Cat spreading cat litter: Which cat litter makes the least mess?
Why is my cat scattering cat litter around the home?
1. Natural scratching behaviour
Extensive scratching and digging after going to the toilet is a completely normal instinct of cats: In the wild, they use it to bury their droppings to avoid attracting predators. Particularly eager ‘diggers’ can sometimes throw the litter far beyond the edge of the litter tray.
2. Cat litter sticks to the paws
Fine litter sticks relatively easily to the paws. When leaving the toilet, your cat then unintentionally carries litter particles with it and spreads them around the home. This problem is particularly common with long-haired cats, as the litter can get caught in the fur between the toes.
Whether litter sticks to the paws depends heavily on its grain size and texture: coarser-grained variants are less easily carried away than fine-grained litter. However, it depends above all on the absorbency of the litter and how quickly it forms clumps.
3. too small or unsuitable litter tray
Cats need enough space to be able to turn around when scratching. This is difficult to do in a litter tray that is too small, which means that more litter is thrown out. For large cat breeds in particular, you should therefore make sure that the litter tray is large enough.
4. Too little litter in the toilet
f there is not enough cat litter in the toilet, your cat will not be able to bury its faeces as well. It will scrape more intensively, causing more litter to escape. Make sure that the litter layer is always about five to seven centimetres high.
How can I prevent my cat from spreading cat litter around the home?
1. Choose the right litter tray
Every cat is different and you should therefore pay attention to the model when buying a litter tray. The size of your cat as well as its age and state of health play a major role here. There are also the following litter trays, each with their own advantages:
- Cat litter trays with a high rim: These prevent litter from flying out when scratching.
- Closed litter trays: These reduce litter loss and offer the cat more privacy.
- Top-entry litter trays: Here, the cat enters and exits from the top. This means that no litter can fall out.
2. Choosing the right cat litter
In addition to the type of toilet, choosingthe right litter also plays an important role. The following applies: Coarse-grained litter sticks to the paws less than fine variants.
Particularly suitable are:
- Natural litter made from plant fibres: environmentally friendly, although you should look for a cat litter that is highly absorbent and clumps well.
- Ultra-fast clumping litter: forms firm clumps and therefore ensures less litter distribution in the home.
- Dust-free litter: reduces dispersion in the air and is ideal for allergy sufferers and sensitive cats.
3. Use a litter tray with litter catcher
A litter collection mat can work wonders: it ensures that litter that sticks to the paws is not carried into the home. However, it is important that the mat is large enough for your cat to take at least two or three steps on it after going to the toilet.
4. Choose the ideal place for the litter tray
Place the litter tray in a quiet place where your cat feels safe and is not disturbed by noises. There should be enough space around the litter tray for the cat to get in and out easily. It is best to choose easy-to-clean floors such as tiles or vinyl and avoid carpet around the litter tray.
5. Regular care of the litter tray
You should clean the litter tray regularly so that your cat feels completely comfortable and scatters less litter. Cats are naturally clean animals and therefore avoid dirty litter trays. Clumps and soiling should be removed daily.
Also make sure that you top up the litter when necessary and change it regularly according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Even with daily cleaning, odours and bacteria build up over time. A complete change is therefore important to ensure hygiene.
Further tips for your individual situation
Multi-cat household
In a household with several cats, it is advisable to provide one toilet per cat. This gives the animals enough opportunities to do their business in a toilet that is as clean as possible.
Older cats or cats with joint problems
The high rim of a litter tray can be an obstacle for older cats or cats with joint problems. Models with a lower entrance at the side are recommended here.
Coat care for long-haired cats
Cat litter can easily get stuck on the paws of long-haired cats as the grains get caught in the fur between the toes. Regular brushing and trimming of the hair between the pads of the toes can help.
Conclusion: With the right measures, your home will stay clean
With a suitable litter tray, good litter and aids such as litter mats, you can prevent your cat from spreading cat litter around the home. Every cat is different, so it's worth trying out different solutions.
Our recommendations:
🐾 For active scratchers: TOPBox litter tray - top-entry litter tray, keeps litter inside.
🐾 For maximum protection: Cat Residence - keeps litter inside and reduces odours thanks to the built-in activated carbon filter.
🐾 For small flats: Smartcat corner toilet - fits perfectly in any corner and keeps litter inside thanks to the high rim.
🐾 For busy cat owners: Roll N'Clean - not only keeps litter inside, but also cleans itself.
🐾 For litter-loving cats: Porta Track Mat and Ultimate Litter Mat - effectively catches litter that gets stuck to paws.
🐾 For environmentally conscious cat owners: SoftCat Grass Litter - clumps very well and can even be disposed of in the household toilet, organic waste or compost.
🐾 For less litter carryover: Professional Classic Active Carbon Litter - ultra-clumping cat litter that neutralises odours particularly well.
🐾 For dust-sensitive allergy sufferers: Professional Classic Baby Powder Litter - is up to 99% dust-free and clumps extremely well at the same time.
Investing in high quality products will pay off for you in the long run - both through a cleaner household and a happier cat.
Which of these solutions will work best for your cat? Try it out!
