Types of Cat Litter BoxesIf your cat is relatively neat, you can use a simple tray box for cat litter. Tray litter boxes are the easiest to use and least expensive, but you may find that you need to sweep up litter around the box after your cat uses it. If this is a problem, you can get a box with a hood. Your cat will need to climb inside this kind of litter box to eliminate. While the litter and odor stays inside a hooded litter box, this type of litter box needs to be cleaned more often. A hooded litter box also tends to take up more room, and it may be more difficult for some cats to use comfortably because they need to squat underneath the hood. A third option that is becoming more and more popular is a self-cleaning litter box or automatic litter box. This type of litter box automatically sifts solid material out and stores it in a plastic bag that can easily be removed and discarded. Many people find the convenience of this type of litter box worth the extra price. It may take some time for your cat to become used to a litter box that moves, though most cats can make the adjustment. Types of Cat LitterThere are many different types of cat litter, and the one you choose depends on a number of factors. Most clumping litter is clay-based and is the simplest to clean since liquid waste forms a solid clump that can easily be scooped out of the litter box. However, there are a few drawbacks to this type of litter. Clumping litters don't just clump in the box. When kitty grooms himself and licks particles of litter from his paws, those particles end up in his intestinal tract where they also clump. Cats who use clumping clay litters may be at risk for intestinal blockages, which can be very dangerouse. Never using clumping litter for kittens, cats who nibble at their litter (yes, some do) or those who have had any kind of digestive disorder.There are non-clumping clay-based litters that absorb liquid waste but do not form clumps. Crystal or silica litters are also very absorbent, capturing up to forty times their weight in liquid waste, so they are less bulky to buy and easier to carry home. Many people prefer natural or biodegradable litter, such as pine litter and litters made from paper, wheat and corn. Natural litters are best for cats (and people) who are sensitive to clay-based litters and for those who have allergies to dust. There are also litters that are considered “no-track” or “low track,” meaning they are made of fine grains so that your cat is less likely to track them throughout the house. Some litters are scented to mask odor. Antibacterial or antimicrobial litters prevent germs from feces and urine from spreading.
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