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If the idea of house training a pet is enough to keep you from getting a companion for your home, then a cat just might be the perfect pet for you. There’s very little training involved. All you need is some cat litter and a litter box, and you now have a pet that can stay inside all the time.

Mother cats are great about teaching their kittens how to use a litter box. Your job is simply to make sure your cat knows where the box is located. Once he learns this, it is unlikely he’ll do his business elsewhere. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t some decisions for you to make. And the first one is deciding what type of litter you want to use.

If you haven’t been to the pet store recently, you may be surprised by, and even a bit overwhelmed with all the choices available to you. So let’s take a quick look at some of the more popular products.

One factor you’ll need to look at is the price. This is where clay litter has a big advantage. Clay was one of the first litters developed commercially and is less expensive than most of the others. The problem with clay is that it not only absorbs liquids, it also hangs on tightly to most odors. You’ll need to change it frequently or the smell will permeate your home. Clay is also problematic if your cat has allergies because when he scratches in the box the dust will start to fly.

Clumping cat litter has replaced basic clay as the litter of choice for most pet owners. As soon as your cat goes, the litter works with the moisture in the waste and forms large clumps. That means all you need to do is scoop out the clumps, there’s no need to change the entire box. Then just put in more litter to replace what you just scooped. Clumping litter also comes with various scents to help hide the smell. So what are the drawbacks? Well some cats will eat the clumped waste. Watch your kitten to make certain this is not a problem.

Silica litters are some of the newest on the market. Silica has been used for years in the small packets you see in pill bottles or in your new pair of shoes. It’s used because it is a great moisture absorber, and silica crystals in your cat litter work much the same way. They are mixed with sand and water to easily absorb any liquids in your cat’s waste. You still have to scoop out the solid waste, and because it does not clump, it can be a bit messy. Another plus is that this litter is biodegradable, and simply returns to a sandy base when it decomposes.

Paper litter is also biodegradable, making it a popular choice among those considered more “green.” Recycled paper or pellets are used to make this absorbent litter. It is also very light, making it easy to carry around.

Another litter quickly gaining in popularity is litter made from wood. It too is biodegradable. Pine is the most frequent wood used, primarily because of it’s ability to naturally absorb odors. But really, all softwood litters are good at both liquid and odor absorption. The result is a more natural litter because no chemicals are added.

Once you decide on the type of litter you want to use, your cat will undoubtedly let you know if he agrees with your selection. Some cats for example don’t like the smell of pine litter. Others won’t use silica because the crystals don’t feel good on their paws. In either case, your cat will tell you whether or not he approves by either going or not going in his box.

And while it is smart for you to know as much as possible about all the choices available to you, your cat will have the final word on whether or not you made the right decision.

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