FAQ: Litter & Accessories for cats

Only if the cat can always get onto the balcony, it is safely netted and sheltered from rain. In winter the litter can freeze and the cat may avoid going out in the cold, so the box is better kept indoors.

In warmth bacteria multiply faster and odour spreads more. In hot weather scoop the box more often, change all the litter more regularly and ventilate the room well.

Some cats can be trained with special kits, but it goes against the cat's instinct to bury, and it is hard for the owner to notice changes in urine. Also, once the cat is old or ill, perching on the toilet rim can be difficult.

A vet can provide or recommend special non-absorbent litter on which urine stays on the surface and can be drawn up with a syringe. Wash and dry the box beforehand and deliver the sample as the clinic instructs.

Digging is natural behaviour: the cat prepares a spot and checks the litter. If the cat digs for a very long time without passing anything, or keeps going back to the box, it can be a sign of constipation or urinary problems.

Some litters contain additives that reduce bacterial growth and odour, but for hygiene the key is regular scooping and washing the box. No additive replaces daily care.

Activated charcoal absorbs odours, so some litters add it as a natural, fragrance-free odour absorber. Dark granules in the litter are normal and do not mean it is soiled.

In this system large non-absorbent granules sit on top, and urine drains into a lower drawer with an absorbent pad. You remove faeces from the granules and change the pad every few days, but some cats dislike such granules.

Litter made for cats is generally safe when used properly, but heavy dust can irritate the airways, and eaten litter, especially clumping, can cause digestive problems. If the cat sneezes, coughs or eats litter, talk to a vet.

Clumping litter sticks together when it absorbs moisture from the air or room, for example when kept in a damp basement or bathroom. Keep the pack tightly closed in a dry place and throw away hardened lumps.

Clumps need a few minutes to harden, so a clump scooped right after the cat's visit may crumble. It is easiest to scoop at least once or twice a day, when the clumps are already firm.

Slide the scoop under the clump from the side and lift gently rather than pressing down from above. If the clumps still crumble, use a deeper layer of litter or choose a litter that clumps more firmly.

Bentonite is a natural mined clay, but it does not biodegrade and mining it alters the landscape. Plant-based litters are made from renewable materials, so some owners choose them for environmental reasons.

Silica crystals can crackle or hiss as they quickly absorb liquid, especially when the litter is new. This is normal, but the sound can startle some sensitive cats.

Silica gel is not considered toxic, but a larger amount eaten can irritate the gut or cause a blockage. If the cat ate a lot of litter or afterwards vomits or is lethargic, see a vet.

With diarrhoea, clumping litter is usually more practical than silica or pellets, because soft stools are easier to remove. Wash the box more often, and if the diarrhoea goes on, see a vet.

Softwood pellets often smell more strongly of wood and resin, so they naturally mask some odour, while hardwood smells milder. If the cat avoids the box because of the smell, try a milder-smelling option.

Mould appears when urine-soaked sawdust stays in the box for a long time, especially in a warm, damp room. Remove the broken-down sawdust daily, change the litter more often and keep the box in a well-ventilated place.

Some kittens find large hard pellets uncomfortable and are reluctant to dig in them. A kitten often adapts more easily to finer litter, and you can switch to pellets later by mixing gradually.

Some tofu litters are unscented, while others come with mild scents such as green tea or milk. Most cats prefer the unscented version, so it is worth starting with that.