Every cat parent knows the joys of having a pet around the house, but having a feline BFF isn’t all catnip cuddles and early-morning purrs. With this special relationship comes responsibility and some less-than-glamorous tasks.
One of those to-dos is choosing the right litter. It’s a big decision for you and your furry companion — and it’s about more than just avoiding foul smells. Though, it’s definitely about that too. The key is finding a no-fuss litter that provides everything a cat requires. While those needs vary from home to home and cat to cat, it helps to understand how products like Tidy Cats® Tidy Care Comfort take everything into consideration. Here’s how to find the cat litter that suits your family.
1. Scented vs. Unscented
If you’ve ever missed a litter-box cleaning, you know it gets unpleasant fast — and a smelly litter box isn’t just unappealing to you — cats don’t like it either.
Consider the scent of the litter you choose to refill the box. “The smell of different cat litter brands may be important to some cats, while others may not show a strong preference,” says Gabrielle Fadl, DVM, director of primary care at Bond Vet in Brooklyn. “Cats have a highly developed sense of smell, so they may be more sensitive to certain odors. Some may avoid using the litter box if they dislike the scent of the litter. It’s essential to choose a scent that your cat finds acceptable, or opt for unscented litter if your cat is sensitive to strong odors.”
A product like Tidy Care Comfort can help you hone in on smell as a variable. “Tidy Care appeals to cat owners because it offers a cat-selected bright and natural scent in addition to unscented, it’s easy to clean, and it truly has put the cat’s preferences first — all encouraging regular litter-box use,” says Purina veterinarian Callie Harris, DVM.
2. Easy Cleanup
Longtime cat parents know that anything that makes cleanup easier is a victory. Clumping cat litter like Tidy Care Comfort does exactly that.
“A major deterrent for cats is if their box is uncleaned,” says Dr. Harris. Clumping litter ensures you’re getting as much of the cat’s waste as possible, leaving it nice and tidy for your home’s smallest residents.
Another benefit of clumping litter is that it’s typically low-dust. In addition to keeping the mess at bay, “a cat litter that produces minimal dust is preferred, as excessive dust can irritate your cat’s respiratory system,” Dr. Fadl says.
Pro tip: Tidy Cats’ best practices include scooping daily, washing the litter box with water and a mild detergent monthly, to a three-to-four-inch depth with clumping litter (or two to three inches with non-clumping), and having one litter box per cat, plus one extra.
3. Appealing Texture
If your cat is showing signs of discontent (e.g. kicking litter around), it’s telling you something’s not right. “If it suddenly starts avoiding the litter box, that could also be a sign that they’re unhappy with the litter,” Dr. Fadl notes. “If your cat seems hesitant, restless, or uncomfortable, those are signs the litter may not be suitable for them.”
Of course, finding their ideal litter can be a trial-and-error situation. “Cats may have preferences for certain textures,” Dr. Fadl says. “Some cats may prefer softer litter, while others may not mind a coarser texture.” One way to note that the granule isn’t working is if you notice tracking. “Excessive tracking of litter outside the box may suggest that the litter is adhering to your cat’s paws,” she adds.
Dr. Harris notes that Tidy Care Comfort considered this variable in its product testing. “It has smaller granules for a cat-preferred paw feel (versus the leading clumping litter).”
4. Pet-Safe Ingredients
While you may check the labels on food at the grocery store, you might not be perusing the ingredients on litter — but you should be. Make sure that the litter is made with materials that are safe for everyday use — such as natural clay, like Tidy Care Comfort — or even corn, wheat or pine. “Cats may accidentally ingest litter while grooming themselves,” says Dr. Fadl.
Overall, you again want to see consistent litter-box usage. “If you notice signs of skin irritation or excessive grooming, it may be an indication of an allergic reaction.”
Broadly, you’re looking for something that feels right to you and allows your cat to relieve themself without issues. A product that clearly checks off all these boxes, like Tidy Care Comfort, can be a good place to start your search for the (don’t say it, don’t say it…) purr-fect cat litter.
