It’s common for declawed cats to start pooping or peeing outside of their litter box. The problem is that it’s a behavior that can be hard to correct.
The most common reason is that regular litter is too harsh on their sensitive claws. For most cats, if they’ve had a painful experience with their box due to having the wrong litter, they won’t go back.
Using a soft cat litter for declawed cats is vital in my opinion. Whether you’re having your cat declawed or adopting one that has already had the procedure.
There are some great products on the market that you’ve probably never heard of as you’ve never needed them before.
Here is everything you need to know about choosing a litter for cats without claws (or just sensitive claws), and my top recommendations.
What Type of Litter Is Best for Declawed Cats?
Declawing cats is a controversial procedure. I don’t agree with it, I’m not afraid to say that.
It doesn’t just involve removing their nails. It’s a partial amputation that would be the same as cutting off the tip of our fingers above the last knuckle (just think about that, ouch!).
Cats have extremely sensitive paws too. They have a lot of nerve receptors and are designed to work with their claws, so it’s very foreign to them to have their claws missing.
So, while they can no longer damage furniture or scratch people once their claws are gone, cats then often struggle with some of the routine things that used to be fine now being uncomfortable and painful.
Such as using their litter box, climbing, trying to balance on things, jumping, and so on. My advice is to keep their nails trim (here’s a guide to the best cat clippers, and provide scratching posts).
When choosing a litter for a cat with sensitive claws you should consider the following:
Keep It Chemical-Free
Opt for natural litters free of additives, chemicals, any other man-made products being added.
Even when cats wounds have fully healed chemically enhanced litters can cause some pain and discomfort.
There are plenty of affordable natural litters anyway. Such as corn, wood, paper, grass, etc, that are biodegradable, good for the environment, and even better for your cat.
Keep It Dust-Free
I’m a fan of dust-free litters anyway, who wants dust clouds coming out of their litter box?
While a lot of litters claim to be dust-free, some are a lot less dusty than others, however. Always read some customer feedback or act on recommendations I’ve made if in doubt.
Less dust doesn’t just mean less cleaning for you. It means fewer bacteria in the air and less litter dust getting stuck in your cat’s paws.
Two of the Soft Cat Litters for Declawed Cats
Precious Cat Unscented Ultra Clumping Cat Litter
This is an interesting litter from Dr. Elsey’s – a combination of premium texture and granule size made with 100% bentonite clay for maximum clumping creates litter particles that are just the right size
This product still delivers where it counts. It clumps well, or extremely well if you listen to the manufacturer, is fragrance-free and locks in odor, and most importantly is soft to touch.
It has a very fine texture which is perfect for declawed cats. Is soft to touch, and does a good job of not tracking out of the box.
It’s a little unique as far as cat litters go. But it’s perfect for declawed cats, I recommend giving it a try.
Key features of Precious Cat Unscented Ultra Clumping Cat Litter:
- Unscented.
- Clumps as well as a clay litter, while being softer and environmentally friendly.
- Very fine consistency and soft texture.
- Minimal dust and tracking.
Click here to see Precious Cat Litter on Amazon
ökocat Super Soft Natural Wood Clumping Litter
I’ve used a few ökocat litters before and I’m more than happy to recommend them. I found their litters to deliver on everything they promised, and most importantly my cats were more than happy to use them.
This product is their super soft formula. It has a very fine consistency, and with a super-soft (exactly as they say) feel.
It’s fine for cats with sensitive paws or if they’ve been declawed. One of my cats had a nasty splinter injury that got infected, and she used this litter without issue.
I love that Okocat made this litter from naturally fallen timber, and it’s biodegradable too. Things that should be important to us as it’s small steps like this that make a real difference to our environment.
Key features of ökocat Super Soft Natural Wood Clumping Litter:
- Very soft, perfect for sensitive or declawed paws.
- Clumps well, is biodegradable and is a flushable litter.
- 7 day odor control (When scooping routinely I never noticed an odor).
- Only need to give the litter a complete change every 4-6 weeks.
Click here to see Precious Cat Litter on Amazon
I hope the information and two products I’ve featured in this post helps to show you what to look for, and that there are options when looking for soft cat litter for declawed cats.
If you have any questions or feedback that’ll help others and their cats with sensitive paws, please drop a comment below. Thanks.
