Wood litter for cats: features, advantages, method of application

Types of wood fillers

Wooden cat litter comes in two varieties: absorbent and clumping. The first option is granules made from crushed and compressed wood dust, which perfectly retains odor and absorbs moisture. High-quality filler is made from spruce and pine wood without the use of any additives. Such compositions have antiseptic qualities. Some companies use walnut shells instead of wood. Thanks to the introduction of innovative technologies in the production of filler granules, the filler granules are cheap, environmentally friendly and do not cause allergies.

The second type of filler (clumping) differs significantly from the absorbent version. If the previous option absorbs moisture from all the poured granules, then when using this type of filler a lump is formed. It is obtained in the place where moisture has fallen. This lump should be removed from the tray.

All about wood litter for cat litter

Wood cat litter is the most popular among the available litters today. This is easy to explain, because wood is an environmentally friendly material, and the granules produced from it do not contain toxic ingredients that can be released during use. In addition, it is suitable not only for cats, but also for kittens. The Murkosha shelter advises paying attention to the fact that kittens need mixtures that take into account their age characteristics.

1. 1) Types of wood fillers
2. 2) Advantages and disadvantages
3. 3) What to look for when choosing wood filler
4. 4) How to use wood filler

Types of wood fillers

Sawdust fillers come in two types. They are similar in composition, but differ in manufacturing technology and equipment used.

Clumping is a tray mix that is made up of wood fibers. The particles are small in size, safe and environmentally friendly. The principle of their action is simple: absorbing moisture and forming lumps, which are removed immediately after they appear.

Absorbent - wood litter for cats in the form of granules, which come in different sizes - small for kittens, large for adults. The material for them is shavings, crushed on special equipment. It contains no artificial additives that are harmful to animal health. They have a good ability to absorb liquid and retain odors.

Absorbent wood litter for cat litter boxes is said to be less economical to use than clumping litter, which does not need to be changed daily. A pack of clumping-type mixture lasts for a long time.

Read more about the different types of litter: What types of cat litter are there?

Advantages and disadvantages

Wood fillers have both pros and cons, however, like all existing compositions made from other materials.

Advantages:

• low price and availability - the wood mixture is sold in any pet store and almost any supermarket, and the price of this filler is on average lower than that of other types of fillers;
• the antiseptic properties of the fibers prevent the growth of bacteria;
• high degree of liquid absorption;
• environmentally friendly material, does not contain additives;
• wood litter for cat litter is flushed down the toilet without consequences, because wet granules disintegrate and do not clog pipes;
• wood filler is suitable for both kittens and adult animals;

The high quality of the granules is confirmed by a large number of good reviews from cat owners.

Flaws:

• Neglecting cleaning will lead to the formation of an unpleasant odor, so the tray should not be left uncleaned for a long time. Additionally, most cats will refuse to go into a dirty litter box;
• When wet for a long time, the filler granules crumble and can be carried around the house on their paws. To avoid problems, the staff of the Murkosha shelter advise changing the mixture in a timely manner and monitoring the cleanliness of the tray.

What to look for when choosing wood filler

It is possible that when choosing wood filler suitable for a cat, you will need to try more than one sample. To successfully select a mixture of wood raw materials, you need to follow some rules:

• After purchase, carefully study the cat’s reaction to the mixture. Only in case of a positive result (the cat regularly uses the tray, rather than coming up, sniffing and leaving) can this litter be accepted for use;
• When choosing wood filler for kittens, special attention should be paid to the high quality of the product. It eliminates chemicals and additives;
• Wood litter for cats should effectively retain unpleasant odors.

There is a possibility that if the wood filler is chosen incorrectly, the kitten or cat will refuse to go into the litter box.

Read more about why a cat may stop using the litter box: Cat won't use the litter box: what to do

How to use wood filler

The main advantage of the wood composition is the ability to flush it down the toilet. In this regard, there are no problems with disposal. The mixture is very easy to use. You need to place granules and small shavings in the tray; a layer of 3 cm will be enough. If a cat uses a tray with a grid, then this layer is poured onto the bottom of the tray, and a grid is placed on top (with such a tray you can not use litter at all, but then you will need to wash it every time after the pet uses it).

Read more about the features of a tray with a grid: Tray with a grid: advantages and disadvantages

Solid waste must be disposed of immediately. There is no need to replace most of the mixture. If the wood filler is of an absorbent type (mostly this is the case), then it is recommended to completely replace all the filler in the tray every 2-3 days (if more than one cat uses the tray, then every day). If it is of a clumping type or if the filler is placed under the grate (accordingly, you periodically remove lumps or dust and add new filler to the previous level), then you need to completely change the filler at least once every 2 weeks. It may be needed more often if you see that the tray needs “spring cleaning.”

Moreover, it is recommended to carry out such cleaning even if you change the filler every 1-2 days. You need to wash the litter box, including all corners, with laundry soap or cat litter cleaner. Another detergent that does not leave a smell behind (a new smell can scare the cat away from the litter box) or even a solution of baking soda and warm water will do.

Overall, the wood mixture is the safest of all those used for cats, and perhaps the best in terms of price/quality ratio. If you use it correctly and change it in a timely manner, you can rest assured both about the cleanliness of your home and the health of your pets. The staff at the Murkosha shelter advise you to take seriously the choice of such an important component of your pet’s daily life.

How to use the filler

Wood litter is usually poured approximately three centimeters deep into the cat's litter box. This amount will be needed for an ordinary deep toilet. If the accessory is equipped with a mesh, then you can reduce the layer to one centimeter. When solid excrement appears, it should be removed using a special spatula. If you begin to notice an unpleasant odor, it is recommended to replace the filler completely. To make it more comfortable for your cat to go to the litter box, you should wash the toilet under running water and soap every time after you have completely thrown out the litter.

Top 5. N1 Naturel Green tea

Rating (2021): 4.43

375 reviews from resources taken into account: Yandex.Market, Ozon, IRecommend

Pleasant aroma of green tea Natural filler with the addition of green tea leaves smells pleasant and effectively neutralizes unpleasant odors.

• Characteristics

  Country: China

• Average price: 500 rub.
• Weight: 2.1 kg
• Absorbency: 4.5 l

High-quality filler made from cedar wood fibers with the addition of green tea to neutralize odor. It has a fairly strong aroma, but does not contain chemical additives. The granules are small and clump well. When disposed of in the toilet, they quickly disintegrate into individual fibers. The filler generates almost no dust and does not get dragged around the apartment on its paws. Many buyers take it constantly and are satisfied with its properties - absorbency, environmental friendliness, and effectiveness in retaining the smell of cat litter. But in order for dense lumps to form, the filler must be poured in a thick layer. The 2.1 kg package goes completely into the large tray; the consumption is not the most economical.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Filler with green tea
• Holds the smell of cat litter for a long time
• Can be disposed of in the toilet
• Forms dense clumps

• You need to spread it in a thick layer.

Advantages of wood filler

Wood litter for cat litter has only one drawback: it sticks to the animal’s paws and fur. The pet subsequently spreads these sawdust throughout the apartment. Otherwise, the product consists of only advantages. Namely:

• features ideal liquid-absorbing properties;
• it can be disposed of through the sewer in small portions;
• the pleasant aroma of spruce branches attracts animals and the owners really like it;
• the substance is suitable for individuals of all age categories;
• environmentally friendly product;
• finding filler will not be difficult, because it is available in any store selling pet supplies;
• the product is characterized by antiseptic qualities and prevents the growth of bacteria;
• wood filler retains unpleasant odor for a long time;
• the composition does not provoke allergic reactions and will not cause any problems if it enters the pet’s stomach;
• One package of the product lasts for a long time.

In addition, used litter from a completely healthy pet can be used as fertilizer after pre-composting. This product can also be used for rodents, who eat it with great pleasure.

Top 5 rating of wood litter for cats

Products are produced by domestic and foreign manufacturers. In any case, the price remains low. The top best cat litters are compiled from consumer reviews.

German natural litter “Cat's Best”

The products are known all over the world. Most pet owners prefer it. Made from environmentally friendly materials – pine and spruce sawdust. Smells like wood. Packaged in bags of different capacities from 5 to 40 liters. The cost of production varies depending on the volume - 140-1000 rubles. There are several types of products in the line:

• Cat's Best Nature Gold. Clumping wood litter for long-haired cats. Plant fibers perfectly absorb odor and create large clumps that can be easily removed. When left in the tray for a long time, the fibers do not turn into dust and are not spread throughout the house. If it enters the animal's stomach, it does not cause harm. It is disposed of in the city sewer.
• Cat's Best Universal. The universal filler is suitable for small pets, including cats and small kittens. The product perfectly absorbs moisture, retains moisture, and is suitable for daily use. Lightweight, economical, safe.
• Cat's Best Oko Plus. The universal clumping product is 3 times more economical than other similar fillers. Wood fibers form large clumps that can be quickly removed; the rest of the filler can be used further. Update as needed.
  

  Clean paws

  Domestic products. It has several types of toilet products.

• Standard. Designed for cats, kittens of any age, different breeds. The filler absorbs moisture well and eliminates the smell of urine.
• Station wagon. Has a wider range of applications. Designed for pets, including cats.
• Economy It features less colorful packaging and a larger volume of products. It has all the qualities of previous cat litter products from the Clean Paws brand. Fillers are made from environmentally friendly wood without the addition of chemical components. The average price for a 4.5 kg package is 170 rubles, for 14 kg you will have to pay about 450 rubles.

Kotyara

High quality filler. Capsules with a diameter of 6 mm provide optimal absorption - 3 times their weight. Prevents the spread of odor and bacteria. It smells like pine and fir cones, which attracts animals. Doesn't stick to paws. 100% wood filler costs 112 rubles. for 1.8 kg.

Murzik-Lesnoy, Snezhok-Lesnoy

Made from coniferous wood. It has high quality and lasts a long time. A package with a capacity of 30 kg costs 525 rubles. Animals willingly go to the litter box, and owners have no trouble cleaning the cat litter box.

Filler "Clean paws"

The modern domestic market offers a varied selection of wood fillers manufactured by many brands. The most successful brand was “Clean Paws”. “Clean Paws” is a wood filler that is produced to make life easier for people who have cats in their homes. Thanks to special research, it was found that the product of this label can be used all year round. There is no need to regularly replace the contents of the tray. It is only important to remove contaminants.

This is an incredibly beneficial filler. One package of it completely replaces four packages of a product from another brand. Due to the fact that excrement does not come into contact with air, this litter eliminates odor in the best possible way.

Why try CAT STEP

CAT STEP Wood Original is a biodegradable and environmentally friendly wood filler. It is safe for both your pet and the environment. Because it's made from untreated softwood fibers, it can even be flushed down the toilet in small batches. The packaging can also be recycled and is made of 3 PVC or 4 LDPE plastic.

• Without smell. The smell is blocked inside the lumps due to the special structure of the granules. And the resins included in the filler resist the growth and development of harmful bacteria, which are the main source of odor.
• Economical. The contents of a 5 liter package are enough for an average of 1 month of use.
• Hygienic. Doesn't stick to paws, so it doesn't spread around the house. Doesn't get dusty.

Wood litter is considered the most environmentally friendly of all used for cats, and probably the best in terms of cost and quality. If the mixture is used correctly and changed on time, then you don’t have to worry about the cleanliness of the apartment and also about the health of your family pets. Workers recommend taking the selection of wood filler seriously.

You can find stores where you can buy CAT STEP Wood Original clumping wood filler on the “Where to Buy” page.

Features of choice

The litter you purchased may not be liked not only by the cat, but also by its owner. If this happens, then this indicates that you bought low quality products. Cheap filler will not retain odor, does not absorb moisture well, and disintegrates quickly.

Therefore, when buying this or that filler, you need to pay attention to the strength of the package and carefully analyze the information about the composition of the product. If the product is produced by a self-respecting brand, then the label will indicate what components the composition is made of, what level of moisture it absorbs and for which animals it is designed. If the packaging contains all this data, then you can safely purchase the filler.

Comparison table of characteristics

The table below presents the main characteristics of the products in question. By comparing them with each other, it will be much easier for you to choose a quality filler.

People's opinions regarding the filler

Wood cat litter has long received excellent reviews. The owners who tried to use it once no longer want to buy any other options. Moreover, the wood composition is suitable not only for adult cats and kittens, but also for small kittens. Therefore, there is no need to rack your brain every time about what to fill the animal’s tray with.

Owners of furry pets unanimously claim that not only they, but also the animals themselves get pleasure from using wood filler. The latter happily go to the tray filled with wood.

How to choose the right filler

1. Even if you are sure that the kitten used disgusting litter in its home, provide the baby with exactly the same one for the first time. He just broke up with his mother and found himself in an unfamiliar environment - don’t create unnecessary stress for him. And after a few days you can start replacing. However, do this gradually, gradually adding new filler to the old one.
2. What is suitable for a kitten? Many manufacturers produce special brands for kittens. Keep in mind that the baby is not yet strong and needs high quality filler. It is not recommended to buy silica gel or highly dusty litter for your kitten, preferably (but not necessarily) wood or corn. Suitable brands: Ever Clean, Cat's Choice, Barsik.

3. The cat has long thick fur. A luxurious fur coat creates some inconvenience for both the animal and the owner. To prevent your pet from scattering particles throughout the apartment, purchase heavy coarse litter. Corn is definitely not suitable - it has small, fluttering particles. Popular brands for long-haired cats: Siberian cat, Cat's Best, Kuzya.

4. Your cat is a desperate digger. For pets who like to bury their work intensively and at the same time cover the floor with granules, wood, corn or fine clay filler will not suit them. It is better to give preference to clumping types of fillers, but the most important thing in this situation is to choose the right tray.
5. There are several cats in the house. Some of your pets may be picky when it comes to toileting. In order not to organize a separate toilet for each person with a personal filler, opt for a clay absorbent one. Its structure is more similar to earth and sand.

Carefully! Your cat may have an allergic reaction to any component of the litter. In the process of replacing one brand with another, monitor the condition of your pet.

Practical advice

1. The animal may refuse to use the tray due to the small amount of contents: add a sufficient layer of litter.
2. The pet may go in search of a more suitable place for delicate matters due to the flavoring included in the filler: the cat’s wishes should be a priority.
3. If your cat is prone to allergies, take a look at brands made from wood or corn raw materials.
4. Most manufacturers offer several packaging options - do not buy a large volume at once, as neither you nor the cat may like the contents.
5. Some brands are quite expensive, think about your monthly expenses before choosing a litter.
6. Think about how accessible the chosen brand is: constantly waiting for an ordered product that is not on sale will be very annoying.

Production and raw materials

It all starts with the selection of high-quality material, it is sorted into various types, and must also meet certain standards. Low humidity, no chemicals in the composition and small particle size. Next, the raw material enters the apparatus, which grinds it to fine crumbs. Afterwards, the resulting dust must be dried, and it is important to take into account the composition and humidity.

Next comes the key stage: granulation. Once the wood is formed into uniform "cylinders", they are dried and packaged in airtight bags to prevent moisture from entering.

Due to the fact that dust or very small shavings are used as the material, without adding water-repellent and other chemicals, direct contact with water and too humid air are detrimental to such a filler. Granules absorb liquids well, so they are actively used in this area, but this property obliges the manufacturer and consumer to carefully monitor the condition of the bag or other packaging.

Best lists

The listed wood fillers are safe for cats and their owners. Most are chemical-free and made from natural, reclaimed wood. Clumping and absorbent fillers are provided. Most products are biodegradable and have an antibacterial effect. Among the representatives of the rating, I have identified the three best fillers in different categories.

The best litter that can be flushed down the toilet - Clean Paws

The product is made from environmentally friendly compressed pine sawdust. The filler has a pleasant, natural, pine aroma. The granules effectively absorb liquid and neutralize unpleasant odors. Cat litter is economical, has an antibacterial effect, and does not contain artificial additives.

The product is suitable even for small rodents. After use, wood filler can be thrown into the toilet.

The best cat litter for cost-effectiveness - Cat's Best Original

The product is made from recycled wood raw materials, which helps preserve forests and prevents deforestation. The cat litter contains no chemicals, artificial flavors or other additives. The product is economical. It lasts a long time and does not need to be changed daily.

The litter effectively absorbs the smell of cat urine. It is acceptable to flush the used product down the toilet; it will not clog the drain. Plant fibers in wood pellets do not create dust, which protects your pet’s respiratory system.

The best litter that neutralizes odors - Happy Paws

The filler is made from coniferous wood. It effectively absorbs urine, locking out unpleasant odors. Has a powerful antibacterial effect. Thanks to a special production technology, pressed granules are able to absorb a large volume of liquid, which indicates economical consumption of the product.