Top 10 Best Cat Litters for Maine Coon Cats

Here are the top 10 best litters for Maine Coon Cats

1. Dr. Elsey's Respiratory Relief Clumping Clay Cat Litter
2. World's Best Cat Litter
3. Ökocat Natural Wood Clumping Cat Litter
4. Fresh News Recycled Paper, Original Pellet Cat Litter
5. Feline Pine
6. Arm & Hammer Platinum Clump & Seal
7. Purina Tidy Cats Low Dust Clumping Cat Litter, LightWeight Free & Clean Unscented
8. Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat Ultra
9. Wheat Scoop Multi-Cat All-Natural Clumping Cat Litter
10. Naturally Fresh Cat Litter - Walnut-Based Quick-Clumping Kitty Litter,
11. Silica Gel Litter
12. Fresh Step Clumping Cat Litter

Choosing the Right Cat Litter for Maine Coon Cats

Material

The material of the cat litter is an important consideration. Some materials, such as clay, can produce a lot of dust, which can be harmful to your cat's respiratory system. Other materials, such as pine or paper, can be more environmentally friendly. Some cat litter is made from natural materials, such as corn or wheat, which can be biodegradable and safer for your cat to use.

Texture

The texture of the cat litter is also important. Maine Coon cats are large cats, and they need a litter that can support their weight. A litter that is too fine or too lightweight may not be able to support your cat's weight, which can lead to litter box accidents. A litter that is too coarse or rough may be uncomfortable for your cat to walk on.

Odor Control

Maine Coon cats are known for producing a lot of waste, and this waste can produce strong odors. Choosing a cat litter with good odor control can help keep your home smelling fresh and clean. Some cat litters are designed to neutralize odors, while others are scented to mask them.

Clumping

Clumping cat litter can make it easier to clean your cat's litter box. When the litter clumps, it can be scooped out, leaving the rest of the litter clean and fresh. This can save you time and money in the long run, as you won't need to replace the entire litter box as often.

Tracking

Maine Coon cats are known for their furry feet, which can easily track litter out of the litter box and into your home. Choosing a cat litter that is less likely to track can help keep your home clean and tidy. Some cat litters are designed to be less likely to stick to your cat's feet.

Best Cat Litter Materials for Maine Coon Cats

Clay Litter

Clay litter is one of the most popular types of cat litter on the market. It's affordable, easy to find, and absorbs liquid well. However, it can be dusty, which can cause respiratory problems for both you and your cat. It's also not biodegradable, which means it can be harmful to the environment.

Natural Cat Litter

Natural cat litters are made from materials such as corn, wheat, and wood. They are biodegradable, so they are an environmentally friendly option. Natural cat litter is also dust-free, but are often more expensive

Minerals

Some cat litters are made from minerals such as zeolite and diatomaceous earth. These materials are highly absorbent and have excellent odor control. However, they can be dusty and may not be biodegradable.

Clumping vs Non-Clumping Litter

Clumping Litter

Clumping litter is a popular choice among cat owners because it forms tight clumps when your cat urinates, making it easy to scoop out the waste. Clumping litter tends to be more dust-free and has a better odor control than non-clumping litter.

However, there are some downsides to clumping litter: It can be more expensive than non-clumping litter.  Some cats may be sensitive to the dust produced by clumping litter, which can cause respiratory problems.

Non-Clumping Litter

Non-clumping litter is generally made from materials like clay, recycled paper, or wood chips. It's less expensive than clumping litter and tends to produce less dust. Additionally, it's often flushable, which means you can dispose of the waste in the toilet.

However, there are some drawbacks to non-clumping litter. Since it doesn't form clumps, you'll need to change the entire litter box more often than you would with clumping litter. Non-clumping litter may not be as effective at controlling odors as clumping litter.

Odor Control and Scent

One way to control odors is to choose a cat litter that contains activated charcoal. Activated charcoal is a natural and effective odor absorber that can help keep your litter box smelling fresh. Look for cat litters that contain activated charcoal filters, such as Purina Tidy Cats Naturally Strong Unscented Cat Litter or Arm & Hammer Platinum Clump & Seal Texture Scent Material.

Unscented litters, like Dr. Elsey's Ultra Premium Clumping Cat Litter, are free from artificial fragrances and are less likely to cause irritation to your cat's sensitive nose.

12 Popular Cat Litter Brands for Maine Coon Cats

Here are some of the most popular cat litter brands for Maine Coon cats:

Natural Litters and Their Benefits

1. Dr. Elsey's Respiratory Relief Clumping Clay Cat Litter: This hypoallergenic cat litter is low-dust and free from plant proteins, perfumes, and deodorants.  Excellent clumpijng and odor control.
2. World's Best Cat Litter: This corn-based litter is 99% dust-free and offers excellent odor control without the use of strong fragrances. It's also biodegradable and flushable for easy disposal.  
3. Ökocat Natural Wood Clumping Cat Litter: Made from reclaimed wood, this litter is 99% dust-free and free from artificial fragrances. It also offers excellent clumping and odor control.
4. Fresh News Recycled Paper, Original Pellet Cat Litter: Made from recycled paper, this non-clumping litter is 99.7% dust-free and is recommended by veterinarians for cats with respiratory issues. It's also three times more absorbent than clay litter.
5. Naturally Fresh Cat Litter - Walnut-Based Quick-Clumping Kitty Litter, Unscented: This natural litter is made from walnut shells, making it virtually dust-free. It offers excellent odor control and is available in both clumping and non-clumping varieties.
6. Feline Pine:  Feline Pine is a brand that produces cat litter made of pine wood pellets. Their Original Non-Clumping Litter is a great option for Maine Coon cats. This cat litter is highly absorbent and helps to control odors.

Low Dust & Dust Free Cat Litters

7. Arm & Hammer Platinum Clump & Seal is a great option for Maine Coon cats. This cat litter is made of fine clay particles that are designed to be soft on your cat's paws.

8. Purina Tidy Cats Low Dust Clumping Cat Litter, LightWeight Free & Clean Unscented

9. Fresh Step Clumping Cat Litter, Advanced, Simply Unscented

10. Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat Ultra. This unscented clumping cat litter is made from all-natural ingredients and is 99.9% dust-free. It is also hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for cats with allergies or respiratory issues.

11. Wheat Scoop Multi-Cat All-Natural Clumping Cat Litter. This all-natural cat litter is made from wheat and is completely biodegradable. It is also 100% dust-free, which makes it a great choice for cats with respiratory issues. It clumps well and absorbs odors efficiently, making it a great choice for multi-cat households.

12. Silica Gel Litter: This type of litter is made from tiny silica gel beads. It's highly absorbent and offers excellent odor control. Dust-free, excellent odor control, lightweight, can last longer between changes. However this is more expensive than clay, some cats dislike the texture, and can be dangerous if ingested in large amounts.

ökocat Natural Wood Cat Litter. This all-natural cat litter is made from reclaimed wood and is completely biodegradable. It is virtually dust-free, which makes it a great choice for cats with respiratory issues. It also clumps very well and absorbs odors efficiently, making it a great choice for multi-cat households.

Fresh News Recycled Paper, Original Pellet Cat Litter: Made from recycled paper, this non-clumping litter is 99.7% dust-free and is recommended by veterinarians for cats with respiratory issues. It's also three times more absorbent than clay litter.

Naturally Fresh Cat Litter - Walnut-Based Quick-Clumping Kitty Litter, Unscented:: This natural litter is made from walnut shells, making it virtually dust-free. It offers excellent odor control and is available in both clumping and non-clumping varieties.

Litter I Use

Kittens

Litter Tracking

What is Litter Tracking?

Litter tracking refers to litter being carried outside of the litter box and into other areas of your home. This happens when your cat steps out of the litter box and litter sticks to their paws. They track the litter throughout the house, even into your bed! (Sleeping in a bed with cat litter granules is unpleasant.)

Here are some tips to help reduce litter tracking:

1. Use a low tracking litter: Some litters are designed to be low tracking, meaning they are less likely to stick to your cat's paws and get carried outside of the litter box. Look for litters made from materials like clay, silica gel, or paper.
2. Use a litter mat: A litter mat can help catch any litter that your cat may track out of the box. Place the mat outside of the litter box to catch any litter that may be stuck to your cat's paws.
3. Trim your cat's nails: Long nails can trap litter in between your cat's toes, increasing the likelihood of litter tracking. Regular nail trims can help prevent this.
4. Clean the litter box regularly: A dirty litter box can cause your cat to step in their waste, increasing the amount of litter that gets stuck to their paws. Make sure to clean the litter box regularly to prevent this.

Tips for Transitioning Your Maine Coon Cat to a New Litter

Helping Your Maine Coon Adjust to a New Litter

Patience and persistence: Be patient and give your Maine Coon cat time to adjust to the change.

Gradual Transition: Start by mixing a small amount of the new litter with your cat's current litter. Gradually increase the ratio of new litter over time until your cat is fully adjusted.

Positive Reinforcement: Encourage your Maine Coon to use the new litter by offering treats or praise when they use it successfully. This positive association will help them feel more comfortable with the change.

Clean and Fresh: Keep the litter box clean and odor-free, as Maine Coon cats are known for their cleanliness. Regularly scoop out waste and replace soiled litter to ensure a pleasant environment for your cat.

Observe Behavior: Pay attention to your cat's behavior during the transition period. If they show signs of discomfort or avoidance*, consider adjusting the transition pace or trying a different type of litter.