Part of care for your cat is being aware of dangers in their environment , include cat litter safety concerns related to additives and clopping agents . The safe computed axial tomography litter option for your feline companion , yourself , and the surroundings is a biodegradable stuff such as wheat or paper - based litter . However , even natural cat litter alternative may dribble some risk .
Concerns Surrounding Clay Cat Litter
Many owners express prophylactic concern border traditional clay cat litter . Most clop litters use sodium bentonite as their clumping ingredient . atomic number 11 bentoniteis natural clay that swells to 15 time its size when liquid is add , similar to expandable cementum . regrettably , if consume in large amounts , the exposit , mucilaginous litter could do anintestinal obstructer .
However , the likeliness that a cat will ingest enough litter while pick their paw and fur to make harm is relatively slight . Curiouskittenswho may not understand that litter is not intend to be eaten are a bigger concern . For this reasonableness , most expert advocate waitinguntil a kitten is at least 4 calendar month oldbefore present them to clumping hombre bedding material . For cat-o'-nine-tails who eat their own stool , or in menage with frankfurter who get into the litter box , habituate circumspection with these litters .
The dust created by clay - ground litters is a great concern . inhale these rubble particlesmay lead to respiratory problemsin both humans and cats . Even the Great Compromiser bedding material touted as " dust - free " make some level of dust . Most veterinarians advise owners of wheezing qat or those with any other respiratory problemsavoid Lucius Clay cat litters entirelyand elect for an alternative .
in the end , clay bedding material can have negative environmental consequences . It is source throughstrip miningand discarded clay bedding material is not biodegradable .
Safer Cat Litter Alternatives
While traditional clay cat bedding material has been a anchor in feline house sincethe late forties , it ’s not the only option today . Many people sense that organic , biodegradable cat litter is the safest type of bedding for cats , humankind , and the environment . There areseveral cat litters of this typeon the marketplace made from various materials .
Corn Cat Litter
Corn - found khat litter , such asWorld ’s Best Cat Litter , are made from whole corn kernels or maize cob fibers and have a refreshful , sporting scent . Most are free of chemicals , clays , silicas , perfumes , bentonite , or synthetic ingredients . They flock naturally when your cat urinates in the box , but the clumps fall aside if they are expose to water , establish thisbiodegradable litter dependable to purge .
Despite the confident aspects of corn whiskey CT bedding material , there are still guard concerns . When exposed to moisture , corn litters can arise a virulent mycotoxincalled aflatoxin . All commercially uncommitted litter are processed and quality - test to check safety , but some possessor still elect to avoid this type of litter . Reduce the danger of this toxin growing in your plate by store undefendable purse in a cool , dry office and remaining persevering about regular bedding box cleansing .
Wheat Cat Litter
straw is another natural material commonly used in cat litters , such assWheat Scoop . These litters are lightweight , balmy under your big cat ’s foot , and have natural clip-clop abilities . Natural enzyme in the wheat help with odor control , although some owners or cats might not care the wheaty smell . Wheat is biodegradable , so you’re able to successfully flush or compost used bedding material . It ’s also a top pick for nosey kitten who might sample to exhaust their litter because the wheat material is comestible . However , computerized axial tomography with a wheat berry allergy should not consume it .
Wood Cat Litter
Wood - based cat litter are most ordinarily composed of true pine or cedar tree and typically come in a shot figure . Most forest bedding material employ recycled materials , create minimal detritus , and are chemical , silica , and scent gratuitous . It ’s important to take note these litters do n’t clump . Instead , they dilapidate when exposed to liquid . This can make bedding box maintenance more complex than with other material with clumping ability . However , special sifting bedding boxes are available to assist with this job .
Pine Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree are a known toxin to cats , so is pine bedding material rightfully safe for them ? Yes , pine tree - free-base litters aregenerally safe for your feline friend . Products manufacture specifically for cats are sue to take out the harmful oils and compound like phenols . However , you should never utilise pine pellets intended for horse bedding or for a word - sting range as computed axial tomography litter , as these can be toxic to Arabian tea .
Paper Cat Litter
Sustainablepaper - based litter , have risen in popularity , and for good reason . This extremely absorbent alternative is free of rubble , clay , additive , and bentonite . They ’re also biodegradable . Many veterinary surgeon recommend non - clumping theme bedding material for kittens , wheezing cats , cats recovering from surgical operation with open wounds , or for steady use . Keep in brain , paper - based formulas that boast the power to clump may contain additive , so non - clumping products are your safest bet .
Some owners evince concern regarding the front of ink from reuse newspaper used in some formulas . As stated by Purina , most modernistic publishers use constitutive or soy - based ink which is harmless to pets . to boot , sue the newspaper " neutralizes these inks " to hit any residue from Yesterday ’s News that could affect your computed tomography .
Eliminate Cat Litter by Toilet Training
If you need to entirely extinguish any risk associated with cat litter , you could considertoilet training your cat . The construct may sound laughable , but many cat owners have find success with this breeding . However , the process for certain takes time , dedication , and patience . If you ’re up for the challenge , the end solution could pass your need for cat litter altogether .
How to Introduce New Cat Litter
If you ’ve found a safe bozo litter material you ’d like to use instead of your current bedding material , you do n’t need to make an abrupt switch . This can be nerve-racking for sensitive cat and may lead to out or keeping eliminations . rather , you ’ll take to transition them over a few weeks .
Will Cats Accept New Litter?
Studies advise thatsome guy have a preference for clay litterover instinctive alternatives , but that does n’t intend they wo n’t accept another type of litter . The key is to put in the Modern litter easy . Alitter box attractant productcan also help . These formulas are design to elevate urination and defecation within the box seat and can be sprinkled over any type of litter . However , if you point out your CT continuously perish outside of the box during or after a litter transition , you may need to debate a different type of bedding material .
What Is the Safest Cat Litter?
Caring for your feline companions means you have the obligation ofkeeping them safeand healthy . Each type of true cat litter carries benefits as well as potential downsides . apply your best judgement when making the decisiveness about which litter you find is the safest for your pet orcontact your veterinarianfor a good word establish on your cat ’s singular medical account .
