Perhaps there isn't a more tidy animal on the earth! Cats are four-legged hygiene enthusiasts; therefore, they always need their litter and litter boxes to be in great shape. Now, read on to learn what breeders choice cat litter is and how to select the best one for your cat before you start wondering how to use the litter and the litter box!
What is cat litter?
Cat litter's history began in the early 1900s when individuals tried soaking up their cats' pee with ash, sand, clay, and mud. The effectiveness of these materials varied depending on factors like odor, non-clumping, clinging to feet, difficulty cleaning, and so forth. Edward Lowe found in 1940 that granular clay could absorb moisture and hold onto odors.
Lowe developed this into a company idea after hearing encouraging comments from his friends and relatives. He dubbed his 5-pound bags of powdered clay "kitty litter." And this marked the beginning of what is now so widely utilized in every home with cats.
What is cat litter used for?
Cats naturally burrow their waste in the ground. The concept behind cat litter was the same: by allowing cats to excrete and bury their waste, it would be simpler for humans to remove and dispose of it. In the past, parents could only easily scoop out and dispose of cat excrement by using clay cat litter, which allowed cats to continue their natural behavior of burrowing feces.
These days, breeders choice cat litter are valued more for their capacity to regulate odors, reduce dust, clump or not, aroma (or lack thereof), and substance than for their speed of absorption.
What is cat litter made up of?
The five most popular forms of cat litter are clay (bentonite), tofu, silica, paper, and corn, while new materials are being tried out regularly.
1. Clay cat litter
This originally came in the shape of clay. There are two types available including clumping and non-clumping. Although clumping clay litter is more odor-controlling, easier to clean, and long-lasting, it is also dusty, leaves traces, is not biodegradable, cannot be flushed, and may include silica dust, which is carcinogenic. Conversely, non-clumping cat litter is less expensive and needs less scooping, but it has the same drawbacks as its clumping version.
2. Tofu cat litter
Globally, cat parents are starting to adopt tofu cat litter more frequently. Soybean fiber makes this lightweight and biodegradable litter. Since it is all-natural, the litter has a shorter shelf life. Additionally, it costs more as it is damaged due to mold.
3. Paper cat litter
Paper is used to make this kitty litter. This kind of cat litter is completely toxic free and odorless. Additionally, it is environmentally friendly which makes it a popular choice. Since it is complex to clean and has poor odor control, it is not a preferred option.
Is cat litter harmful to humans?
Silica dust, which is frequently recognized to induce upper respiratory problems in cats and people with weakened immune systems, is a common ingredient in all cat litters. It is advisable to opt for natural, odorless cat litter if you live with someone who has a compromised immune system.
