 ECO FRIENDLY CAT LITTER?
Cat litter not only can create environmental problems for the places it comes from but also for the places it goes.
Here's what a busy pet owner needs to know to choose a "green product" from among the twenty-five brands that look the same.
We can break litter down into 3 categories:
- Clay-Based Litter: commonly available and inexpensive. However, the clay is extracted by strip mining, which is bad any way you look at it. To make matters worse, both human and feline family members inhale clay-dust particles that can cause or worsen respiratory disease. All clays contain the problem-causing material. There is concern about the clumping material used in clumping brands as it contain Sodium Bentonite. When wet it expands 15 times its volume and, if excessive amounts are ingested, can cause problems for pets and people in their lungs.
- Dust Free Litter: include Silica Gel Pearls and plant material litters such as corn, wheat, paper, and pine. Silica gel pearls are expensive, but work well for those who clean their cat boxes infrequently. Mining Sand is made from the same material as sand and processed to absorb tremendous amounts of liquid; a much smaller amount of litter is needed than with other materials. Mining sand does create open pits, but restoration can be more complete than with strip mining.
- Plant Based Litter: Corn, Wheat Husk, and Pine Litters absorb odor well, but some cats do not like the smell or texture of a particular litter. However, plant-based litters are byproducts of other industries, which is, in principle, a good thing.
 What would I suggest?
If you can afford it and are not fastidious about changing your cat's litter, you should try Silica Gel Pearls and see how those work for you. Also, if you want to be frugal, select an unscented product that uses corn or wheat husk or pine and try it. These litters require changing every couple of days.
What about Litter Disposal?
Many litters claim to be flushable. Two issues with flushing: First, consider the age and sensitivity of your plumbing and the amount you wish to flush. Second, some cities' water treatment facilities are not able to remove a parasite that cats often carry.
If you plan to flush, check the city’s website to find out whether they can filter the toxoplasmosis parasite. If so, flush away. If the litter is not flushable, bag the litter and dispose of it in the trash.
Another alternative is to toilet train your cat. Again, check whether the city is able to filter the parasite.
Also remember, If your cat does not like the litter, they will not use. So it is all up to your pet to dictate what you will be using.
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