While owning a cat will bring endless love and companionship into your life, you will also have the responsibility of managing the litter box. With so many types of cat litter on the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. That’s why Zera is here to help you choose the best litter for your feline friend and your home.
What to look for when choosing cat litter
There is no one cat litter that is right for all cats or homes. Each cat has its own unique preferences, and they can be surprisingly strict about the litter they use. The litter you choose should fit your lifestyle and your cat’s needs. Finding the perfect litter can take a lot of trial and error, but knowing what’s required can simplify the process. Here are Zera’s recommendations for key factors to consider when selecting cat litter:
Clumping
Clumping cat litter forms firm clumps when exposed to moisture, making it easy to clean up urine and keep the litter box clean. While convenient for many, clumping cat litter doesn’t work for all situations. Cats that have recently undergone surgery or have unhealed wounds may be uncomfortable with clumping litter. Additionally, clumping litter can make it difficult to monitor urine output, which is important for cats with conditions such as diabetes. For kittens or curious adult cats prone to chewing on litter, clumping formulas may contain potentially harmful ingredients and pose a risk.
Texture
The texture of cat litter ranges from fine to large grains. This affects not only how easy it is to scoop up the litter, but also how well the litter sticks to the cat’s paws and carries to the rest of the house. Large grains tend to be less likely to move, while fine grains are easier to move. Litter with a softer, smoother texture tends to be better for older cats or cats with sensitive paws, who will be more comfortable digging in the litter.
Odor Control
Let’s face it – litter boxes can get smelly, especially in multi-cat households. Some cat litters rely on added fragrances to mask odors, but these can irritate sensitive cats and humans. Instead, look for a litter that neutralizes and reduces odors at the source. While no litter can completely eliminate unpleasant odors, many Zera formulas are designed to significantly reduce odors. Remember, regular scooping is the ultimate key to odor control – hats off to all the dedicated scoopers out there!
Amount of Dust
Dusty cat litter can be a nuisance for everyone in the household, especially for those who suffer from asthma or are sensitive to dust, including your cat. If your cat sneezes or has a runny nose after using the litter box, it may be time to switch to a low or no dust litter.Zera offers a variety of dust-free formulas that are gentle on your and your cat’s respiratory system.
Sustainability
Traditional clay cat litter is often made from bentonite clay, a non-renewable resource that requires mining for environmentally harmful minerals and contributes to landfills. For environmentally conscious cat owners, Zera offers sustainable alternatives that are made from renewable and recyclable materials that break down naturally. Switching to eco-friendly cat litter is a small change that can make a big difference for the planet. That said, don’t stress too much if your cat prefers traditional clay litter – the most important thing is to make sure your cat feels comfortable and confident using the litter box.
Finding the right product
At Zera, we know that every cat is unique, and their litter box habits are no different. By taking into account factors like clumping, texture, odor control, dust levels, and sustainability, you’ll be able to easily find the perfect litter for your furry friend. Whether your cat is a picky kitten, a sensitive senior, or somewhere in between, Zera offers options to fit every preference and lifestyle. If you notice a change in your cat’s behavior, such as weight loss or loss of appetite, it may be time to consider other factors affecting his or her health – check out our guide to why your cat is losing weight. Have fun digging for treasure!
Zera Cat Litter Guide: Helping you choose the best litter for your cat and the planet!
At Zera, we believe in making choices that not only benefit our furry friends, but also reduce our ecological impact and leave the world a better place for future generations (and humans, too). When it comes to cat litter, there are many options to explore. Here are the most popular types of cat litter and their pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
Bentonite clay cat litter
- Clumping: yes
- Texture: fine sandy granular
- Odor control: good, especially with a variety of odor control formulas available
- Dust content: usually high, unless you choose a low-dust formula
- Sustainability: Poor – requires hazardous mining, non-renewable and does not decompose
Bentonite has been a staple in catteries since the discovery of its bonding power in the 1940s. It’s a classic choice that most cats are familiar with, making it a favorite among felines. It is affordable and readily available, making it the most commonly used cat litter. However, it has a huge impact on the environment due to its non-renewable nature and harmful extraction methods.
Silica Litter (Crystal Cat Litter)
- Clumping: No
- Texture: Fine sandy granularity
- Odor Control: Very good
- Dust Content: Low
- Sustainability: low – requires hazardous mining, is non-renewable, and does not decompose, but has a long lifespan
Silica Sand Waste, also known as Crystal Sand Waste, consists of tiny, clear silica sand particles that are extremely absorbent. It absorbs moisture from urine and even dries feces for effective odor control. Although it does not clump, it has a long life span and is therefore replaced less frequently, thus reducing waste. However, like bentonite clay, there are concerns about its sustainability.
Diatomaceous earth Waste
- Clumping: No
- Texture: Coarse gravel
- Odor control: Very good
- Dust content: Low
- Sustainability: Good – renewable and long lasting, but still needs to be mined
Diatomaceous earth cat litter comes from fossilized algae in waterbeds. Its absorbency is comparable to silica, and it provides effective moisture and odor control. The coarser texture of this litter makes it less likely to stick to your cat’s paws, thus reducing litter marks. However, this coarse texture may not be suitable for all cats and the material still needs to be mined.
Wood shavings
- Clumping: both clumping and non-clumping options are available
- Texture: granular
- Odor Control: Good
- Dust content: low
- Sustainability: excellent – renewable, biodegradable, made from industrial by-products
Wood chip cat litter is made from wood shavings and sawdust generated during the wood production process. The pellets absorb moisture and break down into sawdust, which can be scooped up and discarded. Pine is the most common type and gives off a natural, fresh aroma that some people love (and some don’t). While this type of litter is highly sustainable, it may take a while for cats accustomed to finer litter to get used to the pellet texture.
Confetti
- Clumping: No
- Texture: Granular
- Odor Control: Low
- Dust content: Low
- Sustainability: excellent – recyclable, renewable and biodegradable
Confetti is made from recycled paper compressed into pellets, making it an environmentally friendly option. While it absorbs moisture well, it has poor odor control and does not clump, requiring frequent shoveling of soiled areas. Cats may also find the pellet texture unfamiliar. Nonetheless, confetti is a good option for those who value sustainability.
Granular Cat Litter
- Clumping: yes
- Texture: small pellets or balls
- Odor Control: Good
- Dust content: Low
- Sustainability: Good – renewable and biodegradable
Grain-based cat litters, such as those made from corn, are a natural, sustainable alternative to traditional cat litter. They clump effectively, make cleanup a breeze, and have good odor control. Smaller grains or pellets are gentle on cat claws, making them an eco-friendly choice for pet parents who are environmentally conscious.
At Zera, we’re committed to helping you find the perfect balance between your cat’s comfort and the health of the planet. Explore these options and choose the litter that best suits your cat’s needs and your sustainability goals.
Zera Cereal Cat Litter
Clumping: Yes
Texture: small pellets, absorbent
Odor Control: Good
Dust content: low
Sustainability: excellent – renewable, biodegradable, flushable
Zera’s Cereal Cat Litter is made from wheat and other grains, compressed into small, absorbent pellets that mimic the texture of traditional clay cat litter. So it’s a natural choice for cats who like to feel the familiar texture under their paws. Because of the starch in the grains, Zera Grain Cat Litter naturally clumps and makes cleanup a breeze. It also contains natural deodorizing enzymes and added ingredients like wood chips or green tea for extra freshness. Not only are these cat litters biodegradable, but they are safe to flush away.
If your cat has a habit of chewing on the litter, Zera Grain Cat Litter is a safe choice. However, it is best avoided for cats with grain sensitivities.
Zera Soy (Tofu) Cat Litter
Clumping: Yes
Texture: Soft, small pellets or balls
Odor Control: Good
Dusting: Low
Sustainability: Excellent – renewable, biodegradable, made from food by-products
Zera Soy Cat Litter is made from soybean milk and offers a soft, low-dust, highly absorbent option for your cat. This tofu-based cat litter is flushable, biodegradable and gentle on sensitive paws. It has a natural clumping ability, is easy to scoop, and is safe even if accidentally ingested, making it perfect for curious cats who like to taste litter.
Zera Grass Seed Cat Litter
Clumping: Yes
Texture: Small granules
Odor Control: Good
Dust Content: Low
Sustainability: Good – renewable and biodegradable
Zera Grass Seed Litter is a top choice for its superior clumping ability. It quickly forms firm clumps that lock in odors and clean up effortlessly. Made from grass seeds, this litter is biodegradable, compostable and soft, making it easy for cats accustomed to clay litter to adapt.
Zera Walnut Shell Cat Litter
Clumping: available in clumping and non-clumping options
Texture: Small pellets
Odor Control: Good
Dust content: Low
Sustainability: Excellent – renewable, biodegradable, made from food by-products
Zera Walnut Shell Litter is made from ground walnut shells and has a soft, grainy texture that is ideal for cats who prefer clay litter. Clumping cat litter performs just as well as traditional cat litter, but the dark color of the walnut shells can make clumping cat litter a little tricky to clean up. With its earthy walnut aroma, this litter is a natural and eco-friendly choice. However, if you or your cat has a nut allergy, it’s best to avoid walnut cat litter.
Finding the perfect litter for your cat and yourself can take a lot of trial and error, but Zera’s line of sustainable, natural cat litter makes the process easy. With Zera, good litter box days are just around the corner!
