Cats are very particular with scents and just as they can become finicky with particular smells the same rings true when it comes to their litter box. Once they don’t like its smell they’ll scurry off and relieve themselves somewhere else. Keeping the litter box nice and fresh is essential for ensuring that the cat keeps using it.
How much cat litter to use per month?
On average, a smaller cat will need around 7 pounds of cat litter each week or around 28 pounds per month. If you have a large cat it will need at least 10 pounds each week or around 40 pounds per month. However, if your cat is going through a medical condition like a kidney disease that increases urination she may need around 10 to 15 pounds per week or 40 to 60 pounds per month.
These are the average estimates on how much cat litter to use per month based on the type of cat litter used:
- non-clumping cat litter – 15 pounds per week or 60 pounds per month
- clumping cat litter – 7 to 10 pounds per week or 28 to 40 pounds per month
- paper cat litter – 25 pounds per week or 100 pounds per month
How often should you change cat litter?
You should take out or scoop out the clumps and feces daily to keep the litter box clean. This way you don’t have to change or replace cat litter as often as necessary. Also, a big factor that determines how often cat litter should be changed is the type of cat litter that you normally use.
Common types of cat litter
Here are the common types of cat litter that you should be aware of so you’ll be able to identify and decide what’s the best type for your cat:
1. Clumping clay
This is made of absorbent bentonite clay which forms into clumps each time your cat urinates in it. It makes cleaning and scooping very easy and convenient. However, it’s non-biodegradable and dusty.
2. Non-clumping clay
It doesn’t form into clumps but still absorbs urine well and cheaper than clumping clay. However, it requires frequent changing because it smells sooner as compared to bentonite clay.
3. Silica gel crystals
These are made of tiny silica gel beads that are very absorbent, almost dust-free, and controls odors. These crystals resemble those desiccants in small pouches that are used as preservatives for medication, food, and products that tend to get damaged easily due to excess moisture. However, it’s expensive and poses a danger if it’s ingested in large amounts.
4. Recycled paper
This environment-friendly cat litter type is available in the pellet or granule form. Paper is biodegradable, highly-absorbent, and dust-free which makes it convenient to use. The granule form also turns urine into clumps.
5. Pine
This type is usually made from pine lumber scraps that are recycled and heat-treated to eradicate the oils, toxins, and allergen of the wood. The pine scent controls odors and available in pellet, granule, and crushed pine form.
6. Corn
This is another environment-friendly cat litter type that’s biodegradable, highly absorbent, and effective odor control. However, vets don’t normally recommend this since corn is known to cause allergies to cats and there’s a possibility that your kitty may ingest this litter type should this be used as an option.
7. Grass
This fine-grained litter type is quite new in the litter market and made from USA-grown prairie grass. It controls odors, has good clumping ability, and biodegradable as well.
8. Walnut shells
This litter type is made from crushed walnut shells and a good alternative to the usual clumping clay type. It has good odor control,
clumps easily, and very absorbent. Most importantly, it’s biodegradable and won’t harm the environment.
9. Wheat
It’s made from ground wheat, provides odor control, biodegradable, and clumps easily. However, like corn, this is not highly advisable to use for your cat’s litter box.
Things to remember when using cat litter
Cats generally avoid litters with floral or citrus scents and vets usually recommend unscented types of cat litter with no odor control additives. Cat experts also note that cats favor clay clumping litter made of small granules. While one litter box is ideal for your pet cat, it’s advisable to provide an additional one.
Benefits of using cat litter
Having a clean and well-maintained litter box means having a happy cat around. Needless to say, your pet kitty has high regard for its box and personal “me time”. These are just some of the advantages that come with using cat litter:
For your cat’s comfort
Cats can be very picky with a lot of things and this includes where they urinate and defecate. Choosing the right cat litter is essential to ensure that your cat is comfortable. Having the right cat litter type for her litter box is also important not only to avoid anxiety but for health reasons.
For hygiene purposes
The use of cat litter is a hygienic way to clean and get rid of your cat’s poop and urine. Clumping clay litter and natural cat litter like granulated paper is very absorbent and strong odors are well-controlled. Your cat’s urine or poop is easily collected and disposed of. The use of cat litter also prevents the spread of viruses and bacteria from cats that could afflict other pets and even humans.
Some additional facts about cat litter
Here are some interesting facts about cat litter:
- The origin of cat litter can be traced back in the 1940s when it was discovered by American entrepreneur, Ed Lowe. He invented a granulated clay solution which absorbed urine, trapped odors, and didn’t track through the house.
- Before Lowe invented cat litter, people used ash and sand to absorb their cats’ urine which was messy because it left tracks around and stick on the pets’ paws and fur.
- Thomas Nelson, a biochemist, and cat lover is credited for the discovery of clumping cat litter made from bentonite clay in the year 1984.
Conclusion
As pet parents, we only want the best for our furry babies which we consider as part of our family. We care for their health, safety, and comfort that’s why we see to it that we provide them with sufficient food, a comfy place to sleep, and toys to entertain them. Most of all, we should see to it that their cat litter boxes are kept clean and well-maintained by ensuring that there’s always sufficient cat litter around.