Best Cat Litter And Litter Box Tips For A Happy, Healthy Cat

Keep your feline happy and healthy by choosing the right cat litter and litter box. Create the perfect litter box environment, and address common problems effectively.

Making sure your cat is happy with his litter box is key to his comfort, health, and well-being. No one solution fits all cats. So, it’s up to you to carefully choose a litter and litter box that suit your feline’s unique needs and preferences. Here are the best cat litter and litter box tips for a happy, healthy cat.

1. Choose an easy-to-access litter box

Buy a quality litter box made of durable materials that you can clean easily. Make sure it’s comfortable for your cat to access. For older cats or those with mobility issues, choose a litter box with lower walls. This makes it easier for them to get in and out.

“Another option would be to modify a standard litter box by cutting down the wall on one side,” says veterinarian Dr. Gary Richter. “Or use a tray rather than a conventional litter box so the cat can just walk on to the litter. Ultimately, the best choice is what works best for your cat.”

Keep in mind: Studies show that small box size contributes to litter box aversion. Veterinarians recommend using a box 1.5 times the cat’s body length. Research also indicates that older cats are stricter about litter box hygiene than younger ones.

2. Make the right cat litter choice 

There are many types of cat litter to choose from, including clay, silica gel, grains, coconut husks, and pine sawdust (see sidebar on page xx for more). Each type offers unique properties that match the specific preferences cats develop at different life stages.

Low-dust and low-tracking litters help cats with respiratory issues and allergies stay comfortable. A healthy adult cat is less prone to litter allergies, but kittens and seniors are more vulnerable.

“Although true allergies to litter are uncommon, some cats are sensitive to the dust,” says Dr. Richter. “Cats may sneeze or show signs of other respiratory issues. There are many ‘low dust’ options out there, including litter made from wood or recycled paper. For cats in which dust is a very significant issue, litter pearls provide a dust-free option.”

Experiment with different types of litter to find the one your cat prefers. Always choose litter that is safe, non-toxic, and offers odor control and clumping. If you try a new litter and your cat avoids the litter box, then it’s not the right product for him.

Keep in mind: Your cat’s life stage may influence changes in litter preferences. Kittens and senior cats are more sensitive to litter than cats in midlife, which means you may have make some switches as your cat matures or ages.

3. Create a healthy litter box environment

Improper placement or too few litter boxes (especially in multi-cat homes) can discourage use.

“Giving cats options and privacy can lower stress and make them more comfortable using the litter box,” says Dr. Richter. Locate the litter box in a quiet but accessible area. If you have more than one cat, provide more than one box. Cats that are older or have mobility issues benefit from a litter box on each floor of the house 

4. Scoop the litter box often 

Cats prefer clean bathrooms just like people do. Premium litters with natural clumping binders can last weeks, but you should still scoop the litter box daily. Most of the time, the more often you scoop, the better performance you’ll get from the litter.

Changing litter box habits can warn of health issues 

A change in your cat’s litterbox habits could signal a health or behavioral problem. This makes it important to monitor his litter box use, know what changes to watch for, and how to address them effectively.

Keep in mind: Just like us, cats experience stress from different life events. This can trigger anxiety, hiding, changes in appetite, excessive grooming, aggression — and sometimes elimination outside the litter box.

“When stress or anxiety is an issue, holistic options such as calming pheromone products, essential oils, cannabis (CBD), herbs, acupuncture, and other therapies are often helpful in mitigating symptoms,” says Dr. Richter.

“Frequent urination may signal a UTI, kidney problems, or other health issues,” says Dr. Richter. “Straining to urinate could indicate irritation or a urinary obstruction in male cats, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.

“Any changes in behavior regarding the litter box, such as more frequent trips, less frequent trips, spending more time while there, etc., should all be taken seriously and warrant a call to the vet,” he advises.

Keep in mind: Depending on the problem, nutritional changes may be warranted as part of the treatment plan for litter box-related issues, such as stress, recurring UTIs, diarrhea and constipation.

“Appropriate therapy depends on the underlying issue,” says Dr. Richter. “Nutritional and dietary changes are the most impactful when it comes to preventing or treating medical conditions that may manifested as changes in litter box behavior.

“We use herbs and acupuncture as well,” he adds. “Things like urinary bladder irritation/ inflammation, recurring UTIs, constipation, diarrhea, and stress-related behaviors can all benefit from holistic therapy. However, it is important to note that there are times when Western medicine is required, particularly when it comes to infections.”

Litter box problems aren’t uncommon. But by following the best cat litter and litter box tips for a happy, healthy cat, you can minimize or even prevent them. Choose the right litter and box for your cat’s needs and preferences. Situate the box in the right spot and scoop it often. And be sure to keep your cat healthy with a nutritious diet and low-stress lifestyle.

The latest in cat litter types 

• Tofu litter features lightweight tofu by-products with exceptional clumping for easy cleaning. It’s made from food waste and is a sustainable, dust-free formula for sensitive noses and paws.
• Coffee and coffee bean litter is made from decaffeinated coffee and coffee bean waste and is another sustainable cat litter solution for unique odor control and good clumping abilities. It’s also nearly dust-free for easy litter box maintenance.
• Cereal litter features upcycled food waste by-products, including millet, corn, buckwheat, wheat, soy, and peas. This lightweight and very absorbent cat litter formula features a woody aroma that neutralizes odor.
• Wood fiber litter is made entirely from sustainably sourced wood fibers and is a biodegradable plant-based cat product. It features no dyes, chemicals, or artificial fragrances.
• Green tea and hinoki cypress litter helps suppress bacteria and nasty odors naturally without using fragrances. This low-dust formula is 90% lighter than clay and works well for cats suffering from allergies and asthma. It also features natural binders for clumping.
• Health monitoring litter, made with bentonite, features health monitoring technology. Granules change color to blue when they detect blood or glucose in urine, offering early warnings of UTIs and diabetes.

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