Adopting a new kitten is a joy for the whole family. Adults and kids alike can’t resist the big eyes, cute whiskers, and playful nature of these sweet, sassy little Munchkins. If you already have cats, you may want to continue using your current litter, but it may not be a good choice for your little kitty who is just beginning to understand and experience the world. We know you want to give your kitty a healthy start to a long life, so let’s get down to business about which cat litter is best for kitties.
clumping litter
By far the most popular litter used by cat owners is clumping litter, which is not the best litter for kittens. Unlike plain clay non-clumping litter, clumping litter contains compounds such as sodium bentonite clay or quartz silica that cause liquids to hold together in an expanded mass that can be easily removed from the remaining litter. these compounds are considered safe when cats come in contact with them. for kittens, the danger lies in the sprawlability of this litter.
eat clumping litter
Just like human babies, kittens experiment with things by putting them in their mouths. they can even play, roll and eat the kitty litter. when clumping litter is ingested, the expansive properties can cause intestinal obstructions. Because kittens have such small digestive systems to begin with, the threat is even greater from just ingesting small amounts of litter. kittens are more likely to eat non-food items than adult cats, but they should outgrow this stage fairly quickly. it is best to use non-clumping kitty litter.
small dogs and clumping litter
People with small dogs should also be aware of this complication of ingesting clumping litter. Some dogs think their cat’s litter box is full of tasty treats and will eat the waste right out of the box. they will often hide these “treats” when no one is looking and you may not even realize they are doing it. the more clumping litter they eat, the greater the chance of developing an intestinal obstruction and requiring expensive and invasive surgery.
Best Vet Recommended Kitten Litter
many experts recommend that the best litter for kittens under the age of four months is a non-clumping clay or glass litter. these types of litter have larger granules and won’t stick to your kitty’s paws or fur. that means that the risk of ingesting garbage during cleaning is much lower. As your kitty reaches the four month mark, you can begin to gradually switch him to clumping litter. You can start by mixing a small amount of clumping litter with the non-clumping litter and slowly increase the amount over the next few weeks. Changing them all at once can cause them to reject the new litter and start using the potty in places around your house.
As your kitty grows into an adult with her own unique personalities and character traits, she may become fussy and suddenly disapprove of the type of litter she’s used to. Just as our tastes and preferences change as we age, this can also happen with cats. As soon as you catch your feline using the potty outside the litter box, it’s best to try new non-clumping kitty litter options. they may have become averse to the smell or texture of the litter. the only way to see what they like is to experiment with new brands.
