litter?
In keeping with Geller, although many research have been accomplished, there’s no clear reduce reply to this one. “My philosophy is to make use of what your cat likes. In nearly each examine, the conclusion normally states what most cats like. However, this implies there’s a minority of cats that likes one thing else – and you’ll have a type of cats within the minority.”With a purpose to get a greater concept of what your cat might want, Geller says you possibly can put just a few choices to the take a look at. “Have two packing containers, facet by facet, one with clumping litter and one with non-clumping litter. Scoop each packing containers each day on the identical time. You need the one distinction to be the litter, so the placement, measurement of the field, covered vs uncovered, frequency and time of cleansing ought to all be an identical. Word which field will get used probably the most and you’ll have your reply as to what your cat prefers.”