Clumping vs Non-Clumping Cat Litter

Clumping Non-Clumping Cat Litter

Questions

  • What is clumping cat litter?
  • Benefits of clumping cat litter
  • Drawbacks of clumping cat litter
  • What is non-clumping cat litter?
  • Benefits of non-clumping cat litter
  • Drawbacks of non-clumping cat litter
  • Comparing clumping and non-clumping cat litter
  • Making the right choice for your cat
Choosing the right cat litter for your feline companion can be a daunting task. With so many options available, how do you decide between clumping and non-clumping cat litter? Both types have their own advantages and drawbacks, and what works best for one cat might not be suitable for another. 
We’re taking a look at the key differences between clumping and non-clumping cat litter. We'll cover their benefits, drawbacks, and practical applications to help you make an informed decision.  

What is clumping cat litter?

Clumping cat litter.
Clumping cat litter is designed to form solid clumps when it comes into contact with moisture. This feature makes it easy to scoop out waste, leaving the rest of the litter clean and dry. Most clumping litters are made from bentonite clay, which has great absorbent properties. 

Benefits of clumping cat litter

Clumping cat litter offers several advantages. First, it makes cleaning the litter box a breeze. You can simply scoop out the clumps and dispose of them, reducing the need to change the entire litter box as frequently. This not only saves time but also extends the lifespan of the litter. 
Second, clumping litter helps control odours more effectively. The clumps trap the moisture and the smell, keeping the litter box fresh for a longer period. For pet parents who are sensitive to odours, this can be an important factor to choosing the perfect litter. 
Clumping litter is economical in the long run. Although it might be more expensive upfront, the reduced frequency of complete litter changes means you use less litter over time, making it a cost effective choice. 

Drawbacks of clumping cat litter

Despite its benefits, clumping cat litter has some drawbacks. One of the primary concerns is dust. Many clumping litters produce a significant amount of dust, which can be problematic for cats with respiratory issues and for owners who suffer from allergies. 
Another issue is tracking. Clumping litter tends to stick to your moggy’s paws and can be tracked around the house, creating a mess. Regular sweeping and vacuuming may be needed to keep your home clean. A litter mat like the Savic Litter Tray Mat can help by brushing off a lot of that debris when they step out of the tray.  
Some cats may have a preference for a particular type of litter. If your cat is not comfortable with clumping litter, they might avoid using the litter box altogether, leading to potential accidents around the house. 

Jollyes Essential Clumping Cat Litter 

Jollyes Essential Clumping Cat Litter offers excellent clumping action, making it easy to scoop out waste and maintain a clean litter box. It’s designed to control odours effectively, ensuring a fresh environment for your cat. It will save you time and effort when you’re doing your spot cleans by making it obvious which areas need to be removed with ease. You can simply use a scoop to remove any clumped, soiled litter. 

World's Best Original Cat Litter 

World's Best Original Cat Litter lives up to its name by providing great clumping and odour control. Made from natural materials, it’s safe for your cat and the environment. Its lightweight and low-dust formula makes it a popular choice among kitty parents. 

What is non-clumping cat litter?

Non-clumping cat litter.
Non-clumping cat litter, as the name suggests, does not form clumps when it absorbs moisture. Instead, it retains the liquid, distributing it throughout the litter. Non-clumping litters are typically made from materials such as clay, wood, or paper. 

Benefits of non-clumping cat litter

Non-clumping cat litter has its own set of advantages. One of the primary benefits is its low dust production. Non-clumping litters made from materials like recycled paper produces minimal dust, making them a suitable choice for cats with respiratory issues or allergies. 
Another advantage is the natural and eco-friendly options available. Non-clumping litters made from biodegradable materials such as wood or paper are environmentally friendly and can be composted. This can be an essential consideration for eco-conscious cat parents. 
Non-clumping litter also tends to be more affordable than clumping litter. If you’re on a tight budget, non-clumping litter can be a more economical option. 

Drawbacks of non-clumping cat litter

Non-clumping cat litter has its share of disadvantages. One significant drawback is the need for frequent litter changes. Since the litter absorbs moisture without forming clumps, it can become saturated quickly, necessitating more regular changes to maintain cleanliness and hygiene. 
Odour control can be another challenge with non-clumping litter. Because it retains moisture, the litter box might develop unpleasant smells more rapidly, requiring more frequent cleaning and litter replacement. 
Lastly, non-clumping litter might not be very effective at controlling tracking either. Depending on the material, it can still stick to your feline friend’s paws and become scattered around the house. 

Jollyes Cat Litter Non-Clumping 

Jollyes Cat Litter Non-Clumping offers excellent absorption, keeping your cat's litter box dry. Its low-dust formula is ideal for cats with respiratory issues. Although it requires more frequent changes, it’s an affordable option for budget-conscious cat parents. Its odour absorbing ingredients make it the perfect balance between high performing and an eco-friendly litter for your feline friend.  

BreederCelect Cat Litter 

BreederCelect Cat Litter is made from 100% recycled paper, making it an eco-friendly choice. Its high absorbency helps keep the litter box dry, and its low-dust formula ensures a clean environment for your cat. It’s also biodegradable and can be composted after use. 

Comparing clumping and non-clumping cat litter

Choosing the right cat litter can make a significant difference for both you and your feline companion. When it comes to selecting between clumping and non-clumping litters, understanding their unique characteristics and benefits is essential in helping you to make your choice. It will help you find the best fit for your kitty’s needs and your personal preferences. 

Cat sitting in litter.

Ease of cleaning 

When it comes to ease of cleaning, clumping cat litter has a clear advantage. The ability to scoop out clumps of waste makes it simple to keep the litter box clean without frequent complete changes. In contrast, non-clumping litter requires more regular changes, which can be time consuming and less convenient for busy cat parents. 

Odour control 

Odour control is another critical factor to consider. Clumping litter typically offers better odour control by trapping moisture and smells within the clumps. Non-clumping litter can struggle in this regard, as it retains moisture throughout the litter, leading to quicker odour development. 

Cost and longevity 

While non-clumping cat litter will need more regular cleaning, it generally has a lower upfront cost which tends to balance the cost between the two. By using the non-clumping cat litter quicker, they tend to average out to be very similar if you work out how often you need to replace a bag of litter.  

Environmental impact 

For environmentally conscious pet parents, non-clumping litters made from biodegradable materials like wood or recycled paper are great options. These litters can be composted, reducing your ecological footprint. Clumping litters, particularly those made from clay, are less eco-friendly and will contribute to landfill waste. 

Dust and allergies 

Dust production is a significant concern for both clumping and non-clumping litters. However, non-clumping litters made from materials like recycled paper tend to produce less dust, making them a better choice for cats and parents with respiratory issues or allergies. 

Tracking 

Tracking is an issue for both types of litter. Clumping litter, especially, can stick to your cat's paws and be tracked around the house. Non-clumping litter's tracking potential can vary depending on the material used so if tracking is at the top of your list of things to avoid, you can try a few different non-clumping litters to see which best suits your moggy.  

Making the right choice for your cat

Cat with litterbox.
Choosing between clumping and non-clumping cat litter ultimately depends on you and your cat's preferences. If you value convenience and excellent odour control, clumping litter might be the better choice. If you are eco-conscious and prefer a low-dust option, non-clumping litter could be more suitable. 
Both clumping and non-clumping cat litters have their unique benefits and drawbacks. Understanding these differences will help you make an informed decision that best suits your cat's needs and your preferences. No matter which type you choose, maintaining a clean and comfortable litter box is essential for your cat's health and happiness.Â