If the idea of house training a pet is enough to keep you from getting a companion for your home, then a cat just might be the perfect pet for you. There's very little training involved. All you need is some cat litter and a litter box, and you now have a pet that can stay inside all the time.
Mother cats are great about teaching their kittens how to use a litter box. Your job is simply to make sure your cat knows where the box is located. Once he learns this, it is unlikely he'll do his business elsewhere. But that doesn't mean there aren't some decisions for you to make. And the first one is deciding what type of litter you want to use.
If this is your first cat you'll be a bit shocked when you see all the different types of litter now available. So how do you decide what's best for you and your pet?
One factor you'll need to look at is the price. This is where clay litter has a big advantage. Clay was one of the first litters developed commercially and is less expensive than most of the others. The problem with clay is that it not only absorbs liquids, it also hangs on tightly to most odors. You'll need to change it frequently or the smell will permeate your home. Clay is also problematic if your cat has allergies because when he scratches in the box the dust will start to fly.
Clumping cat litter has quickly become the most popular. The litter works with the moisture in the waste, clumping up as soon as your cat goes. This is good for you because you don't have to change out the entire box, you simply scoop out the clumps, then add more litter to replace what you just cleaned away. And although it won't remove the smell, clumping litter does come in several different scents to help hide the odor. The problem here is that some cats tend to eat the clumps. You'll have to watch your cat carefully to make sure this is not an issue.
Silica litters are great at controlling both odor and moisture by using silica crystals mixed with water and sand. Silica is the same substance used in those small packets placed in pill bottles or new shoes. Those packets are there to absorb moisture, and they work just as well in cat litter. You still have to scoop out the solid waste, but the liquid and odors are absorbed by the crystals. Another positive attribute is that this litter is biodegradable. When it decomposes it simply returns to a sandy base. On the down side, it does not clump, so scooping the solid waste can be messy.
Another biodegradable litter is paper litter, which is becoming very popular with environmental pet owners. This litter is made from pellets or recycled paper. In addition to being biodegradable, it is absorbent and is easy to carry around because it does not weigh very much.
Wood litters, in particular pine cat litter, are also biodegradable and quickly growing in popularity. Softwoods are great at absorbing liquids and odors. No chemicals are needed to help with the process meaning you get a more natural litter.
Here's the concern; no matter what you think is best, your cat may wholeheartedly disagree. He may hate what you choose and he'll let you know by not using it. Some won't use silica because the crystals can irritate their paws. Others shy away from pine just because they don't enjoy the smell. One good thing about cats is they will let you know what they don't like and what they do like without being able to speak.
And while it is smart for you to know as much as possible about all the choices available to you, your cat will have the final word on whether or not you made the right decision. - 31851
Mother cats are great about teaching their kittens how to use a litter box. Your job is simply to make sure your cat knows where the box is located. Once he learns this, it is unlikely he'll do his business elsewhere. But that doesn't mean there aren't some decisions for you to make. And the first one is deciding what type of litter you want to use.
If this is your first cat you'll be a bit shocked when you see all the different types of litter now available. So how do you decide what's best for you and your pet?
One factor you'll need to look at is the price. This is where clay litter has a big advantage. Clay was one of the first litters developed commercially and is less expensive than most of the others. The problem with clay is that it not only absorbs liquids, it also hangs on tightly to most odors. You'll need to change it frequently or the smell will permeate your home. Clay is also problematic if your cat has allergies because when he scratches in the box the dust will start to fly.
Clumping cat litter has quickly become the most popular. The litter works with the moisture in the waste, clumping up as soon as your cat goes. This is good for you because you don't have to change out the entire box, you simply scoop out the clumps, then add more litter to replace what you just cleaned away. And although it won't remove the smell, clumping litter does come in several different scents to help hide the odor. The problem here is that some cats tend to eat the clumps. You'll have to watch your cat carefully to make sure this is not an issue.
Silica litters are great at controlling both odor and moisture by using silica crystals mixed with water and sand. Silica is the same substance used in those small packets placed in pill bottles or new shoes. Those packets are there to absorb moisture, and they work just as well in cat litter. You still have to scoop out the solid waste, but the liquid and odors are absorbed by the crystals. Another positive attribute is that this litter is biodegradable. When it decomposes it simply returns to a sandy base. On the down side, it does not clump, so scooping the solid waste can be messy.
Another biodegradable litter is paper litter, which is becoming very popular with environmental pet owners. This litter is made from pellets or recycled paper. In addition to being biodegradable, it is absorbent and is easy to carry around because it does not weigh very much.
Wood litters, in particular pine cat litter, are also biodegradable and quickly growing in popularity. Softwoods are great at absorbing liquids and odors. No chemicals are needed to help with the process meaning you get a more natural litter.
Here's the concern; no matter what you think is best, your cat may wholeheartedly disagree. He may hate what you choose and he'll let you know by not using it. Some won't use silica because the crystals can irritate their paws. Others shy away from pine just because they don't enjoy the smell. One good thing about cats is they will let you know what they don't like and what they do like without being able to speak.
And while it is smart for you to know as much as possible about all the choices available to you, your cat will have the final word on whether or not you made the right decision. - 31851
About the Author:
For more facts on these and other cat litter choices visit CatLitterBoxesPlus.com. You'll also read about different litter boxes including the automatic cat litter box that makes clean up easy.
