Last Updated on January 7, 2024 by Pauline G. Carter
Are you a proud owner of a declawed cat? If so, finding the best cat litter for your feline companion is essential for their comfort and well-being. Declawed cats have unique needs, as they require a litter that is gentle on their sensitive paws. We will explore the top 10 best cat litter for declawed cats. We also discuss various factors such as dust levels, texture, and odor control to help you make an informed decision. With the right litter, you can ensure that your beloved declawed cat has a pleasant and comfortable litter box experience.
Our Top Picks
The Needs Of Declawed Cats
Declawing is a controversial topic in the cat world. Some believe that declawing is a necessary evil to protect furniture and keep cats from injuring humans, while others believe it’s a cruel practice that causes unnecessary pain and suffering to cats.
Regardless of where you stand on the debate, it’s important to understand how declawing can impact a cat’s needs, particularly when it comes to choosing the right litter.
The Physical Impact Of Declawing On Cats
Declawing is a surgical procedure that removes the claw and the part of the toe that contains it. While some cats recover quickly from the procedure, others experience complications such as infections or chronic pain. These physical changes can impact a cat’s ability to use the litter box comfortably, which is why it’s important to choose a litter that accommodates their needs.
Here’s what to consider:
- Soft texture: Declawed cats may experience discomfort when digging in the hard, coarse litter. Look for soft litter, such as paper, corn, or wheat-based options.
- Low dust: Some declawed cats may develop respiratory problems, so it’s important to choose a litter with low dust levels to minimize irritants in the air.
- Size of litter: Declawed cats may find it difficult to balance on an unstable surface. Choose a box with high walls to keep the litter contained and use a litter mat to provide a stable surface for entry and exit.
Behavioral Changes That Result From Declawing
Declawing can also cause behavioral changes in cats. The pain and discomfort associated with the procedure can cause cats to associate the litter box with negative experiences, leading to issues such as litter box avoidance. Here are some considerations when choosing litter for declawed cats with behavioral changes:
- Location: Place the litter box in a quiet, private area away from high-traffic areas. This will help reduce stress and anxiety for your cat.
- Type of litter: Try different types of litter to determine what works best for your cat. Many declawed cats prefer fine-grained litters that are easy to dig.
- Multiple boxes: Consider providing multiple litter boxes in different locations to give your cat more options and minimize the chances of accidents.
Understanding the needs of declawed cats is crucial when selecting the right litter. By considering the physical and behavioral impacts of declawing, you can find a litter that meets your cat’s needs and promotes a comfortable, stress-free environment.
10 Best Cat Litter For Declawed Cats In 2024
1. Fresh News Recycled Paper, Original Pellet Cat Litter
- Brand: Fresh News Paper Cat Litter
- Manufacturer: Fresh News Paper Cat Litter
- Color: Green
- Dimensions: Height: 5.0 Inches Width: 17.0 Inches Length: 26.0 Inches Weight: 25.0 Pounds `
Features
Experience a revolution in pet care with Fresh News Recycled Paper, Original Pellet Cat Litter. This innovative litter offers superior absorbency, thrice that of clay, promising a lingering smell-free environment. Our moisture-locking pellets fortified with baking soda ensure unmatched odor control. Made from 100% post-consumer paper, this biodegradable litter is eco-friendly and safe. Enjoy a dust-free, non-allergenic environment, ideal for those with sensitivities. With Fresh News, prioritize your pet’s health and your peace of mind, while also contributing to a sustainable future. Perfect for cats, rabbits, and small rodents, it truly is a fresh take on pet hygiene.
Pros:
- Superior Absorbency: The litter is far more absorbent than traditional clay litter, reducing odors and making clean up easier.
- Eco-Friendly: It’s made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper, providing an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional litters.
- Effective Odor Control: Baking soda fortified pellets offer outstanding odor neutralization, keeping pet habitats fresh and smell-free.
- Non-Allergenic: The litter is over 99% dust-free and non-allergenic, making it safe for both pets and their owners, particularly those with allergies.
- Biodegradable: This litter is compostable, reducing landfill waste and further contributing to environmental sustainability.
Cons:
- Texture: The paper pellet texture may not be preferred by all pets, which could lead to bathroom aversion.
- Tracking: Despite its dust-free nature, the pellets could potentially be tracked around the house by pets.
- Price: Recycled paper litters can often be pricier than traditional clay litters, which could be a con for budget-conscious pet owners.
2. Feline Pine Platinum Non-Clumping Cat Litter
- Brand: Arm & Hammer
- Manufacturer: Church & Dwight – Pet
- Color: Gray
- Dimensions: Height: 2.5 Inches Width: 14.0 Inches Length: 19.5 Inches Weight: 18.0 Pounds `
Features
Feline Pine Platinum Non-Clumping Cat Litter 18lb brings an exceptional natural solution to maintaining a fresh litter box. With no harsh chemicals or added fragrances, this cat litter leverages plant-based ingredients and ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda for excellent odor control. Its natural pine fibers lock in and neutralize ammonia odors, providing effective freshness without synthetic perfumes. The highly absorbent pine shavings, acting like tiny sponges, guarantee a fresh, dry litter box. Its lightweight design makes litter changes easy and dust-free. Environmentally conscious, this cat litter uses kiln dried shavings reclaimed from lumber production, respecting our natural resources.
Pros:
- Natural Ingredients: Feline Pine Platinum Cat Litter employs plant-based ingredients, which are gentle on your cat and the environment.
- Superior Odor Control: The combination of natural pine and ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda provides potent odor neutralization, ensuring a fresh-smelling litter box.
- Absorbency: The pine shavings in the litter are highly absorbent, effectively locking away odors and maintaining a dry litter box.
- Lightweight: This non-clumping litter is lightweight, making it easy to handle during routine litter changes.
- Eco-Friendly: The product is made from kiln dried shavings reclaimed from lumber production, so no new trees are cut down.
Cons:
- Non-Clumping: Some pet parents may prefer clumping litter for easier removal of cat waste.
- No Added Fragrance: While this is a plus for those seeking natural products, others might miss a scent that masks litter box odors.
- Might not be suitable for all cats: As with any product, some cats might not adjust to the pine texture, especially if they’re used to clay litter.
3. ARM HAMMER Naturals Cat Litter
- Brand: Arm & Hammer
- Manufacturer: Church & Dwight – Pet
- Color: Multicolor
- Dimensions: Height: 13.5 Inches Width: 8.0 Inches Length: 5.5 Inches Weight: 18.0 Pounds `
Features
Arm & Hammer Naturals Cat Litter, for multi-cat homes, delivers outstanding odor control with natural ingredients. Comprising corn fibers, a plant-based clumping agent, baking soda, and dust-controlling mineral oil, this cat litter is designed to neutralize the toughest odors. Notably, its absorbing power is twice that of traditional clay litters, and its clumping formula ensures easy scoop and clean. This low-dust, lightweight litter is easy to carry and pour. The addition of a soft, fresh scent enhances its odor-controlling capabilities, providing a comfortable, odor-free home. A naturally superior choice for multi-cat households.
Pros:
- Outstanding Odor Control: Combines the power of baking soda, corn fibers, and plant extracts to neutralize strong odors in multi-cat homes.
- High Absorbency: Absorbs twice as much liquid compared to clumping clay cat litter, making it more efficient.
- Easy Cleanup: The litter forms small, lightweight clumps that are easy to scoop and remove, simplifying the cleaning process.
- Low Dust: The formulation includes mineral oil for dust control, resulting in a cleaner and less messy litter box area.
- Lightweight: At 50% lighter than traditional clay cat litter, it is easier to carry and pour.
Cons:
- Artificial Fragrance: Despite the natural components, this product contains artificial fragrance, which may not be suitable for cats or owners with sensitivity to synthetic scents.
- Might not be suitable for all cats: The texture and feel of natural corn fibers may not be preferred by all cats, particularly those accustomed to clay litters.
- Cost: Typically, natural litters are more expensive than traditional clay litters, which could be a deterrent for budget-conscious pet owners.
4. EcoPet Bio Litter, Natural Wood & Hay Pellets
- Brand: Ecopet
- Manufacturer: EcoPet Box
- Color: Natural
- Dimensions: Weight: 6.36915474918 Pounds `
Features
EcoPet Bio Litter delivers exceptional absorbency, capable of soaking up to 7x its weight, making pet care easier than ever. This 6.6lb pack of natural wood and hay pellets harnesses the odor-capturing properties of nature, keeping your home smelling fresh. Fully biodegradable and void of added chemicals, this litter respects our planet while caring for your pet. Plus, it’s non-allergenic, ensuring a healthy environment for all. Choose EcoPet Bio Litter, the natural, effective, and eco-friendly solution for your pet’s needs.
Pros:
- Exceptional Absorbency: The EcoPet Bio Litter can absorb up to 7 times its weight, offering excellent efficiency in pet waste management.
- Natural Odor Control: The natural wood and hay pellets have inherent odor-capturing properties, providing a fresh environment at home.
- Environmentally Friendly: As a biodegradable product, it helps reduce the carbon footprint, making it an eco-conscious choice.
- Chemical-Free: The litter does not contain any added chemicals, making it safer for pets and humans alike.
- Non-Allergenic: This product is unlikely to cause allergic reactions, ensuring a healthier environment for your pet and family members.
Cons:
- May Not Clump: Being a biodegradable litter, it may not clump as well as clay-based alternatives.
- Possible Tracking: The smaller size of pellets might lead to tracking outside the litter box.
- Potential Adjustments: Some pets might take a while to adjust to the natural texture and scent of wood and hay pellets.
5. ökocat Super Soft Natural Wood Clumping Cat Litter
- Brand: ÖKOCAT
- Manufacturer: ökocat
- Color: pink
- Dimensions: Height: 12.75 Inches Width: 11.25 Inches Length: 7.75 Inches Weight: 14.0 Pounds `
- Publication Date: 2021-04-05T00:00:01Z
Features
Introducing ökocat Super Soft Natural Wood Clumping Cat Litter. This next-gen, eco-friendly solution is perfect for sensitive paws, with a clay-like texture that’s kitten-friendly too. Packaged in a 100% recyclable box, it’s easy to store, open, and break down. The wood fiber composition provides unbeatable odor control by naturally preventing enzymes from producing ammonia. This precision-cut litter absorbs liquid rapidly, forming solid, easy-to-scoop clumps for quick clean-up. Moreover, the litter is 99% dust-free, promoting a healthier home environment. Free from artificial fragrances, synthetic chemicals, toxic dyes, or GMOs, this litter is both biodegradable and compostable.
Pros:
- Eco-friendly: The ökocat litter is made from natural wood, making it an environmentally friendly choice that is also biodegradable and compostable.
- Exceptional Odor Control: The unique wood fiber composition naturally inhibits enzyme production that leads to ammonia and odor.
- Easy to Clean: The litter clumps together when in contact with liquid, allowing for easy and quick cleanup.
- Sensitive Paws Friendly: Its super soft texture, akin to clay, makes it suitable for cats with sensitive paws and kittens.
- Healthy Environment: It is 99% dust-free and free from artificial fragrances, synthetic chemicals, toxic dyes, and GMOs, promoting a cleaner home.
Cons:
- Price: As a premium product, the ökocat litter may be priced higher than standard cat litters.
- Not Flushable: Despite being compostable and biodegradable, it may not be suitable for flushing down the toilet, limiting disposal options.
- Packaging: While the box is 100% recyclable, some users might find the cardboard packaging less convenient than plastic bags.
6. So Phresh Multi-Cat Odor Control Crumble Paper Litter
- Brand: So Phresh
- Manufacturer: So Phresh
- Dimensions: Weight: 14.0 Pounds `
Features
So Phresh’s Multi-Cat Odor Control Crumble Paper Litter is a cat owner’s dream. This ultra-soft, crumble textured litter expertly absorbs moisture and locks in foul odors, keeping your home fresh and clean. Infused with baking soda and zeolite, it neutralizes stenches, while the clean scent adds a breath of freshness. Being 99% dust-free and low-tracking, it minimizes mess, making clean-ups a breeze. Designed with sensitive paws in mind, it’s perfect for multi-cat households, blending superior odor control and gentleness. Choose So Phresh for a cleaner, fresher home.
Pros:
- Superior Odor Control: The So Phresh Multi-Cat Litter’s innovative use of baking soda and zeolite helps neutralize unpleasant odors effectively.
- Soft Texture: Its ultra-soft crumble texture is gentle on cats’ sensitive paws, making it a comfortable choice for your feline friends.
- Dust-Free: With a 99% dust-free formula, it ensures less airborne dust during litter changes, promoting a healthier environment for pets and owners.
- Low Tracking: The litter’s low-tracking feature reduces mess around the house, making cleanup tasks easier.
- Suitable for Multi-Cat Households: Specifically designed for households with multiple cats, it ensures optimal odor control even in high-traffic litter boxes.
Cons:
- Fresh Scent: While many find the added clean scent pleasant, some cats or owners may find fragrances bothersome or irritating.
- Paper-Based: As it’s paper-based, it might not clump as solidly as clay litters, which could make scooping more challenging.
- Weight: At 14 lbs, the bag might be heavy to carry or inconvenient for some people to handle.
7. Dr. Elsey’s Premium Clumping Cat Litter
- Brand: Dr. Elsey’s
- Manufacturer: Dr. Elsey’s Cat Products
- Dimensions: Height: 4.0 Inches Width: 14.0 Inches Length: 20.0 Inches Weight: 40.0 Pounds `
Features
Dr. Elsey’s Premium Clumping Cat Litter – Cat Attract ensures maximum cleanliness with its 100% bentonite clay formulation. It’s meticulously designed with an optimal granule size, ensuring hard clumping and preventing moisture penetration. The low dust, hypoallergenic litter ensures minimal tracking and optimal cleanliness for those with allergies. Its superior odor control keeps your home fresh, accommodating single or multi-cat households. A standout feature is the natural herbal attractant which draws your cat back to the litter box, resolving litter box issues effectively. Unperfumed yet effective, it provides a natural solution to your cat’s needs. This 40 lb pack promises enduring freshness and cleanliness.
Pros:
- Hard Clumping: The 100% bentonite clay formulation results in hard clumps that prevent moisture from reaching the tray’s bottom, simplifying the cleaning process.
- Low Dust and Hypoallergenic: It’s 99% dust-free and hypoallergenic, reducing allergen exposure for both cats and owners.
- Superior Odor Control: Natural ingredients provide excellent odor control, keeping your home smelling clean and fresh between litter box cleanings.
- Natural Herbal Attractant: Its unique herbal attractant draws cats back to their litter box, making it an effective solution for litter box problems.
- Unscented and Natural: The product remains effective without the use of perfumes, reducing the risk of irritation for sensitive cats and owners.
Cons:
- Single Size Granules: The uniform granule size might not be appealing to all cats who prefer a variety of textures in their litter.
- Herbal Attractant Variance: The effectiveness of the natural herbal attractant can vary between cats, as some may be more responsive than others.
- Weight: The 40 lb pack can be heavy and difficult to handle, especially for people with mobility issues.
8. Naturally Fresh Cat Litter
- Brand: Naturally Fresh
- Manufacturer: Naturally Fresh
- Color: Basic
- Dimensions: Height: 15.0 Inches Width: 3.2 Inches Length: 22.2 Inches Weight: 26.0 Pounds `
Features
Naturally Fresh Cat Litter is a 26 lb bag of remarkable absorbency, equating to three bags of traditional clay litter. This 100% natural and eco-friendly product, made from walnuts, offers superior dust-free functionality. Unlike clay litter that throws off silica dust and sticks to your cat’s paws, Naturally Fresh is virtually dust-free, ensuring you and your cat breathe easy. It also prevents tracking throughout your home. Experience the efficiency and convenience of this unscented, quick-clumping walnut-based litter and provide your cat with a healthier, cleaner environment. Choose Naturally Fresh for a sustainable litter solution.
Pros:
- High Absorbency: One bag of Naturally Fresh Cat Litter provides the absorbency equivalent to three bags of leading clay litter.
- Dust-Free: Unlike clay litters, Naturally Fresh is virtually dust-free, resulting in cleaner air for both you and your cat.
- No Tracking: It doesn’t stick to your cat’s paws, preventing litter from being spread throughout your house.
- 100% Natural: Made from walnuts, it’s a completely natural product, making it a healthier choice for your pet.
- Environmentally Friendly: As a sustainable product, it’s not only good for your cat but also beneficial for the environment.
Cons:
- Unscented: The lack of scent might not effectively mask odors compared to scented alternatives.
- Weight: At 26 lbs, the bag might be difficult for some people to handle and pour.
- Specialized Disposal: Since it’s walnut-based, it may require separate disposal methods compared to traditional clay litters.
9. Fresh Step Clumping Cat Litter
- Brand: Fresh Step
- Manufacturer: Fresh Step
- Color: Gray & White Granules with Blue Speckles
- Dimensions: Height: 10.13 Inches Width: 4.19 Inches Length: 10.13 Inches Weight: 14.8 Pounds `
Features
Fresh Step’s Multi-Cat Clumping Cat Litter, weighing 14 lbs, is perfect for multi-cat homes with high-traffic litter boxes. It incorporates innovative ClumpLock technology that immediately locks in liquids and odors upon contact, ensuring your home remains fresh and odor-free. The litter forms tight clumps, allowing for effortless and efficient cleanup. This Fresh Step litter product promises ultimate odor control, providing a hygienic and pleasant environment for both you and your feline companions. With just one 14-pound box, managing litter boxes has never been easier.
Pros:
- The Fresh Step Multi-Cat Clumping Cat Litter is ideal for households with multiple cats, effectively handling high-traffic litter boxes.
- This product utilizes ClumpLock technology which instantly seals in liquid and odors, maintaining the freshness of your home.
- The formation of tight clumps ensures ease of cleaning, making litter box maintenance more efficient.
- With its robust odor control, it provides a more pleasant and hygienic environment for both humans and pets.
- Given its weight of 14 lbs, a single box of this cat litter is long-lasting, offering excellent value for money.
Cons:
- The litter’s scent, while helping to mask odors, might be overpowering for some pets and people.
- Despite the ClumpLock technology, the litter might still track or dust, depending on the activity level of your cats.
- The tight clumping, though beneficial for cleanup, may require more frequent replacement of the entire litter box to maintain maximum freshness.
10. Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Ultra Cat Litter
- Brand: Dr. Elsey’s
- Manufacturer: Precious Cat
- Color: Ultra Unscented
- Dimensions: Height: 4.0 Inches Width: 10.0 Inches Length: 15.0 Inches Weight: 18.0 Pounds `
Features
Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Ultra Cat Litter is a premium-quality, 18-pound solution for your feline’s needs. Crafted from 100% bentonite clay, its optimal granule size and texture offer maximum clumping. The hypoallergenic, 99.9% dust-free formula is perfect for cats and owners with allergies. Its hard clumping medium grain clay traps moisture effectively, forming durable clumps that simplify scooping. Boasting superior odor control, this litter uses natural ingredients to ensure your home stays fresh between cleanings, whether you have one cat or several. Moreover, its unique low-tracking design keeps litter in the box, maintaining cleanliness in your living space
Pros:
- Premium Quality: Made from 100% bentonite clay, the granule size and texture are optimized for maximum clumping.
- Low Dust: The 99.9% dust-free, hypoallergenic formulation is ideal for cats and owners who suffer from allergies, reducing discomfort and sneezing.
- Hard Clumping: The medium grain clay forms hard clumps that resist breakdown, simplifying litter box maintenance and cleaning.
- Superior Odor Control: The natural ingredients efficiently neutralize odor, keeping your home fresh between cleanings, irrespective of the number of cats.
- Low Tracking: The formulation significantly reduces litter tracking, keeping the litter in the box and your house cleaner.
Cons:
- Allergy Concerns: Despite its hypoallergenic properties, some cats or owners might still experience reactions to the bentonite clay.
- Clumping Issues: While generally effective, the clumping ability might be less efficient if the litter box is overfilled or the cat urinates excessively.
- Weight: The 18-pound bag may be difficult to handle for some users, making it challenging to refill the litter box.
How To Choose The Right Cat Litter For Declawed Cats?
Choose a dust-free and non-clumping cat litter for declawed cats. Declawed cats require a gentle yet effective cat litter that won’t cause discomfort to their sensitive paws.
Cat litter should be a safe and pleasant experience for them. But, with so many different types of cat litter available, how do you choose the right one? We will guide you through the factors you need to consider when selecting the perfect cat litter for your declawed cat.
It’s important to note that cat litter for declawed cats should be carefully chosen to ensure they are comfortable while using it and to prevent any further discomfort. We’ll explore the types of litter that are best, and provide tips on how to transition your cat to a new brand. By the end of this article, you’ll be confident in your ability to choose the best cat litter for your furry friend.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Cat Litter For Declawed Cats
When selecting a litter for your declawed cat, several things must be kept in mind:
Texture And Softness Of Cat Litter
Cats’ paws are sensitive after declawing, so choosing the appropriate texture and softness of the litter is vital. The texture and softness of the litter indicate how comfortable and appealing the litter is for your cat. Use a litter that is easier on your cat’s delicate paws, such as softer, finer granules or even paper-based litter.
Dust-Free And Fragrance-Free Options
A common issue with cat litter is dust, which may aggravate allergies or cause respiratory issues. If your cat is declawed, choose a litter that is free of dust and fragrances. Dust-free litter will assist in keeping your cat’s litter box safe and clean.
Scent-free litter is ideal since declawed cats may be more sensitive to odors.
Low-Tracking Litter
Low-tracking litter is a fantastic option for pet owners who don’t want to sweep constantly. Since declawed cats may be sensitive to the litter’s texture, using a low-tracking litter will help avoid litter box issues. A litter with a heavier texture and larger granules is less likely to track since it is less sticky.
Identifying The Best Litter For Your Cat
Experimenting With Different Litters
After a declawing surgery, you mustn’t stick to any specific litter type. Try out a variety of different textures, softness, and low-tracking litters to find the one that your cat feels most relaxed with. Give your cat some time to adjust to it before settling on one type of litter.
Considering Your Cat’S Preferences
When it comes to going to the litter box, every cat has its own personal preferences. Some cats like clumping, sand-like litter, while others like pellet litter. Notice how your cat behaves when they use the litter box. Keeping track of your cat’s liking is essential to finding the ideal cat litter.
Consulting With Your Veterinarian
When it comes to selecting the ideal litter for your declawed cat, always consult with your veterinarian. They can provide valuable guidance on the kind of litter that is appropriate for your cat, considering its health condition.
A comfortable litter box is critical for declawed cats. By taking into account the above factors, you can help ensure that your cat is content with their litter box and litter and minimize any unnecessary trauma or discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Type Of Cat Litter Is Best For Declawed Cats?
Clumping and dust-free litter are best because they are soft on paws.
Why Is Clumping Litter Better For Declawed Cats?
Clumping litter is softer, easier on paws, and doesn’t stick to wounds.
Are Scented Litters Okay For Declawed Cats?
No, scented litter can irritate wounds and should be avoided.
Can I Use Crystal Litter For My Declawed Cat?
Crystal litter can cause discomfort and should also be avoided.
How Often Should I Change Litter For My Declawed Cat?
Litter boxes should be scooped at least once a day and completely changed weekly.
Conclusion
From this discussion, it is evident that declawed cats may have specific needs when it comes to choosing the best cat litter for declawed cats. As a pet parent, you should prioritize their comfort and safety by providing them with soft, dust-free, and scent-free litter.
The litter should also offer excellent absorption, clumping, and low tracking abilities. We cannot overlook the importance of consulting with a veterinarian before making any changes to your cat’s litter. With these tips in mind, you can provide your feline friend with the best litter and create a comfortable environment for them.
Remember, a happy cat makes for a happy pet parent, and choosing the right cat litter can go a long way in achieving that.
About Author (Pauline G. Carter)
Pauline G. Carter is a well-known pet blogger who has written about the world of pets for several years. She is passionate about pets, from cats and dogs to birds, reptiles, and poultry. Her blog, which is updated regularly, is filled with articles and guides on pet care, nutrition, and training. She also shares her experiences and observations on pet ownership, making her blog relatable and informative for pet lovers. She is a true animal advocate and is dedicated to promoting responsible pet ownership. Let’s Go …
