Choose low-dust, non-clumping litter if possible. The dustiness of regular litter means that it tends to stick more easily. Dust from the litter can also be an irritant for both you and your cat. [2] X Research source Non-clumping litter is especially important for long-haired cats. This is because it is less likely to get stuck in their long fur and irritate their skin. [3] X Research source
Choose low-dust, non-clumping litter if possible. The dustiness of regular litter means that it tends to stick more easily. Dust from the litter can also be an irritant for both you and your cat. [2] X Research source Non-clumping litter is especially important for long-haired cats. This is because it is less likely to get stuck in their long fur and irritate their skin. [3] X Research source
There are pros and cons to both non-clumping and clumping litter. Choose a litter that your cat will use and that you notice sticks to your cat’s paws the least.
Crystal cat litter is ideal because it is non-clumping and it has large granules. However, it is more expensive than clay litter and some cats refuse to use crystal litter. [6] X Research source
Clean the mat regularly by simply discarding any litter granules into the bin. Wipe it down with warm, soapy water whenever you clean out the litter box. Don’t use cardboard as a mat for the litter box. This is because the cardboard could get wet and therefore also stick to your cat’s paws. [9] X Research source You can put two mats around the litter box if you find that one is not large enough.
Twice per week is an estimation for how often you need to change the litter. The actual frequency depends on how many cats use the litter box, how many litter boxes there are, and the type of litter that you use.
This also prevents your cat from ingesting the litter when it grooms. Cleaning your cat’s paws also provides a good opportunity to check for any irritated skin, cuts, or scrapes.
Long-haired cats can be particularly prone to getting litter stuck in their paws due to their long fur. [12] X Research source Some long-haired cats are irritated by the fur that grows between their toes, which means that trimming it can solve more than one problem. You can tell that your cat is irritated by the fur if it licks between its toes obsessively. [13] X Research source Keeping your cat’s claws trimmed as well, so that less things, including litter, are likely to get trapped in them.
