Another Litter Question...

[scraggles]

I’m wondering if you can help me find which type of litter am I looking for?

I am currently in the process of making my two outdoor/indoor cats more used to being fully indoor, which means I now have two male cats regularly using the litter tray and I've been searching for a litter that I had once around a year back that I can't seem to find again.

The litter that I had was a (I think pellet) litter that neatly clumped into little easily removable and easily discarded lumps. I've bought what I thought was the same litter since but it did the total opposite and disintegrated into a smelly sawdust leaving the whole tray having to be fully emptied out regularly.

The one that I’m using at the moment is a clay that on its description says it clumps compactly and absorbs smells. What I’m finding is that the clumps (especially of urine) do smell and not only that, they’re kind of sticky and cling to the sides of the tray, again kind of meaning the tray needs to be emptied more.

Although budget is a bit of an issue at the moment, what I’m currently finding is that cheaper litter just means that the tray doesn’t last as long so you’re probably in some ways I'm just better off spending the money.

What I’m asking probably seems like a really simple question to most, but, essentially, what do different types of litter actually do? I’d like a litter that clumps but isn’t sticky and that doesn’t smell. Because the terms clumping and odourless don’t seem to be enough, I think I’m missing something? And because I think brands can be different in States as to here, it’s specific terminology/ingredients I’m looking for, I suppose, when buying my next bag of litter.

Thanks again!

 

[Furballsmom]

Hi! I don't know if this will help regarding finding that litter you're looking for that you used to have, but maybe there is something that you will find useful.
When And How To Switch To A New Type Of Litter
How To Choose The Right Cat Litter

Sodium bentonite clay is typically what's used in clumping clay litters, and is usually dusty. There are now pellet types as you mentioned, ground walnut, coconut, corn, corncob (MUCH better than the corn)...I don't know if Dr Elsey's respiratory relief crystals are available where you live, but that's another type on the market as well.

I use a clumping clay litter mixed with littermaid's walnut litter - the walnut actually seems to absorb the dust from the clay. There's also a ground coconut litter available that might help if you end up with a combination of a couple of litters as I do.

 

[FlawlessImperfection]

Okocat longhair clumping is wood pellets, was that the one?

 

[scraggles]

This is brilliant, you've both reminded me of what I think was in this litter, from what I remember now that I've been reminded, it was compostable so I'll be looking for that, and I'd totally forgotten until you'd mentioned it Flawless, I'm not sure if it's the brand you mention but I do think it was specifically for longhaired cats! I wonder if that's part of the secret.

Thank you so much!

 

[FlawlessImperfection]

This is brilliant, you've both reminded me of what I think was in this litter, from what I remember now that I've been reminded, it was compostable so I'll be looking for that, and I'd totally forgotten until you'd mentioned it Flawless, I'm not sure if it's the brand you mention but I do think it was specifically for longhaired cats! I wonder if that's part of the secret.

Thank you so much!

You’re most welcome! Finding the best litter for your little family is SO important! OkoCat was suggested by the lovely folks here, and I have been using it now for several months, with no plan to change! Let me give you my secret recipe!
After reading MaNY reviews online, one gentleman said to mix approximately 30% clumping longhair, with %70 soft clumping. Everyone loved this mix SO much, but the number one complaint was tracking- said to be worse than any other litter. I was determined since I cannot have any sand based product in home. I found the Booda dome litter box, that has stairs the cat must use to get in and out of the box. This steps have texture and little gutters that keep the litter in the box, it’s an amazing combination! I also keep a catch mat in front, but very little makes it that far. When I scoop I sweep the steps with a hand broom and tip any loose from the mat and the steps back in the box, and NO tracking!! I also add nonscents to the litter for any smell, so no baking soda residue anymore either! The other I just came up with a few weeks ago was adding a handful of Crystal litter to the mix (since I had leftover bags to use up) and it keeps the wood dry and fresh. Also, using a liner keeps the box from smelling, and the only liners that fit and are thick (the ones they sell aren’t) are the Johnny cat jumbo liners. I use packing tape to tape them around the edges. Also, Zero Odor spray is everywhere in my home, it chemically breaks down any scent to harmless water molecules, the scent is GONE no covered up! I can’t live without the stuff, it has a light bleach smell. It’s sold out all the time on amazon, but bed bath and beyond carries it too.
Seriously, it’s perfect!! A gal who fosters kittens has already switched too! Try it and share if you like it!

(You just remind me I forgot to do the box yesterday- in this heat! Blaaaa!)
Magic Litter Mix:
30% OkoCat clumping long hair
70% Oko Cat Clumping soft paw
Handful of Crystal litter
Non Scents Zeolite grains
Booda Dome cat box
Catch mat
Johnny cat jumbo liners
Zero Odor Spray

ökocat Super Soft Natural Wood Clumping Litter, Medium
ökocat Natural Wood Cat Litter, 8.4-Pound, Clumping for Long Hair Breeds
Booda Petmate Dome Litter Box, Titanium
NonScents Odor Control Cat Litter Deodorizer - Professional Strength Odor Neutralizer, 16oz
JONNY CAT Heavy Duty Litter Box Liners, Jumbo, 5 Liners-Box
Zero Odor ZOG 1025 General Household Basic Deodorizer Kit

 

[sweetblackpaws]

Was it Feline Pine that you were using? I remember trying that a few years ago and I LOVED it. Unfortunately my one cat at the time did not and retaliated by weeing next to the litter pan, so that was the end of Feline Pine.

 

[duckpond]

Another clumping pellet type litter i recently found. I had to try it, i may have a little problem with wanting to try every litter i find, even though my guys have never been fond of pellets. The will use this one, but they still prefer their grass or walnut litter.

Grass litters are my favorite of all. either abound that i get from kroger, or smart cat from chewy. they last a long time, no sticky clumps they come off the box very well. clumps well and no odor

Pioneer Pet / Litter / Litter & Accessories / Cat - Free shipping at Chewy.com

This one is very low dust, light weight, doesn't seem to be bad to track, and no smell. so a viable option for anyone whose cats will use pellets i think. Fairly small and softer pellets.

s://www.chewy.com/hartz-multi-cat-strong-clumping-cat/dp/141051

and i love this scoop

Catit Litter Scoop

 

[scraggles]

Oh wow, thanks so much for all the help! -

Funnily enough, although I didn't recognise the OkoCat packaging and it was the longhaired cat litter that was ringing bells, when I went searching in the shop it turns out that what I think it was that I had before is OkoCat! - just different packaging - so have that bought and have mixed it in with my current litter and we'll see how it goes. It's difficult to assess results at the moment 'cause it's mixed but it does seem to be helping prevent the clumps sticking to the tray which is great. It is tracking a bit though so that Booda dome might be the way to go...

Also I managed to find that scoop duckpond! - is it quite a bit bigger than a normal scoop? I'm going to be away for a bit in a little while so trying to make things as easy as possible for the cat minders, and seeing as they're not too used to scooping poop I think that scoop will help with that too - brilliant!

I'm also definitely going to look into some neutraliser so thanks a million for those recommendations too!

 

[duckpond]

The scoop is a bit bigger than some i have used. A deep bowl shape, not flat. And the holes are larger. you can scoop and the clean litter flows back into the box easy, no need to do the shaking and tilting thing, which just gets dirty bits of litter back into the box. It is my very favorite, and i think easiest scoop, ever.

Now if you are using a really chunky litter it might be a little more difficult, but still easier than with most other normal scoops i think.

 

[FlawlessImperfection]

You’re most welcome! Finding the best litter for your little family is SO important! OkoCat was suggested by the lovely folks here, and I have been using it now for several months, with no plan to change! Let me give you my secret recipe!
After reading MaNY reviews online, one gentleman said to mix approximately 30% clumping longhair, with %70 soft clumping. Everyone loved this mix SO much, but the number one complaint was tracking- said to be worse than any other litter. I was determined since I cannot have any sand based product in home. I found the Booda dome litter box, that has stairs the cat must use to get in and out of the box. This steps have texture and little gutters that keep the litter in the box, it’s an amazing combination! I also keep a catch mat in front, but very little makes it that far. When I scoop I sweep the steps with a hand broom and tip any loose from the mat and the steps back in the box, and NO tracking!! I also add nonscents to the litter for any smell, so no baking soda residue anymore either! The other I just came up with a few weeks ago was adding a handful of Crystal litter to the mix (since I had leftover bags to use up) and it keeps the wood dry and fresh. Also, using a liner keeps the box from smelling, and the only liners that fit and are thick (the ones they sell aren’t) are the Johnny cat jumbo liners. I use packing tape to tape them around the edges. Also, Zero Odor spray is everywhere in my home, it chemically breaks down any scent to harmless water molecules, the scent is GONE no covered up! I can’t live without the stuff, it has a light bleach smell. It’s sold out all the time on amazon, but bed bath and beyond carries it too.
Seriously, it’s perfect!! A gal who fosters kittens has already switched too! Try it and share if you like it!

(You just remind me I forgot to do the box yesterday- in this heat! Blaaaa!)
Magic Litter Mix:
30% OkoCat clumping long hair
70% Oko Cat Clumping soft paw
Handful of Crystal litter
Non Scents Zeolite grains
Booda Dome cat box
Catch mat
Johnny cat jumbo liners
Zero Odor Spray

ökocat Super Soft Natural Wood Clumping Litter, Medium
ökocat Natural Wood Cat Litter, 8.4-Pound, Clumping for Long Hair Breeds
Booda Petmate Dome Litter Box, Titanium
NonScents Odor Control Cat Litter Deodorizer - Professional Strength Odor Neutralizer, 16oz
JONNY CAT Heavy Duty Litter Box Liners, Jumbo, 5 Liners-Box
Zero Odor ZOG 1025 General Household Basic Deodorizer Kit

@Nicolerenee I saw your litter questions and thought this may help. I have a very rare nerve disorder that makes my senses extremely overwhelming, and I feel extreme pain or hear sounds from smells that are bad for me, sounds weird but it’s true. This is what I do in my house, and trust me- I’d probably be complaining louder than your dad, I totally understand! I hope this helps everyone enjoy each other’s company!

 

[FlawlessImperfection]

Ack! That’s the wrong box I’m so sorry! It HAS to be the one with steps to control the tracking- or trust me- don’t bother! The litter tracks like MAD! The steps just need to be brushed off daily and you’re all set!
Booda Petmate Dome Cleanstep Cat Box, Brushed Nickel
@Nicolerenee
scraggles

 

[tlco]

Ok this is not like the one you are looking for but I use a litter from WalMart called Meme litter. It is Seliac litter. Fresh Step also shows one but it's more expensive. It does not clump but it completely absorbes the liquid and any moisture from the pooh, completely drys it out so you can scoop away. The coast is $9 a bag and the good part is one bag last one cat a month, you put the whole bag in the litter box, so with two cats you would change it twice a month. I love it NO smell no mess.

 

[FlawlessImperfection]

Ack! That’s the wrong box I’m so sorry! It HAS to be the one with steps to control the tracking- or trust me- don’t bother! The litter tracks like MAD! The steps just need to be brushed off daily and you’re all set!
Booda Petmate Dome Cleanstep Cat Box, Brushed Nickel
@Nicolerenee
scraggles

@Babypaws here is the right box...

 

[FlawlessImperfection]

Another clumping pellet type litter i recently found. I had to try it, i may have a little problem with wanting to try every litter i find, even though my guys have never been fond of pellets. The will use this one, but they still prefer their grass or walnut litter.

Grass litters are my favorite of all. either abound that i get from kroger, or smart cat from chewy. they last a long time, no sticky clumps they come off the box very well. clumps well and no odor

Pioneer Pet / Litter / Litter & Accessories / Cat - Free shipping at Chewy.com

This one is very low dust, light weight, doesn't seem to be bad to track, and no smell. so a viable option for anyone whose cats will use pellets i think. Fairly small and softer pellets.

s://www.chewy.com/hartz-multi-cat-strong-clumping-cat/dp/141051

and i love this scoop

Catit Litter Scoop

Thanks SO much! I just ordered this scoop, I have two others and they really don’t work well with OkoCat, everyone online said this is the best one for that litter too- I’m very grateful to you for sharing!