Cat Litter and Litter Boxes
Cats are by nature very clean and hygienic animals, and learn using litter boxes very easily. Cats living outdoors excrete in soft or sandy soil and bury their feces, while indoor cats instinctively search for an easy burial site such as litter box filled with cat litter without any training. Most litter boxes not particularly esthetic but unless your cat is toilet-trained there is no other option. Fortunately, many cat litter boxes manufacturers are aware of the problem and offer a wide range of litter boxes that are less noticeable, practical or both.
Choosing a litter box that suits you and your cat the most is very important but a quality cat litter is perhaps even of grater importance. Most cat owners use a clumping cat litter which clumps the wet material into a solid mass separated from other litter making it easier to scoop and dispose. However, it is important to keep in mind that most clumping litters are not flushable and that clumping clay quality greatly varies from one brand to another. You are highly advised against using clumping cat litter if having kittens under three months of age due to risk of accidental ingestion which can cause serious gastrointestinal problems.
Silica gel litter commonly known as crystal litter is very popular litter type as well. It has the highest absorbency of all cat litters, removes the odor completely and does not require daily scooping. Please keep in mind that solid waste needs to be disposed regularly.
If you have concerns about potential health risks of clumping and crystal litters there is a good news. There are several biodegradable/organic litters made of various plant materials which are also friendlier to the environment. Unfortunately, they are more expensive than the traditional litters and reported not being particularly well received by some cats.
In general, all cat litters have their advantages and disadvantages, and there is no unique answer which one is the best. Whichever cat litter you choose in the end please keep in mind that cats like their restrooms as clean and as hygienic as possible.