Taking Control Over the Odour: The Clumping Cat Litter

The Importance of Cat Litters

Since the beginning of time, cat litters had a great influence on the well-being of a cat and research has shown that he most useful ones are the clumping cat litter closely followed by the crystal cat litter.

Before the invention of cat litters per se, the most used were sand, dirt and sawdust, all placed in litter boxes. Unfortunately, they were not of great use, as they did not have absorbent qualities and the odour control was next to none. Therefore, taking care of a cat at the time and catering to its needs was no easy job; as a result, it was no surprise when the invention of cat litters (in the 1950s) was a tremendous success.

Nevertheless, the problem of odour was not completely solved and it was not until the period between 1960-1980 that a solution emerged: the use of sodium bentonite clay, which had all the right properties to improve the already existent cat litters.

Nowadays, there are various options when looking for a suitable cat litter, starting with numerous materials from which they are made (the crystal cat litter, the pine one, the paper one, etc.) and going as far as finding scented options that help control the odour even more.

The Clumping Cat Litter: How It All Began

In the early 1980s, when cat litters were already popular, a scientist called Thomas Nelson ( https://catsinternational.org/the-scoop-on-litter/ ), while conducting various experiments with different types of clays, reached a transformative conclusion ultimately in connection to the clumping cat litter: the clay that had the highest moisture absorption rate as well as the ability to swell into a mass was sodium bentonite. In time, he also discovered that it was a great anti-odor agent, therefore derived all this information trying to make it applicable to cat litters. It was indeed a truly transformative development and one reached by mistake, as Thomas Nelson had no intention in solving the problems of cat litters, but still, it goes to show how the human mind, when challenged appropriately, can open doors to new realms.

Having many advantages, especially the one regarding the formation of clumps as well as the improvement of odour control, it became one of the most sold types of cat litters on the market, as the already existing brands on the market caught on fast on this life-changing discovery. Therefore, including them in their portfolio was only a step away.

The Choice of a Crystal Cat Litter: What’s in Store

In present days, the market for cat litters has become very innovative and one the truly stands out is the crystal cat litter. Not only due to its shiny characteristic or the rather sci-fi appearance, but also due to its great absorbent qualities. Usually made from silicon dioxide, more specifically from silica gel, they present themselves with tiny-looking crystals, generally clear (although some of them have white or blue pebbles), and have the characteristic of absorbing urine right into said crystals. As a working principle, after the absorption, the moisture starts to evaporate, while the odour remains trapped inside the crystal. Some disadvantages are related to the fact that this kind of cat litter has to be replaced every month and it does not have the ability to form clumps, unlike the clumping cat litter ( https://www.petshopdirect.com.au/shop/category/cat-litter ).

Technology in this field has evolved so much in the last decades, that nowadays the crystal cat litter is also available in scent-infused options such as agents that control odour (lavender or even baking soda) or crystals that have the ability to change colors, therefore monitoring the cat’s well-being.

As long as science and technology evolve, so will this field, as the needs of the small companions keep on modifying, but so does the human’s wish to provide the best possible care and nurture for their cat.

What to Look for in a Cat Litter

When choosing to buy or adopt a companion, be it a cat or a dog, or any other domesticated animal or bird, there are some aspects to take into consideration in order to ensure their overall comfort, happiness and health. Starting with an appropriate place to sleep, a suitable eating area and last, but not least, proper litter trays, it is important to also keep in mind their need for social interactions, play and quality time spent with their owner.

When regarding a cat, these are some of the most relevant features to take into account regarding proper litter trays, be it a clumping cat litter or a more advanced version, the crystal cat litter:

• Appropriate ways of controlling odour ( https://www.webmd.com/pets/cats/controlling-cat-litter-box-odor ) – finding agents that help in this manner (lavender, baking soda, activated charcoal);
• A clumping characteristic (as opposed to a non-clumping one): scooping is easier with clumping, while non-clumping need to be changed more frequently;
• A comfortable and texture-approved cat litter: some cats are pickier than others, therefore may not accept any kind of cat litter, especially the rough-textured ones.

Keeping in mind that every cat has a different personality, when choosing a cat litter, it is very important not to take personally any kind of negative reaction towards it and try to show patience to the furry companion.

The Future of Cat Litters

Taking into account how fast technology evolves (artificial intelligence included), it is very likely that cat litters will undergo many changes in the future, not only regarding shapes and textures, but also connected to the way they are accepted by the cats. Personalized cat litters (including the clumping cat litter) will most likely become a trend in the foreseeable future, allowing owners create the most suitable pieces for their cats, therefore ensuring a faster and greater acceptance rate.

No matter the type chosen, be it a crystal cat litter or a normal one, it is relevant to remember that not all work the same for every individual and some cats require more work and patience before they get accustomed to any new accessories being added to their lives.