A long-haired cat breed easily stands out because it is pretty gorgeous, but this cat comes with its frustrations. When your kitty uses a litter box, their lush hair may get poop stuck around their back legs or butt.
Fortunately, using specially-designed cat litter can minimize this gross issue and keep your kitty’s coat clean. Below is an overview of the best litter for long-haired cats.
What Litter Is Best for Long-Haired Cats?
The experienced cat care experts at Pets & Animals Tips establish that a cat uses their litter box at least 2 to 3 times daily. Therefore, when you add up the litter usage, you can understand why the type of long-haired cat litter you choose is essential.
The type of litter you choose can also impact your cat’s health, especially in long-haired cats. The fur of these cats can easily trap litter particles, dust particles and odor.
That said, the best litter for long-haired cats should be custom-made to cater to the needs of your furry friend. It should also be safe enough that litter and dust particles from the litter do not easily stick to your cat’s fur.
What Are the Unique Needs of Long-Haired Cats?
Long-haired cats have needs that differ from those of short-haired felines. Therefore, considering these needs can help you get the best litter for your furry friends. Some of the unique needs of long-haired cats include the following:
An appropriate litter that prevents health problems due to matted hair
The length of hair of a long-haired cat can be quite disadvantageous when it comes to litter. For one, it can be incredibly easy for litter to matte in your cat’s fur.
Unfortunately, litter matting can become itchy as it grows tighter or may get hot on a cat’s skin, causing great discomfort. It can also cause bacterial infections and skin conditions. Therefore, it is vital that you go for an appropriate litter to ensure your cat’s optimal appearance and health.
Cleaning up cat litter around your home
Cat litter can easily matte on your cat’s fur, meaning your cat can easily drag litter around your home. In some cases, you can find loose grains of litter after vacuuming your home. Therefore, it’s best to choose the most suitable cat litter for your pet.
If your cat suffers discomfort or ongoing pain from the litter matted in their fur, they may experience stress. The experienced cat care experts at Pets & Animals Tips establish that stressed cats may use places outside their litter to relieve themselves. Thus, it would help if you chose a cat litter made explicitly for long-haired cats to prevent these behavioral issues.
What Cat Litter Doesn’t Stick to a Cat’s Fur?
A suitable kitty litter for long-haired cats is essential to ensure it will not stick to your cat’s fur. Experienced cat care experts at Pets & Animals Tips recommend that before you change your cat’s litter, consider the type of litter your cat is used to or whether they have ever refused to use a specific kind of cat litter or brand. Then, slowly transition your cat to using an appropriate litter for long-haired cats.
Here is a list of cat litters that don’t stick to your cat’s fur:
Silica Gel Cat Litter
Silica Gel Cat Litter is absorbent and excellent at locking in smelly odors. Another incredible thing about this litter is that it sticks to your pet less than other litter types. We recommend the Fresh Step Fresh Scented Non-Clumping Crystal Cat Litter or Dr Elsey’s Unscented Low Dust Crystal Gel Kitty Litter as excellent choices.
Non-Clumping Clay Cat Litter
The non-clumping clay kitty litter is ideal for those cats who dislike clumping cat litter. This litter provides a low-mess and safe option. It is super absorbent, locks in odor and is much cheaper than the clumping version. Our top pick is the Tidy Cats Non-Clumping Clay Kitty Litter.
Clumping Clay Cat Litter
Most long-haired cat parents prefer the clumping litter, as it is easier to clean and scoop. The best thing is that the clumping clay cat litter is made from super-absorbent natural clay. It is an excellent choice because it is almost dust-free and completely natural. The Boxiecat’s Extra Strength Scent-Free Clumping Clay Kitty Litter is our top choice in this category.
Recycled Paper Cat Litter
The recycled paper cat litter comprises papers reused into pellets or granules. This cat litter is 100% dust-free, absorbent, biodegradable and cleaner for your long-haired cat. Our top pick is Yesterday’s News Clumping Paper Cat Litter. It is a granule litter that is easier to clean and quick to scoop.
Wrapping It Up
The best cat litter for long-haired cats should be non-tracking, super absorbent, easy to clean and dust-free. Note that cats’ preferences differ, so ensure that the type of long-haired cat litter you choose is one that your cat likes.