Do you know everything about litter trayes?
If the answer is ‘I would like to know more’, welcome to edu.laviosa.com!!
The world of litter is as varied as the cats who use it: mineral, plant-based, silica gel, clumping, absorbent… How do you make an informed choice? Above all, how do you know which litter tray is right for your kitten? And how do know how best to use it and dispose of it properly?
In the last 40 years we have seen it all: from the first rudimentary litter tray, to the modern and technologically advanced bentonite litter tray; from the human who thought he could empty the whole litter tray into the toilet, to the self-cleaning litter tray that does (almost) everything by itself.
Therefore, we have decided to create a place dedicated to cats and humans, offering advice, facts and answers. The right place to get information and learn how to best manage one of the most important elements to ensure hygiene in the home for the well-being of our little felines: the litter tray.
Choose well, human!
Having accurate and complete information is the first step towards choosing products that improve the well-being of any cat and its human family.. A conscious choice and correct use of litter also allows you to use a smaller amount, use it better and reduce wastage.
Hygiene and
well-being
Did you know that clumping litter is more hygienic and cleaner than absorbent alternatives?
All cats like a tidy litter tray 😻 but some kitties are real clean freaks! If your cat belongs to the second category, then they will definitely prefer clumping litter.
Clumping litter allows you to maintain a higher level of hygiene and cleanliness than absorbent litter: instead of being absorbed, liquids form compact clumps that can simply be removed. leaving the rest of the litter perfectly fresh and clean.
Clumping litter, especially of good quality, also provides excellent odour control.
If your cat has a delicate sense of smell, we recommend that you try an activated carbon clumping litter: these bind to the molecules responsible for odours and neutralise them even more effectively.
Reduce wastage
Did you know that by using high-quality litter you can reduce the volume of waste on a monthly basis by up to 65%?
Think about how often you empty your cat’s toilet tray entirely… Surely, if you are currently using an absorbent litter, the answer will be: ‘at least once a week‘. This means that, on average, you use and throw away at least 16 litres of litter each month.
Clumping litter on the other hand, has a much greater durability:
a high-quality product keeps the litter fresh and clean for up to one month of use* and means you will need to dispose of only 6 litres monthly.
The conscious choice and use of clumping litter thus makes it possible to greatly reduce wastage and limit the amount of household waste.
Less waste produced and lower disposal costs, for a happier cat (and a more hygienic home!).
*based on one 6 L bag of litter and one cat
Did you know...?
Clumping litter
Most clumping litter is composed of bentonite, a natural clay mineral and completely safe for cats and humans.
Known and used since ancient times, this extremely versatile mineral is today used in many applications (cosmetics, wine and fruit juices, medicines…).
In cat litter, bentonite is used for its great ability to absorb liquids and odours (up to 10 times its own volume!) and retain them in an agglomerate that is easy to remove, leaving the remaining product intact.
Want to know more about this incredible mineral?
Visit the IMA-Europe website!
Plant-based litter
Plant-based litter is definitely the greenest choice a feline can make. Beware though, you must always check the materials from which they are made!
There are many types of plant-based litter available, both clumping and absorbent, based on wood, paper, corn, tofu, barley and other materials.
To ensure that their impact is indeed minimal, always check who the producers are and that the material is derived from production waste and not from dedicated crops.
Also, inquire about the litter disposal rules in force where you live: some local authorities prohibitthe disposal of plant-based litter in the organic waste and encourage its disposal together with the household waste.
Litter: how to use it
The happiness of our furry pets is the most important thing. Since they are sometimes real clean freaks, the first way to ensure their well-being is to make their environment healthy, starting with their toilet.
Remember: we don’t like bad smells, but above all, they can be very annoying to our friends with a superior sense of smell!
Always try to listen to your cat and identify possible signs of aversion to litter: here it is also important to assess whether the product you are using is suitable for your kitty’s sensitivity.
A litter with good odour control and high clumping power, if used to the full, will keep the tray hygienic and clean at all times, just the way your cat (and you) like it.
FMQ - Frequently Meowed Questions
In many cases, the answer to this question is: change the type of litter. Bad odour results from bacteria developing inside the cat litter tray, which is why clumping litters allow a higher level of hygiene and better odour control. There are also litters with added activated charcoal and bicarbonate.
Diagnostic litter is a valuable tool for monitoring the health of your furry friend. It consists of a mix of bentonite and coloured microgranules, which change colour depending on the pH of the cat's urine. This way, you can see instantly if the pH is altered and contact your vet.
There are various reasons why your cat may refrain from using the litter tray. The first could be the poor hygiene of the litter tray: make sure you clean it very often and wash it well when you change the litter. The second reason could be the type of litter: you might be using a product that does not allow adequate odour control or an overly fragrant product that offends your kitten's sense of smell. Finally, check with your vet that there are no problems with your cat's behaviour or health.
There are various factors that affect the monthly cost of litter: the most important are certainly the way in which you use the product and its ability to form clumps. Always ensure that you use the litter correctly and do not waste it, e.g. by throwing it away prematurely. High-quality clumping litter has a higher cost per unit, but forms very compact clumps and ensures minimal wastage: in many cases, the monthly cost is even lower than that of cheaper litter.
Absolutely not! Absorbent litter absorbs liquids and only involve for the removal of faeces. In contrast, clumping bedding encloses liquids in solid, compact clumps, which must be removed daily. For further information, please download the instructions above.
The litter tray must be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water every time it is emptied. Each litter has a different life span before it has to be disposed of: generally speaking, absorbent litter has an average life span of one week, while good quality clumping litter can stay fresh for up to one month*.
*based on one 6 L bag of litter and one cat.
No, the choice of litter is crucial! All types of litter have different characteristics: for example, bentonite-based litter is composed of a natural mineral and is completely harmless for the cat's health. Silica gel litter, on the other hand, is always imported from abroad and is a synthetic product resulting from extremely impactful production processes. Finally, plant-based bedding can be made of different raw materials: wood, corn, tofu, etc. It is important to know how to choose a material that makes use of production waste.
Pay attention to the label! The place of production and the composition of the product is always indicated on our packaging.
First of all: think about your kitten's privacy! Always prefer quiet, reserved places for a litter tray; it is best to avoid placing it in corridors, noisy or busy areas. Another important aspect is hygiene around the home: if you can, avoid placing it in areas with little air circulation or in rooms where meals are prepared/consumed. Also, remember to always put it well away from your furry friend's food bowls!
In general, litter should be disposed of in the household waste. Only some plant-based litter can be disposed of in the organic waste and/or flushed down the toilet in small quantities. Attention must be paid, however, to the regulations in your area: many local authorities prohibit the disposal of litter in the organic waste.
Make sure you always check the instructions of your local authorities regarding the disposal of cat litter.
The expert replies
Laviosa
Our mission: To keep our beloved best friends clean and healthy 😺🐶🏠
For over 40 years Laviosa’s mission in the field of Pet Care has been to guarantee the hygiene and well-being of pets, providing a complete range of natural products, developed through constant research to ensure the best results using top-quality raw materials.
Laviosa is one of the world’s leading companies in the study, extraction, processing and sale of bentonite and other clay minerals. The Laviosa Group is dedicated to conservation and building a strong legacy: we have always taken the utmost care to protect the land we excavate, leaving it in a better state than we found it.
Laviosa’s approach has always been based on environmental and social sustainability. Mines are the beating heart of our work, and they must be treasured and fully restored after the excavation period.
Our commitment to the environment is constantly growing to encompass every stage of our production process: from extraction to drying in the sun, and from renewa energy in production facilities to reduced transport emissions, right through to products appearing on shop shelves.
Once our products are purchased, a new chapter begins: by making conscientious choices and staying informed, consumers can actually reduce their impact on the environment.
This gave rise to edu.laviosa and the Do it Right, Human campaign with the aim of shedding more light on the world of litter and advising families with cats to make more conscious choices starting with litter.
