What Is The Most Eco
Is it possible to be eco-friendly with cat litter? We, as cat providers, go through a huge quantity of kitty litter through the years. Every time I dumped used litter, I felt guilty about the waste I was directing to the landfill. I knew it wasnt biodegradable. Cat litter is made of clay, and can be a bit tricky to deal with. But it can still be dealt with sustainably. Lets get into the details of cat litter and find out what is the most eco-friendly cat litter in the market ).
If you dont have time for the backstory and just want to get your hands on some eco-friendly cat litter, then we suggest the Worlds Best Cat Litter. Its plant-based, biodegradable, renewable, and quite perfect!
What Is Silica Gel Cat Litter What Is Crystal Litter
If youre like me, you may have noticed that in recent years silica crystal cat litter- also known as silica gel cat litter- has made an appearance on store shelves. At first, there were only a couple of brands to choose from. Now, this idea has exploded- with all sorts of brands carrying and promoting silica crystal litter. But what is silica gel cat litter? Keep reading to find out all about silica gel litter- if it is good for you, your cat, the environment, its pros and cons, and everything else!
The Benefits And Drawbacks Of Litter Crystals
Litter crystals are made from silica dioxide sand, oxygen and water. It’s more familiar use is in those tiny packets you find packaged with vitamins, cameras and other products that might be damaged by moisture. Recently, it’s been used to fill cat boxes. Here are some of the pros and cons of silica gel litter crystals.
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So What Options Are Available Out There
Early on, corn litter caught my eye. You can read about that journey here.
I was excited when I found out that the Rufus and Coco team had developed a new eco-friendly litter in 2020 and jumped on board to give it a go.
Their new Wee Kitty Eco Plant Clumping Litter is made from wheat and soy fibres . Not only is it eco friendly, but it is also vegan and biodegradable
I already know that the Rufus and Coco team make great products, so I wasnt too concerned about whether it would be functional. But we have been blown away by how well its worked for us.
Are Silica Crystal Litters A Good Environmentally Friendly Alternative
Clay litter is by and large the most popular pick among consumers, but its pretty bad for the environment. Silica litters are advertised as being a better, more sustainable option. But is that really the case?
Its arguable that crystal litters are a better option because people are using less of it, and dumping it out less frequently therefore, less of it ends up in landfills.
However, silica litters are mined from quartz sand and the process is still environmentally destructive, although not as bad as strip mining for clay. It also does not biodegrade very quickly or easily.
The bottom line is silica gel litter is better than clay, but not the most environmentally friendly option if that is what youre looking for. Alternatives such as wood pellet litter are better due to their ability to break down easily and be composted.
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Why Should You Trust Us
Over the last two years, weve written in-depth reviews on over a dozen of the most popular cat litter brands and more than 50 litter products.
Our litter testing team has spent hundreds of hours testing these products dust production, clumping ability, odor control, tendency to track and scatter, and more.
Based on extensive research and hands-on testing, weve selected the following 10 cat litter products as the best you can put in your cats box.
Ultra Pearls Micro Crystal Cat Litter
This silica cat litter is made up of sand-like granules. Just because the silica gel crystals are tiny doesnt mean they arent powerful! The crystals offer superior odor control and liquid absorption for an ultra-clean litter box experience. Moisture and liquid is immediately absorbed on contact. The Ultra Pearls silica cat litter is non-toxic and will last longer than traditional litters.
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Drawbacks Of Silica Gel Litter Crystals
Young kittens are prone to tasting cat litter out of curiosity, and so litter crystals shouldn’t be used with them, as they can be dangerous if ingested.
Older cats may also sometimes eat things that aren’t edible, a behavioral condition known as pica. If your cat ingests silica gel litter crystals, life-threatening medical complications could ensue.
While the crystals have a high saturation point, urine can pool in the bottom of the box if the crystals become saturated. Also, biodegradable cat litters made from vegetable substances such as wood, paper, or grains are more environmentally friendly, because they make use of waste products that, otherwise, would take up space in landfills.
Some cats may dislike silica gel litter crystals, especially cats who are uncomfortable with new things. Litter crystals are also more expensive than conventional clumping clay litters. Some brands require that the litter be turned daily to ensure even absorption of urine, and this can get to be a hassle.
// Wash The Litter Box Every Week
Use mild detergent and an old rag to clean and wipe the litter box. Do this once a week, ideally. Add two drops of vinegar to the detergent solution this will help kill harmful microorganisms. Also, to deodorize the box, sprinkle a couple of tablespoons of baking soda on the box bottom before you fill it with litter.
Make these a habit and your cat will be very happy. Were the ones making our cats live indoors. The least we can do is make sure they have clean and hygienic places to poop and pee in peace.
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Best Natural Cat Litter: Smartcat All Natural Clumping Litter
Natura cat litters are eco-friendly and are a healthy option for your cat. SmartCat All Natural Clumping Litter ranks highly because it performs just as well as conventional cat litter. Made from grass, this cat litter is biodegradable and renewable. It clumps and hardens quickly, making it easy to clean too.
How Many Times A Day Does A Cat Normally Use The Litter Box
It is typical for cats to urinate two to four times a day and defecate once or twice a day, but every cat is different some may go more or less frequently than others. Cleaning litter boxes at least once daily can help guardians identify changes in toileting frequency, which may indicate an emerging health problem.
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The Origins Of Cat Litter
Have you ever wondered what indoor cats used before sterile clay balls and plastic litter boxes were invented? I imagine it was perhaps a wooden box filled with coarse sand brought in from the outside. It turns out Im not very wrong.
In the 19th century, as cars became more popular, and life for the beloved cats became more unsafe outdoors, they began to be kept indo ors, and the problem of the litter box came into existence. Before clay litter began to be used for cats, people used sand, sawdust, dirt and ashes, probably trying to recreate the outside world where cats generally did their business. It was only in the 1940s that clay was used for cat litter, and that too by chance. Edward Lowe, who had a business selling clay, sawdust and sand, helped his neighbor out by offering granulated clay for her litter box . It worked wonderfully, clumping in the presence of moisture, and even deodorized the smell a fantastic, unexpected win for an indoor cat bathroom.
Since the commercialization of Edward Lowes granulated clay litter, a host of other types of cat litter have popped up in the market. Some, such as crystal cat litter, have been much more processed and unsuitable for the environment, and some, such as recycled newspaper litter, have been less. Its important to know why some cat litters are more harmful to the environment than others, so lets find out.
The Environmental Problem With Regular Cat Litter
Strip mining
Where does clay cat litter come from? Granulated cat litter starts with first being mined from the earths surface. It involves strip mining and raw bentonite clay is extracted from the earth, loaded onto trucks and sent to the processing centers.
Now, strip mining not only turns the landscape into an ugly sight, but, more importantly, it leads to topsoil erosion, destruction of forests, landscapes and wildlife habitats often in hilly and mountainous regions. It loosens the soil that gets channeled via streams into our waterways, thus carrying dangerous mining sediments into water bodies, affecting all lifeforms.
Strip mining also produces a lot of noise pollution and dust pollution, to add to the mess.
About two million tons of clay is mined in the US every year, the vast majority in Wyoming.
The processing of bentonite clay is also not eco-friendly, starting with the fuel consumption and carbon emissions associated with transporting millions of tons of raw material, and including the energy costs of processing the clay into granules . Then, of course, the finished product is packaged and shipped across the world for retail sales.
You cant even compost it .
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Cost: Which Cat Litter Is Best Value
At a glance, you may be led to believe that non-clumping litter is the cheaper option. However these litters generally need to be replaced much more frequently than clumping alternatives making the initial difference in price almost negligible. For example, you might need to replace a recycled paper pellet litter every 1-2 days, but you can make a tray of clumping litter stretch for up to 2 weeks. Regardless of which litter you choose, cleaning out solid waste and clumps regularly will help to extend its usable life and save you dollars in the long run.
What’s The Greenest Way To Dispose Of Cat Litter
- MA, Southern Studies, University of Mississippi
- BS, Advertising, University of Texas
- University of Tennessee
Treehugger / Ellen Lindner
There are multiple green and eco-friendly ways to dispose of cat litter, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Because of the wide variety of cat litters, the different wastewater treatment and sewer systems in each municipality, and the difficulty in composting cat waste, there isnt one solution that will work for everyone.
Youll first need to research what kind of litter will work best for you and your fluffy friend. Litter these days is made out of a wide range of materials, from potentially toxic to all-natural materials. Youll then have to decide how you want to dispose of the litter.
Cat waste is different from dog waste. If not properly disposed of, cat waste has the potential to be hazardous to you and the environment. Being a green pet owner isnt always easy, but its important to be aware of every option before you purchase cat litter in order to make the most sustainable decision.
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Fresh Step Crystals Cat Litter
. Review10Best compares the best cat litters in Australia and selects the one by Tidy. Depth of litter. 7 3 Ultra Pet Ultra Cat Litter.
Your litter box will remain dry enabling easy removal of waste. Our Research Has Helped Over 200 Million Users Find the Best Products. The top 10 list of the best cat litters lists various brands and prices.
You can find crystal litter in our Cat Shop here. Fresh Step is a leader in cat litter innovations. Choose a type of cat litter.
Ad Best Cat Supplies Low Prices Free Shipping 247 Advice Shop Today. The 10 Best Cat Litters in Australia Reviews 2022. Top 5 Best Crystal Cat Litter Reviews.
Cats prefer deeper litter. It is available in individual bags or packs of four. 8 4 Precious Cat Dr.
The popularity of silica crystals has grown amongst cat owners due to the longer length of time this type of litter can last. 6 2 PetSafe ScoopFree Premium Crystal Cat Litter. Made up of irregularly shaped silica gel crystal these naturally absorbent crystals lock in odour.
Our best value crystal cat litter for the money is the Frisco Summer Clean Scented Non-clumping Crystal Cat Litter. With daily cleaning practices. Read Our In-Depth Guide Now.
Launched in 1984 Fresh Step is a. PetSafe ScoopFree Premium Crystal Cat Litter. This aptly named product is indeed the best cat litter that we.
Worlds Best Cat Litter Best Overall. 4 The Best Crystal Cat Litters Reviewed. The 10 best cat litters to buy in Australia.
Pin On Cat Litter
Clumping Litter And Sodium Bentonite
> > CLICK HERE TO SAY GOODBYE TO LITTER BOX SMELL ONCE AND FOR ALL< <
Seventy-five percent of the litter we buy for our pet cats today is rather dreadful for the setting. They all have the same issue that Fullers Earth had in the 50s, they create a great deal of damaging dust in the air, awful for both animals as well as people. Except in the 1980s, Sodium Bentonite was introduced into litter simply to make it much easier to scoop because the moisture made globs.
Sodium Bentonite is strip-mined, which is a process that triggers water pollution in addition to wildlife variation, and also far more. There are numerous biodegradable and also all-natural items on the shelves that are good for your pet dog and also the atmosphere too. Are Cat Litter Crystals Biodegradable
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Best Unscented Cat Litter: Purina Tidy Cats Free & Clean Clumping Cat Litter
Some cats dont like artificial fragrances, and neither do some pet parents. Purina Tidy Cats Free & Clean clumping cat litter is free from dyes and fragrances and instead uses guaranteed TidyLock technology to trap and eliminate unpleasant odors. It uses odor-absorbing charcoal to tackle odors naturally. This formula is also 99.9% dust-free and creates tight clumps for easy scooping.
Cat Litter Brands On The Market Today
Now some of these are the commercial brands out there that are just popular and youll find at your local pet stores.
Again, I would hope after reading through this post you will have changed your mind about using any clay based, corn, actual newspaper etc. litters.
I mention them here for new kitty parents to be aware of and be more knowledgeable about.
Whats the best natural cat litter?
Any litter made without clay.
Simple.
So, read on and make your best choice
Please understand I do not recommend any of these, they are here so you are aware of whats out there.
Also please do your best to choose a cruelty-free brand, one that doesnt test on animals. Here is a site that lists cruelty-free brands as well.
Or you can do a search here on the PETA website.
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Sustainably Sourced Kocat Super Soft Clumping Litter Has Superior Odor Control And A Texture Similar To The Clay Litters That Many Cats Prefer
Pros: Made from sustainably sourced wood, absorbs odors and emits pine scent, clumps well, soft texture similar to clay litters
Cons: Expensive, easily tracked out of litter box
Ökocat Super Soft Clumping Litter earned the top spot among its wood litter competitors for its excellent odor control and superior clumping ability. Sourced from sustainably managed forests, its soft, lightweight granules are also closer to a standard clay litter.
While my cats preferred to visit their clay litter during Ökocat’s two-week testing period, they did use the wood litter occasionally. When they did, it absorbed liquids quickly and formed clumps that, though easier to scoop than competitors in this category, broke apart more than the corn/grain, grass, and walnut litter varieties.
The wood produces minimal dust. It also absorbs odors, prevents the buildup of ammonia, and emits a fresh pine scent. It does not contain toxic inks, dyes, or synthetic chemical additives.
Although the litter prevented odors when my cats used it, because they didn’t toilet in the box consistently through the testing period, I can’t say for sure that they don’t become more intense over time. What I can say with certainty is that, because the litter is so lightweight, it is easily tracked outside of the litter box. We will be testing this litter with other cats in the near future to evaluate how it holds up after several weeks of regular use.
Different Types Of Litter Features
If youre having a hard time choosing a litter based on the material, you may consider the features that each litter offers. These special features include:
- Odor Control: a good choice for multi-cat households
- Clumping:for easy cleanup
- Lightweight: weight less than traditional clay litter
- Washable: for specific mechanical litter box systems
Eco-friendly cat litters have become increasingly popular in recent years. Kitty litters which are safe for the environment are typically deemed biodegradable and/or flushable. But what does this mean? We break it down below to differentiate these two types of litter features.
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Should I Switch Litter Immediately
If you are worried about your cats health or about the environment it is important to switch.
If you have left over clay cat litter it works great for driveways in the wintertime if you need to prevent icing.
When switching to a new cat litter keep an eye on your kitty and look for signs of an allergic reaction.
If you think your pet may be reacting to the litter, buy another litter that has different ingredients.
For instance, if you purchased a corn litter, try a pine or walnut litter.
Cats can have allergies and when they use the litter box, they often kick up the litter to cover their potty spot.
This action of kicking up the litter can get it into their lungs and throat, something you do not want if your cat is allergic to the litter ingredients.
It isnt always easy to test for allergies in cats, so watching your cats behavior is the best indicator of an allergy.
Try different litters with different ingredients until one seems to work.