How we tested the best natural cat litters

फेब्रुवारी . 28, 2024 09:41 Back to list

We tested the natural cat litters by comparing litters of the same material side by side to evaluate their absorption and clumping abilities, dustiness, scent, and texture. Then, the top two litters in each category underwent additional testing for two to four weeks to assess odor control and tracking. Below are the additional characteristics we examined for each litter.

Litter weight, shape, and softness: According to our experts, cats generally prefer a soft, grainy substrate that is easy to dig. We evaluated the shape and grain size using a kitchen strainer, texture by touch, and weight by measuring an equal volume of each litter on a kitchen scale.

Dust: One of the reasons veterinarians recommend natural litters is because they tend to be lower in dust than the average clay litter, making them a good option for cats and people with respiratory issues. We observed how much dust was emitted when pouring and scooping the litter and how much stuck to the sides of the pan.

Areeman OEM/ODM Bentonite Cat Litter-Quick clumping

Scent: Many cats are sensitive to scent. Even natural scents like those of wood litter can make some cats avoid their litter box, says Dr. Christine Calder, a veterinary behaviorist and owner of Calder Veterinary Behavior Services. We did a careful sniff test of each litter to determine the strength of its natural scent.

Clumping ability and ease of cleaning: We compared a measured amount of each litter in matching dishes. We added 1/4 cup of water to determine how quickly and easily the liquid was absorbed and how solidly it held together in clumps. After two absorption trials, we cleaned the dishes, looking for any escaped moisture that had left clumped litter stuck to their interior.

Odor control and tracking: We tested the top litters from each category in litter boxes for two to three weeks. During twice-daily cleanings, we noted how well the litter masked odors and whether that ability changed over time. We also considered how easy it was to remove clumps and how much litter was tracked onto the floor around the litter pan. Because our tester cats were unwilling to use grass litter regularly, we could not determine how well it would control odors after weeks of use.

Cost: We compared the cost per pound of the litters. Additionally, we accounted for the longevity of the litter and the quantity needed to fill a large litter box to a preferred depth — 1.5 to 2 inches, as recommended by Geller.

How we tested the best natural cat litters

Areeman OEM/ODM Bentonite Cat Litter-Quick clumping

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