Like all pet owners, you only want the best for your fluffy but equally loyal animal companion. Cats are the second most popular pet in Australia, and for many people living in size-constrained apartments, they are the only viable way to feel the special connection we have with our animals, without having to make concessions when it comes to daily living. Cats are cleaner than other types of pets, are ferociously intelligent, are independent, and, perhaps most importantly for some people, they don’t need daily walks. They are, therefore, the perfect companion for the modern living situation of the average Australian. 

However, just because cats are laid-back animals, this doesn’t mean you won’t have to invest in their well-being or consider the purchase of toys and accessories that will support their development. What’s the first thing you should purchase as a cat owner? Well, ask twenty different people and you will likely receive the same answer. Litter. A quality litter box is essential for the proper development of your kitty, as, in nature, cats have a natural tendency to bury their waste and do their “business” in pretty much the same place. 

Your house is not the natural habitat of your adorable but persistent hunter. She might think so, but the only predator here that might be after her is your vacuum cleaner. Therefore, in order to help her out, keep your dwelling clean, and facilitate her instincts, you will need to purchase a litter box. Typically, the purchase of most accessories is just a recommendation, but with litter things are different. Are you looking to keep your dwelling odour-free, and to make your kitty comfortable and content with her surroundings? Then, the purchase of clumping litter or cat litter crystal will be a necessity. 

Why Is It Necessary to Only Purchase Quality Litter? 

Quite simply, cheap litter can in many cases create more problems than it solves. Yes, it is possible to find offers from no-name pet product manufacturers that will be more financially advantageous than those of recognised names. But is it really worth it to save $5 per bag when the quality of the litter will not be at the standards you are used to? Litter, after all, is dirty business. Imagine purchasing a bag of cat litter crystals only to find out that the moisture-absorbing properties of the silica beads can’t keep up with your cat’s potty habits. 

Likewise, can you even imagine how annoying it would be for the crystals to not absorb the ammonia smell produced by the cat’s urine? It will be a nightmare. Cats are exceptionally clean animals; that’s true. But they are also quite fuzzy when it comes to their litter preferences. Some kitties, for example, can’t stand the overall texture of cat litter crystals, while others have a huge problem with the dust particles that characterise cheap clumping litter. In fact, and I said this story before, my childhood cat actually developed a severe kidney infection because it downright refused to do its business due to the accumulation of dust in her litter box.  

Premium litter traps more bacteria, produces less dust, absorbs humidity more efficiently, which in turn reduces dampness in the litter box, and it’s also more likely to be accepted and/or liked by your kitty. Plus, think of it like this. Even though the premium litter available from a pet store near me will be more expensive upfront, in the long run, its premium absorbency properties will mean that you will use less of it per change and thus you will replace it less frequently. 

What Are the Pros and Cons of Cat Litter Crystals? 

There are many reasons why cats are naturally inclined to use a litter box. However, one of them has to do with hygiene. In nature, cats bury their waste in order to mask their scent to other predators, and the odour-absorbing properties of cat litter crystals serve just that, to make your kitty invisible to the almost infinite numbers of apex hunters hiding in your dwelling. At least according to her. 

Silica gel absorbs moisture and traps odour molecules much more effectively than other types of litter, such as clay-based clumping litter. With cat litter crystals, liquids are absorbed almost instantaneously, which in turn keeps the litter box dry and thus eliminates the risks of unchecked bacterial growth. Not least, silica-based litter produces no dust, it lasts longer than conventional, clay-based options, it’s lightweight, and it’s also widely available, even from a pet store near me. That said, there are also some disadvantages to consider. 

While efficient at absorbing humidity, cat litter crystals do nothing for solid waste, which will need to be scooped manually. Additionally, since silica is not naturally clumping, the removal of the solid waste can be a bit messier. Not to be forgotten, silica gel litter is more expensive than conventional clay-based options, and for some cats, it can feel a bit cold to the touch and thus make them uncomfortable. 

Why Purchase the Litter from a Pet Store Near Me? 

It’s all about the convenience, really. Yes, an online pet store will likely have the products that interest you at a price that, in many cases, is more competitive than what is possible from a pet store near me. But with a local pet shop, you gain immediate availability and personal recommendations from employees who know what they’re talking about. 

With a pet store near me, you don’t have to wait for delivery. The products are right there for the taking and you can pick them up on your way home. The employees will always be ready to recommend specific products, in line with the preferences of your kitty, and, if you are dissatisfied with a product, the return process is often much easier than it would be the case with an online store. 

Of course, we all do our shopping, from time to time, on online stores. But, making the bulk of your purchases offline has a direct impact on the local economy, and it’s a way to form connections with people who genuinely love animals and who want nothing more than to help you select the best products for your pets.