Choosing the Best Litter for Kittens
Kittens are like babies, sometimes their curiosity will get the best of them before they can discern right from wrong. Kittens may require little training, but at their young age – they will have different habits compared to adult cats. Meaning, cat litter may be seen more as a toy rather than a functioning thing for them to relieve themselves on. They will dig and maybe eat what they shouldn’t.
But you should know that it’s possible to find litter that will be safe for your tiny kitten. While there are some factors to be wary of, there’s still good litter options out there. Below are the main products and considerations to keep in mind.
Top Considerations
Avoid clumping litters
Most clumping litters are made up of a sodium bentonite base. If consumed, clumping clay litter can cause gastrointestinal distress and internal blockages.
As such, up to ages 6 -7 weeks, it’s best to not use clumping litters for your kitten. By the time they reach this age, they’ll likely outgrow that fresh curiosity. And they shouldn’t be eating litter after that.
The thing about clumping litters is they’re much easier to scoop and clean. There are clumping litters made out of more natural ingredients, however there is still a risk of your cat ingesting large chunks and causing blockage.
But if you can survive just a couple of months for your kitten’s comfort, then you’ll just have to keep an eye on the litter box and clean it on a regular basis.
Gentle litter for your kitten’s paws
As your kitten still has delicate paws, you’ll want to aim for finer textured litter. It needs to be comfortable, especially since your kitten will be walking around in it and using it often.
Finely grated litters and paper pellets are known for having a gentler consistency for cat paws. The one type of litter that has a reputation for not being as gentle is silica gel crystal types. This is non-toxic, but the texture is more harsh and coarse.
Scented versus unscented
Most cats are adverse to artificial fragrances and this is no different for kittens. While scented litters get rid of that stenchy odor, your kitten may not like it. And at this stage, you want to encourage your kitten to use the litter box!
Don’t fret though – there are plenty of unscented litters that will still mask urine and feces without artificial chemicals. Look for guaranteed odor control and positive reviews from other customers.
Biodegradable ingredients
In the event that your kitten might try to eat the litter, natural ingredients are much safer. Opt for litters that are made up of natural components and contain no harsh chemicals. This will also make it easier for you to dispose of.
Your kitten’s needs
It’s also important to take note of any allergies your kitten has. Talk to your vet so you know what your kitten needs and what it’s sensitive to. They may also provide good recommendations to help you with your decision.
Top Litter for Kittens
Tidy Cats Breeze Cat Litter Pellets Refill
Made with busy pet parents in mind, this low-maintenance litter box pellet refill from Purina makes maintenance and refills less time consuming. The Tidy Cats Breeze Cat Litter Pellets Refill is designed to leave solid waste on top, while allowing urine to pass through pellets to the pad below – providing easier scooping. Refills work with the Tidy Cats Breeze litter system, for less dust and less mess. When solid waste is scooped daily, one Tidy Cats pellet refill provides a full month of use with a 99.9% dust free formulation for cleaner air.
Tidy Cats Breeze kitty litter pellets are a safer option for kittens, under the age of 3 or 4 months, who are more likely to suffer internal blockages upon ingestion. According to the ASPCA, clay-based clumping litters can cause gastrointestinal upset should a young feline decide to eat litter. Fine granules also prevent tracking throughout your home, for more of a mess free experience. Maintain harmony, and a cleaner litter box, by utilizing Tidy cats Breeze Cat Litter Pellet Refills for your four-legged friend.
Feline Pine Cat Litter
Bring fewer chemicals and artificial fragrances into your home, with natural Pine Cat Litter from Feline Pine. Pine pellets tend to provide a safe, more natural option over clay-based products, especially where young cats and kittens are concerned. This is because kittens are more likely to ingest cat litter, and may suffer from internal distress with clumping formulas. Feline Pine eliminates this concern by utilizing natural pine, and baking soda for odor control.
Featuring a low dust, lightweight pellet, pet parents can enjoy natural odor control without the irritation of artificial fragrances – just the scent of pine. And, because Feline Pine cat litter is made using pine lumber shavings, zero new trees are harvested in order to produce any of their products. Natural pine kitty litter also lasts longer than conventional clay cat litter, due to dehydrated pine fibers that absorb more liquid. Maintain a happy, healthier home, by kicking chemical-laden kitty litter products to the curb, by switching to Feline Pine Cat Litter.
Purina Yesterday’s News Unscented Paper Cat Litter
When you house indoor cats, your choice in kitty litter not only impacts your home, but also the environment. Most kitty litter products affect indoor air quality, overall atmosphere and even waterways, to name a few. Opting for a cat litter that utilizes recycled paper, such as Purina Yesterday’s News Unscented Paper Cat Litter, is a better alternative to most conventional litters.
Aside from being a more eco-friendly choice, Purina Yesterday’s News is safe for use as kitty litter by kittens, and cats of all ages. This unscented paper kitty litter is made of recycled materials, nontoxic, up to 99.9% dust-free, and also prevents trailing from tiny paws. A kitty litter, such as Purina’s Yesterday’s News, made with recycled products means a happier, healthier home, as well as a happier feline.
Purina Tidy Cats Non-Clumping Cat Litter
Kittens appreciate a dry, odor-free litter box, especially when it’s in a safe area of the home. Purina Tidy Cats Non-Clumping Cat Litter not only provides an extended-release deodorizing system, but also a fine grain that absorbs more moisture than other kitty litter brands. Created with multiple cat households in mind, Tidy Cats traps unpleasant odors for longer periods of time, and provides a non-clumping formula that’s safe for kittens and adult cats alike.
Pet parents will especially appreciate Tidy Cats’ odor control, that allows for less frequent scooping to suit a busy lifestyle. Rather than scooping as soon as your cat is done, you can wait until the evening or following morning. Whether it’s immediately cleaned, or put off for a few hours, Purina Tidy Cats Non-Clumping Cat Litter provides around-the-clock odor control you can rely on to keep your home smelling fresh, and your kitten happy.
Naturally Fresh Walnut-Based Quick-Clumping Cat Litter
Natural products don’t have to be reminiscent of a forest green car freshener, especially with Naturally Fresh Walnut-Based Quick-Clumping unscented cat litter. A unique formula utilizes walnut shells for a kitty litter that outperforms other natural products. This walnut-based litter is 3x more absorbent, provides a near dust free experience, is biodegradable and won’t track throughout your home.
For multi-cat hoseholds, or homes with children, pet parents can rest assured that Naturally Fresh is safe for kittens and adult cats, and children, as well as the environment. While clay-based cat litters tend to create dust, pose a choking hazard, and even impact waterways, Naturally Fresh Walnut-Based Quick-Clumping kitty litter provides a comfortable environment for both cats and humans, without harming the planet.