Clay cat litter is one of the most popular litter options for cat owners. Not only is it affordable, but it’s easy to use and naturally traps odors.
Of course, cat owners and new kitten owners are looking to get the best for their cats, and understanding their litter is more important than you may realize. Read on to learn everything you need to know about clay cat litter, what it’s made of, and why you should consider buying it for your cat.
What is Clay Cat Litter Made Of?
As you might expect, clay cat litter is made of natural clay minerals, including calcium or sodium bentonite. These materials are super absorbent and naturally clump together, making them perfect for cat litter.
In some cases, you might find clay litter that has added scents. If you’re wondering whether scented cat litter is bad for cats, the answer is maybe — but you’re probably better off just sticking with the natural, unscented cat litter option. Most clay litters already naturally trap odors, and there are other tricks you can use to keep cat litter from smelling.
Keep in mind that clay cat litter isn’t always biodegradable, so if you’re trying to run an eco-friendly household, be sure to double-check your litter before buying.
What’s the Difference Between Clay Cat Litter and Regular?
The difference between clay cat litter and “regular” cat litter depends on what you think regular cat litter is. There are tons of types of cat litter, including pine, corn, grass, wheat, and silica cat litter. Some households may even use recycled paper for cat litter.
Aside from the obvious — that every cat litter is made from a different mineral or material — clay cat litter isn’t so different from other options. While there are positives and negatives to clay cat litter (which we’ll get into later), the main factor that sets clay cat litter apart from other types of litter is how your cat reacts to it. Remember, your cat is the one using the litter, and you want to pick an option that they’ll use.
Is Clay Litter Good or Bad for Cats?
If you’ve read articles on Lux Cat Living before, then you already know what’s coming — whether clay cat litter is good or bad for cats depends on your cat. Every cat is unique, and while clay cat litter could be the perfect option for one cat, it could be the worst for another.
To decide whether to use clay cat litter in your home, consider the positives and negatives of clay litter.
What are the positives of clay cat litter?
Clay cat litter has many positives, including the following:
Affordability. Clay cat litter is among the most affordable options available. Because the litter clumps, you don’t have to change out the litter as often as you would with other types of litter.
Absorbency. As mentioned earlier, clay cat litter is naturally absorbent, perfect for capturing liquids and clumping.
Low odor. Another benefit of absorbency is that clay litter traps odors, lowering the chance of stinky litter wafting through your house.
Great for adult cats. Clay litter might not be the best litter option for kittens or older cats due to dust and clumping, but it could be the best pick for adult cats.
What are the negatives of clay cat litter?
If you’re hesitant to switch your cat to clay litter, perhaps one of these could be the reason why:
Dust. Dust is an issue with clay litter. While the dust created by clay litter isn’t substantial, cats with asthma or respiratory problems may be bothered by the litter. If this is an issue, you should consider the healthiest cat litter.
Weight. Clay litter — especially after it’s used — is very heavy. This makes for cumbersome cleaning, plus you have to carry the box of litter from the store to your home.
Sticking. While not super common, clumping litters like clay cat litter can stick to your cat’s paws. This is particularly worrisome for kittens since cats and kittens will clean their paws and could eat the litter. At the very least, your cat could end up leaving little clay litter tracks around your home.
Environmental impact. We already mentioned that not all clay litters are biodegradable, but it’s worth bringing up again.
Final Thoughts: Clay Cat Litter
Clay cat litter is a popular litter choice for a reason. Clay litter naturally clumps, traps liquids and odors, and is super easy to use. However, not all cats will react positively to clay litter. Cats with allergies, asthma, or respiratory issues might need a different type of litter. In the end, the best litter option for your cat is the one they like the most.
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