Cat Litter & Accessories – Scoops, Trays & Freshness
Cat litter & accessories keep trays cleaner, odour lower, and cats reliably using the box. From clumping clay and crystal litter to plant-based pellets, plus mats, scoops, liners and disposal pails, this category focuses on hygiene, low tracking, and easy upkeep.
What litter & accessories provide
- Stronger odour control with clumping, ammonia-binding, or desiccating formulas that keep trays fresher between full changes.
- Cleaner floors through low-dust blends, anti-tracking textures, and capture mats at the box exit.
- Better cat acceptance—fine-grain, unscented options and roomy boxes reduce aversion and accidents.
Dial in the litter type and add the right tools to simplify daily scooping and keep multi-cat homes on schedule.
Types & features
- Clumping clay (sodium bentonite) – fast, scoopable clumps and robust odour lock for daily maintenance.
- Non-clumping clay – absorbent, budget-friendly; plan more frequent full changes.
- Silica gel/crystal litter – low dust, lightweight beads that dehydrate waste and extend change intervals.
- Plant-based & biodegradable – wood, paper, corn, wheat, or grass; lighter tracking pellets and compostable packaging (dispose of waste per local rules—don’t flush).
- Grain size & texture – fine sand-like for comfort; pellets for low scatter and less carry-out.
- Unscented vs scented – fragrance-free suits sensitive cats and households; charcoal/bicarbonate deodorisers for neutral odour control.
- Accessories – high-sided or top-entry boxes, sifting trays, scoops, liners, litter mats, charcoal filters, and sealed disposal pails.
Set-up & maintenance (litter box routine)
- Provide enough boxes: one per cat, plus one extra, placed in quiet, accessible spots away from food and loud appliances.
- Fill each tray with 5–7 cm (2–3 in) of litter; level the surface for consistent clumping.
- Scoop solids and clumps daily (twice daily for multi-cat); top up to maintain depth.
- Wash the box with mild, unscented detergent monthly (or per litter type); dry fully before refilling.
- Use a capture mat at the exit, replace liners as needed, and empty sealed pails regularly to curb odour.
Consistent scooping and the right depth prevent saturated corners, tracking, and smell build-up.
How to choose for your cat & home
- Cat preference & sensitivity – most cats favour fine, unscented clumping; switch gradually over 5–7 days to avoid aversion.
- Odour & traffic – multi-cat formulas or silica crystals for heavier use; add a sealed disposal system.
- Tracking & dust – pellet or low-tracking blends plus a large mat if scatter is an issue.
- Box fit – roomy, high-sided or top-entry for kickers and “high sprayers”; aim for a tray at least 1.5× your cat’s body length.
- Life stage – consider non-clumping for very young kittens until reliable litter habits form.
- Eco priorities – plant-based litters and recyclable/compostable packaging where municipal rules allow (never flush cat waste).
Important notes
- Do not flush cat litter—bag and bin waste to avoid plumbing and environmental issues (toxoplasma risk).
- Pregnant people should avoid litter duty; wear gloves and wash hands after scooping.
- Watch for changes in use, straining, blood, or very large/small clumps—contact your vet; litter boxes often reveal early health issues.
- Strong perfumes can deter cats; prioritise unscented litter and targeted deodorisers.
Choose a cat litter that matches your odour goals and tracking tolerance, then add smart accessories—mats, scoops, liners, and sealed pails—to streamline the routine. With the right setup and steady upkeep, boxes stay cleaner, floors stay tidier, and cats stay faithful to their trays.