There are many inherent problems with kitty litters, either with dangerous dust particles, damage to the environment, or cats tracking the litter around the house. Fortunately, there are many alternatives to these litters that can greatly reduce or eliminate these problems in their entirety.
Cat excrement alone can cause illness. According to Sharon Hubbs, a certified Natural Health Consultant and member of the American Herbalist Guild, “Although cats are clean creatures of habit, feces and urine are full of bacteria and can cause human health concerns such as skin diseases, respiratory infections and well as a variety of internal bacterial infections.” Hubbs adds that owners should use organic litter, which is healthier for cats and their owners.
Concerns with Common Cat Litters
Scented litters may please the owner, but they can repel your cat. The Humane Society of the U.S. says, “Many cats are put off by the odor of scented or deodorant litters. A thin layer of baking soda placed on the bottom of the box will help absorb odors without repelling your cat.” “Remember to clean the box regularly."
Clumping Clay Litter
The convenience of clumping clay litters is clear, but Sodium Bentonite—the clumping agent in clay litters—present a myriad of health concerns. An article titled “How Cat Litter is Made,” in Cat Fancy Magazine (October, 1994), included a warning not to flush the clumping litter since it swells to approximately 15 times its original volume. It also creates a fine dust and can clump inside a cats lungs, not to mention the cat owner and the family dog.
It also has been known to cause depressed immune systems, respiratory distress, irritable bowel syndrome, vomiting, and lead to the death of cats, especially kittens, who are most susceptible.
It should be noted that many environmentalists speak against flushing any kind of cat litter. The pollutants can end up in the water table and lead to other environmental concerns.
Clay Litter
While regular clay litters eliminate the concerns of Sodium Bentonite, many clay letters contain silica, commonly called quartz, and can cause Silicosis which can cause incurable lesions on the lungs and throat. The U.S. Government has classified Silica as a known carcinogen.
In addition, mining clay causes considerable harm to the environment and is not biodegradable, so they contribute significantly to landfills.
Commercial Organic Cat Litters
Pine Cat Litters
Many experts recommend pine based litters. Although they don't clump as well, they do clump and they can be composted and are biodegradable. It is not recommended that pet feces be added to compost heaps for gardening foods, so remove the feces before composting. Look for pine pellet litter. One popular brand is Feline Pine, but many cat owners have reported success with wood stove pellets, which are the same compressed pine pellets as the litter. It's available at most large home stores and some grocery stores, especially during the cooler months. The cost is approximately $5.50 for a 40 pound bag so it's economical as well.
Grain Cat Litters
Corn-based litters are popular and effective. World's Best cat litter clumps well and is biodegradable but is relatively expensive. Arm and Hammer Essentials litter is made from corn fibers and includes baking soda for odor control.
One wheat-based litter is Swheat Scoop, which is effective but expensive. Many owners have reported excellent results.
With these environmentally friendly cat litters, you're sure to find one pleasing to the family cat and the pet owner, reduce household odors and tracking, and eliminate health dangers.
SOURCES:
Humane Society of the United States (2002), Preventing Litter Box Problems, Retrieved Nov. 31, 2009, from <http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/our_pets_for_life_program/cat_behavior_tip_sheets/preventing_litter_box_problems.html>
Sharon Hubbs, AHG (2005), Cat Litter Dust, Retrieved Nov. 30, 2009, from <http://en.allexperts.com/q/Alternative-Medicine-Pets-3721/cat-litter-dust.htm
Cat Fancy (1994), How Cat Litter is Made, Retrieved Nov. 30, 2009, from <http://thelighthouseonline.com/articles/clump.html>
Lisa Newman (1994), Felines and Friends, Great Clumping Cat Litter, Retrieved Nov. 30, 2009, from <http://www.felinesandfriends.org/content/clumping.htm
Marina Michaels (2009), Alternatives to Clumping Kitty Litters, Retrieved Nov. 30, 2009, from <http://makingdowiththenotsonew.blogspot.com/2009/03/kitty-litter-alternatives.html>
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