Is a Clumping Cat Litter a Safe Option for Kittens?
If you are the new owner of a small, nice kitten, one of the many things you’ll need to buy for your new pet is a box to use whenever it has to go do its needs. The question is what kind of box to get, and if a clumping cat litter is a good option? Is it safe for your pet or should you consider other options? A crystal cat litter could also be a very good option, but it is up to the owner to decide which is what he considers a better choice.
Should You Choose a Crystal Cat Litter?
The best thing you can do is to look at both the pros and cons of each model available. Should you see if a crystal cat litter does a better job? Silica gel is the ingredient that such a product is based on, and many love it because it traps odours and absorbs all the liquid, which, of course, as a result, will get rid of all those bad smells that no animal pet wants to have around its house. The bad part is that if the kitten urinates on the part where it already did, the urine will not be absorbed.
That means you will not get rid of the smell, because for that to happen, it means that the area must be dried. For that specific reason, many choose the clumping cat litter because it is super convenient, as every time the bentonites the ingredient from these products gets wet, it transforms into little clumps, which stops the bad odour. If you wonder if it is a safe option, the best answer is that it depends on the age of the kitten. If your kitten is smaller than 4 months, then you should avoid it as it can cause serious health issues.
In this case, you should go for a crystal cat litter or a paper-based box, which is more appropriate for small pets. No matter what you choose, it is crucial to monitor your pet because when they are so small, they tend to eat from their box; therefore, be sure that does not happen. Many people do not consider the age of the kitten too much when they go to the pet store to buy such a box, but they should because what is safe for adult cats is not also safe for small ones.
What Do Vets Recommend?
Most adult cats have no issues using the clumping cat litter, but vets also say that they do not recommend it for kittens, because they are pretty curious and by their nature they sniff, lick, and chew on what they have around them, which also happens with the box and what is inside of it. If they get to ingest that clay, that will expand in their stomach, which will lead to vomiting, or even other types of health issues. Kittens are very small; therefore, they do not need to ingest a large amount of clay to get sick.
That’s why a good option that even vets recommend is the crystal cat litter, which self-cleans. There are also non-toxic formulas; therefore, you have options. It is important to consider the option that is the safest for your pet, especially if you have a small kitten. Wait until its digestive system is perfectly developed, when it is big enough to stop chewing everything it sees around it, and until it already knows how to use the box. You could opt for litters that are unscented, which are soft-textured, because kittens are pretty sensitive.
Many vets recommend opting for an unscented clumping cat litter, which is a great option for growing kittens. Many choose paper litters or pellet ones when they have small kittens that do not yet know how to use the box. Gradually, you can start exploring options for other types of boxes, but it is important that everything is done step by step, for your pet to easily get used to changes. Specialists say that it takes up to 10 days to teach your kitten to use the box, but some of them learn even faster, as kittens are pretty smart.
Monitor Your Kitten
It is very important to monitor your cat while using the crystal cat litter, not only when it uses it, but also to see if it wants to use it, or if it avoids it. See if it eats from it, if there are any signs that something is not as it should be. It is crucial to also get the right model of box so that it makes it easier for the kitten to use. Be sure to buy one where it can easily step in, and any time you see there are clumps, be sure to get them.
Also, clean the clumping cat litter regularly, but be careful not to use any strong cleaners; rather, use a soap without fragrance. There are certain smells that may cause cats to avoid using their box, which is why it is better not to use something that leads to such things. The best thing to do for a beginning is to choose paper-based options, just to be sure that anything happens, as kittens are not only fragile, but also curious, which may put them at unwanted risks. After it grows, you can choose other options to suit their age.
You can get a crystal cat litter, a good quality one that your kitten will use anytime it needs. There are many models, with different designs; therefore, you have a wide range to choose from. It is important to choose one that will fit the needs of your kitten. When you bring a new pet home, be sure to offer it everything it needs to live a healthy life. If you are not sure about what the right things are, you can find information online or ask those at the pet store for help.