If the idea of house training a pet is enough to keep you from getting a companion for your home, then a cat just might be the perfect pet for you. There's very little training involved. All you need is some cat litter and a litter box, and you now have a pet that can stay inside all the time.

Most kittens already know how to use a box. Their mother has taught them. Your jobs are few. Keep the box clean, and let your cat know where it is, lest he find someplace else to do his business. The only problem is figuring out what type of litter is best to use for both your new pet and for your home.

There are an increasing number of options available, so it's good to know a bit about each type before you run out and buy a bag.

One factor you'll need to look at is the price. This is where clay litter has a big advantage. Clay was one of the first litters developed commercially and is less expensive than most of the others. The problem with clay is that it not only absorbs liquids, it also hangs on tightly to most odors. You'll need to change it frequently or the smell will permeate your home. Clay is also problematic if your cat has allergies because when he scratches in the box the dust will start to fly.

The most popular litter right now is probably clumping cat litter. That's because the litter combines with the moisture in the waste to form, as the name suggests, clumps. These clumps are easy to scoop away, meaning there is no need to change out the entire box. Once you scoop the waste, just replace the missing litter with some new litter. And the scents this litter is available in will do a decent job of hiding the smell, although it won't get rid of the odor all together. The biggest problem with clumping litter is that some cats will actually eat the clumps. Watch your pet carefully.

Silica litters use water, sand, and crystals to control the odor and moisture. You've seen those little packets in new shoes or some medicines. Those packets are there to absorb moisture and contain silica. Because of it's moisture absorbing capabilities, those same crystals are now used in cat litter. You scoop out the solid waste and the liquid is absorbed by the crystals. On the down side there is no clumping. On the plus side, this litter is usually biodegradable, returning to a sandy base when decomposed.

Another biodegradable litter is paper litter, which is becoming very popular with environmental pet owners. This litter is made from pellets or recycled paper. In addition to being biodegradable, it is absorbent and is easy to carry around because it does not weigh very much.

Another litter quickly gaining in popularity is litter made from wood. It too is biodegradable. Pine is the most frequent wood used, primarily because of it's ability to naturally absorb odors. But really, all softwood litters are good at both liquid and odor absorption. The result is a more natural litter because no chemicals are added.

Here's the concern; no matter what you think is best, your cat may wholeheartedly disagree. He may hate what you choose and he'll let you know by not using it. Some won't use silica because the crystals can irritate their paws. Others shy away from pine just because they don't enjoy the smell. One good thing about cats is they will let you know what they don't like and what they do like without being able to speak.

And while it is smart for you to know as much as possible about all the choices available to you, your cat will have the final word on whether or not you made the right decision.