In particular, for many pet’s owners, the process of changing the cat’s litter is rather an improper action. However, the ordinary clay cat litter is impractical – it may be dusty, create numerous messes, and is not eco-friendly. The good news is that there exist so many natural clay litter substitutes which are safe and environment friendly. In this article I will discuss some natural cat litter products as well as their advantages and disadvantages of using it and how to change from traditional to an eco-friendly product.
Advantages of Cat Litter Substitutes Derived from Natural Products
- Reduced Dust: Actually, one of the biggest issues people have with using classic Street clay litters is that such material creates a lot of dust in the space it occupies. This dust is particularly dangerous to cats that are breathing-compromised, as well as to humans who may be sensitive to it. Apart from being environmentally friendly, natural litters like pine, corn or paper generate much less dust than clay types.
- Better Odor Control: Most natural litters are quite smell neutralizing because of their organic nature. For instance, using litters such as those from walnut shells or corn can eradicate bad odor without the use of chemicals.
- Eco-friendly: In this case, natural cat litters are probably more friendly to the environment as compared to clay litters. For instance, ready for use, wood based litters and some corn based litters are eco-friendly since they can be composted. These therefore signify that the utilization of these alternates does not reduce the generation of dump wastes.
- Healthier for Cats: Clay litter can be very abrasive for some cats and those with sensitive paw pads will find the litter uncomfortable to walk on. A natural litter does not harm the feline’s paw and some of them have the ability to pull out moisture implying that the cat has to groom it self on the litter box.
Some of the Natural Cat Litter Substitutes Disadvantages
- Higher Costs: While natural ones might be easily found in the market, they can be expensive than clay ones and may be a big setback for many people having these pets. However, it is surprising to realize that there are many people who would prefer to feed their cat Instant canned food because apart from the environmentally friendly advantages the cost is quite acceptable and, apart from that it can increase the health of the pet.
- Absorbency: Not all natural litters can be as effective as clays when it comes to absorption of the urine. What this can lead to is more frequent scooping of the litter to prevent smells from filling your home; or having to deal with a dirty litter box.
- Tracking: Some of the natural litters like those that are made from corn or wheat will tend to form clumps than the others. This is perhaps one reason why your cat will track the litter all around your house more often with a clay-based litter than using the other types. However, to avoid this, it is advisable to use a litter mat right in front of the litter box area.
- Not All Cats Like It: Switching your cat to a new kind of litter may not be easy. Occasionally, you can find that your cat has refused to use the new litter and completely abandons the litter box. In this case, you may be forced to go back to a mechanical type of litter or consider another natural one.
How to Make the Switch
- Choose Your Litter: First things first and that is choosing a natural cat litter that you believe your cat will not mind using. You have to also put into consideration some attributes such as smell, feel and capacity to soak on the clothes.
- Mix Litters: This way, gradually blend a little amount of the new litter and the old one in order to make the transition easier for your cat. Transition from the current litter to the new litter gradually while using lesser and lesser of the traditional litter.
- Keep the Litter Box Clean: Clean the litter box when making the change and more often than before since it may take some time before it absorbs the wastes as well as before. This will reduce the amount of odor produced and make sure your cat will continue using the litter box.
- Be Patient: It might take some time, maybe weeks before your cat starts using the litter as expected. Finally, do not forget how your cat behaves during their litter box use; you may need to go back to a traditional type of litter. After your cat gets used to the new litter, one can gradually introduce the amount of litter used and change to a 100% natural litter.
In Conclusion
Biological cat litter products are a more environmentally friendly and often healthier alternative to traditional clay litters. By weighing the pros and cons of various natural litters, you can make an informed decision about the best option for your cat and household.
When transitioning your cat to natural litter, it’s important to do so gradually, ensuring the change prioritizes your pet’s comfort and happiness. A little experimentation may be needed to find the perfect match for your kitty’s needs, but the effort is worth it for their well-being and the environment. Explore sustainable biological cat litter options at purrfectlypure.com and make a positive change for your furry friend. 🐾
