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The best lightweight cat litter for easier cleanup

PawTracks Contributor
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Another great way to make sure your cat accepts a change in litter is to make sure you have the right amount. A 4-inch layer is recommended in most cases, but each cat has its own preference. If you put too little, odors develop quicker, and if you put too much your cat will sure make a mess or feel a bit wobbly and look for a new bathroom.

The best way to make sure your cat uses its litter box is to keep its favorite litter at optimal levels and perform a daily cleaning of lumps and droppings and a weekly deep clean to keep smells from impregnating the litter box. Check out our curated suggestions with the best lightweight litter to mask smells and keep your carrying effort to the minimum.

Arm & Hammer Lightweight Cat Litter

Best Dust Free

Give your cat the best experience and reduce odors considerably with the Arm & Hammer Lightweight Cat Litter, a 100% dust-free option that weighs less than half what regular litter weighs from the same brand. This type of litter has excellent clumping and a patented formula that destroys odors on contact.

Related

Purina Tidy Cats LightWeight Cat Litter

Best with Scent

For the cat parents that prefer a bit of fragrance to mask the smell, the Purina Tidy Cats LightWeight Cat Litter has the freshening scent of Glade’s Clear Spring and ammonia blockers to prevent odor from forming to begin with. It features low dust for an easy pour and lasts for at least two weeks before needing to be replaced.

Fresh Step Lightweight Cat Litter

Best Unscented

The Fresh Step Lightweight Cat Litter is the best option for those households that prefer unscented litter. This variety controls strong smells naturally with activated charcoal and offers up to 10 days of odor control. It also features strong clumping, which makes it easy to scoop, and the reduced weight makes carrying the new box and each replacement a breeze.

Improve the ambiance in your home, keep smells under control, and provide your cat with the best litter for its needs with this amazing collection of the best options out there. Your lower back and pocket will also thank you for the switch.

Topics
Bengal cats: What to know about these quirky descendants of Asian leopards
Bengal cat breed facts that may surprise you
A Bengal cat lies on a white floor and bathes their forelimb

With their striking rosette coats and low-maintenance grooming needs, Bengal cats are already one of the most desired breeds in the world. Once known as Safari cats, the breed went through a name change in the 1970s to reflect its fascinating heritage. But what is living like a Bengal cat actually like? Are they as feisty as their Asian leopard ancestors?
We'll explore the Bengal cat's personality in depth, covering everything from a brief look into their history, the most common Bengal personality traits, and any breed-specific requirements that may hinder your quest to adopt one of these lovely cats.

Bengal cat history
While some cat breeds, such as the Egyptian Mau, can trace their lineage as far back as 10,000 B.C.E., the Bengal cat is a relative newcomer on the scene. The Bengal cat was first bred deliberately in California in the 1980s, after cat breeder Jean Mill crossed a domestic shorthair (a black tomcat) with an Asian leopard cat. Asian leopard cats, a breed of dainty wildcats hailing from Southeast Asia, are also known as Felis bengalensis -- hence the aforementioned name change from Safari cat to "Bengal cat," -- a nod to this hybrid breed's wild ancestor.
However, there may be another reason for the switch that led to the newly dubbed Bengal cat. When the breed's name was changed in 1974, the man responsible was named William "Bill" Engler -- B. Engler. Some believe he drew inspiration from his own name.

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Can cats suffer from mental health conditions the way dogs can?
What you need to know about your cat's mental health
A blue-eyed white cat sprawls out on top of a rug with a forlorn expression

As it turns out, man's best friend has quite a lot in common with humans. Just like us, dogs can suffer from mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "1 in 5 Americans will experience a mental illness in a given year." With such staggering numbers, it's easy to understand why the self-help industry is booming. But what about cats? Are our feline family members similarly affected by mental health issues?
While dogs are typically more expressive regarding their moods, cats can be more difficult to read. A dog suffering from depression may refuse to play with his favorite toy, but what behaviors can you expect from your feline friend? Do cats suffer from depression and anxiety the way some dogs do? We'll take a deep dive into the world of cat mental health, so we can answer the question once and for all.

Can cats have mental illnesses?
In her 2014 book "Animal Madness," Dr. Laurel Braitman writes, "There is not a branch of veterinary science, ethology (the science of animal behavior), neuroscience, or wildlife ecology dedicated to investigating whether animals can be mentally ill." While we can't read our cat's mind, we can use their typical behavior to gauge sudden personality changes that might ring a few alarm bells.
Two commonly diagnosed mental issues in cats are obsessive-compulsive disorder -- often abbreviated as OCD -- and cat anxiety. In cases of OCD, you may notice your cat excessively grooming the same location on her body, which can lead to redness, swelling, skin irritation, and even hair loss. However, excessive grooming is also a symptom of anxiety, though anxiety is often accompanied by additional concerning behaviors, such as decreased appetite, incessant yowling, and even drooling.
Details are scant regarding exactly how many cats suffer from mental health issues, but the fact remains that your frisky feline can be affected by OCD, anxiety, or depression. In fact, it may surprise you to learn that cats can even have autism.

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Do cats get separation anxiety just like dogs do?
Here's how to help your cat cope with separation anxiety
Anxious calico cat lying in the cat bed of a cat tree

As many of us begin to return to work and school after years of pandemic-related remote work or study, you may notice your fur babies are behaving strangely. Although it's a fairly well-known fact that dogs can suffer from separation anxiety when their human family members leave for work or leave the house at all, not everyone knows that our cats can suffer the same issue.

Cat separation anxiety occurs less frequently than it does in dogs, but that doesn't make it any less distressing to witness. Do you think your cat has separation anxiety? Then you've likely noticed unusual behavioral changes. But try not to worry -- there are many solutions that can help reduce your cat's anxiety.

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