When keeping a cat at home, it is necessary to provide it with a tray with filler, where it can go to the toilet. A few decades ago, owners used ordinary sand or paper to fill the tray. When urine is absorbed, a sharp unpleasant smell appears, which is not so easy to air out. Modern manufacturers offer special fillers for cat litter boxes that can solve the problem of the smell of urine and dirty paws.
Fillers for cat trays: types according to the principle of action
There are quite a lot of fillers for cat litter boxes. They are divided into two types according to the principle of action. Let’s consider features, pluses and minuses.
Absorbent
Absorbent fillers are characterized by excellent ability to absorb liquids. They are created from natural materials and are considered absolutely harmless for animals. They do not contain flavorings.
According to experts, absorbent fillers are perfect for cats that have access to the street and only occasionally defecate at home. This is due to the fact that such filler requires frequent replacement and disinfection of the tray. If the cat constantly goes to the toilet at home, the owner will have to clean too often.
Lumpy
Clumping fillers have excellent absorbent properties. They are also created from natural materials. Their main advantages are cost efficiency and ease of cleaning. It is not necessary to regularly clean the tray completely, it is enough to remove crumpled areas with urine with a special spatula.
Some manufacturers produce such fillers with special additives that clearly define the boundaries of the lump or change color when urine hits. Moreover, sometimes a change in the color of urine may indicate that the animal is not sick. In the instructions for such fillers, there are detailed instructions on how to monitor the health of a pet by the changed color of the filler.
Types of fillers for toilets and cat trays: materials
Fillers for cat toilets are also divided into several types based on the composition of the raw materials.
Mineral, bentonite
Various clay and mineral rocks are successfully used for the production of fillers. Bentonite has excellent characteristics. They are produced in the form of lumpy and absorbent brands.
Such fillers have a natural structure that attracts domestic cats. They are relatively inexpensive. Environmentally safe materials that do not harm the animal’s health.
Of the minuses:
cannot be flushed down the toilet;
very dusty;
stick to the cat’s paws, leaving traces on the floor.
Some unscrupulous manufacturers use cheap raw materials, such fillers do not absorb moisture well. When choosing mineral and bentonite brands, give preference to products of proven brands.
Silica gel
Silica gel fillers made using a special technology from silicon dioxide have many positive reviews. They have a high porous structure that provides excellent absorption of liquid in large volumes. They not only retain moisture well, but also the smell of cat urine.
What other advantages are there:
aesthetic view;
pleasant smell;
do not require regular replacement, the contents can be removed once every 7–14 days.
Disadvantages:
some cats are scared off by the crunch of pellets that appears when she enters the tray;
some capricious animals refuse to walk on such filler, as it is very different from the structure of sand and earth;
may cause gastronomic interest, there were cases when cats swallowed unusual granules, which led to serious food disorders.
When using such a filler for the first time, be sure to monitor the behavior of your pet.
Wooden
Natural wood filler is created from different types of wood. The material is pressed into granules of small fractions.
Main advantages:
absorb urine well;
prevent the spread of odor;
environmentally friendly;
affordable price.
Cons:
wet sawdust sticks to the paws;
frequent replacement of the filler is required;
some pets start to dig wood raw material, scattering the contents of the tray all over the toilet room.
Small sawdust does not clog sewer pipes, so many owners flush the contents of the tray directly into the toilet, which greatly simplifies the cleaning process.
Super premium fillers for the iCat cat tray
In the assortment of fillers for cat trays, the super premium quality products produced under the iCat brand deserve special attention. The company offers a wide selection of absorbent and clumping fillers from silica gel, attapulgite and bentonite. The fillers include natural high-quality raw materials.
In the line of the iCat brand:
silica gel with the aroma of lavender, odorless;
lumpy bentonite;
antibacterial;
wood and others
Overview of fillers for cat litter and rodents “Khostun”
Many owners praise the “Khostun” products produced by a domestic manufacturer. These are inexpensive and fairly high-quality fillers made from 100% natural ecological raw materials.
Presented in a wide range of species:
absorbent wood;
silica gel;
with flavorings and without smell;
lumpy from bentonite and zeolite, etc.
Filler for a cat
Experienced owners already know which filler is best for their cat. For those who have only recently acquired a pet, it is not so easy to choose products for the cat toilet. We will tell you what should be taken into account when choosing a filler.
Cat and owner requirements
It is very important that the first filler imitates natural earth, which all animals instinctively go to defecate.
The filler for the cat tray must be of high quality, have excellent absorbent or clumping properties, and not contain harmful additives. The safety of the cat’s health is a priority.
It is in the interests of the owner to purchase a filler that does not require constant replacement. They are more expensive, but still turn out to be more economical in terms of costs. If you buy cheaper ones and constantly replace them, they run out faster, and you have to bear the cost of buying a new package again. Experienced breeders also advise buying fillers that block the smell of urine.
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