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Aug 22, 2023

Best cat litters list: Self

There has rarely been a time in my life when I haven't owned a pet cat. There have been a few pet budgies and fish from time to time, but nothing claims my heart as a feline friend – or four. I very

There has rarely been a time in my life when I haven't owned a pet cat. There have been a few pet budgies and fish from time to time, but nothing claims my heart as a feline friend – or four.

I very happily claim the title of a 'cat lady' and with that comes some insight into what cats (or at least my cats) need in their day-to-day lives – a fresh can or sachet of meat a few times a day, some pellets to nibble on and a comfy place to rest for the majority of the day.

I also have some knowledge of the dreaded cat litter tray and kitty litter. There are quite a few types on the market that will work in different households and suit your needs as well as your cats.

There certainly is. Some kitty litters are designed to clump together when your precious cat leaves a little present for you to clean up. Just grab the scoop and throw it out without changing liners or litter. There are also non-clumping that help absorb your cat's wee, but makes it difficult to clean up in one swoop and more likely than not will require a full cleanout when ready.

On top of all this, there are different materials. The main options are clay and crystal, but there is also wood, plant, paper and organic litter available.

The short answer is yes, they technically could, however more owners are opting for indoor-only cats as pets or indoor/outdoor. According to a 2021 study by Nottingham Trent University, close to half are kept solely as indoor pets due to owner concerns over their safety.

Additionally, living in Australia throws a spanner in the works and keeping your cat indoors will help prevent injuries to our native wildlife. So while you could try and get them to treat the outdoor world as one big toilet, your cat will probably more likely want or need to go inside – which is where kitty litter comes in.

So to keep your cats comfortable when nature calls and make the cleanup just a tad bit easier, here are some of the best cat litter varieties available and the varieties of litter that my cats prefer.

NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.

Used and preferred by both my indoor cats and my indoor/outdoor cats, the Breeders Choice Cat Litter is one of the cheapest litter options on the market, costing just 10c per 100g for the 15kg bag. It is the litter my cats prefer over the rest – no odd stepping around or sticking one leg out causing an 'accident', they always go straight in, do their business, have a quick dig to cover it and on they go.

It is not a clumping litter, so a quick clean-up here and there will give my cats a fresh tray to use. Not too much odour is noticeable after it's been used thanks to its great absorbency, and little dust is created when pouring into the tray and when the cats dig around, minimising the mess around it. It's also a good option for the environment and is made in Australia from 99 per cent recycled paper.

If we can't get our hands on the Breeders Choice, we opt for the Chandler Original Cat Litter. This clay kitty has a decent amount of absorbency and works out to be even cheaper than Breeders Choice, costing just 9c per 100mL for a 15L bag. My cats are as drawn to it as the top pick, but this slides into second place as while it does remove some odour, it isn't as pronounced as Breeders Choice and you'll probably need a change of trays quicker.

Adding to why we like Chandler litter: the brand donates to cat and pet shelters around the country. That gets a big tick in my book.

As you might be able to tell, the biggest drawcard for me and my cats is if the litter can capture the smell. The Breeders Choice Plus Probiotic Litter targets just that. Not only is it made with 99 per cent recycled paper, but it also has natural and non-toxic bacteria-eating probiotics to help the smell remain contained to the tray instead of wafting throughout the house.

Made from Australian clay, Catsan Clumping Cat Litter quickly absorbs liquid and moisture to create small clumps in the tray. You can then easily scoop up and throw away the clump without wasting the remaining clean litter. Then all you need is a small top-up to refill and it's ready for the next go around.

The main difference between crystal litter compared to clay or paper litter is how it absorbs. Instead of absorbing within the litter, the crystal litter absorbs through to the bottom of the tray, so when it's time to change, you remove and replace the liner. This box of Catsan Crystal Cat Litter is made from silica gel and can absorb to the bottom effectively enough to last up to four weeks before changing. It also has a lavender scent to prevent the spread and build-up of odour.

Pine is known to be an absorbing wood, making it a perfect litter option. The Feline First Premium Pine Wood Cat Litter uses natural pine and does not add any chemicals or ink. It also produces a minimal amount of dust, reducing the mess around the tray.

Everyone has got to start somewhere, including litter training your newest family member. Not only does Breeders Choice Plus Kitten Litter have odour-eating bacteria, but is made with a natural attracting scent for cats that makes them more inclined to use it. It's also made from recycled paper and its pellets are designed to be flat to make them softer for their little paws to stand on.

The POOWEE! Clumping Lavender Litter is designed specifically for tackling cat litter odour. It quickly absorbs the waste, creates a clump for you to easily remove and emits a lavender scent to make the process a tiny bit more pleasant for you.

While it shares many of the attributes of standard litter, the Fit Litter Health Monitoring Non-Clumping Cat Litter stands out thanks the to colour-changing element. When your cat uses the little, it will change colour to indicate if there is a medical concern that will need checking by a vet.

If it turns green, that indicates your cat has urine in a healthy range. A yellow colour may mean there is a higher acidity in the urine that should be mentioned to the vet while a blue colour change may mean there is a higher alkalinity, which could potentially mean your cat has a UTI.

Helping save you from using and replacing plastic tray liners, the Rufus & Coco Wee Kitty Eco Plant Clumping Litter is a biodegradable litter that can be flushed down your toilet. It is made from a mixture of tofu, wheat and soy fibres with baking soda added to prevent odour and has a cucumber scent as an added bonus.

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