Before that, most people just used dirt from their gardens for litter. Sand was another choice, if it was easily available. Some people used ashes, and others just used shredded newspaper.
Today we have an incredible assortment of cat litters available. How do you choose the best one?
To answer this question, you need to think like your kitty. A common mistake is to choose something you like, instead of considering what your cat may like.
Your cat is more interested in the smell and texture of the litter. You are more interested in odor control, how easy it is to scoop, and if it's safe for your cat. What it comes down to is, will your kitty use it?
There are many types of cat litter available. Your options include traditional clay litter, clumping (scoopable) litter, and alternative or natural litters made from paper, corncob, orange peel, wheat, wood, grass, silica, and even peanut shells.
Clay litter is the most widely-used because it can absorb between 75% and 100% of its weight in moisture. Just remember that cats don't like stepping on wet litter. Plus wet litter smells bad, both to humans and cats. So you'll need to keep the feces scooped out, and change it twice a week to keep both you and your feline friend happy.
Clumping litters are very popular today. The cat's urine causes the litter to form clumps which can be scooped out. This is great because you don't need to change all the litter. You just replace what has been scooped out. Your cat likes the soft texture, and there's less odor, since the odor source has been removed.
Many cats prefer the sand-like texture of the clumping litters as it's easier on their paw pads.
Keep in mind that some clumping litters clump better than others. The less expensive ones that break apart easily are harder to scoop. You should also change the litter completely at least once a week. A better quality clumping litter is easier to scoop every day, and may last longer.
A natural litter may appeal to you, but it may not appeal to your cat. If it has a texture and smell different from what your cat is accustomed to, she may not recognize it as cat litter. If this happens, she may try to hold her urine, which can lead to health problems, or she may use your carpet instead.
Avoid perfumed litters. They may smell good to you, but most cats are repelled by them.
If you want to start using a different kind of cat litter, buy a new litter box for it. Keep the old box (and litter) until you know that your cat is actually using the new litter. Let your kitty discover the box on her own. You may want to take some urine or feces from her old box and put it in the new one so that she gets the idea. If she likes it, great! If not, go back to the old litter.
Once you and your furry friend find a litter you both like, stick with it to avoid litter box problems and cat urine odor.