I spend far too much time thinking about cat litter. I don’t particular enjoy it, but I am always on the lookout for the best cat litter. And so far, I haven’t found it. But I have tried more types of cat litter than most people on this planet, and I have discovered the pros and cons of all of these different types.

I know that I expect too much from kitty litter. My ideal find would be something that is affordable, dust free, nontracking, good at covering odor, clumpable, lightweight, and OK for the environment. Right now I am using Cedarrific cat litter, which is good for single cat homes if you don’t require clumping litter. But before I started using it, here are some of the other things I’ve tried.

Clay Cat Litter

Clay kitty litter is the most common. It’s cheap and widely available in both supermarkets and pet stores. A lot of them have clumping formulas and some of them (but not all) are good at covering odor. But I’ve decided against using clay litters for a couple of different reasons.

The first thing that concerned me was the dust. Even the low dust versions seemed far too dusty. I know that they were making me cough, so I’m sure that they would be worse for my cat’s health. I want the best for my pets. My older cat has had several health problems in her life (though she is doing well now) while the newer cat I adopted has some breathing issues. So while I don’t think that clay is a kitty killer, I do think it is wise for me to avoid it.

I also know that clay isn’t the most environmentally friendly. I don’t expect everything I own to be “green”, but it did seem silly to use clay when there are materials that are better for the environment. But I admit that my primary concern is my cat’s health.

World’s Best Cat Litter Review

Oh, what a promising name! Unfortunately it did not live up to the hype. The World’s Best Cat Litter is corn based. You can get a clumping formula so it is good if you want to scoop out all of the waste every day (or if you have the Omega I talked about on the best kitty litter boxes post).

Some people love this cat litter, so it is certainly worth a try. But I found, even when I had one cat, that it didn’t do a good job of absorbing odors. The litter box in my home is in a central location (until I move to a larger place), so it needed to do a good job of masking smells. If you keep it in a separate part of your home, you probably won’t have a problem with it.

Another thing I didn’t care about was how much it tracked. It was like a fine powder would get stuck to my cat’s paws and I would find this everywhere. I would consider using the World’s Best Cat Litter again if the litter box was in a different room and I had a decent size mat for my pets to wipe their paws on. But it is one of the most expensive cat litters and doesn’t seem worth the price.

Feline Pine Cat Litter

This is one kitty litter that I’ve used for a long time and would use again, but it isn’t my number one choice. It is made of pine, which is decent smelling. It comes in pellets and I believe they have a nonpellet version as well. The price is affordable and it works well. When the cat pees, the pellets break down into sawdust. It tracks a bit, but not as much as some of the other brands I’ve tried.

One problem with this is that not all cats will like it. If you get the pellets, you might find that your cats don’t want to use a litter that is so different.

Northeastern Cedarrific Cedar Litter

Like I said in the intro, this is the litter that I am currently using. It has almost everything going for it, expect that it doesn’t clump. This isn’t a problem for me right now, but I do want to move to a clumping cat litter so I can use the Omega litter box that I’ve heard so much about.

The main pro is that this actually smells decent. Better than clay, corn, or pine. I just scoop out the solids on a daily basis, and then dump the rest when my nose and eyes tell me it is time. It is lightweight and a little goes a long way. It is mid-priced, but since it is so lightweight a 30 pound bag will last you a decent while. It may be hard to find locally, but I buy it online.

I’ve talked a lot about outdoor cat enclosures, since it was my main focus when I started writing. I was looking for a safe way to allow my pet to experience the outside and that seemed like the safest and most logical way. It isn’t, however, the only way. May pet owners swear by cat harnesses and cat leashes. Depending on your pet, they may be the best option for you. But they aren’t for everyone, so I thought I would write about the pros and cons of kitty leashes.

Pros

You Spend Time with Your Cat Outdoors

Cats are stereotyped as aloof and independent, but they still need to have quality one-on-one time with their humans! Most cats crave just as much interaction as dogs do (my cats are more clingy than any dog I’ve ever known). When you get home from work, your feline friend is ready to spend time with you, especially if they’ve been alone all day. Putting on their harness and leash and exploring outside with them will help you strengthen the bond that you have with your pet.

Ensures Your Cat Gets Plenty of Exercise and Playtime

Obesity, and the diseases that can be caused by it, is a major problem for many pets. Feeding healthy foods can help, but exercise is also a must. Cats exercise during playtime. You can get your cat to exercise more by playing with toys such as cat dancers, balls, and feathers on sticks. But for some cats it is still not enough. Romping through the yard is fun exercise for the body and it also stimulates the mind. Exercising your cat and giving something new to see and interact with is the key to having a happy and healthy cat.

Affordable

Outdoor cat enclosures can cost a decent amount of money, especially if you are buying a larger one or buying multiple pieces to fit together into one large playpen. So if you aren’t sure if your feline friend will enjoy the great outdoors, you might be hesitant to spend the money to test it. With harnesses and leashes, you can take your cat outside for less than $15. If your cat hates it you aren’t out much money at all and you may be able to give the product to a friend who has been interested in taking their cat for a walk.

Cons

Not 100% Escape Proof

This is the big one and the reason that many pet owners decide against using a cat harness. While there are some things you can do to make them safer, a big enough scare will have your cat turning into a Houdini. To minimize the risk, get them accustomed to the harness and the leash indoors. Be sure that you find one that fits properly. Take them out during a quiet time of the day when they will feel safer. The late evening is a good choice. If you do these things, your cat will probably be fine. But that can’t be guaranteed so only buy a harness if you are comfortable with the risk.

Cats Will Beg for Walk Time

My sister got a leash for her cat, and never had a moment of peace again. Some cats will love going for walks and playing in the yard. And since they view you as a loyal and lovable servant, they will expect you to take them out frequently. They may demand it with large meows. So be prepared for this.

Not Good for Skittish Cats

You know your cat’s personality. My calico is sweet and dumb, and I would not trust her on a leash. She is terrified of car sounds, even when she is safe and sound in our second story apartment. So I know that a kitty harness would be a terrible idea for her. I’ve known smarter cats who were more independent. It wasn’t safe for them to go outside unsupervised, but they could comfortably walk around the neighborhood with a leash.

Overview

So, is buying a cat leash a good idea? It depends on your cat’s personality and your location. If you have a quiet backyard or neighborhood, it can be a good choice for even a more shy feline. Pets who are used to the outdoors will adjust more quickly than those who have spent their entire lives indoors. Be sure to get your cat used to the harness indoors before venturing outside.

Changing the kitty litter box is the one task that cat owners dread. Litter boxes tend to be unsightly, smelly, and require regular cleaning. Because you are going to be spending time with the litter and the box, you want to find something that is easy and good for your cat.

There are a few different types you might be interested in. Before you buy, however, you should keep in mind that your cat might be particular about where they go. You want one that is large enough for your pet to feel comfortable in. If you have more than one feline, you’re going to want to have more than one litter box. This isn’t always possible if you live in an apartment, but it will make your life a lot easier if you can do this. I want to discuss a few different options.

Automatic Kitty Litter Boxes

Some people and their pets love automatic kitty litter boxes, but others hate them. Reasons to avoid this kind is that they are more expensive, may break down, and I had one friend whose cat’s tail got caught in the cleaning part (she was OK, but it was a bit scary for her). But many models don’t have these problems. Having something that cleans automatically will ensure that your pet always has a fresh box. You won’t have to constantly bend over to scoop it out so it is great for the busy, the forgetful, and anyone with a bad back.

I don’t have first-hand experience with these, but I decided to list a few models that are popular. These all have high average customer reviews and are top sellers.

Omega Self-Cleaning Litter Box

This isn’t really automatic, but it is so easy to use I decided to include it in this section. It doesn’t have to be plugged in so you don’t have to worry about it breaking. You don’t need to scoop if you are using it and it will prevent you from wasting clean litter. After your cat uses the box, you simply roll it to the right and then back. All of the waste will go into a tray which you pull out and dump.

You have to use clumping litter in order for it to work, but you can use whatever brand you and your pet prefer. If you get this, I recommend ordering the large size instead of the regular. Reviewers felt that the standard size would only work well for kittens and smaller cats. I have a smaller cat but I know she prefers larger boxes so I keep that in mind. This will probably be the next litter box I buy, but I’m holding off until after I move next year, because I don’t need to buy more stuff to haul across the country.

ScoopFree Automatic Litter Box

This product is popular for people who really want nothing to do with their cat’s litter boxes. There are some things that I like about this product, but it does have some weaknesses that have prevented me from buying one to try out.

First, the strengths. It uses blue crystals which absorb urine odor. Because these crystals are used, you don’t have to worry about your pet tracking litter all over the house (which is a problem I have). Twenty minutes after your cat goes to the bathroom, the rake will go across and push the poop into a compartment. You’ll need to dump this about once a week. After about 20 days (depending on your cat and how many felines you have), you throw away the tray and replace it with a new one.

But the weaknesses are also the strength. While you don’t need to fill it up with litter or dump the litter that is in it, you do have to buy replacement trays. They aren’t that expensive, but it is more frugal to go with cat litter. Also, some cats might not take to the crystals, so I would try out crystal litter in their regular tray before you splurge on the automatic box.

Littermaid Classic Automatic Box

If you are looking for a standard automatic litter box, this is the most popular brand. Littermaid has a couple of different models out, but many people agree that the classic works much better than the elite and it is more affordable at around $100.

This one is meant for single cat households, so if you have mutliple kitties you will want a different model. The motion sensor activates the rake which pushes solid waste into a disposable receptacle. This, along with some filters, keeps the odor down. You’ll want to throw out the waste weekly. When you do this, add some fresh litter to the box.

You can either plug this in or run it on batteries. The rake is removable so you’ll be able to give everything the occasional thorough cleaning.

Covered Kitty Litter Boxes

Booda Dome

This is my current litter box. It is a definite improvement over the standard rectangular ones, but I think I’ll replace it with the Omega brand next year after I move. One thing that is cool about this is its shape. Some people don’t even realize that it is a litter box. This thing is large, so it is perfect for bigger cats or multiple cat households. The dome gives it a roomy feel for your feline, so it is a good choice for anyone who has a pet who is wary of covered kitty litter boxes.

I got this because my Luna loves to throw litter everywhere. It was a mess. The walls will keep the floor around it clean. There are steps, so you know that a lot won’t get kicked out of the entrance. The steps will keep most of it in the box, but I recommend having a mat on the bottom. Some litter still gets tracked out, but not a lot.

A cat window perch is a good choice if you want to keep your pet inside but want them to still enjoy looking out. If you are building an outdoor cat enclosure that is attached to a window, a perch is a great way for your feline to go in and out. A cat window seat doesn’t take up much room and will quickly become your pet’s favorite spot in the home. You can either build one yourself or buy one. Building one is a fun and cheap project if you have a little bit of spare time and the necessary tools. But since it is possible to get a nice pet window perch for $35, many people choose to purchase one instead.

Building a Cat Window Perch

As any DIYer knows, building things rather than buying them is often the more frugal option. Of course, that is only one reason why people choose to make something themselves instead of purchasing it. When you make something by hand, you have created something unique. Even if you follow a pattern you will have something that is homemade rather than mass produced. You control the quality. It’s a good feeling to look around your home and know that you are responsible for its current state.

That said, I haven’t built a cat window seat yet, though it is on my to-do list. But I still wanted to include a video of how to build a cat window perch, so I checked out the DIY network and found this.

Buying a Cat Window Seat

If you don’t want to get all your tools out and just want to get something quick and easy that your pets will like, consider buying one (or more, especially if you have multiple cats). How much should you spend on this product? I’ve seen some that cost less than $20 and a few that run over $100. Looking at the best selling products that have good customer reviews (an average rating of four or more stars), it seems like you will have to spend $20-$50. While you can get cheaper models, they aren’t as sturdy and might not hold up well to an energetic pet. Here are the three best-rated models.

Cat Window Seat from Lazy Cat

This is the most popular model and, with over 80 customer reviews, it has an average rating of four stars. It sells for a little over $30 and comes with free shipping. You can install it in your home without needing any tools. It is made from orthopedic foam so it will be a comfy spot for even the pickiest kitty. It comes with a plush berber cover that you can remove and wash.

The shelf is strong enough to support cats of any weight. It doesn’t stick out far into the home, but it is wide so that your pet still has room to lounge and stretch. Many customers buy more than one for their home so that their pet can hang out with them in the living room or the computer room. If you have extremely narrow window sills it might not fit without some customization. I couldn’t find how large of sills would be needed on the internet, so I wrote the company. I heard back that same day, which speaks to the good customer service of the company. Here is what they replied “Our velcro strips that hold the perch to the window sill are approx 1 ¾” wide.  You would need at least that much space to hold the perch in place. “

Cheap Kitty Window Perch

I know that a lot of families are on a budget, and while they might want to buy a lot for their cats they don’t want to spend a fortune. Even though $30 isn’t that much, it certainly adds up if you are buying more than one for your home. So I was really happy to see that there was a cheap model that got good reviews.

This one is from K&H, who make quite a few pet products (some good quality, some mediocre). This appears to be one of the good ones. This can be attached with the included velcro (no tools required) or with nails. If you have hyper or heavy kitties, you might want to attach it with nails so that it will be sturdy. The inside is a soft micro-fleece that a cat will enjoy laying on. It also has a zip on bolster. Cats take to it quickly and one review says that they used it to convince their cat to stop sleeping on their bed.

Kitty Window Seat from Meow Town

The last one I want to talk about is perfect for anyone who wants their pet products to look good in their homes. While this one is slightly more expensive than the other two, it is also more attractive. While it doesn’t have a lot of customer reviews, it does have a five star rating.

Like the others, it can be secured with velcro. The white metal legs are adjustable so it can fit on different types and sizes of windows. The shelf is made from padded berber mat. You can remove the cover for washing, but you’ll still have trouble getting all of the fur off. It is great for the winter and fall, but your pet might find it too hot for the summer.

Does your pet get enough exercise? If not, would a cat jungle gym solve your problem? It’s a sad fact that many of our pets are overweight. This weight problem may be caused by a bad diet, lack of exercise, or a health problem (I had an overweight beagle growing up who was able to lose weight once she was put on medication for a thyroid problem). A lot of times all three of these things cause issues.

Now, it is important to get regular checkups for your pet and to feed a healthy diet. But it can be hard to control what your cats eat since they are such notorious picky eaters. One thing that you will have more control over is the amount of exercise your feline friend gets everyday. If they aren’t getting enough, you may want to invest in a kitty cat jungle gym.

Jungle Gym Cat Tree

There are many different cat jungle gyms on the market, but one of the most popular ones involve cat trees. This is important because it allows your feline to climb and jump. These can be expensive or you could make them at home yourself. (I provide a list of cat tree plans). Any jungle gym cat tree should be at least two stories, but most cats prefer ones that have at least three levels that they can lounge on. This will allow them to look down on you as they survey their domain.

The scratching posts should be made from sisal rope, since this is the best for their claws. A hidey hole is also good, since it will give them a quiet place to rest or a fort that they can hide in while they plan their attacks. Kitty toys should hang down from some of the surfaces that your pet can attack and bat at. Just make sure there isn’t anything that they could swallow. Pompoms are fun, but they don’t often have a long life.

Multi Cat Jungle Gym

If you have more than one feline in your home, you’ll want to get one that is large enough for the whole gang. The best ones for multiple cats will typically run $100-$150, but making your own is a great money saving alternative. You’ll want something that has multiple surfaces and plenty of scratching posts. Cats love to lie in wait before they attack their friends, so a multi cat jungle gym should have some boxes or tents as well.

Introducing Your Pet to a Kitty Cat Jungle Gym

You won’t find many pets that hate their new play area, but not all of them will take to it right away. There are a few things you can do to encourage your feline to adapt to it quickly. What you buy and where you place it both matter. When I first lived on my own and had a cat, I felt the need to get her a lovely cat jungle gym. It was huge and would have been the right size for three cats. So my first mistake is that I bought more than I needed. I was in an apartment and knew that I would be moving a couple of times before I got a second pet, so I don’t know why I thought I needed to buy such a large thing.

Then I made another mistake. My Luna is a very social kitty. She is in the same room as I am 98% of the time. Yet when I bought her a jungle gym I realized I could only put it in the spare bedroom, which is where her litter box and food dish were. She loved it, but only if I were in there with her. Now I know to keep it in an area where I like to spend my time so we can both be happy. Other, less social cats might not like their new tree if it is someplace busy because they will like to sleep in it. So think about the personality of your pet before you decide where to set it up.

If you need to encourage your pet some more, consider rubbing some catnip on the tree. This will help them associate good feelings with their new play area. Brushing them or petting them while on it is also a good way to get them more comfortable.