Can You Scoop Non-Clumping Litter?

Cats are curious creatures, aren't they? Some of our feline friends have a distinct preference for the texture of non-clumping litter.

This unique litter type does a stellar job locking away odors and absorbing liquids, but it poses a common question: how do you manage it? The reality?

You shouldn't scoop non-clumping litter, especially after it has absorbed urine. Instead, a full replacement is the way to go.

But then, how do you properly dispose of it? Continue reading as we break down the specifics of non-clumping kitty litter and its best practices.

How Does Non-Clumping Kitty Litter Work?

Non-clumping cat litter was the first kitty litter to go out onto the market. Diatomite, zeolite, and sepiolite materials make up this litter.

However, more brands have come out made of biodegradable materials such as paper or varying woods.

The different materials that make up non-clumping are absorbent.

The litter will pick up liquids and odors until the litter cannot absorb anymore, at which point you will find liquid pooling in the bottom of the litter box.

Click here to see this instant action non-clumping clay litter on Amazon.

Once you notice liquids pooling in the bottom, you must change out the litter completely.

In this process, wash out the bottom of the litter tray before adding in the new litter. You typically do this process at least once a week.

In between litter changes, you can't scoop out the liquid. However, you can scoop out formed stool to further decrease odors.

Non-clumping litter is often cheaper and less likely to be tracked out of the litter

box.

People consider this type of litter safer for kittens because they often eat a bit of it as they learn.

Learn more about this topic in our blog post, "How Does Non-Clumping Clay Litter Work?"

How Do You Properly Dispose Of Non-Clumping Litter?

Disposing of cat litter inappropriately can create hazards for you and the environment.

The exact method for ridding used cat litter can change based on what litter you use and where you live.

A common method for disposing of non-clumping is simply placing it into a garbage bag and putting the bag into your trash can.

The litter can get heavy once it is soiled.

To avoid a larger mess on your floor or throughout your house, try using heavy-duty garbage bags or double-bagging your used litter.

Are you looking for a greener way to dispose of your cat litter? Some cat owners take the extra steps to convert their kitty litter into mulch or fertilizer.

If you are interested in this process, use biodegradable or eco-friendly cat litter.

Stick to non-clumping litter made of wood, corn, or other natural materials.

Click here to see this pine made non-clumping litter on Amazon.

Remember that you will need to properly compost your used kitty litter before adding it to any plant or garden.

Can You Flush Non-Clumping Cat Litter?

Flushing cat litter can seem like an easy way to eliminate your cat's waste. While tempting, please do not flush non-clumping cat litter.

This disposal method can mess up your plumbing system while negatively affecting the environment.

Some litter brands include warning labels regarding the consequences of flushing litter.

A major consequence includes contaminating waterways with Toxoplasma Gondii. This parasite has been found in cat waste and can survive water treatments.

Therefore, the possibility of water contamination is the main reason why flushing cat litter of any kind can be dangerous.

Read more on our blog post, "Does Cat Litter Dissolve In Water?" 

What Are Some Good Non-Clumping Litter Options?

Non-clumping litter sometimes gets a bad rap. On the other hand, this style of litter has quite a few pros.

For example, non-clumping litters tend to be softer on the cat's paws and create less dust.

With this in mind, some highly recommended non-clumping cat litter brands exist. Some of these brands include:

1. Tidy Cats Scented, Non-Clumping Clay Cat Litter

Tidy Cats is the most commonly seen non-clumping kitty litter. This product has been popular for its affordable price and excellent odor control and absorbency.

Click here to see this Tidy Cats non-clumping cat litter on Amazon.

Many cat parents are pleased with the deodorizing system, even in households with multiple cats.

2. PetSafe ScoopFree Non-Clumping Crystal Cat Litter

This type of litter is more costly, as it is made of silica gel litter versus the common clay litter. ScoopFree litter is great for sensitive cats due to its low dust qualities.

Click here to see this PetSafe ScoopFree non-clumping crystal cat litter on Amazon.

You will see this litter used with automatic litter boxes most times, but it can be used in a standard litter box as well.

3. Fresh News Multi-Cat Non Clumping Paper Cat Litter

Fresh News is a top choice for individuals seeking an eco-friendly cat litter solution.

Click here to see this Fresh News non clumping cat litter on Amazon.

Made from 100% recycled paper, it absorbs up to three times more than traditional clay litters.

Its moisture-locking pellets effectively neutralize odors, ensuring a fresh-smelling home. Designed to be 99% dust-free, it's ideal for multi-cat households.

How To Make Non-Clumping Litter Clump

Clumping litters typically contain a material called bentonite. This material is what creates the clumps while your litter is absorbing urine.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to get non-clumping litter to clump.

You may be tempted to mix non-clumping and clumping litters to get the most out of your purchase.

However, when you combine the two, the clumping part doesn't typically work as intended, and you are just left with more waste.

You can't make a non-clumping litter clump. However, you can make your clumping litter if you're up for some DIY.

Homemade clumping kitty litter is made with newspaper, baking soda, water, and a bit of dish soap.

The project takes roughly one hour to complete, and you are left with environmentally friendly, clumping kitty litter.

How Do You Keep Non-Clumping Litter?

Non-clumping litters can be kept in their original packaging. These litters come in durable bags or plastic boxes.

Ensure the bag or box gets stored in a dry, cool area of your home. Your litter should be checked daily and changed as needed.

You will know your litter is ready for a change when you see puddles of urine or the odor has become bothersome.

As we mentioned, scooping out solids can help get odors down. Additionally, you can purchase non-clumping litters containing additional odor control.

Click here to see this non-clumping litter with odor control on Amazon.

How often your litter will need a change depends on your cat's habits, how many cats you have in your home, and how many litter boxes are available to them. 

This means that if you have multiple cats, you'll need additional litter boxes and, subsequently, a larger amount of litter.

Next, keep your litter boxes fresh by washing the trays with soap and water and rinsing thoroughly before lying down new litter.

Both you and your cats appreciate a tidy litter box.

Read more on our blog post, "Does Clumping Litter Last Longer?"

The Non-Clumping Roundup

You can't scoop non-clumping litter. But there are ways to keep your litter box fresh and tidy. 

Keep up with regular cleaning, litter box inspection, and appropriate litter disposal to keep you and your kitty happy.

We hope you found this article insightful when it comes to non-clumping litter.

Are you looking for more information on types of cat litter? Look through our blog post, "The 7 Types Of Cat Litter Every Cat Owner Must Know".

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