FAQ: Litter & Accessories for cats

Silica granules turn yellow as they absorb urine, so the colour helps you see how saturated the litter is. When a large share of the granules is yellow and it starts to smell, it is time to change the litter.

For very young kittens that still taste litter, silica litter is often advised with caution, because larger crystals can be uncomfortable and should not be eaten. A soft, fine litter often suits a kitten at first.

Some cats dislike the sharper crystals under their paws or the rustling sound when digging. If the cat avoids the box, choose a finer silica litter or go back to the type of litter it used before.

No, silica gel does not dissolve in water and can block the drains. Dispose of used silica litter with mixed household waste, sealed in a bag so the smell does not spread.

Silica litter can work for several cats too, but it gets saturated faster and has to be changed more often. In multi-cat homes clumping litter, from which every clump can be scooped out, is often more practical.

They are pellets made of compressed sawdust that absorb urine and break down into sawdust. They are light, inexpensive, have a natural wood smell and can be composted, but some cats dislike the hard pellets.

Pour in a layer a few centimetres deep, remove faeces and the sawdust from urine daily. When there is a lot of sawdust, empty everything and add fresh pellets.

A sifting box has a grid floor through which wet, broken-down sawdust falls into a lower tray, while intact pellets stay on top. This makes the litter easier to maintain and less of it is used.

It is fine wood fibres or granules that form clumps when wet, much like bentonite. It is lighter than clay litter, often less dusty, and some of it can be flushed if the manufacturer allows.

Wood litter absorbs moisture well and naturally neutralises some odour, but it does not mask the smell of faeces. The key is to remove faeces daily and replace the broken-down sawdust in time.

Large pellets stick to paws less than fine litter, but the broken-down sawdust can get tracked about. A mat by the box and a sifting box, where the sawdust falls to the bottom, help.

Wood litter with urine can often be composted, but cat faeces may contain parasites, so do not use that compost on vegetables. It is worth checking local waste rules on how to handle such waste.

Wood pellets are usually low in dust, so some dust-sensitive people find them better than fine clay litter. Still, some people or cats can be sensitive to wood dust or smell.

Tofu litter is made from soybean residue pressed into granules or sticks. It is light, low-dust, forms clumps and can often be flushed in small amounts if the manufacturer allows.

Many tofu litter makers say small clumps can be flushed, but only a little should go down at a time. It may not suit older plumbing or septic systems, so follow the instructions on the pack.

Tofu litter is made from plant materials, so a small amount eaten is usually less of a concern than mineral litter. Still, eating litter is not normal behaviour, and if the cat does it often, it is worth asking a vet.

Tofu litter absorbs moisture, so keep it in a dry place in a tightly closed pack. If it gets damp it can clump in the bag or start to go mouldy.

Plant litter left for a long time in a warm, damp place can start to ferment or go mouldy, especially if urine stays at the bottom. Scoop clumps daily, keep a sufficient layer and wash the box regularly.

It is plant-based litter made from corn or wheat that often forms clumps and is lighter than clay litter. Keep it dry, because this kind of litter can go mouldy when damp.

Paper litter is made from recycled paper pellets; it is soft, very low-dust and usually non-clumping. For that reason it is often recommended after surgery or for kittens, but it controls odour less well.