Multi Cat Litter vs Regular: Which is a Better Choice?

Written by

Amy Sawy

Veterinarian. DVM

FACT-CHECKED BY

Joseph M. Plummer

Veterinarian, DVM, MVZ

multi cat litter vs regular

As a cat owner, are you facing the common dilemma of choosing between multi cat litter vs regular? It can be a difficult decision because the right cat litter is essential to ensure your cat’s well-being and comfort.

These two cat litter options may share a primary purpose: to provide a clean area for your cat to do business.

However, they have unique characteristics such as materials used, clumping ability, absorbency, odor control, price, etc. This article will guide you on these differences and help you make an informed decision based on your cat’s needs. Read below to know more.

Features/Characteristics Multi-Cat Litter Regular Litter
Clumping Yes; also known as clumping litter No; also known as the standard cat litter
Odor control More odor neutralizers Less odor neutralizers
Absorbency High Low
Materials Porous synthetic material; clay Silica gel, wheat, pine, recycled paper, corn, etc.
Waste disposal Can be easily scooped Can be overly soaked with the cat’s urine
Dust Can be dusty or dust-free, Dust-free
Price More expensive Various prices to suit every budget

What is Multi Cat Litter?

Multi-Cat-Litter-look-like

Multi-cat litter is basically used when you have two or more cats in the household. But you can also use multi cat litter for one cat.

It can control odors effectively. Furthermore, it can clump easily because clay is its main natural ingredient. But most commonly, it is made of porous synthetic material that is moisture absorbent.

Imagine how messy it could get having multiple cats with only one litter box. That is why the clumping qualities of a multi-cat litter help avoid bad odors, dirty paws, and a clean environment in the house.

What is a Regular Litter?

Regular-Litter-materials-look-like

Typically, the regular cat litter is the standard type of cat litter that you often see on the market or online stores. It comes in a variety of materials that you can choose from.

This is what makes it different from multi cat litter because it offers a slightly greater flexibility in terms of material options. The following are the list of materials used:

  • Wood
  • Recycled paper
  • Clay
  • Silica gel
  • Corn
  • Wheat
  • Pine
  • Grass
  • Walnut shell
  • Tofu

The materials used makes it suitable for cats with sensitive paws, or those with allergies because dust-free cat litter is commonly crafted from wood, recycled paper, or corn.

Differences Between Multi Cat Litter and Regular Cat Litter

1. Materials/varieties

Materials-of-multi-cat-litter-vs-regular

Regular litter has a wider range of varieties, including clay, wheat, pine, silica gel, etc. You can pick natural varieties such as pine litter for your cat if its waste tends to smell very strongly.

Meanwhile, litter for multiple cats also comes in various materials. Still, it is usually formulated with special additives to provide better odor control and clumping.

2. Absorbency

Absorbency-of-multi-cat-litter-vs-regular

In general, multi-cat litter has high absorbency power to handle the increased waste of multiple cats in the household. It helps in preventing dirty paws and controlling moisture compared to regular ones.

3. Odor control

Odor-control-of-multi-cat-litter-vs-regular

As mentioned above, two types are good odor-control cat litters. However, the choice is whether you want the natural materials or extra odor neutralizers of multiple-cat litter. Indeed, the latter will be best for houses with more than one cat.

4. Dust control

Dust-control-of-multi-cat-litter-vs-regular

Regular litter comes in dust-free varieties, depending on the brand you will get. Commonly, dust-free cat litter are made out of wood, recycled paper, or corn.

On the other hand, multi-cat litter is formulated to have improved dust control mechanisms.

5. Clumping ability

Clumping-ability -of-multi-cat-litter-vs-regular

Multi cat litter is, also called clumping litter, specially formulated to have strong clumping ability to form stronger and solid clumps. This enables easier cleaning of the litter box for households with multiple cats.

On the contrary, regular litter’s clumping ability might not be as robust. In fact, some of them can be non clumping and has fewer odor control neutralizers.

6. Price

Price-of-multi-cat-litter-vs-regular

Multi-cat litter is usually more expensive than regular due to its enhanced performance features, such as stronger odor neutralizers that accommodate multiple cats.

However, you can still find a regular litter with almost the same price as multi-cat litter because of its brand or additional features.

Pros and Cons

1. Multi Cat Litter

Pros
  • Clumps easily
  • Controls odor
  • High absorbency
  • Low dust
  • Fresh scent
  • Long lasting
Cons
  • More expensive
  • Limited options
  • Can stick in the side of the litter box
  • Strong scent can cause allergies to some cats

2. Regular Litter

Pros
  • Different types of litter available
  • Easy to find in the market
  • Budget-friendly
  • High quality types can effectively remove odors
Cons
  • Low quality types can be messy and dusty
  • Commonly contains lesser odor neutralizers
  • Overwhelming choices

Which is Better?

best-choice-between-multi-cat-litter-vs-regular

The best choice will boil down to the suitable type for you and your fur babies.

It’s pretty clear that multi-cat litter will be best suited for households with more than two cats since their waste amount and odor can be overwhelming. And you will need the neutralizers and clumping and dust-control ability of this product to handle the issue.

Meanwhile, you can choose cat litter of the regular kind to freely pick the natural ingredient and smell you prefer for your only pet. There will be more varieties and price points that work for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many litter boxes should I use?

Using a single-cat litter per cat and having one extra is advisable for switching when you are cleaning up. This is because it can cause stress and discomfort to your cat, letting them relieve themselves outside the litter box.

Can I mix multi cat litter with regular?

Yes, as long as they are the same type of litter. But, remember that you are not supposed to mix clumping litter with non-clumping litter as it can ruin the litter, making it difficult to scoop and clean. Also, take into consideration the ingredients when mixing, as it may irritate sensitive cats.

Which one is easier to clean?

Truth be told, no matter what cat litter you use, you still need to clean your litter box daily to prevent unwanted dirt and odor around the house, even if it is formulated to last longer.

You can check for your cat litter’s clumping ability and odor neutralizers because it makes it easier to scoop and dispose of your cat’s waste, keeping unpleasant smells at bay.

Conclusion

In the ongoing debate between multi cat litter vs regular, the choice is in your hands based on your needs and preferences.

It is important to consider the number of cats you own, the specific needs, and your budget to derive an informed decision. Furthermore, consider your cat’s comfort and hygiene to ensure a clean and happy environment for you and your furry friends.

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