With how busy cat owners are nowadays, automatic litter boxes are now a must-have to save time on cleaning after their cats. However, like any other tool in the market, these litter boxes should be used with the right accessories and materials. In this case, you need to use the right type of litter. Picking the wrong type of litter would clog the automatic litter box, cause sensor errors, and make it harder to clean the machine because of wet clumps. As a result, using the automatic litter box becomes an extra chore that you shouldn’t be getting in the first place if it was working properly.
In this article, we’ll be discussing the importance of matching your automatic litter boxes with the right cat litter and avoiding ending up throwing your automatic litter box by accident.
Why Do You Need the Right Cat Litter for Automatic Litter Boxes
Unlike scooped trays where you can use any type of litter, automatic litter boxes require specific litters that meet the following criteria:
- Firm clumps that will stay firm even if it is moved around.
- Litter that is in the right grain size and density to match the raking or rotating mechanism
- Creates low dust to prevent coating the sensors or the motors
- Has good odor control even if the waste stays in the sealed drawer for a long time.
If you pick the wrong litter for these automatic litter boxes, it can lead to the following problems:
- A wet litter can create sludges that sticks to the base of the litter box that is hard to clean
- Any leftover wet litter can create machine jams or stop cycles, making the automatic litter box unable to clean the unit properly
- Constant “Error: waste port blocked” alerts
- The waste drawer fills too fast because the sensors don’t work well.
- The cats avoid the litter box because the litter texture is not to their preference or it smells.
Like other pets, cats also have their preferences or litter requirements, which is why you will need to make sure the litter in their litter boxes are perfect.
Main Litter Types You Need to Know
There are many types of litter available for cats to use but four are the most popular: clumping clay, silica crystals, pellets and branded litter.
Clumping Clay Litter
Out of the four most popular types of litter available for litter boxes are clumping clay litter. It is usually the default litter type to buy if your litter box does not require special litter for their use. First made commercial in 1947, you can practically buy this anywhere and come in various formulations that will help with strong odor control with the help of ingredients such as synthetic fragrances and baking soda.
Here are the reasons why it is the most popular type of litter for automatic litter boxes:
- It creates firm clumps that don’t break easily during raking or rotation cycles
- Works well with any type of automatic litter boxes
- Affordable and readily available in any pet store
- It is made to have good odor absorption, especially for its unscented variants.
When picking clumping clay litter, here are the features you need to consider and why it matters for your machine.
- Low-dust – Having this type of litter ensures the sensors stay clean and prevent dust build up in the motor, extending its life in the process. Some clumping clay also use crystalline silica dust, which is considered poisonous as it is a carcinogen.
- Fine or medium grain – Most automatic litter boxes come with sieves that fits these grains and it will not clog the grate easily
- Unscented – Cats do not usually like scented litter, especially if it is perfume heavy or in specific scents.
- Fast-clumping – Since it clumps fast when it is used, it will not create smears once the machine goes into a cleaning cycle.
There is also a non-clumping clay litter variant that you can pick if you wish to have an affordable and readily available litter that won’t require constant scooping. However, it is not recommended because it is easily tracked, has poor odor control and is very heavy. It is also non biodegradable so you do need to throw it properly.
Silica Crystal Litter
Silica crystals are another great option because they dry out the waste instead of creating clumps. This feature reduces litter usage and eliminates odors. It is also very lightweight and non-toxic. You also don’t need to maintain it regularly and produce low dust.
However, there are many cons to using silica crystal litter and they are as follows:
- There are automatic litter boxes that do not accept this litter type
- Some silica crystals snap without warning and jam the automatic rakes in the process.
- Broken silica crystals can cause injuries for some types of cats
- You will also need to stir it daily since it is an non-clumping litter
- It also creates a crunchy feeling which some cats may not like
- It is also very expensive to refill.
- It is also not-eco-friendly so you may need to dispose it with the help of a proper trash disposal company
If your machine can handle silica crystal litter and your cats do not mind it, then you can consider silica for your automatic cat litter box.
Pellet Litters or Biodegradable Litters (Wheat, Pine, Corn and Paper)
Out of all the types of litter you can pick for your cats, pellet litter is not the best choice unless your machine clearly says it is compatible for them.
Pellet litters are preferred for traditional trays because it easily absorbs waste, making it too heavy for some machines to move around. It will also create smudges that will be hard to clean and rot if they are not cleaned for too long. Some pellets may also fall into the gear’s mechanisms and cause it to jam. Some pellet litters also turn into either mush or sawdust. The weight sensors may also fail when your cat uses the litter box. There are also pellet litters that may be uncomfortable for some cats to use, especially if they are made large.
However, if used correctly, biodegradable litter is low tracking, produces low dust and is quite affordable. It is also very eco-friendly and non-toxic, making it safe to use for any kitten.
Branded or Proprietary Litters
For certain types of automatic litter boxes, they recommend branded or proprietary litters which are specifically designed for their machines. You will not have to worry about these litters causing problems. However, these litters are often locked behind subscription plans, which can be very pricey depending on the type of model you bought or the packages available.
Other Types of Litter To Consider?
There are also other types of litter that you can consider for your automatic cat litter box. But, you need to make sure that your unit is able to handle them and you follow the instructions on how it is used.
Tofu Cat Litter
This is one of the newest types of cat litter now available for consumption in the market. It is a natural and non-toxic cat litter that many prefer because it is dust-free. Some also note that it is flushable, making it easy to dispose without harming the environment in the process. It also produces low-tracking, which is great for cleaning.
However, since it is a plant-based material, it is very pricey and it is also quite easy to spoil. Because of this fact, you will need to store it properly for it to stay usable for a long time.
Walnut Cat Litter
Walnut cat litter is made from walnuts’ crushed shells and is considered a great alternative to clay cat litter. They have the same texture but walnut litter is lightweight. Cats also like the texture since they can dig into it and cover up any liquid or solids. It has ok odor control and is safe to use by all cats. It is also a natural
However, it does produce a lot of tracks and the color makes it hard to identify used litter from the unused ones. Since it is also a natural-made litter, it is easy to get spoiled litter if it is not stored properly.
How to Pick the Right Litter to Buy?
If you are still not sure which one to pick, here’s our short guide to help you pick:
Consider your budget when looking at the litter options because this will affect your options. Biodegradable cat litter is often affordable. But non-biodegradable ones may have cheaper variants that match your needs better. However, it is important that you pick one that won’t require you to keep purchasing more because the litter needs to be refilled a lot.
If your machine allows the use of normal litter, you can go for high-quality clumping clay because it is more affordable, performs well in any type of machine and has odor control.
If your machine allows multiple types of litter, start with clay litter before considering silica if the odor becomes an issue.
Do not use branded litter unless it is required by the machine and you can afford the yearly cost for the machine and the branded litter.
If you want to buy ‘branded’ litter that is from trusted brands like World’s Best, Pretty Litter or Arm and Hammer, always check their price first to see if it matches your budget for these litters and if they are the right fit for your machine.
Can You Prolong the Performance of Your Automatic Litter Boxes Regardless of the Litter You Use?
The simple answer is yes, you can. Here are several steps you can take to help your litter boxes last longer.
- Fill only up to the fill line because more litter will cause motor strain, especially once the litter is used. Biodegradable litter, when used, also is heavier so if you overfill the litter box and it is used, your machine may not be able to churn it properly.
- Replace the litter bed every 4 to 6 weeks completely, this does not include top-ups because those need to be done depending on the recommended use for your chosen cat litter.
- Store the litter inside and in non-humid areas. Humid storage spaces can create sticky litter clumps
- Switch the litter slowly by mixing the old litter with new ones for three days to prevent your cats from rejecting it.
- If your cat already uses unscented litter, do not switch to scented litter even if it is cheaper.
Common FAQs
Can you switch from an expensive litter to cheaper litter later?
- Yes, you can. But, that is if the automatic litter box supports the type of litter you are going to use and if your cat would like its texture.
Is picking a lightweight litter ok for automatic boxes?
- Normally, it doesn’t unless it is specially formulated. Lightweight litter usually floats, breaks apart or sticks into the surface, which can create motor jams and cleanup a common occurrence.
What should I do if I have multiple cats at home?
- You don’t need to buy different litter to accommodate your cats. But, you will need to replace the litter often to ensure your automatic litter box continues to work without fail. It is also recommended you have an extra litter box if you have more than one cat. For example, if you have two cats, there should be another one extra so they won’t get into fights.
Final Thoughts?
Whether you are new to owning an automatic cat litter box or looking into changing your cat’s litter for their current automatic litter box, it is important you do your research before buying a litter. Remember, the right litter will make your automatic litter boxes a dream to use while the wrong one will cost you a lot more than what you paid for the litter box. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your cats as well until you find the one that fits them while still taking note of what your litter box can do.