How to choose a clumpy cat litter?

An integral part of cat hygiene is a filler for the toilet. It depends on him how willingly the kitten will go to the tray, the comfort of the animal during the procedure. Not only ease of cleaning, but also aroma in the house is closely connected with properties of a filler. All these nuances make people wrestle when choosing the necessary means.

A cat litter is made from a hygroscopic material. This property provides the bonding of the granules upon contact with any liquid. The composition usually contains clay bentonite, it swells when absorbed, as a result of which moisture is blocked in the pores of the material.

The product may contain not only clay, but also other absorbents, swelling materials. Mineral components are pre-processed to ensure that the absorbent properties are brighter. Cat filler may contain flavors to mask the smell of urine. Some animals refuse to use the toilet with a chemical smell, although it is safe.

Clumping cat fillers are made from different materials, so the properties also differ slightly. All products are classified by the following features.

• Absorption method. The filler can absorb or clump. In the first case, the wet material becomes friable, and in the second - turns into a solid lump.
• Composition. In the manufacture of synthetic material can be used (silica gel), minerals (clay), extruded materials (wood, grain).
• The size of the granules. The filler can be small (1-2 mm), medium (2-6 mm) and large (6-10 mm).
• The weight of the granules. The filler can be light, moderate and heavy.
• Additional properties. These include flavors, degradability, masking odor, antibacterial properties. Some fillers are adapted to specific breeds of cats. The hypoallergenic material has no chemicals, and is labeled accordingly.

The product can combine several properties, so you need to study the packaging very carefully. All products are divided not only into categories, but also into types.

• Woody. Chips and shavings of coniferous trees are pressed into pellets. For adult cats make large particles, and for kittens - small ones. The filler in a natural way masks the smell of urine. This product is completely safe for the animal, does not have flavors. In this case, the granules disintegrate after absorption, so the sawdust can spread around the apartment on the cat's paws.

• From grain and paper waste. Combines environmental friendliness and low cost. If paper is taken as a basis, then it will have to be replaced often. The material has low absorption. Processed cereals (usually maize) are used, on the contrary, for a long time. The product masks the smell and well absorbs the liquid due to the high porosity. In both cases, the fillers have light granules, so they easily spread beyond the limits of the tray.

• Mineral, clay. Fillers of this type are the most common. Bentonite clays of various types are used as materials. The liquid is absorbed well, as a result, the material swells and turns into a coma.The disadvantage is that it retains the smell badly, the advantage is easy cleaning.

• Soy. Made from soybean pulp, cornstarch and baking soda, it is therefore absolutely safe. This composition ensures the absence of dust during operation. Crumpled this mixture due to starch. Soybean cake is porous, so it absorbs well the liquid and keeps the smell.

• Silica gel. Made of synthetic material, but are the most technologically advanced. For the manufacture of white granules polysilicic acid is used. Packaging is expensive, but economical consumption. Full replacement is done every 3-4 weeks, and even less. It absorbs moisture well, it keeps odors. The disadvantage is that a crunch while digging can scare the animal. The main feature is that you need to store the silica gel in a vacuum package, otherwise it will begin to absorb moisture from the air.

The main advantage of such a filler is a lightweight cleaning of the toilet. The urine of the animal is absorbed and turns into a coma. Among the advantages worth noting the following:

• high level of moisture absorption;
• ecological purity of the material;
• safety for the health of a cat of any age and breed;
• easy application;
• relatively low cost;
• thrift.

The last factor is due to the fact that during cleaning there is no need to throw out the entire filler.

Full replacement is made only once in 1-2 months.

The disadvantages are directly dependent on the material that was used in the manufacture of the filler.

• Wood can be carried by the cat throughout the house, which means it will always have to be swept away in large quantities.
• Paper and grain fillers are not very common, and some animals simply refuse to go to the pot when they are used.
• When using clay and mineral products, it is necessary to ensure that nothing sticks to the paws of the animal. Too large clumps can cause discomfort to the cat.
• Absorbent mineral fillers for the toilet can emit odors during cleaning. They are not suitable for animals that refuse to pot even with a little pollution.
• Silica gel can irritate a cat with a slight crackle when absorbed.

Komkuyuschiysya filler for cats has both pros and cons. You need to make a choice based on your own preferences and characteristics of the animal. Cats and cats are quite capricious, and may refuse to go to the tray if the filler does not suit them.

Owners of cats before buying a filler estimate a lot of factors and the price is not the last moment in this list. A list of the best and most popular manufacturers will help you make the right choice.

• Ever Clean. In the composition there is a special absorbent - activated carbon. Products vary in size, color and flavorings.
• "Pure Paws." In the manufacture of used bentonite clay. Natural substances are used as flavors. Pretty cheap filler, can be purchased in packs of 15 kg.
• Cat`s Choice. Fillers of an average price category. Clay is used as the basis for manufacturing.
• Pi-Pi-Bent. A wide range that fits different breeds of cats. There are special products for cats with long and thick hair. Most of the fillers have aromatic additives. There are separate fillers for kittens without any chemicals.
• Canada Litter. The peculiarity of the filler is that the granule can absorb moisture, the volume of which is 3 times its own weight. Canadian-made goods are made from clay or corn waste. Natural flavors are used as flavors; the filler is safe for animals of any age.
• Molly Coddle. The range is quite wide. Hosts can purchase a filler made from soy, clay and coal. In the latter case, the manufacturer assures that 1 pack (7 l) is enough for 3 months. The price is pretty affordable. The filler is safe for the animal and pleases the owners with pleasant aromas.

The most affordable is wood filler, and most cats treat it well. Clumped mineral and clay product is considered the most natural. Silica gel is a more expensive, but also more economical fillers.

The market is replete with proposals, so making a balanced and correct choice is especially important. If the filler does not like the animal, then it will refuse to use the toilet, and with great distrust will react to the new product. Consider the main criteria that need to be considered.

• Choose a filler among well-known companies.. In this case, you will be able to accurately understand that the quality and environmental friendliness of the product is controlled by both manufacturers and buyers.
• For a kitten, use a filler without aromatic components.. Experts recommend choosing such an option for adult animals, because finding the right scent can be quite problematic.
• Take into account the habits of the animal. If in the cattery the cat has been taught to silica gel, then wood filler can cause a rejection of the tray.
• Choose a product on which there is a corresponding marking on the absence of chemical processing and additives, on environmental safety. When the animal digs paws filler, the dust enters the respiratory system, and the particles - in the digestive system. It is important to ensure the safety of the cat.
• In assessing the cost of the filler, take into account its cost. Cheap products with frequent replacements will lead to greater final costs than expensive ones, which can be changed less often.
• The large size of the granules is mainly chosen for long-haired adult cats. Fine filler can get stuck in the fur and bring discomfort to the animal.

Some consumers complain that the filler does not absorb, does not turn into a com. In fact, such a phenomenon is not talking about quality, but about misuse. Use komkuyuschimsya filler need so.

1. Pour the filler into a clean and dry tray with a thick layer. Clay and mineral need to pour 8-10 cm, all the rest can be thinner, but not less than 5 cm. Otherwise, the material gets wet, but does not curl up into a coma. This will lead to frequent replacements.
2. Daily remove lumps of liquid and solid waste. If necessary, fill up a small amount of filler so that the layer is not less than acceptable.
3. Periodically make a full replacement and wash the tray. Calculate the frequency of cleaning individually, it is recommended to hold them once a month.
4. Throw out the used filler only in the trash can. If the basic material is corn, then it is allowed to flush into the toilet. All other components clog sewer pipes.

Buyers assure that lumpy filler is really convenient to use. It is necessary to choose the right material to mask the unpleasant odors of urine. For the formation of lumps it is important to follow certain instructions, pour a thick layer in the tray.

Owners of cats choose such a product because it facilitates cleaning and does not harm the animal. Natural materials are safe, do not cause allergic reactions. You can choose a filler suitable for cats with long hair. In most cases, kittens quickly get used to such a toilet, because the filler resembles a natural habitat.Particularly successful is the training of animals that were picked up on the street.

For tips on choosing a filler, see below.