Whether your cat was recently declawed or you’ve just adopted a declawed cat, it’s crucial to understand which cat litter will be best for them. For post-surgery cats, a litter-change doesn’t have to be permanent. You simply need a soft litter that won’t cause further pain or irritation of your cat’s paws. A flawless, pain-free recovery is imperative for keeping your declawed cat healthy. There is an endless variety of cat litters on the market today, making it hard for anyone to choose the best kitty litter for declawed cats.
In a Hurry? Here are Our Top Choices
The 5 Best Kitty Litters for Declawed Cats
Your declawed cat will benefit from certain materials and litter formulas as its paws will be particularly sensitive after surgery. In this article, we review some of the best kitty litter for declawed cats along with our buying guide to kitty litter for cat parents. You may use these types of litters after your cat has completely recovered from her declawing surgery.
1. sWheat Scoop Natural Cat Litter
Made from wheat and other grains, the sWheat Scoop Natural Cat Litter has been improved to eliminate odors, clump faster, and outlast other litters. It doesn’t contain chemicals, silica dust, or sodium bentonite (clay). It is unique in that it is farmer-owned, and the ingredients are also farmer grown. This is what makes the company unique, and their commitment to improving their product through technology has helped them stand out.
The Noble Ion® Technology means that they use wheat enzymes and starches to create a litter that uses positive ions in order to eliminate the negative ions that can be found in pet odors. The granular texture of the litter makes it highly absorbent and easy to sift. It is also flushable and compostable.
Pros
- Litter smell is subtle
- Does a good job of hiding odors
- Minimal dust
Cons
- Strong ammonia smell
- Does have clumping ability
- More expensive than other litters
2. SmartCat All-Natural Cat Litter
The Pioneer Pet SmartCat Litter is 99% dust free and is made from grasses that were grown in the USA. It claims to clump better than clay litter, and its sand-like texture means less tracking than other litters. SmartCat Litter is also free of perfumes and chemicals that cats and owners may find offensive.
The company has a ‘No Smell-Can’t Tell’ slogan and ‘out clumps clay every day’ motto, which shows their confidence in their product’s ability. Odor absorption and liquid absorption is a definitive perk for cat owners, and this litter is the best at accomplishing both.
Pros
- Good odor control
- Made from sustainable and renewable grass, farmed in the USA
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Has clumping ability
- Some cats find it tasty enough to eat
- Not the most affordable litter
3. Purina Yesterday’s News Original Paper Pellet Unscented Cat Litter
Purina’s Yesterday’s News Cat Litter is made from compressed pellets of recycled newspaper. It is considered environmentally friendly as it is biodegradable. It also absorbs well and is often recommended by vets for use by post-surgical cats since it doesn’t cling to paws or fur-like clay or other clumping litters. The best thing is that pellets don’t get tracked around the house. Worst-case scenario, a few dry pieces will get flung out of the litter box, but they are easy to see and clean up.
As Yesterday’s News cat litter is not a granule, it’s a good choice if you have hardwood in your house. It won’t get scratched due to tracking like other traditional clay litter. This litter won’t get stuck in your kitty’s paws, so it won’t be licked off or ingested. One of the main reasons people choose Yesterday’s News special cat litter for declawed cats is because it is dust-free and fragrance-free.
Pros
- Soft pellets
- 3 times more absorbent than other litters
- Low dust and tracking
Cons
- May not control odor well
- Not easy to clean
- Price is on the high side
4. Better Way Flushable Cat Litter
The name may be quite a mouthful, but Better Way produces a unique type of cat litter. The clay grains are small and fine like sand and soft on the cat’s paws. Better Way also contains a natural cat attractant called Sanel, which creates an aroma that only the cats can smell, which reminds them of being outdoors.
Sanel attractant also helps train kittens to use the litter boxes and re-train older cats who may be refusing to use the litter box. This litter has smaller granules, which helps to keep urine from reaching the bottom of the litter box, and keeps the litter box fresh and easy to clean.
Pros
- Good odor control
- No complaints of clogs
- Cats love it
Cons
- Clumps are not always firm
- Some tracking onto the floor
- Ammonia smell if a lot of urine
5. World’s Best Cat Litter
What makes World’s Best different from other litters is what it’s made out of: natural, non-toxic, ground corn husks. First-time users are usually shocked by how lightweight it is, and while the aroma is unique, it isn’t over-powering and is easy to adapt to. Some cats have been known to eat this litter as well. World’s Best can be a bit costlier than other brands among flushable litters.
Most avid users claim the price is worth it since this product lasts longer than other litters, meaning little goes to waste. World’s Best also has superb clumping abilities, and the corn is excellent at absorbing the moisture that reduces the number of bacteria, the main cause of litter box odor, left behind.
Pros
- Very soft
- Natural litter scent
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Has clumping ability
- Minor tracking and dust
What to Consider When Buying Litter for a Declawed Cat
Dust-Free
If your cat has recently been declawed, the dust could enter the wound, causing irritation and potential infection.
Attractants
Some litters come with attractants and may motivate your cat to use the litter box.
Soft Texture
Look for soft, fine granules that are easy to walk and dig in.
Non-Clumping
During recovery, choose a non-clumping litter that won’t stick in the wounds.
Size of Granules
Large litter granules can be hard for cats to move in and dig around in.
Unscented
Cats are sensitive to harsh smells and maybe less likely to use a strong-smelling litter box.
Our Final Thoughts
You must remember that declawed cats prefer soft litter because it is less harsh on their sensitive paws and much easier for them to walk through. If your cat is urinating or defecating outside the litter box, your feline friend may be telling you that something is wrong. In most cases, you can avoid serious issues by selecting the best kitty litter for declawed cats, which makes your cat happy and comfortable.
