Cat litter for kittens: which is the best and safest to use?

Fresh Step Crystals

Look

2

Smart Cat

Look

3

N1 Crystals

Look

Since time immemorial, cats have lived in human homes. In the old days, cats relieved themselves outdoors. Later, toilets for cats appeared in homes. Since natural instinct makes cats bury themselves, hygienic litters were invented. The first fillers were sand and sawdust, later their modern analogues appeared.

When a cat appears in the house, the owners are faced with the question: how to arrange a toilet for the new family member. The toilet should be comfortable for the cat, retain unpleasant odors, and be environmentally friendly. The best solution to this issue is to purchase a tray and filler for it.

Which brand of cat litter is best to choose?

Such pet products made in Japanese, Chinese, American, German and Russian are very popular. The competition among them is extremely high, but they can withstand it with dignity, leaving behind other companies, the following brands and firms:

• Pussy-Cat is a brand owned by the Kis Pis Group, which sells hygienic litter for pets. The company began its activities in 1987. Its products are environmentally friendly, recognized as safe for animals and are not very expensive.
• Effem GmbH – in this rating it is represented by Catsan Ultra Plus cat litter. This is a German manufacturer that guarantees high quality, safety and ease of use of its products. It has excellent absorption capacity, which makes its use comfortable for animals.
• Catsan is an American brand whose products are manufactured in Germany. Its range includes clay and mineral type fillers - clumping and absorbent. They come in thick cardboard packages with handles and cost slightly above average.
• N 1 – premium cat litter at an affordable price, produced in Russia. The brand's product range includes absorbent and clumping fillers, mainly silica gel. Cats respond well to them, do not walk past the toilet and do not spread its components around the apartment.
• Cat Step - the owner of the brand is the largest manufacturer of pet products on the Russian market, Amma company. Its products are created for hygienic use of the toilet by cats, to eliminate unpleasant odors in the litter box and eliminate them in the apartment. It is non-toxic, does not cause allergies and does not stick to the paws of pets.
• Zoonic is a brand that attracts interest with a wide range of pet products, including litter tray fillers. It is owned by one of the oldest on the Russian market. The range includes wood and silica gel, clumping and absorbent fillers. Most of them are available in small packages of up to 6 kg.
• Barsik is a registered trademark that has been operating on the Russian market since 1991. Its products are distinguished by high quality, hypoallergenic, safe and reasonable prices. They reflect the smell of cat urine well and prevent it from spreading throughout the apartment or house.

The most budget-friendly brands on the market are Zoonik and Barsik, and the quality of their products is not inferior to those included in the premium class category.

Rating of the best wet food for cats

Myaudodyr

The Myaudodyr filler consists only of pressed granules of natural origin (coniferous wood), which are safe for animals and the environment. The product perfectly adsorbs moisture and prevents the unpleasant smell of cat litter from spreading in the room.

A package weighing 10 kg costs only 126 rubles. Excellent price for a filler of this quality.

As practice has shown, inexpensive hygienic litter for pet trays is not inferior in quality and efficiency to more expensive analogues. Therefore, it is not necessary to pay more to ensure cleanliness and maximum comfort for your furry pets.

Rating of the best cat litters

When compiling this TOP and in selecting good cat litter, customer reviews and veterinarian opinions played a huge role.

These are the parameters we also paid attention to when analyzing the characteristics of the product:

• Type – wood, silica gel, corn, mineral or clay;
• Packaging volume and its convenience;
• Natural composition and safety of use;
• Reaction of cats to raw materials;
• Type – absorbent or clumping;
• Ease of use – can it be flushed down the toilet, is it easy to clean with a spatula, etc.;
• Natural aroma and protection against urine odor;
• Which cats are suitable for – by age and breed;
• Economical consumption and replacement frequency.

A special selection criterion was the price-quality ratio of the fillers, the brand under which they are produced, and their availability for sale.

The best cat carriers according to customer reviews

The best wood litter for cat litter

Here it is worth taking a closer look at two fillers from the famous brands “Barsik” and “Zoonik”.

Barsik Natural 4.54 l

Barsik is the best wood filler that pleases even the most picky cats. It consists of small soft granules that are comfortable for the animal’s delicate paws. The material is environmentally friendly and does not harm four-legged animals, is easily distributed throughout the tray, absorbs cat excrement well and thereby reduces the unpleasant odor. Its prevention is also helped by adding special ingredients to the composition. The raw materials are safe for humans and nature, being biodegradable.

Advantages

• Cheapness;
• High quality;
• Can be flushed down the toilet;
• Does not clump;
• Stays dry;
• Suitable for small kittens.

Flaws

• Not sold everywhere;
• Can be spread on cats' paws.

Barsik Natural is sold in a large 4.5 liter paper bag; it does not have the usual handle, so carrying the bag is not very convenient.

Zoonic Wood 5 l

I have been using this litter for more than six months, it does not clump, it is suitable for trays of different sizes and cats of all breeds...

Expert opinion

This wood filler is in no way inferior to its predecessor in the rating. Its use is comfortable for cats and humans; the granules perfectly absorb urine, have a pleasant aroma and cover up its odor. It belongs to the premium class due to its hygiene and environmental friendliness; it is made from natural raw materials. The granules are small in size, but at the same time they do not stick together and are not spread throughout the house. One package sells 5 kg.

Advantages

• Cats like to dig holes in it;
• It is carefully raked with its paws and does not fly apart;
• It does not compact, which allows you to create volume;
• Convenient packaging with handles that does not get wet;
• Inexpensive.

Flaws

• Sometimes there is a bit of "sawdust".

Absorbent

Clay

Fresh Step Extreme Clay (15.8 kg)

pros

• Absorbs odors well
• Easy to wash off
• Slowly consumed
• Absorbs quickly

Minuses

• Spread on the paws

From 1,700 ₽

Let's start the rating of cat litter for 2021 with absorbent material with an antibacterial system and odor protection. Cats mostly like it. A minor inconvenience may be that the filler sticks to the animal’s paws and then spreads throughout the apartment. Quite a good option in the proposed price category. One tray lasts a long time.

Barsik Standard (4.54 l)

pros

• Lasts a long time
• Absorbs odors well
• Doesn't clog the toilet
• Does not require frequent changes

Minuses

• A little dirty
• Quite a high cost

From 115 ₽

An excellent option for those who are accustomed to silica gel fillers, but want to save money. Quite expensive for its class, but quite suitable as a high-quality replacement for silica gel. It is enough to pour a large amount once, so that you don’t have to think about cleaning the tray for several days.

Woody

Clean paws Wood (12 l)

pros

• Environmental friendliness
• Reliable packaging
• Retains unpleasant odor
• Cheapness

Minuses

• Rarely on sale
• Quite small, so best for kittens

From 146 ₽

High-quality filler, the sawdust of which can be safely flushed down the toilet after use. There is no risk of clogging. Packed in a thick paper bag consisting of several layers. One package will last an average cat about a month. The granules are small and neat.

Pussy-Cat Woody (4.5 l)

pros

• Cheapness
• Available in almost any store
• Does not emit odors
• Convenient to use

Minuses

• There is an ammonia smell

From 92 ₽

Environmentally friendly sawdust filler that removes unpleasant odors. During production, sawdust is pressed into granules using a special technology. Can be used to fill litter trays for cats or other animals. Thanks to the special properties of coniferous wood, it has a disinfecting function and prevents the appearance of various bacteria.

Mineral

Kuzya Absorbent (4.5 l)

pros

• Low cost
• Absorbs well
• Convenient to clean
• High quality packaging

Minuses

• The cat can spread the litter around the house

From 83 RUR

Biodegradable litter for long-haired cats. There is odor protection, which allows you to comfortably stay in the same apartment with your cat. The granules are quite large. After use, they can remain on the animal's paws and spread throughout the house. There is a risk of stepping on them and injuring your leg. The filler itself is made of opoka, a mineral material.

Siberian Cat Extra Absorbent (5 l)

pros

• Cats like it
• Excellent odor absorption
• Relatively low price
• High quality white granules

Minuses

• It's hard to find 7 liter packs

From 123 ₽

A pure product made from materials of volcanic origin. Each granule is permeated with numerous pores and air channels. This allows you to absorb moisture and odors very well. After production, it necessarily undergoes a special treatment that slows down the biological processes inside the filler. It practically does not stick to the animal’s paws.

Silica gel

Cat Step Silica gel (3.8 l)

pros

• Complete absence of unpleasant odor
• Changes very rarely
• Hypoallergenic
• Large volume with low weight

Minuses

• Clings to paws and spreads throughout the house
• High price

From 320 ₽

This silica gel filler needs to be replaced much less often than other types of fillers. It stands out in this parameter even among representatives of its class. The filler is very light. With a volume of 3.8 liters, the weight is only 1.7 kg. But all these qualities affected the price of the product. It is quite high, but in the long term the filler pays off a little in its efficiency.

Fresh Step Crystals (3.62 kg)

pros

• Holds odor
• Aesthetic appearance
• Antibacterial
• No need to replace the tray for a long time

Minuses

• Very small fraction
• A little expensive

From 1,369 RUR

Premium quality silica gel filler. Allows you to quickly and effectively absorb moisture and unpleasant odors. Almost nothing remains on the animals' paws. The amount of dust is also minimal, since the granules are too small to rub against each other. One package lasts approximately two months when used by one cat.

The Best Silica Gel Litters for Cat Litters

The 2 best silica gel cat litters were included in this category. Each of them is safe and easy to use.

N1 Crystals 30 l

N1 Crystals cat litter is one of the best because it is environmentally friendly, safe and absorbs a large amount of moisture. Due to this, one load of product in the tray lasts for several days, which allows you to save money. It has a normal smell to which the animal responds well and does not repel them due to its softness. Silica gel granules do not stick to the pet's paws and fur and do not injure its tissues. Since it contains special components, the appearance of an unpleasant odor in the house is eliminated.

Advantages

• Economical to use;
• Hypoallergenic;
• Dust does not appear when filling the tray;
• Easy to clean toilet;
• Non-toxic.

Flaws

• Do not flush down the toilet;
• Tough if the animal wants to chew it;
• Not suitable for small kittens.

Cat Step Silica Gel

This cat litter is regularly included in ratings of the best among silica gel ones due to the optimal combination of high quality and low cost. It is made from a specially prepared gel that is safe for adult cats. It can not be changed for a long time, since the raw material absorbs moisture well and suppresses the unpleasant odor of urine. Cats have no difficulty burying their excrement, but it may create some noise when creating the hole. Cat Step is manufactured using European technologies and is recommended for use by veterinarians.

Advantages

• Large volume – 15.2 l;
• Convenient packaging;
• Lasts a long time;
• Contamination is easily removed;
• Does not stain cats' fur or paws;
• Does not cause allergies.

Flaws

• Not sold everywhere;
• It is better not to use for small kittens.

How to choose the right filler

The correct choice of filler is the key to harmonious and happy coexistence between pet and owner. If chosen incorrectly, the cat may ignore the litter box and do its business in the wrong place. Some cats are picky. If they are accustomed to one type of filler, they will refuse to go to another. When choosing for a small kitten, you need to consider the safety of the filling, since kittens sometimes chew on granules and can swallow them. The safest and best option for a kitten are pellets made from natural materials: sawdust, corn, paper. For a cat taken from the street and accustomed to relieve itself in sand or soil, it is more difficult to choose a litter. In this case, it is advisable to give her a choice of two trays with different contents.

Clumping fillers are very convenient. When urine gets in, it forms a lump that can be thrown away. This filling sticks less to the paws and spreads around the apartment. The price of such products is higher, but there are also more advantages.

The Best Corn Cat Litters

This is one of the most environmentally friendly options that is completely safe for your pet. The animal reacts normally to it and quickly gets used to it.

N1 Naturel Corn 4.5 l

This corn litter attracts attention due to its low price, safety and ease of use. It is hypoallergenic and does not harm the health of animals and people. It can be flushed down the toilet without clogging the drain or causing damage to the soil due to the biodegradability of the raw material. It is made from environmentally friendly corn grains, soft to the touch and pleasant to the cat's paws. N1 Naturel does not spread throughout the house and does not require constant sweeping of floors.

Advantages

• A spatula with large holes is also suitable for cleaning the tray;
• Wonderful, natural aroma;
• Natural composition;
• Looks aesthetically pleasing;
• Pleasant to the touch;
• The remains can be used as fertilizer;
• Flushes down the toilet without any problems.

Flaws

• Small volume per package – 4.5 l.

According to reviews, the N1 Naturel corn litter can be changed only 1-2 times a month, which is very beneficial for the wallet and convenient for cat owners.

The Best Clay Cat Litters

This type of filler is inexpensive and can be used in the tray for a long time without replacement, but it retains the odor a little worse than wood filler.

Catsan Ultra Plus 5 l

This cat litter is highly rated for its ability to keep your home clean. When wet, the raw materials do not stick to the cats' paws and do not spread across the floor. In case of ingestion of particles, nothing threatens the pet’s health, since the material is natural and does not cause intoxication. Wet lumps can be easily removed with a spatula; there is no need to completely replace the contents of the tray. The composition of Catsan Ultra Plus is close to the most natural, so four-legged animals stop walking past the toilet.

Advantages

• Small granule size;
• Softness of raw materials;
• When combined with water, they form compact pieces, which makes cleaning in the tray easier;
• Natural composition;
• Does not cause allergies.

Flaws

• Small volume.

The bag in which the Catsan Ultra Plus filler is packed is made of thick paper and equipped with a convenient handle for comfortable carrying.

The best mineral cat litters

Such fillers are made on the basis of zeolite, they perfectly absorb moisture and the resulting lumps are easily removed from the tray.

Pussy-Cat Ocean 4.5 l

This is the only flavored cat litter in the rating, ideal for adult cats. But for small kittens it is not recommended to use it due to possible blockage of the gastrointestinal tract if particles are swallowed. It is interesting from the point of view of ease of cleaning, instant absorption of moisture, due to which the product always remains dry. This does not push your pet away or cause him to walk past the litter box. This will also allow you to clean it less often, which will save you some money.

Advantages

• Reliable protection against urine odor;
• Pleasant natural aroma;
• Practical packaging with handles;
• Convenient release form;
• There is no sound when the cat creates a hole.

Flaws:

• Cannot be disposed of by flushing down the toilet.

The key feature of Pussy-Cat is its antibacterial effect, which reduces the likelihood of infection of the animal.

Comparison of the best products

I have summarized the main parameters of cat wood litter in a table. It’s so convenient to compare different toilets for cats and choose the best option for your pet.

Let's highlight the favorites of the rating.

Which cat litter is best to choose?

For cats with allergies, it is better to buy wood or corn fillers, which are natural and safe. They are also recommended to be chosen for small kittens and purebred cats. For everyone else, ordinary means will do. In order for animals to use the tray comfortably, it must have a pleasant aroma and protection from the smell of urine, quickly absorb moisture and remain dry.

Depending on the situation, we can recommend choosing the following options from this rating:

• For small kittens, Barsik Natural will be the most preferable.
• Pedigree cats, especially if they suffer from allergies, will be completely satisfied with Zoonic Wood.
• For those who are just getting used to the tray, it is worth choosing N1 Crystals.
• If you need not to change the contents of the tray for a long time, it is best to choose N1 Naturel Corn or Cat Step Silica Gel.
• For those looking for something with an antibacterial effect, the Pussy-Cat Oceanic is an ideal choice.
• If your cat goes to the toilet either outside or in the litter box, you can take a closer look at Catsan Ultra Plus.

As you can see from this rating, for each case you can name your own best cat litter. Therefore, when choosing it, you need to focus on the age, breed and health of the pet, and only then look at the type of product.

Advantages and disadvantages of clumping filler

Due to their unique composition, such fillers are capable of turning into a solid lump when liquid gets on them. The lumps are subsequently easily removed, while the remaining mass does not need to be replaced; you only need to slightly supplement the contents of the tray.

Bentonite clays or sawdust are usually used as raw materials. Bentonite undergoes special treatment, as a result of which the hygroscopicity of the material increases. The appearance of the filler sometimes resembles sand or porous granules of various sizes. The advantages of clumping cat litter include:

• Natural – made on the basis of natural ingredients that do not cause allergic reactions in pets and are completely safe for animals.
• Economical - when cat urine gets into the contents of the tray, only the formed solid lumps are thrown out, and the rest of the filler does not need to be changed. It can last for several more days without producing an unpleasant odor.
• Convenient to use - no liquid forms in the tray, so the contents are always dry. Cleaning is simple and pleasant.

Even with a high rating, clumping cat litters can have disadvantages:

• Inconvenient to use when keeping several cats in an apartment. The lumps do not have time to set, and pets spread them throughout the room.
• Inconvenient for disposal. Used litter must be disposed of in trash containers.