Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-02-21 Origin: Site
The main types of cat litter available on the market include plant sand (tofu sand, corn sand), mineral sand (bubble, perlite), crystal sand, wood sand, paper sand, and zeolite. Based on the survey, parents' preference for cat litter is as follows: mixed sand (6.98) > plant sand (6.8) > zeolite (3.39) > pine wood (2.56) > paper (2.31 > crystal sand).
It is recommended to start with mixed sand, mineral sand, tofu/corn sand. Pine and crystal sand, due to their certain toxicity, are not advised to purchase them. Zeolite cat litter and paper sand are generally more expensive. I suggest considering the characteristics of several different types of cat litter and making choices as needed.
1. Plant-based sand (tofu/corn)
Made from natural ingredients, they are very similar in size, with particles ranging from large to small, and broken plant sand is more suitable for cats' foot sensations. Now, many plant sands also contain activated carbon, which appears dark and strip-like, offering better deodorizing effects.
Advantages: quick clumping, good odor absorption, relatively small dust particles that can be washed into sewers, lightweight, and relatively safe and environmentally friendly. Disadvantages: As the weather gets hotter, plant sand tends to mold and deteriorate, producing toxic aflatoxins and attracting small insects, which need to be replaced weekly. Some kittens eat tofu pudding. Currently, there are many brands available on the market with varying quality, and even within the same brand, there can be differences in quality among different factories. Poor-quality tofu diapers can stick to the bottom and shovel, resulting in a poor-quality aroma and taste. Most green tea-flavored tofu sand mixed with feces and urine can send people away. Usage: Place the cat litter box about 3 cm long, shovel it at least once a day, and replace it entirely weekly.
2. bentonite (mineral sand)
Bentonite is the most common mineral sand, with very small particles that lack a distinctive taste. It has the closest footfeel to natural sand, and cats generally accept it well. Nano-based bentonite has better water absorption properties than calcium-based bentonite.
Advantages: strong odor absorption, good clustering, cat-loving, relatively affordable price, good for a multi-cat family experience. Disadvantages: larger dust particles, smaller particles, sticking to the fur, making it very easy to remove! It is recommended to place a cat litter box next to the litter box, or use a push-in litter box. Additionally, the ore is quite heavy and moving it is extremely tiring. Usage: Place the cat litter box in a size of about 7 cm, shovel it at least once a day, and replace it every two weeks.
3. Mixed sand
A common mixture is 30% bentonite + 70% plant sand, combining both characteristics, which can be purchased either off-the-shelf or a combination of two types of cat litter individually. Advantages: Good clumping, good odor removal, non-stick bottom, very easy to remove. Disadvantages: Dust, easy to remove, moldy parts. Usage: Cat litter box is about 3 cm long, shovel at least once a day, and replace everything weekly.
4. Crystal Sand (Silica Soil)
The main component is silica, with irregular particles that do not clump or absorb water. It should be used in conjunction with diaper pads and has a certain degree of toxicity.
Advantages: Lightweight and difficult to remove, with a high appearance. Disadvantages: It changes color after urination, developing unpleasant odors over time, quality varies, poor quality can easily be crushed, and there is a risk of accidental ingestion.
The recommendations above are only for certain brands; it depends on which type of cat litter the cat prefers and which brand of cat litter it has. The thickness of cat litter is 5-7 cm, so it's not easy to scrape it off until the urine is completely frozen. When replacing the new cat litter, proceed gradually to help the cat adapt gradually. Additionally, it's important to thoroughly clean the litter box, disinfect and dry it, and replace it with new litter. In summer, 1-2 weeks is more appropriate to prevent the growth of bacteria in the litter.
