Best Kitty Litter That Doesn't Stick To Litter Pan

Cats are beloved pets, but cleaning their litter box is a tedious chore. To make the task easier, you should opt for a high-quality clumping litter that prevents waste from sticking to the box.

Dr. Elsey's Ultra is a popular choice among cat owners and has been named one of the best litters by trusted publications like Wirecutter and The Spruce Pets. It forms hard clumps, making it easy to scoop, and provides superior odour control. However, it comes in a plastic bag that is difficult to pour from and store.

Another option is Boxiecat Extra Strength Unscented Premium Clumping Clay, which is highly absorbent and forms hard clumps. It also offers strong odour control but comes at a premium price.

For a natural alternative to clay litter, Feline Pine Original Non-Clumping Cat Litter is made from 100% natural pine and is highly absorbent. However, it may not be ideal for cats who dislike large granules.

To prevent litter from sticking to the box, you can use a litter liner, a non-stick cooking spray, or invest in a non-stick or automatic litter box. Additionally, sprinkling baking soda on the pan before adding litter can help absorb moisture and prevent waste from sticking.

Try a non-clumping litter

If you're tired of your cat's litter sticking to the pan, you might want to try a non-clumping litter. These litters are designed to not clump together when they come into contact with liquid, so you won't have to worry about any sticky messes. Non-clumping litters are also a good option if you're looking for something that's easy to scoop.

• Tidy Cats Instant Action Unscented Non-Clumping Clay Cat Litter: This litter is designed to be low-tracking, with larger granules that help to reduce the amount of litter that sticks to your cat's paws. It's also unscented, so it won't overpower your senses.
• Feline Pine Original Non-Clumping Cat Litter: This litter is made from natural pine and is free from chemicals and artificial fragrances. The large pellets are highly absorbent and help to minimize tracking.
• Tuft+paw Really Great Litter: This litter is made from soybean byproducts and is a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative to clay litters. It has large, thin pellets that minimize tracking and clump quickly.
• Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat Ultra-Premium Clay Litter: This popular litter is known for its strong odor control performance and easy scooping. It has heavier, denser granules that help to reduce tracking.
• Boxiecat Extra Strength Unscented Premium Clumping Clay: This litter is known for its superior odor control and quick-clumping ability. It has finer granules, but its weight helps to reduce tracking.
• Fresh Step Clean Paws Simply Unscented Clay Cat Litter: This lightweight litter has large granules that help to reduce tracking. It also has strong odor control, making it a good choice for multi-cat households.
• Catit Go Natural Pea Husk Clumping Cat Litter: This litter is made from recycled pea husks and has long, thin pellets that minimize tracking. It's lightweight and easy to carry, making it a good option for those who have trouble lifting heavy objects.
• Kitty Poo Club Large-Grain Silica Cat Litter: This silica litter has large granules that reduce tracking and is very lightweight. It's also convenient for delivery to your home through a subscription program.

Use baking soda and cooking spray

Using baking soda and cooking spray is an effective way to prevent cat waste from sticking to the litter box. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide:

Prepare the Litter Box

Before adding the baking soda and cooking spray, it is important to ensure that the litter box is clean. Remove any old litter and wash the box thoroughly. You can use soap and water or a non-abrasive cleaner to clean the box. Make sure that the box is completely dry before moving on to the next step.

Apply the Baking Soda

Once the litter box is clean and dry, sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda on the bottom of the box. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and will help to absorb moisture, preventing waste from sticking to the sides of the box. It is important to only use a small amount of baking soda, as using too much can create dust and potentially harm your cat's respiratory health.

Apply the Cooking Spray

After sprinkling the baking soda, coat the entire interior of the box with a non-stick cooking spray. This will create a barrier that will make it easier to scoop off waste when it's time to clean the box. Be sure to use a cooking spray that is odourless and safe for pets.

Add the Litter

Finally, add the litter to the box. Be sure to use a high-quality clumping litter, as this will help to prevent waste from sticking to the box. Follow the directions on the litter packaging for how much litter to use. And that's it! Your litter box is now treated with baking soda and cooking spray, which should help to reduce waste buildup and make cleaning a breeze.

Maintenance Tips:

• It is important to scoop the litter box regularly to prevent waste from building up and sticking to the sides.
• When it's time for a full litter box change, be sure to clean the box thoroughly to remove any old buildup and prevent scum from forming.
• If you notice that the baking soda is creating too much dust, you can reduce the amount you use or try using a different odour control method.

Use litter box liners

Using litter box liners is a personal choice. They can be helpful for keeping the litter box clean and making it easier to dispose of old litter. However, they can also be inconvenient, as they sometimes rip and can bunch up, creating clumps that are harder to clean. They can also be annoying for cats, who may not like the feel of the liner on their paws. This could even lead to litter box avoidance.

If you do choose to use liners, here is a tip to minimise the excess material that tends to bunch up:

• Put a new litter liner in a clean litter box.
• Fill the box with at least 2 inches of litter.
• Gather any excess liner material and pinch it together on the inside of the box, starting with one of the shorter sides.
• Take a long piece of scotch tape and apply it to the plastic of the liner, starting on the inside of the box, below the bunched-up material. Draw the tape over the lip of the box and onto the outside of the box.
• Repeat on the other short side, then on both long sides.

Change your litter box

Changing your cat's litter box is a simple but important task. Here's a step-by-step guide to doing it effectively:

Prepare the necessary tools and materials:

You will need a slotted litter scoop, a garbage bag, soap, water, a bristled scrub brush, paper towels or a towel, and fresh litter. It is recommended to use a clumping litter, as it absorbs urine and forms hard clumps that can be easily scooped out.

Scoop out the clumps:

Use the slotted litter scoop to dig down into the litter and fill it. Shake the scoop gently from side to side over the litter box, allowing the clean litter to fall back while retaining the clumps.

Dispose of the clumps:

Dump the clumps containing urine and feces into a plastic bag and seal it for disposal outside. Ensure you do not flush litter clumps down the toilet, as they can damage your plumbing.

Clean the litter scoop:

Wash the litter scoop with soap and water to remove any residue and odours, then let it dry.

Empty the litter box:

Place a garbage bag over the litter box and tilt it to pour the used litter into the bag. Alternatively, carry the box to a large trash can and dump the contents directly.

Wash the litter box:

Wash the litter box with soap and water, preferably in a bathtub or similar area. Avoid using chemicals such as bleach or ammonia, as these can be harmful to cats and may cause them to avoid using the box. A bristled scrub brush can help with this step.

Dry the litter box:

Use a towel or paper towels to dry the litter box thoroughly. Ensure it is completely dry before refilling with fresh litter.

Refill the litter box:

Add 3-4 inches of fresh litter to the box. It is recommended to use 3-4 inches of clumping litter and 2-3 inches of non-clumping litter.

Maintain a regular cleaning schedule:

The litter box should be scooped daily to remove clumps and reduce odours. A complete change of litter is recommended at least once a month for clumping litter and every 2-3 days for non-clumping litter. The frequency may vary depending on the number of cats, their output, and their health.

Consider other tips to enhance litter box maintenance:

• Use a covered litter box to contain smells and messes effectively.
• Provide multiple litter boxes if you have more than one cat.
• Choose a litter box with higher sides if your cat is an enthusiastic kicker or sprayer.
• Place the litter box away from your cat's eating and drinking area, and in a quiet, private location.
• Avoid scented litters, as most cats find them off-putting.
• Line the bottom of the litter box with baking soda to absorb odours naturally.
• Ensure the litter box is large enough for your cat to move around and dig comfortably.

By following these steps and adapting them to your cat's specific needs and preferences, you can ensure a clean and pleasant litter box environment for your feline friend.

Get a self-cleaning litter box

If you're tired of scooping out your cat's litter box, you might want to consider getting a self-cleaning one. Self-cleaning litter boxes are a great way to save time and money, and they can also help to keep your home smelling fresh. Here are some options to consider:

Whisker Litter-Robot 4

The Whisker Litter-Robot 4 is a self-cleaning litter box that uses sensors to detect when your cat has used the box and then sifts out the waste. It works for up to four cats and keeps odours at bay with a tightly sealed drawer. The Litter-Robot also has a monitor that tracks your cat's weight and litter box activity, so you can spot any discrepancies. It's a larger unit, so you'll need to make sure you have enough space for it.

Cleanpethome Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box

The Cleanpethome Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box is an automatic litter box that can be controlled via an app. It has advanced odour control, neutralising unpleasant smells and keeping your home fresh. It's also designed with safety in mind, featuring sensors that detect your cat's presence and a delay mechanism that prevents the cleaning cycle from starting while your cat is inside. It's easy to set up and maintain, with removable components that make cleaning a breeze.

PETKIT PuraMax Self-Cleaning Litter Box

The PETKIT PuraMax Self-Cleaning Litter Box is another option to consider, especially if you have multiple cats. It has a large capacity and uses a smart app-controlled system to keep the litter box clean.

Frequently asked questions