We found out which cat litter absorbs odor better, and which one a mustachioed pet will like best

Date updated: 02/14/2021 14:36:53 7321 Share:

Author of the article: Astafieva Ekaterina Alekseevna

*Review of the best according to the editors of simplerule.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

Domestic “purrs” are undoubtedly clean animals. High-quality litter is an important aspect of cat ownership. If the owner is faced with the problem of choosing raw materials for a tray, it is worth getting acquainted with our rating, which presents some of the most popular products.

How to choose cat litter

Ideally, the toilet should please not only the furry creature, but also correspond to the wishes of the owner. The most important condition when choosing a filler is safety. There are other important parameters to consider when purchasing:

1. Particle size. Adult pets need to buy medium and large raw materials. Small crystals are suitable for kids.
2. Aroma. Some fillers contain flavorings. A strong scent can scare a cat away from the litter box.
3. Packaging volume. It is chosen depending on the characteristics and age of the pet. Adult cats should buy a large bag of 16-18 liters. It lasts about 30-50 days. For kittens, 5 liters is enough.
4. Best before date. Expired materials cannot be used.
5. Manufacturer. A reliable company guarantees decent quality and safety of the product.

The owner of the animal chooses the product according to personal preferences and financial capabilities. The cat perceives the basis for its toilet differently. The raw materials must not contaminate the wool or create dust. Practicality and cost-effectiveness also play an important role.

Which filler is better - clay, silica gel, wood?

Cat litter products vary in content, type and method of exposure. You can learn more about the characteristics of each variety in the table:

All that remains is to get acquainted with our rating, which takes into account all the listed characteristics, as well as customer reviews.

KSMG and KSKG

These varieties differ slightly in their scope of use. Silica gel KSMG (GOST 3956-76) is a universal sorbent suitable for almost any area where it is necessary to get rid of excess air humidity.

Silica gel KSKG (GOST 3956-76) is preferable when planning long-term work in open spaces: for laying in CCTV cameras, electrical panels. Both varieties are distinguished by a highly developed internal surface, porous structure and the ability to absorb large volumes of moisture in a minimum time.

These drugs are also capable of absorbing vapors of organic compounds (toluene, gasoline, benzene, acetone, ether), gases from gaseous and liquid media. They are characterized by high mechanical strength - they are almost impossible to crush or grind.

Rating of the best cat litters

Best Silica Gel Fillers

Fresh Step Crystals

Rating: 4.9

Fresh Step Crystals cat litter deservedly takes first place. It looks like small granules that do not clump into pieces and crunch pleasantly under your paws. Its main advantage is the ability to take away bad odors and lock them inside crystals. When poured into a tray, the raw material does not generate dust. Even if the owner does not stir it and does not remove waste products in a timely manner, there will be no stench in the room.

The filler is not cheap. However, cat owners are willing to pay for the manufacturer’s product, because using it is a real pleasure. In addition, it is quite economical to use. For comparison, 1.8 kg of Fresh Step Crystals controls odor for as long as 13 kg of other cheap litter. A 3.5kg bag will last approximately 6 weeks.

The filler can be flushed down the toilet. It doesn't spill around the house and cats really like it. Buyers note the absence of foreign inclusions in silica gel. 100 g cost from 14 rubles. For 30 liters you need to pay 2100-2500 rubles.

Advantages

1. the house always smells nice;
2. convenient size particles;
3. instant absorption;
4. economical;
5. does not generate dust.

Flaws

1. No.

N1 Crystals

Rating: 4.8

The next position in the rating belongs to a unique silica gel cat litter, which is distinguished by its natural composition and delicate aroma. It is completely safe for animals living in the house and blocks odors well. The filler particles are well sorted. They do not stick to the fur or get stuck in the paws. They are moderately dusty. If the kitten accidentally swallows the pellet, it will not cause harm.

According to the company, due to the rapid absorption of moisture and the presence of fragrance, the product can be used without complete replacement for about 4 weeks. However, in reality this is not the case. Judging by the reviews, a trace of cat urine in the air begins to appear after about 4-5 days. 30 liters cost about 2300 rubles. Some buyers find the price too high.

Advantages

1. bactericidal effect;
2. careful sorting;
3. meets hygiene requirements.

Flaws

1. enough for a maximum of 1 week;
2. the price does not match the characteristics.

Cat Step Silica Gel

Rating: 4.7

Cat Step filler takes an honorable third place in the ranking. Outwardly, it resembles sea bath salts. The particles do not smell, do not stick and do not generate dust. When it gets wet, silica gel fizzes a little. Even shy cats are not bothered by this.

This litter is not suitable for kittens. There are crystals with sharp edges. Out of curiosity, the baby may swallow one and damage the stomach.

Buyers who have tested the product on their pets respond positively to Cat Step. The product is easy to use. It absorbs liquid perfectly and is non-toxic. Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting the issue of profitability. The manufacturer claims that a small package will last for a month. In reality, it is consumed in 15-20 days.

The brand's assortment includes 5 types of Cat Step silica gel filler. Among them there are granules with mint flavor. True, not all cats like them. Cat litter material is packaged in moisture-proof packaging of various weights. The product belongs to the middle price segment. Its cost reaches 1,300 rubles for 15.2 liters.

Advantages

1. complete absorption of unpleasant odors;
2. does not stick to fur and paws;
3. hypoallergenic;
4. availability in stores;
5. increased liquid absorption.

Flaws

1. high consumption.

Smart Cat Silica gel “unscented”

Rating: 4.7

The next line in the rating belongs to the Smart Cat litter, which takes care of the animal’s comfort and cleanliness in the house. This is a safe and practical raw material that has earned many favorable opinions. The composition does not contain dust and is perfect for sensitive and picky cats. Due to the small size of the granules, there are no puddles left at the bottom of the tray. Moisture is perfectly absorbed. The stench does not spread throughout the house, but is noticeable near the cat litter.

Don't worry if your cat is timid at first about her litter box. The pet will quickly get used to the hissing. The tray will have to be changed once every 1-1.5 weeks. The composition is consumed economically. The package has a convenient carrying handle, but there is no closing valve. 16 liters cost 1,728 rubles.

Advantages

1. fast absorption;
2. environmentally friendly product;
3. safe for cats;
4. optimal particle size.

Flaws

1. does not guarantee 100% freshness in the room.

Homecat Silica Gel Standard

Rating: 4.6

Unlike the previous participant in the rating, Homecat cat litter not only hides bad odor, but also eliminates its cause. The composition prevents the development of harmful bacteria and quickly absorbs liquid. White granules do not smell and do not scare pets. The average size of one grain is 18 mm. The product comes in a durable bag with a plastic handle. There is dust in the packaging.

Opinions about the filler are mostly positive. Buyers note that the granules retain odor well and cope even with large amounts of moisture. The remedy is especially helpful for Maine Coon owners. The composition has no serious disadvantages. There are reviews that the granules constantly get stuck in the paws and spread throughout the apartment, which is typical for most such compositions. Homecat Standard can be used in trays with grids. With fairly high quality, the price of the product is low. 100 g cost 43-50 rubles.

Advantages

1. acts as an absorbent;
2. antibacterial effect;
3. convenient packaging;
4. reasonable price with decent quality.

Flaws

1. dust in the packaging.

Percato Premium Rocks

Rating: 4.5

Next in the ranking is silica gel cat litter from the German brand Percato. The Premium Rocks series is the latest generation of products that easily solve hygiene problems. The main advantage is the favorable price for a large volume. The raw materials are cheaper than some other silica gel materials, but are not much inferior in quality. 100% safe composition, non-toxic and safe to use. It quickly copes with its task and does not cause a negative reaction in animals. The raw material does not leave dust.

The main disadvantage is the large and sharp granules, which cats easily scatter around the room. It is unpleasant to step on them, so we recommend purchasing a mat to collect the litter. The problem will be solved. 10 liters cost from 600 rubles.

Advantages

1. profitable price;
2. no dust;
3. availability in online stores;
4. antibacterial odor protection.

Flaws

1. granules are too large and sharp.

Siberian cat Elite

Rating: 4.4

The Siberian cat litter from the Russian brand Elite has become a real bestseller. It is made from dried gel in the form of large crystals. The raw materials are of environmentally friendly origin. It instantly absorbs liquid and odor, preventing the latter from spreading throughout the apartment.

Siberian cat Elite is suitable for trays without bars. During burial, the crystals do not scatter through the sides. The dried gel does not require frequent replacement. One pack lasts for a long time.

It is worth considering that cat litter sells out quickly. Because of this, it is often not on sale. Otherwise, there are no serious complaints about the product. Pet owners praise the effectiveness and optimal price. The cost is about 2000 rubles for 24 liters. Granules are available in blue, green and pink colors.

Advantages

1. price equals quality;
2. a lot of positive feedback;
3. easy to clean;
4. effective against the smell of cat urine;
5. does not cause an allergic reaction.

Flaws

1. difficult to find on sale;
2. a little dusty.

Silica gel and its capabilities

Silica gel cat litter consists of large, hard, translucent or colored granules. Silica gel itself is a dried polysilicic acid gel that is insoluble in water and most other solvents, has no odor, and does not release hazardous products when decomposed. This filler belongs to the category of absorbent; its porous structure allows it to retain large amounts of moisture. One of the most important properties of the material for cat owners is its ability to hide odors. It is the combination of such parameters that explains the rapidly growing popularity of the filler.

Silica gel is dried polysilicic acid gel granules with high moisture-absorbing properties.

The best clay fillers

Fresh Step Extreme Clay

Rating: 4.9

The first in the ranking among clay fillers was Extreme Clay from the American company Fresh Step. The raw materials are made from high quality substances with absorbent properties. It is lightweight and contains special components that neutralize the presence of odorous substances in the air. Activated carbon is added to the granules, which prevents bacterial growth. This will eliminate the cause of the unpleasant odor.

According to reviews from cat owners, the litter perfectly absorbs moisture and provides freshness in the house. Buyers note that the quality of the product has dropped slightly; previously there was less dust in the packaging. Most often, such responses are found on the pages of online stores. Therefore, we advise you to purchase Fresh Step only from trusted markets, otherwise there is a risk of encountering a counterfeit and being disappointed in your purchase. The price for 100 g is only 14 rubles.

Advantages

1. acceptable price;
2. lasts for a long time;
3. needs to be changed once a month;
4. pets are satisfied.

Flaws

1. There are fakes in online stores.

Ever Clean Extra Strong Scented

Rating: 4.8

The next position in the rating belongs to cat litter with an innovative formula for eliminating ammonia fumes. The composition has a fresh aroma and perfectly blocks the spread of odorous particles in the air. Proprietary charcoal-based technology maintains a clean and cozy atmosphere in the house. The formula of the raw material prevents the formation of dust. When the filler comes into contact with moisture, a pleasant aroma is released.

Clay forms dense lumps. They are very easy to clean. Granules measuring from 0.5 to 2 mm do not stick to the paws. They don't scratch the pads or fly out of the cat's litter box. Despite the high quality and desired effect, the price tag seems too high to buyers. But the consumption of raw materials is very economical. For 10 liters you need to pay about 1500 rubles.

Advantages

1. refreshing effect;
2. low dust content;
3. without allergens and harmful components;
4. removes the strongest odors;
5. Easy to clean due to dense clumps.

Flaws

1. Not everyone can afford it.

Catsan Ultra Plus

Rating: 4.7

The rating of the best litters continues with Catsan Ultra Plu, which provides clean cat litter and eliminates nasty odors. Clay particles perfectly absorb liquid and form dense lumps that are easy to remove from the tray. All that remains is to add the required amount of fresh raw materials. The composition of Catsan Ultra Plu is completely natural. Apart from clay, there are no additives in it. The product is suitable for all cat breeds. It doesn't stick to fur.

The product has undergone anti-dust treatment and meets all quality standards. The hygienic composition is absolutely safe for health.

Judging by consumer reviews, the filler effectively masks the stench in the room and is slowly consumed. Some pets refuse to go to the tray with another product after using raw materials from a German brand. Price – 675 rubles for 6 liters.

Advantages

1. forms dense lumps;
2. slow consumption;
3. easy cleaning;
4. free of asbestos and bleaches;
5. removes odor very well.

Flaws

1. There are no serious disadvantages.

Van Cat Classic

Rating: 4.6

The next place in the ranking is occupied by filler from a Turkish brand. Its white granules allow you to monitor the health of your cat’s genitourinary organs in the simplest way – by color. The product is made from bentonite. It is presented on the market in several versions: odorless, with the aroma of freshness, lavender, and pine forest. There are products for large pets.

The aroma of the filler does not bother animals. It lasts for the first two days, and then gradually wears off. The product reliably removes ammonia fumes from secretions, which appear only on days 4-5 if the toilet is not cleaned.

Often the product is out of stock. Therefore, we recommend purchasing several packages at once to last for several months. Cost for 10 kg – from 500 rubles. Buyers do not recommend purchasing Van Cat Classic with the addition of baby powder. The filler is very dusty and does not clump well due to the granules being too small.

Advantages

1. keeps cat litter dry for a long time;
2. clumps well;
3. the price corresponds to the quality.

Flaws

1. not all types of filler are liked by customers;
2. difficult to find on sale.

Pi-Pi-Bent A sensation of freshness

Rating: 4.5

It is no coincidence that Pi-Pi-Bent cat litter ended up in the ranking of the best. It is made from the purest bentonite clay, which is designed to eliminate strong odors. Its active components enhance liquid absorption and promote the formation of strong lumps. The product has won the “One Hundred Best Products of Russia” competition several times. Its safety is confirmed by special certificates.

Judging by customer reviews, the lumps are so hard that a regular plastic scoop may not be able to handle them. You have to look for a metal product for cleaning. There is information that the filler is very dusty. Pets like the product in cat litter. Pour at least 5 cm into the tray, otherwise the composition will stick to the bottom. The price for 100 g starts from 7 rubles (at a discount).

Advantages

1. optimal cost;
2. performs its functions 100%;
3. safe natural composition.

Flaws

1. difficult to clean;
2. dusty.

Leading Professional Bentonite

Rating: 4.4

Like previous participants in the rating, Leading Professional is made of bentonite. When liquid gets on the granules, lumps form, which are then convenient to collect. The natural product does not harm the animal and does not require a complete replacement of raw materials or other serious cleaning manipulations. Moisture is absorbed very quickly.

Pet owners note that it is better to immediately remove any lumps from the cat litter box, otherwise the room will smell of excrement. Packages weighing 5, 10 and 15 kg are available. 100 g cost from 5 rubles. Please note that the product is sold in cardboard bags, which may tear or get wet. When ordering through an online store, packages often arrive damaged, which cannot but upset customers.

Advantages

1. affordable price;
2. clumps well;
3. effective absorption of liquid;
4. easy to clean (clumps do not fall apart);
5. economical.

Flaws

1. freshness for what period;
2. dusty;
3. fragile packaging.

Happy paws

Rating: 4.3

The second category of the rating is completed by the “Happy Paws” cat litter, which is characterized by slow consumption and excellent moisture absorption. The medium-sized granules hold the odor well and do not generate dust. Their edges are very sharp, so those who like to walk barefoot need to be careful. The composition includes natural bentonite mineral. It contains no artificial additives and has no expiration date. The main thing is to store raw materials in a dry room with relative humidity.

According to customer reviews, the filler clumps very well. The balls are easily separated with a spatula and do not stick to the bottom.

Once every 7 days, it is necessary to completely clean the cat's litter box so that there is no odor in the room. Packages available in sizes 3, 5, 10 kg. The smallest costs from 130 rubles. The filler comes in a cardboard bag that can be accidentally torn.

Advantages

1. 100% natural product;
2. clumps well;
3. high moisture absorption rate.

Flaws

1. very sharp granules;
2. eliminates odor for a short period;
3. weak packaging.

Cat Step

This is a silica gel litter for cats produced by a Russian company that produces products for pets. The hygiene product helps to keep the cat litter clean for a long time. For 2-3 weeks you don’t have to worry about general cleaning of the tray, as the mixture absorbs the animal’s feces well and prevents the unpleasant odor from spreading.

Varieties:

• silica gel litter for cats Cat Step (classic);
• Laguna (unflavored, granules are colored blue, white and pink);
• Sacura (unflavored, granules colored white and pink);
• with strawberry aroma;
• with lavender scent.

Approximate price:

• 3.8 l – 400 rub.;
• 7.6 l – 850 rub.;
• 15.2 l – 1600 rub.

You can now see the current price of silica gel filler and buy it right here from Yandex Market with fast delivery:

The best wood fillers

N1 Naturel Green tea

Rating: 4.9

The leader among wood fillers was N1 Naturel Green Tea. This is a popular cat litter product created by Australian specialists using the latest technology. The formula contains wood fibers from Himalayan cedar, which grows in the mountains. The particles clump as tightly as bentonite raw materials, but unlike it, they do not generate dust at all.

The filler has an amazing aroma of green tea and does not spread around the house on cat's paws. When digging in the toilet, the granules do not crumble due to their heavy weight. Used raw materials can be flushed down the toilet. Reviews about the product are mostly positive. Price N1 Naturel Green tea is a bit “biting”. However, buyers consider it justified. The cost for 17.5 liters is about 1655 rubles.

Advantages

1. does not spread from the cat litter;
2. added Ceylon green tea;
3. convenient use;
4. low consumption;
5. copes with its task 100%.

Flaws

1. not found.

Cat's Best Original

Rating: 4.8

The rating continues with one of the best cat litters, which is produced from freshly fallen trunks of spruce and pine trees growing in Europe. Thus, the natural resources of the forest are completely preserved. The raw materials are 100% decomposed and are environmentally friendly materials. There are no chemical additives in the composition.

Buyers consider cost-effectiveness to be the main advantages of the product. The litter is approximately 2.5 times more profitable than other wood products for cat litter. Tests by pet owners confirm this. The granules effectively absorb unpleasant odors and give the room forest freshness. They are not hard to the touch and not dusty. 2.3 kg cost about 500 rubles. A 10 liter bag is enough for one cat for about 4 months.

Advantages

1. absorbs almost 7 times its volume;
2. ease of transportation;
3. no artificial additives;
4. retracts in one motion;
5. efficiency.

Flaws

1. There are no serious disadvantages.

Homecat Wood small granules

Rating: 4.7

The next participant in the rating has a safe composition without additives or flavors. Homecat does not cause allergic reactions in your pet. The filler is made from small softwood pellets with a diameter of 6 mm, which are tightly pressed together. The manufacturer does not indicate what kind of wood was used for manufacturing.

The product has many regular customers. It is chosen for its reasonable price, large economical packaging, and good odor elimination effect. The raw material itself has a pleasant woody aroma that cats like. Pet owners place granules under the grill to keep the room fresh. The shelf life of the filler is unlimited. It's nice that sometimes you can find a gift for your pet in the form of canned cat food inside the Homecat package. The litter is also suitable for rodents. Price per 100 g – from 4 rubles.

Advantages

1. natural aroma;
2. absorbs even large volumes of liquid;
3. slow consumption;
4. optimal granule size.

Flaws

1. There are no serious disadvantages.

PrettyCat Wood Granules

Rating: 4.6

Many professional cat breeders and catteries prefer PrettyCat Wood Granules. The product of this brand is used for the cats of the Hermitage, which is justified by the high quality of the raw materials. The granules are made from dry pine, which has a natural smell of pine freshness and protects against the negative effects of bacteria. Neat, medium-sized granules do not contain debris and perfectly absorb moisture, blocking the spread of waste particles in the air.

I'm glad to see the high-tech packaging with a ZIP lock, which is easy to carry. There are reviews that the filler does not clump well and crumbles when scooped. Otherwise, there are no complaints about the product. Price for 4 kg (12 l) – 150-200 rubles. This pack is enough for 1-1.5 weeks if you have 2 cats.

Advantages

1. effectively eliminates stench;
2. wonderful aroma of wood;
3. ideal composition;
4. slowly consumed;
5. convenient spare parts package.

Flaws

1. does not form dense lumps.

Clean paws Woody

Rating: 4.5

An honorable third place belongs to the Clean Paws filler. It is made from pine sawdust, which has a pleasant pine aroma. The granules of the product perfectly absorb moisture and create an antibacterial effect that prevents bad odors from spreading throughout the house.

Cat owners note that litter absorbs liquid instantly. Pets walk in it with pleasure, and small granules do not get stuck in their paws. As a nice bonus, the manufacturer includes a play ball for your pet in the pack. Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting the large number of small particles around the cat litter, which have to be cleaned regularly. For this reason, this filler is not suitable for low and small trays. For 37 liters you need to pay about 500 rubles.

Advantages

1. unobtrusive aroma;
2. without harmful additives;
3. does not stick to paws.

Flaws

1. a lot of small garbage.

Siberian cat Lesnoy

Rating: 4.4

The last place in the ranking is occupied by cat litter, which has an antibacterial effect. Biodegradable raw materials guarantee protection against urine odor and are optimal for long-haired breeds. Granules measuring 8-10 mm are produced from high quality coniferous trees. Compared to Clean Paws, they are quite thick, but pets are happy with this.

Buyers note that the cat litter remains clean for a long time, and the tray is easy to remove. They praise excellent absorbency and the absence of foreign impurities in the packaging. Judging by the reviews, the quality of the filler has been disappointing consumers lately. The smell of the granules has become less pleasant, and the consumption is higher. This is due to the fact that the manufacturer adds a lot of tree bark to the raw material. Price for 10 liters – 250 rubles.

Advantages

1. pleasant pine smell;
2. harmless to the ecosystem;
3. elimination of pathogenic microbes.

Classifications

Desiccants are divided according to various criteria: shape (lumpy, granular), grain size (small, large), pore size (fine-porous, large-porous). According to GOST 3956-76, a four-letter designation of their brands is accepted:

• the first letter is the size of the granules (M - small, K - large, Sh - charge, A - activated);
• the second is the name of the material (C – Silica gel);
• third - pore size (M - fine-porous, K - large-porous);
• the fourth is the shape of the particles (K - lumpy, G - granular).

There are also special-purpose dehumidifiers: indicator dehumidifiers, for household refrigerators, double-glazed windows, chromatography and a number of other brands.