How Much Cat Litter Per Month and How Much Does It Cost? 🐱💰

As a pet parent, you’re likely to have a lot of questions about your feline friend’s needs. One of the most common queries is about cat litter - how much do you need per month, and how much will it cost?

At pawsadviser.com, we understand that these are important considerations, especially for those who are budget-conscious or have multiple cats.

So, let’s dive into the details.

Determining How Much Cat Litter You Need 📦

The amount of cat litter you need per month depends on several factors, including the size of your cat, its health, and the type of litter you use.

On average, a smaller cat will need around 7 pounds of cat litter each week, or around 28 pounds per month.

If you have a large cat, it will need at least 10 pounds each week or around 40 pounds per month.

However, if your cat has a medical condition like kidney disease that increases urination, she may need around 10 to 15 pounds per week or 40 to 60 pounds per month.

Here are the average estimates on how much cat litter to use per month based on the type of cat litter used:

• Non-clumping cat litter - 15 pounds per week or 60 pounds per month
• Clumping cat litter - 7 to 10 pounds per week or 28 to 40 pounds per month
• Paper cat litter - 25 pounds per week or 100 pounds per month

Remember, these are just estimates. Your cat’s individuality also plays a major role in how often you should change the litter per week or per month. It is different if your cat is healthy or has some digestive issues, if it eats a lot or what it eats. So keep track of these things so you can best adjust your litter box cleaning schedule for best performance.

Establishing a Litter Box Cleaning Routine 🔄

You should scoop out the clumps and feces daily to keep the litter box clean. This way, you don’t have to change or replace cat litter as often as necessary.

A big factor that determines how often cat litter should be changed is the type of cat litter that you normally use. For example, clumping clay litter and natural cat litter like granulated paper is very absorbent and strong odors are well-controlled. Your cat’s urine or poop is easily collected and disposed of.

If you’re a bit lazy or often get distracted by work or other daily duties, you can scoop once a week, but it should ideally be done on a 2-day basis for one cat. Some people scoop every day, which is admirable, but not always feasible for everyone.

Exploring Common Types of Cat Litter 🐾

There are several types of cat litter available in the market, each with its own pros and cons. Here are the common types of cat litter that you should be aware of:

1. Clumping clay: This is made of absorbent bentonite clay which forms into clumps each time your cat urinates in it. It makes cleaning and scooping very easy and convenient. However, it’s non-biodegradable and dusty.
2. Non-clumping clay: It doesn’t form into clumps but still absorbs urine well and is cheaper than clumping clay. However, it requires frequent changing because it smells sooner compared to bentonite clay.
3. Silica gel crystals: These are made of tiny silica gel beads that are very absorbent, almost dust-free, and control odors. However, it’s expensive and poses a danger if it’s ingested in large amounts.
4. Recycled paper: This environment-friendly cat litter type is available in the pellet or granule form. Paper is biodegradable, highly-absorbent, and dust-free which makes it convenient to use.
5. Pine: This type is usually made from pine lumber scraps that are recycled and heat-treated to eradicate the oils, toxins, and allergens of the wood. The pine scent controls odors and is available in pellet, granule, and crushed pine form.
6. Corn: This is another environment-friendly cat litter type that’s biodegradable, highly absorbent, and effective at odor control. However, vets don’t normally recommend this since corn is known to cause allergies in cats.
7. Grass: This fine-grained litter type is quite new in the litter market and made from USA-grown prairie grass. It controls odors, has good clumping ability, and is biodegradable as well.
8. Walnut shells: This litter type is made from crushed walnut shells and is a good alternative to the usual clumping clay type. It has good odor control, clumps easily, and is very absorbent. Most importantly, it’s biodegradable and won’t harm the environment.
9. Wheat: It’s made from ground wheat, provides odor control, is biodegradable, and clumps easily. However, like corn, this is not highly advisable to use for your cat’s litter box.

Estimating the Cost of Cat Litter 💵

The cost of cat litter varies depending on the type and brand. On average, you can expect to spend anywhere from $10 to $50 per month on cat litter.

Non-clumping clay litter is usually the cheapest option, while silica gel crystals and specialty litters like those made from recycled paper or walnut shells can be more expensive.

Remember, while cost is an important factor, it shouldn’t be the only one. You also need to consider your cat’s preferences and health needs. Some cats may not like certain types of litter, and others may have allergies or sensitivities that require a specific type of litter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ❓

1. Can I use less cat litter if I have a small cat?

Yes, smaller cats typically use less litter than larger cats. However, you should still ensure that there’s enough litter in the box for your cat to comfortably dig and bury its waste.

2. How often should I clean the litter box?

Ideally, you should scoop out clumps and feces from the litter box daily. The entire box should be emptied, cleaned, and refilled with fresh litter every 2-3 weeks, or more frequently if you notice any unpleasant odors.

3. Can I use a different type of litter if my cat doesn’t like the one I’m currently using?

Absolutely! Cats can be picky about their litter, and it may take some trial and error to find one that your cat likes. If your cat isn’t using the litter box consistently, it might be worth trying a different type of litter.

4. Is it safe to flush cat litter down the toilet?

No, it’s not recommended to flush cat litter down the toilet. Even if the litter is labeled as ‘flushable,’ it can still cause blockages in your plumbing or harm aquatic ecosystems. It’s best to dispose of cat litter in the trash.

5. Can I use scented litter to control litter box odors?

While scented litter can help mask litter box odors, some cats may be sensitive to the perfumes used in these products. If your cat is avoiding the litter box or showing signs of respiratory distress, you might want to switch to an unscented litter.

Conclusion 🐾💡

As pet parents, we only want the best for our furry babies. We care for their health, safety, and comfort that’s why we see to it that we provide them with sufficient food, a comfy place to sleep, and toys to entertain them.

Most of all, we should see to it that their cat litter boxes are kept clean and well-maintained by ensuring that there’s always sufficient cat litter around.

Remember, having a clean and well-maintained litter box means having a happy cat around. Your pet kitty has high regard for its box and personal “me time”. So, keep your cat’s litter box clean, and you’ll have a happy and healthy feline friend.

For more information on cat care, check out our other articles on why cats have long tails, how often should a cat pee, and why cats groom each other then fight. These articles will provide you with more insights into your cat’s behavior and needs, helping you become the best pet parent you can be.

Remember, every cat is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. It’s all about understanding your cat’s individual needs and preferences. And when it comes to cat litter, it’s no different.

So, take the time to observe your cat, experiment with different types of litter, and find what works best for both of you.

Happy pet parenting!