Bentonite is not a modern invention. Avicenna mentioned the healing power of unusual clay in his works. Ancient healers used bentonite to heal wounds and treat poisoning.
The food industry uses natural product as safe for health.
Currently, sandalwood is not used as a dietary supplement. Why - read in.
Main manufacturers
In Russia, the production of the E 558 additive is carried out by the Bentonite Company LLC holding, which includes the following enterprises: 
- LLC "Bentonite Khakassia" (city of Chernogorsk);
- LLC "Bentonite Kurgana";
- JV "AzRosPromInvest" (Azerbaijan);
- Glinopererabotka LLC (Bryansk) produces granules for cat litter.
Leading global manufacturers:
- Bassermann minerals GmbH & Co.KG (Germany);
- Qualimet GmbH (Switzerland);
- Pointner & Rothschädl GesmbH (Austria).
Interesting fact! The development of bentonite deposits raises concerns among environmentalists: the quarry method of extracting the mineral destroys vegetation and disrupts the biological balance. An interesting way out of the situation was invented in German company Gimborn (the company produces cat litter). Employees regularly plant hundreds of trees in the sites of already developed quarries.
More comfortable and also prevents unpleasant odors.
Of course, you don’t have to use cat litter or replace the litter. industrial production newspapers, sand or sawdust, however, such fillers have many disadvantages.
Pros and cons of cat litter (non-industrial)
Uncomfortable: Cats love to bury their waste
Types of industrial litter for cats
Absorbent litter for cats
Absorbent fillers- These are fillers that absorb moisture well and lock it “locked”.
Absorbent fillers are made from minerals (attapulgite, sibit, opoka and zeolite), as well as from wood, corn, paper, cotton, etc.
Attapulgite, sybite, zeolite and opoka are various porous clay minerals that have approximately the same properties. Appearance absorbent litter for cats - these are large porous granules, similar to pieces of pumice; or clay balls.
Examples of absorbent mineral litters for cats: Siberian cat (budget, comfort, universal), Fresh step (absorbent), Barsik (standard, effect), Catsan (absorbent), etc.
Natural absorbent fillers are made from sawdust coniferous trees, cotton and corn cleanings and paper production waste. Externally, such cat litters look like popcorn sticks or like dense large cylindrical granules that disintegrate when they get wet.
Examples of wood absorbent litters for cats: Siberian cat (forest, tree), Clean Paws (wood), Barsik (natural), etc.
Clumping litter for cats
Clumping fillers- these are cat litters that, upon contact with moisture, form a dense lump that can be easily removed with a scoop.
Clumping litters are made from bentonite clay and wood (corn).
Bentonite clay can be sodium and calcium, as well as calcium enriched with sodium. Sodium bentonite clay is of better quality and more expensive than calcium clay. Externally, bentonite litter for cats consists of small clay balls or coarse sand.
Examples of bentonite clumping litters for cats: Siberian cat (prima, super), Clean paws (clumping), Pi-pi bent, Barsik (black), Catsan (ultra), etc.
Wood clumping litter is made from pine sawdust, corn stover or grass. Externally, wood clumping filler looks like neat sawdust granules.
Examples of wood clumping litters for cats: Cat’s best (clumping), N1 (wood, cotton, corn), Canada litter (Bio-corn), Сliffi, Fix (grass).
Silica gel litter for cats
Silica gel fillers for cats absorb moisture and block odor without changing in any way during the absorption process.
Silica gel is a dried gel from saturated solutions of silicic acids, i.e. A completely artificial product not found in nature. Silica gel filler appears as small translucent white or bluish crystals.
Examples of silica gel litters for cats: Siberian cat (elite), Fresh step (crystals), N1 (silica gel), Dezzie, etc.
Pros and cons of cat litter
| Wood (absorbent) | Woody (clumping) | Bentonite | Mineral (absorbent) | Silica gel | |
| Price | low | high | average | average | high |
| Availability | available | difficult to buy | available | available | available |
| Weight | relatively easy | relatively easy | very hard | hard | hard |
| Absorbency | high | high | high | low | very high |
| Odor blocking | Partially (the smell of waste can be interrupted by the natural smell of the filler) | relatively high | weak | relatively high | |
| Frequency of liquid waste collection | 1-2 times a day | 1-2 times a day | 1-2 times a day | 1-2 times a day | Once every 5-7 days |
| Frequency of solid waste collection | 1-2 times a day | 1-2 times a day | 1-2 times a day | 1-2 times a day | 1-2 times a day |
| Completeness of cleaning | Changes completely | Changes partially | Changes partially | Changes completely | Changes completely |
| Cleanliness in the house | Spread around the house | Spread around the house | It spreads around the house and generates dust. | It hardly spreads around the house, but it does generate dust. | Almost does not spread around the house |
| Safety | May contain sharp particles | Yes | Extremely dangerous if swallowed (not recommended for kittens!) | Yes | Relatively safe |
| Comfort |
Comfortable |
Comfortable | Comfortable | Comfortable | Relatively comfortable: silica gel creaks under the cat’s paws |
| Collection of analyzes | Inconvenient | Inconvenient | Inconvenient | Inconvenient | Inconvenient, but some silica gel fillers can test for ICD |
| Disposal | Can be thrown down the toilet | Can be thrown down the toilet | Can't be thrown down the toilet | Can't be thrown down the toilet | Can't be thrown down the toilet |
| Environmental friendliness | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
What litter is best for cats?
When choosing litter for a cat, you must, first of all, be guided by her opinion, as some cats are afraid of the squeaking of silica gel, while others cannot tolerate dust from bentonite. What exactly your cat doesn’t like can be found out through trial and error.
If you are adopting a kitten from owners you know or from a shelter, then it is best to use, at least initially, the litter that the kitten had before moving to you.
It is not recommended to use cat litters with flavors, because... The cat's litter box should smell like a cat, not a strawberry. Because of the scent, the cat may “lose” the litter box or refuse to use it because... Strong odors cause cats to sneeze and experience discomfort.
Antibacterial additives in cat litter are a marketing ploy because simply cleaning the litter box daily can prevent bacteria from forming. However, such fillers can be useful for cat owners who are forced to constantly travel.
Cat litter is a very convenient and useful accessory that can solve many cat litter problems.
Bentonite(or bentonite clay) is a natural clay mineral formed from volcanic ash and water, which is used in various areas of human activity.
Bentonite is used in the production of fertilizers, in construction, in decorating terrariums and aquariums, and in winemaking for clarifying wines. As a food additive - as a unique naturally balanced mineral complex that has a beneficial effect on the functions of the whole body, and as an absorbent, it removes heavy metals, waste, and toxins.
In the 19th century, bentonite clay was used to clean sheep wool and cloth, due to its high hygroscopicity and absorption. The property of bentonite to absorb moisture is in demand in agriculture, where, in particular, it is used as bedding for animals. For cat owners, the most valuable consumer property of bentonite is its ability to form strong lumps. And that’s not all; in general, bentonite has more than 200 applications.
To prevent this, for example, the company (Gimborn, Germany), manufacturer of cat litter Biokat's, is constantly working to restore natural landscapes after bentonite mining. Mixed forests are planted in mining areas, which are subsequently populated by swallows and kingfishers, which contributes to the restoration of natural flora and fauna.Bentonite gets its name from the site of Benton in the United States, where it was first found in 1898. Most large deposits bentonite are found in the USA, UK and Canada.Development of bentonite clay deposits is underway open method. The quarry is developed in breadth, not in depth.
A big problem for environmentalists is that during quarrying, local flora and fauna die.
Many people don't realize that not all bentonite is created equal. Depending on the region, bentonite clay has different properties, which affects the area it is used in. further application. There are two types of bentonite clay: sodium and calcium. Average level The pH of natural bentonite is between 6 and 9.5 (for a five percent aqueous suspension standing for one hour). The best bentonite for the production of cat litter is considered sodium bentonite with a pH level above 7. It is these fillers that best absorb moisture, form a strong lump and retain odors, and also do not require additional chemical treatment.
Bentonite cat litters are the most popular, both here and in Europe.
Cat owners love such litters because they are economical, environmentally friendly, they are completely safe for animals, even kittens, and, most importantly, they perfectly “hold” unpleasant odors.
Today there is a large number of varieties of clumping bentonite fillers, for example, with large and small granules ( Biocats Classic And Biocats Micro), odorless and with a slight herbal aroma ( Biocats Fresh And Biocats Micro Fresh). There are even fillers that combine bentonite clay and wood fibers in one granule ( Biocats DuoActive). You can view these products at .
More about TM read on the brand page, as well as on our blog.
(Below you can ask questions, and a specialist in this species products)
Pee Pee Bent Deluxe Classic
We present a new product on the bentonite litter market for cats - a line of super-premium quality products in an exclusive design.
Classic filler without fragrances, has small size granules and will appeal to all cats who prefer softness and special comfort when visiting the litter box.
Suitable for animals with sensitive paws.
Pee Pee Bent Deluxe Pure cotton
A series of fillers with increased attractiveness of aromas for animals opens with a filler with subtle aroma clean and fresh linen - the aroma of pure cotton, which cats love so much.
The soft, warm and natural aroma of pure cotton appears when the granules interact with liquid and further protects the home from unpleasant odors.
Presented in packaging: 5 kg box
Pee Pee Bent Deluxe Fresh Herb
The clean and light aroma of freshly cut grass, Fresh grass filler, received the highest ratings and positive reviews exhibition visitors Interzoo(Nuremberg, Germany), ZooShow(Russia, St. Petersburg) and Royal Canin Grand Prix(Russia, Moscow), perhaps, will become one of the leaders in the market of flavored clumping fillers in Russia.
Presented in packaging: 5 kg box
Natural clumping litter made from bentonite clay. Ecologically pure product. Pi-Pi Bent Classic allows your cat to feel closer to nature.
Most animals enjoy using the toilet from the first day of use. Safe for humans and animals through contact and accidental ingestion. Pi-Pi Bent Classic absorbs a large amount of moisture, forming strong clumps. Throughout the entire period of use, Pi-Pi Bent Classic effectively neutralizes unpleasant odors.
Presented in packaging: craft bags 10 kg and 5 kg, printed bag 3 kg
Natural clumping litter with a delicate scent of fresh herbs and flowers, made from environmentally friendly bentonite clay, designed specifically to combat strong odors.
Active components introduced into natural bentonite enhance its properties of absorbing moisture and neutralizing unpleasant odors. Pi-Pi Bent Sensation of Freshness absorbs large amounts of moisture, forming strong clumps.
Presented in packaging: craft bag 10 kg and 5 kg
Cat owners and their pets will appreciate the new product with a popular scentPi-Pi Bent Sea Breeze- a filler with a bright and rich aroma of the morning freshness of the sea. It has all the qualities of the Pi-Pi Bent line of clumping fillers, and the additionally used encapsulated aroma technology ensures that the aroma from the capsule is released only when exposed to liquid. Active components introduced into natural bentonite eliminate unpleasant odors in the tray and give your pet a feeling of purity and true harmony with nature.
For lovers of more refined scents, we present a filler with the delicate aroma of the lavender fields of Provence.has all the qualities of the clumping fillers of the Pi-Pi Bent line, and the additionally used encapsulated aromatic technology guarantees the release of the aroma from the capsule only when exposed to liquid. Active components introduced into natural bentonite additionally block unpleasant odors and create a feeling of calm, comfort and harmony in the home.
Presented in packaging: kraft bag 5 kg
Natural clumping filler made from fine bentonite clay. Environmentally friendly product. Using Pi-Pi-Bent for kittens does not require special litter box training.
Small granules of the filler do not harm the delicate paws of kittens and are safe if ingested. Pi-Pi-Bent For kittens absorbs a large amount of moisture, forming strong clumps. Throughout the entire period of use, Pi-Pi-Bent For kittens effectively neutralizes unpleasant odors.
Presented in packaging: kraft bag 5 kg
Natural clumping litter with a subtle ripe banana scent, made from bentonite clay, designed specifically to combat strong odors. Environmentally friendly product.
Active components introduced into natural bentonite enhance its properties of absorbing moisture and neutralizing unpleasant odors. Pi-Pi-Bent Banana absorbs large amounts of moisture, forming strong clumps.
Presented in packaging: 5 kg box
Cotyar's bentonite filler with the "Natural Mineral" formula is made exclusively from natural bentonite clay. Mineral composition This clay began to form in the deep layers of the earth's crust more than 34 million years ago, during the Cenozoic era. The ability to absorb liquid and clump, to combat the growth of bacteria - these are all natural properties of the filler. None chemical components and substandard breeds.
During the production process, a special high-temperature treatment and dust removal technology is used to clean and disinfect the granules. Durable bentonite granules “Natural Mineral” are specially selected for their granulometric composition - no more than 3.2 mm. The filler does not hurt the animal's paws and does not stick to the fur.
Kotyar's bentonite filler provides natural control over the cleanliness of your home 24 hours a day.
Presented in packaging: plastic bag 5 kg
Filler properties:
- made from natural blue clay
- one package absorbs 5.3 liters of liquid
- bad smell blocked
- economical consumption
- 100% natural
- protection against bacteria
- softening effect
- regenerating effect
- new stylish packaging
Presented in packaging: plastic bag 5.3 l
Economical and easy-to-use litter for professional breeders. Natural product made from natural bentonite clay.
Main advantages:
100% natural product from natural bentonite clay;
cats do not require special litter box training;
upon contact with liquid, strong lumps are formed that are easy to remove from the tray;
neutralization of unpleasant odors;
economical product, no need complete replacement filler;
environmentally friendly.
Presented in packaging: craft bag 15 kg.
With more detailed description, methods and places for purchasing products you can find on the website of our trading house LLC "Leading"Is it really better to buy a specific product for cat litter or is it better to use regular sand? In principle, there is nothing wrong with choosing sand, it is natural natural material, which pets accept quite well, but it has disadvantages. Ordinary sand practically does not absorb odors, so it requires frequent replacement.
A cat that is clean by nature does not like dirty toilets and will look for another place in the apartment to relieve his needs cleanly.
The need to use special fillers
In practice, many cat lovers use special means for cat litter. Their invention made it easier to maintain cat litter, improved the hygiene of domestic cats, and made life easier for their owners and caring for their pet. Special formulations allow you to cope with the natural needs of animals without fuss and special worries.
This solution has many advantages:
- the products absorb the smell of cat urine well;
- they allow you to remove only part of the used substance, this is very convenient, given that the cat is able to relieve itself several times a day;
- They are sold in many forms with different properties, so you can choose a specific type for each type of toilet.
Which one cat litter better and what is the difference between wood filler and bentonite - the answers to these questions are of interest to many owners of furry family members.
Depending on the raw materials from which the contents for the tray are obtained, they are divided into the following types:
- bentonite,
- sepiolites,
- woody,
- silica gel or silicone.
Before deciding which cat litter is best to choose, you should analyze all the advantages and disadvantages of each type. Let's take a closer look at them.
Bentonite
Bentonite is a natural substance whose main advantage is its very high ability to absorb water. Also an undeniable advantage This substance is its ability to absorb odors well. This is why it is an excellent material for making tray contents.
The principle of operation of bentonite is simple - it absorbs urine and creates lumps that are easy to remove with a spatula.
As a result, cleaning the cat litter is hassle-free, you only remove clumps, and the rest remains in the tray. The cat buries its excrement, and bentonite effectively absorbs odors.
Bentonite in the filler is present in the form of granules of different sizes.
It can be scented, for example, with lavender, there are options with the scent of forest, strawberry and even herbs. This cat litter absorbs odor better.
It is worth remembering that the finer the bentonite, the work more efficiently cat litter box. But too small fractions stick more easily and spread on the cat’s paws outside the tray. In addition, this material should not be disposed of through the toilet because, when combined with water, it becomes a kind of cement that severely clogs sewer pipes.
Be careful if you have very small kittens, they may taste the pellets and swallow them. Bentonite can be dangerous for them because it can cause intestinal blockage.
This type can be a problem if the cat litter is located in bathrooms. When the granules fall on ceramic tiles, in contact with water they form a cement-like material that sticks to the floor and is quite difficult to remove. Its weight is also considered a disadvantage; a 10-liter bag weighs about 8 kg, which creates difficulties when delivering it from the store.
Sepiolite variant
The active component of this option is the mineral sepiolite or meerschaum, it is
substance from the group "mineral fillers".
Some stores classify such compounds as bentonite, perhaps because, like bentonite, they come in granule form. However, they differ from it in that they do not clump together.
Therefore, feces have to be removed from the tray, and every few days the entire litter must be replaced with new one.
These types of formulations are available in unscented versions and can also be scented, such as aloe or lavender. They are usually quite expensive.
Wood option
This type of filler can be in the form of fine or coarse sawdust or wood pellets. Their main advantage is the ability to throw them directly into the toilet without the risk of clogging the drain. This advantage is appreciated by cat owners who decide to install a cat litter box next to the toilet. The wood composition also has a natural, resinous odor and, like bentonite, absorbs odors well.
Depending on how the wood product behaves in contact with moisture, it can be:
- clumping,
- non-clumping.
What is the best wood litter for cat litter? Clumping works in the same way as bentonite - it forms large or small balls of urine that can be easily removed from the tray, leaving the rest untouched. Considering that the clumps can be thrown directly into the toilet, clumping cat litter is considered better because it is extremely convenient.
Non-clumping is available in the form of granules. When exposed to moisture, they break down into fine dust, which settles to the bottom of the cat litter and can be disposed of in the toilet.
This type is less convenient to use for both the cat and the owner, because cleaning the litter box is not as convenient. There is a possibility that the animal simply will not want to go into it.
The main disadvantage of the wood composition is that, sticking to the cat's paws, it is scattered everywhere and spreads very widely throughout the home.
Silica gel option
Products of this type are made of quartz. They look and act completely different from the rest. The compositions are made from small, hard, transparent balls or crystals that do not clump or fall apart. Instead, thanks to a certain porous structure, they absorb urine inside and retain it well. As a result, each day, only feces need to be removed from the tray, and the urine is absorbed by the granules.
As a rule, every month, or more often if necessary, you should throw the entire contents of the tray into a trash can. A sign that it is time to throw out the contents of the tray is when the color of the granules changes to yellow. Manufacturers typically claim that one bag will last one month for one cat. In practice, however, it should be replaced after approximately 2-3 weeks.