My cat who has always gone outside whenever he feels like it has recently started using his litter tray - which was only really there "just in case".

So it looks as though I'm going to need a new bag of cat litter. I noticed there are two varieties: clumping and non-clumping. Which should I get?

I think he is just getting lazy, or is not too happy with the SureFlap cat flap I got to replace the original and to keep the foreign moggies out who were always visiting. He will use the SureFlap when the mood takes him, but if I'm around he will wait for me to open the door.

Clumping absorbs liquid (it's sometimes made from corn) so you can remove, using a scoop, the clumps from the litter tray. Non-clumping tends to do a certain amount of absorbing, but is usually more like gravel under paw.

Beware. My cat hated the clumping sort, so back to Catsan hygiene granules we went.

I rather like the crystal-type cat litter - very absorbent, good odour control and lasts for at least a couple of weeks with one very large cat. My two older cats both seem to pee an awful lot (probably got mild kidney problems), and they do best on a woodchip litter, which is fairly cheap and smells nice. I don't like the Catsan stuff, it seems to go everywhere, and I also hate the clumping sort!

We are great fans of the wood pellets now - far less messy, especially if you use them in a hooded tray. And the bags are so much lighter!

The crystal stuff is amazing - when you put it down new, it's dead light, when you change the litter tray you can hardly carry the stuff to the bin!

Thanks - so I shan't go for clumping! Can you get the crystal stuff in supermarkets (e.g. Sainsburys)? Is it obvious from the packaging?

I always get the clumping for my 2. It's easy to scoop out the big clumps and then keep topping it up until you decide to change the whole thing.

Indeed, *stargazer*, and I get these http://www.bobmartin.co.uk/Cats/Prod...roduct_id=1138 or the generic supermarket equivalent for my cat and one bag lasts about two weeks. They work fine.

I use the silica crystals as any other litters over here are absolute rubbish.

I found myself in a bind late one night last week when I cleaned the litter tray and found I had run out. Rice made an excellent substitute overnight

I use Catsan as I don't like clumping and it has excellent odour control. I POP to Asda a couple times a week and usually get a big sack at the reduced bit. I got one today for 4.50. I store them in the shed. I'd definitely recommend checking the reduced section. They always have cat litter at mine.

If you have Home Bargains near you, they sell it cheaper and its good.
Last edited by missyalicia : 02-03-2012 at 00:00

Another big up for catsan. The crystal stuff is amazing and so easy to clean out of the tray but nothing keeps the odour down like catsan.

Having read various comments in this thread, I picked up a pack of Sophisticat CityCat crystals from Sainsbury's. Unfortunately, my cat started eating it, so it will be back to the clay variety tout de suite!

I was a bit concerned and contacted the manufacturer (their customer service was very helpful incidentally) who told me that it's silica gel. I checked with the vet, who told me it was nothing to worry about (I had visions of a poisoned cat), but might be a good idea to change to something else that he doesn't find tasty

Probably give Catsan a whirl now!

Strange cat, the crystals don't look very appetising! Mind you, one of my cats eats rubber bands and another goes for plastic bags. The third one, whom I've always thought was the most intelligent, only eats cat food, so maybe I was right!

What brands of the crystal litter do people use?

Wilko do one called City Cat I think? That's a good one.

Thank you / sorry for the delay

My two prefer the wood pellet litter. Which makes me feel all green and virtuous!

Tried that once - one of the cats promptly took a dump behind the sofa in protest. Back to catsan for me!

Welcome!

I find the clumping type is awful, it all sticks to the tray and scoop. The non-clumping is much easier to remove. I get Wilkinsons non-clumping, which my cat seems happy with.