Pawrenting comes with its share of responsibilities and if you keep a cat or multiple cats litter business is top of these responsibilities. The best lightweight cat litter is widely used in multi-pet households as it is easier to carry when discarding. Besides the effortless process of litter disposal, lightweight cat litter is dust-free and great for houses with allergic family members.
The litter also lasts longer than the heavier cat litters. With numerous lightweight cat litter options out there, picking the best for your feline is not a light task. To help you find the best lightweight cat litter for your kitty, we have come up with a review and top recommendations worth your consideration.
Brief History of Cat Litter
Before World War II, cats largely led outdoor lives and consequently relieved themselves in the surrounding environment. If a cat needed to relieve itself indoors, a simple box of sand or ashes would suffice.
However, at the turn of the century, more people started living with their cats indoors which gave rise to the need for better litter. An ex-sailor named Ed Lowe advised a neighbor to use absorbent clay instead. The absorbent clay provided all the benefits that sand and ash couldn’t offer: odor control and better absorption.
What is a Lightweight Cat Litter?
Today, searching for the perfect cat litter for your feline friend may seem like such a daunting task. The numerous options available are dizzying, and many cat owners are left scratching their heads wondering which option to go for.
Lightweight cat litter has become a favorite among cat parents recently and it is easy to see why. Just as the name suggests, lightweight cat litter is approximately half the weight of regular cat litter.
Most, but not all, of lightweight cat litter is made of clay such as diatomaceous earth, Fuller’s Earth, bentonite, perlite, or other porous materials. Even though it is 50% lighter than regular cat litter, it does an excellent job of absorbing moisture and containing odor than the full-weight cat litter.
How Does Lightweight Cat Litter Work?
Lightweight cat litter is made of highly absorbent non-toxic mineral particles. These particles absorb the moisture from your kitty’s urine and feces, therefore, forming hard clumps that can easily be scooped without breaking.
Lightweight cat litter works more or less like regular cat litter, the only difference is that it is more porous and lighter than its regular counterparts rendering it easier to carry and store.
Top 5 Best Lightweight Cat Litter
The market is flooded with different brands of lightweight cat litter. So how do you decide which brands to settle for? Here is a round-up of our top five picks to get you started.
1) Tidy Cats Lightweight Glade Scented Clumping Clay Cat Litter
Tidy Cats Lightweight Glade Scented Clumping Clay Cat Litter is a powerhouse when it comes to odor control. This lightweight formula effectively combats strong ammonia and fecal odors leaving your kitty’s litter box dry and fresh for longer.
The small particles lock in moisture leaving your cat’s litter box dry for longer periods. The enchanting glade clear spring scent works by blocking the strong scent of ammonia for up to 14 days.
In addition, its low dust quality ensures that you and your cat are safe from inhaling particles that may cause harm. It empties effortlessly into the cat litter box and forms clumps that don’t break easily when being scooped.
Because it weighs half of the regular cat litter, it is easily portable. Made from natural clay and mineral product, this product is non-toxic and therefore safe for you and your cat. Litter box cleaning just became that much easier with this product.
Key Benefits
- Blocks strong odors of ammonia for 14 days
- It is 50% lighter than regular clumping cat litter, therefore easy to lift and pour
- Made from natural clay and minerals, therefore non-toxic
- Deodorized to keep the litter box smelling fresh for longer
- Ideal for households with several cats
2) World’s Best Multi-Cat Unscented Clumping Corn Cat Litter
This unscented cat litter delivers on its promise. With the ability to protect against strong odor, World’s Best Cat Litter works just as efficiently as its scented counterparts by successfully locking in odor leaving your home odor-free.
Not forgetting that it forms hardened clumps that are easy to scoop. Every little drizzle or particle forms its little clump. It is 99% dust-free and made from a plant-based formula that does not contain silica dust which means that it is safe for both you and your cat as well as reducing any chance of allergic reactions.
Better yet, it is eco-friendly and flushable so you don’t have to worry about toxins contaminating the environment. It conveniently comes in 8, 15, and 28lb bags
Key Features
- Proven to have long-lasting odor control
- Clumps rapidly therefore easy to scoop
- A natural formula that is flushable without contaminating the environment
- Lightweight and easily portable making cleanup swift and easy
- 99% dust-free which makes it safe for you and your cat
- Made from 100% corn and does not contain harmful chemicals or perfumes that may harm you or your cat
3) Feline Pine Original Non-Clumping Wood Cat Litter
Changing your cat’s litter box should not be an unnerving task. Introducing Feline Pine Original Non-Clumping Wood Cat Litter. Made from small pine fibers that are highly absorbent, Feline Pine Non-Clumping Litter works by instantly absorbing moisture from your cat’s urine or fecal waste leaving the litter box dry and comfortable for the next use. You will tell that the litter box is up for clean-up after all the pellets in the box dissolve.
This will usually be after 14 days of use for a single cat. This natural formula is made clay-free and won’t contaminate the air with dust particles. The pine fibers are 100% natural with no added chemicals or additives meaning it is great for you, your cat and our planet. What’s more, it is safe for use for cats of all ages!
Key Benefits
- 100% natural and safe for you your cat and the environment
- Perfect for multiple cat homes
- Dust-free and does not cause tracking
- Works like a sponge to absorb moisture leaving the litter box dry
- Easy to scoop and discard
4) Cat’s Pride Multi-Cat Clumping Clay Cat Litter
If you’re on the lookout for a lightweight cat litter that guarantees you 10 days of odor control, then grab Cat’s Pride Multi-Cat Clumping Clay Cat Litter. It is infused with baking soda, which is a long-proven ingredient in fighting odors, to keep your house smelling fresh.
If you or your cat are allergic to artificial scents as well as dust, then this litter is made for you. It is made of clay and a naturally deodorized technology to ensure that no odors linger in your space.
This lightweight cat litter is up to 50% lighter than regular clumping formulas which makes your cleaning days a breeze. In addition, it is designed to provide exceptional clumping properties for easy scooping.
Key Benefits
- Guarantees 10 days of odor control when used as per the instructions
- Infused with baking soda which is an excellent odor control ingredient
- Naturally lightweight making it easy to carry and pour
- Forms tight clumps that are easy to clean
- Has the same number of uses as the regular 20lb jug of clumping litter
- 99% dust-free with minimal tracking
5) Fresh Step Lightweight Simply Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter
Fresh Step Lightweight Simply Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter is the right formula to prevent the growth of bacteria that cause odor. The activated charcoal defuses odor for up to 10 days.
This expert-recommended cat litter is 100% fragrance-free and free from artificial dyes. It is 30% lighter than regular litter making it convenient to carry and pour. In addition, it is dust-free and clumps instantaneously which makes clean up easy.
Key Benefits
- 99% dust-free and without added perfumes and dyes
- Efficiently blocks the growth of odor-causing bacteria
- The activated charcoal guarantees you odor control for up to 10 days
- Clumps instantaneously to make scooping easy
See Also: Best Disposable Litter Boxes
Advantages of Lightweight Cat Litter
- Lightweight cat litter is 50% lighter than regular cat litter. Therefore, it is ideal for people who may not be able to carry the heavier litter
- Scooping and discarding is easy because the clumps formed are hardened and don’t break easily
- Highly absorbent due to its porous nature. Clumps of urine can be scooped out of the litter box almost immediately
- You can opt for scented or unscented cat litter depending on your preference or cat’s preference
- Lightweight litter is soft and fluffy therefore some kitties prefer it to regular litter as it mimics the ‘outdoor feel’
- It comes in different natural formulas such as clay, pine, wheat, and corn kernel
- Lightweight litter comes in low-dust and dust-free versions
- This cat litter does not contain any chemical additive therefore non-toxic
- It is more economical because it lasts longer.
- An excellent option for multiple-cat homes
Disadvantages of Lightweight Cat Litter
- Relatively high tracking-because it is made of smaller particles, your cat may transport it around the house. However, place a mat next to the litter box to reduce tracking
- Lightweight litter is more expensive than regular clumping litter
- The small particles can easily perch onto the cat’s paws and fur than heavier litter therefore easy to transfer around the house
- The fine particles may not be suitable for people with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma and lung cancer
- Depending on the brand, some lightweight litter can be slightly dustier than others which may be harmful to both you and your cat
- Scented lightweight cat litter may trigger allergic reactions in people allergic to artificial perfume.
- Cats are very picky and sensitive to scents and may therefore reject the scented options
- Some vets don’t recommend using lightweight litter for very young kittens until they are older
Read: Best Flushable Cat Litter
Why Choose Lightweight Cat Litter?
A quick search on the ‘best cat litter’ will yield results abound. Every type of cat litter, including lightweight cat litter, will have a list of its pros and cons. Therefore, your choice is down to what aspects of cat litter are non-negotiable to you and what features you can compromise on.
It is known that a clean litter box is important for the well-being of cats. As a result, it is important to choose a cat litter that gets the job done. Lightweight cat litter is strongly absorbent ensuring that the litter box remains dry.
In regards to performance and functionality, it does the job just as well as regular clumping cat litter. However, its lightweight makes it favorable to lift, pour and discard. If you have kids and you’d want them to participate in taking care of the kitty’s litter, lifting the packaging should not be a problem at all.
Do you ever wonder what most lightweight cat litter is made of? Well, most brands make use of natural minerals that are safe for you and your cat. They include clay, pine, wheat, corn, and silica, with the most common ingredient being clay.
Some work by forming clumps from urine or feces, which are then scooped and discarded. While others, such as the pine lightweight litter works by absorbing wetness and gradually and dissolving the pellets. Oftentimes, the litter will be deodorized by infusing baking soda and or other artificial scents that will mask the strong odor of ammonia.
Related Post: Best Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes
Lightweight Cat Litter vs Regular Clumping Cat Litter
As a kitty parent, you want to ensure that you select cat litter that suits your kitty’s needs as well as your needs. So, what criteria do you use when choosing litter? Firstly, we have established that lightweight cat litter is less dense than its regular counterparts.
Therefore, you get the same amount of litter only that it won’t be as heavy as the regular ones. So, if you have to take several flights of stairs, and may have trouble lifting heavier litter, lightweight litter maybe your best option. In addition, individuals who have some sort of physical challenge may prefer lightweight litter.
Moreover, if you have had a trash bag break while taking out heavy litter, the idea of lighter litter is more appealing. You may also want to consider what your kitty loves. Cats are highly sensitive to scents and textures, therefore, if you are considering switching litter, ensure that the transition process is gradual. Observe how they adapt to the new litter. Therefore, choosing the right kind of litter boils down to preference, both yours and your cat’s.
If your decision between lightweight cat litter and regular clumping litter is solely based on tracking, either option will do. Regular clumping litter is made of larger particles that quickly absorb wetness and trap odor while forming hard clumps that can easily be scooped without scrapping the litter box.
Likewise, the smaller and more porous particles of lightweight cat litter absorb moisture from your cat’s urine and feces forming tight clumps that can be collected effortlessly. Because it is half the weight of regular clumping clay, lightweight litter affords you a lot of litter per unit of weight. A little goes a long way!
Lastly, when it comes to tracking, opinions may differ on which causes less tracking. Depending on the brand and the material used in making the litter, both lightweight and regular clumping litter may truck. This may slightly vary depending on the brand that you opt for. Selecting cat litter should boil down to preference as well as the specific qualities that matter to you and your needs.
Read: Best Clumping Cat Litters
Conclusion
Cat litter is not a one-size-fits-all product. The decision to purchase a particular type or brand should be arrived at after careful consideration of your cat’s needs as well as your needs. However, one thing we can guarantee you as the cat parent is that cat litter will ease your burden and make your life and your cat’s life more enjoyable.