Litter
Getting the Scoop on Cat Litter
by Esther
Caldwell
Photos: Tim Hockley
 We
have come a long way with cat litter since
those “good old days” when
we used cardboard boxes filled with dirt
from the garden. Today, we can choose
from a wide variety of litter materials.
The first commercial cat litter appeared
in 1947 when Edward Lowe from Michigan
packaged bags of absorbent clay. It turned
out to be both a profitable and popular
product. In 1984, biochemist Thomas Nelson
discovered that when cats urinated in
a type of clay called sodium bentonite,
the clay would form a clump. This product
became even more popular than Lowe’s
original litter. Today, 90% of all litter
that is sold is clay-based. By 2003, the
cat litter industry is projected to bring
in $765 million.
Clumping clay litter addresses the needs
of humans in many ways: the price is right,
smell is minimal, and it is low maintenance.
There may, however, be a dark side to
this litter.
Five years ago, writer Marina Michaels
voiced her strong opinions about the health
hazards of clumping clay litter and she
backed up her arguments through personal
experience and through the stories of
many others. Their greatest concern was
(and still is) the clumping capability
of sodium bentonite that allows this material
to swell to 15-18 times its dry size when
exposed to liquids. In fact, sodium bentonite
is used as a sealant for ponds, basements,
and even dams. Because it is not biodegradable,
it cannot be flushed down the toilet as
it will clog the drains. Instead, this
growing mountain of clay litter is disposed
of in landfills where it will never break
down.
Imagine what effect this clumping clay
could have if a cat were to ingest it.
Cats do not usually eat their litter,
but while grooming themselves, they may
inadvertently ingest litter that is stuck
to their paws. Companies that produce
clumping cat litter advise against cats
eating the litter, but how can we possibly
control that? Moreover, they and many
veterinarians recommend not using the
clumping cat litter for inexperienced
and curious young kittens who are inclined
to experiment with the litter and eat
it.
Animal behaviorist Dr. Peter Borchelt
has carried out several studies on cat
litters. Although he has found no documentation
in journals of veterinary medicine regarding
the clumping hazards of clay litter, he
no longer uses it for his own cats.
Points
to Consider When Choosing a Cat Litter
Is it
• Biodegradable?
• Flushable?
• Clumpable (or easy to main
tain in other ways)?
• Relatively odor-free?
• Free of chemicals, perfumes
and dyes?
• Safe, both for you and your
cat?
• Affordable?
Does it
• Produce a minimal amount of
dust and/or tracking?
• Have a texture that appeals
to your cat? |
Clay contains particles
of silica dust that is a known carcinogen
to humans when it is inhaled. Dr. Borchelt
and others speculate that silica dust
could be equally detrimental to a cat’s
respiratory system.
So the debate continues. Meanwhile, what
do we do? None of us wants to contribute
to the ill health of our cats. Suddenly,
cat litter, that necessary item to which
we may have formerly paid little attention,
has to be looked at more closely.
Today, there are many alternative litters.
You can find them in your local pet food
stores or discover them on the Internet.
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