The Cat Litter Conversation with myBuddy Pet App

Each cat is unique and individual, we love them for their cute whiskers and head bumps, plus there are now proven mental health benefits to owning a cat. We love spending quality time with them, even when they decide to park themselves on our laptop! But over time, as cat owners, we change a LOT of litter trays!

Introducing the cat litter conversation…
This is a big subject for cat owners, here we discuss our cat litter conundrums, a popular topic shared with our fellow feline-loving friend’s. There is an ever-expanding variety of cat litters available, and all that choice can cause confusion!

Yes! This is a subject often discussed here at VisioCare Services HQ!

Interestingly, there are huge disparities in the quality of cat litters available and their environmental impact. So that got us thinking. What are the important qualities we look for in kitty litter:

Odour – do you know as soon as your cat has used the litter tray?

Ease of cleaning – is the urine and faeces easily removed and leaves little mess?

Frequency of changes – does the litter last all week, or do you find you are changing it more regularly?

Environmental Impact – do the materials used to make the cat litter come from a renewable resource and does the disposal of soiled litter harm the environment?

Availability – Do you need to remember to order on-line, or is it available in your local pet store or supermarket?

Felines are predisposed to urinary and bladder conditions. Inappropriate toileting is a common problem for anxious cats, but it can also be an indication of something far more serious. If you are ever concerned, what is wrong with my cat, then please contact your vet.

The type of cat litter you use must be given consideration and changing your litter must be done gradually.

So here we have reviewed the top 3 most commonly used types

Clumping clay-based are absorbent but dusty. Some brands are lower dust-producing than others, so have a look around. It lasts a long time and it’s easy to clean, simply scoop out the clumped urine and dispose. It does a good job of minimising bad odour too, but it can be a bit messy as it gets tracked out of the litter box on fluffy paws. However, environmentally, clay mining is not good for our planet and the refining process is equally damaging. The dust is not good for asthmatic cats or owners, and it isn’t biodegradeable. It will sit in landfill for YEARS!

Pellets can be wood, paper and even corn or walnut! They are the most environmentally conscious choice, made from renewable resources and biodegradable. They don’t disguise the odour very well and can be messy when the cat kicks it about, but this is balanced by their sustainable attributes. Recycled paper pellets are now readily available and sold in all supermarkets. Other types will easily be found on-line. The packaging is often recyclable too.

Crystals (made from silica) are low dust or dust free, often scented to disguise odour and last quite a while before needing to be changed. The crystals are highly absorbent and easy to clean. However, the mining and production process for this sand-based litter is not helping our planet.

When choosing a cat-litter type it is important to primarily consider what is best for your own cat. Commercial cat litters, such as sand (silica) and clay (clumping and non-clumping) were introduced to cat-owning households in America in the 1940’s, but there are many more sustainable options now available.

PLEASE NOTE: If your cat is unsuccessfully straining to urinate, this is considered a veterinary emergency. Please contact your vet immediately.

Pet Insurance is highly recommended for all pets.

Through our pets app, myBuddy we always provide the best guidance we can to help you with issues that affect your pets, whether cats, dogs, rats, rabbits or reptiles. However, we would always recommend you call your vet or get in touch via the myBuddy app