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Cat litter is often something we don’t think much about. But choosing the right cat litter for you and your kitty can also be healthier for you, your pet, and for the environment.
Clay-based cat litter may be the most common—and therefore the most affordable and widely available—choice on the market, but it is not considered good for the environment (see the FAQs below). In addition, clay cat litters often have added silica which generates dust. This dust can irritate asthma sufferers when inhaled by you or your cat. The dust generated during cleaning or use by your cat can get deep into the lungs and may be difficult to expel, causing respiratory problems and in rare cases, lung cancer.
So, perhaps one of the best choices you can make for your cat, the environment, and your lungs is to choose a biodegradable cat litter. Alternative litters are made from a variety of materials alone or in mixtures including paper, corn, walnuts, wheat, wood, pine, and grass.
Here are the best eco-friendly cat litters:
Best Overall:World's Best Cat Litter Multiple Cat Unscented
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To earn the top overall spot, the litter must be absorbent, available, reasonably affordable, sustainably produced, and capable of preventing odors. Corn-based cat litters are made from finely-ground whole corn kernels or ground corn cobs. The cobs are more environmentally friendly because a waste product is being given a new purpose, and they biodegrade.
The magic of this brand is that it is made from whole-kernel corn compressed into tight granules that expand to absorb and clump quickly to trap odors. To accomplish that odor control the litter includes a proprietary “wood fiber” free of chemicals, additives, or preservatives.
We like that it has no dust and no obvious smell. It clumps well so it’s easy to scoop. Made in Iowa, we also love that World’s Best gives back. The company reports that it has donated more than 662,000 pounds of litter to rescue cats in need.
If you’ve never tried an alternative litter, this is a great place to start. It’s carried affordably in a lot of major stores as well as health-conscious pet stores.
"My friends and I’ve used World’s Best Multi-Cat Unscented Clumping Corn Cat Litter for a couple of years now. I switched to non-clay, non-silica cat litter because a family member suffers from mild asthma and I have a cat with just one working lung. Low dust and non-toxicity were high priorities for us all. My cats are long-haired and so they track it around more than I’d like. But a large mat under the box helps with a quick clean." ~ Author Lorraine Wilde
Best Budget:Feline Pine Original Non-Clumping Litter
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Non-clumping cat litters tend to be more affordable, although you’ll likely need to change them more often than the clumping kind. Non-clumping litter is absorbent and holds odors well.
Feline Pine is one of the more affordable brands: A 40-pound bag is around $15 to $20. Rescue agencies and shelters that are on tight budgets like it also for its smell-reduction without scents or perfumes. Feline Pine uses sustainable kiln-dried shavings reclaimed from lumber production so no new trees are killed to make it.
Perhaps the best part is the litter is 100% pine shavings. It has a naturally fresh pine scent while also being lightweight and gentle for cat paws. No additional ingredients also means no added toxins, allergens, or other preservatives. It can be found at most major pet retail stores and even many grocery stores.
"When I adopted my cat from the shelter, Feline Pine was the litter she was already using so we stuck with it. The pine smell is pleasant but not overpowering, and it’s easy to know when to change it because you can clearly see that all the pellets have broken down into a sawdust consistency." ~ Margaret Badore, Senior Treehugger Editor
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Like walnut shells, corn cobs, and some wood-based litters, this paper cat litter is made from a product that would otherwise be thrown away. Fresh News Recycled Paper cat litter is made with 100% post-consumer paper from recycling centers. In fact, the company created a community recycling program called PaperGator where non-profit organizations, primarily churches and schools, get paid for collecting paper products both internally and from their communities.
Recycled paper litter is safe for animals and can be composted so it doesn’t have to end up in the landfill, although cat waste must be composted with care so that the resulting soil is never applied to food crops.
Fresh News claims to be almost three times more absorbent than clay litters, so it lasts longer. The soft, dust- and allergen-free pellets retain their form when they get wet but they don’t clump so you’ll need to change it more often than clumping litter.
Made in Michigan, this litter has added baking soda to control odors.
Warning
Used litter can contain the parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, which causes toxoplasmosis that is especially dangerous for a developing fetus. That's why it's important not to mix cat waste with other compost.
With any cat litter, pour in a ventilated area to reduce your exposure to dust, and always wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning up.
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Best Wood:Ökocat Super Soft Clumping Wood Unscented Cat Litter
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Wood litters consist of cedar, spruce, or fir in lightweight chip or pellet form. For cats recovering from surgery or an injury, wood cat litters work well to keep wounds and incisions clean.
Ökocat Super Soft Clumping Wood Unscented cat litter is a great choice because its softness will appeal to your sore kitty and their delicate feet. Made from sustainably sourced, natural wood fiber that has been responsibly rescued, its texture is similar to clay.
Ökocat removes excess dust so you and your cat can breathe easily. The natural wood fibers absorb urine and prevent the formation of ammonia, the substance that causes the strongest odor in your cat box.
Best Walnut:Naturally Fresh Cat Litter
4.6
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Walnut cat litter is made from crushed walnut shells and fibers, but not the nut meat. If the shells are sustainably sourced, they will come as a byproduct from walnut growers or packagers that would otherwise throw the shells away. So, it’s a win-win. It has a pleasant smell when it first comes out of the bag, but the scent doesn’t remain for long afterward to scent the room.
Naturally Fresh Quick-Clumping cat litter is made from 100% annually renewable, organically-grown, non-GMO walnut shells from California. It forms tight scoopable clumps within 15 minutes. The manufacturer claims that this litter is so absorbent, one bag will last as long as three bags of clay-based litter. Naturally Fresh is dust-free and doesn’t stick to kitty paws so it's low tracking.
An added bonus is that Naturally Fresh is manufactured in a 100% solar-powered plant. Because walnut litters are not as common as clay-based litters, you may not find them in all stores.
This Quick-Clumping variation is a fine ground recommended for one or two cats. This brand also comes in Multi-Cat Unscented, Multi-Cat Ultra Odor Control, Non-Clumping Unscented Pellet, and Scented Clumping cat litter in Alpine Meadow and Herbal Attraction fragrances.
Best for Odor Control:Pioneer Pet All Natural Clumping Litter
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For some, the choice of which litter to use is all about odor control—especially if you have multiple cats and litter boxes at home. We recommend Pioneer Pet brand SmartCat All Natural Grass cat litter. We found there are no negative smells even when deposits have been made. It also clumps well—the bag claims it clumps better than clay—so it’s easy to scoop. This litter is also great for multi-cat households because it doesn’t track, saving you from the extra cleanup.
SmartCat is made from 100% organic non-GMO grass seed that is chemical-free and 99% dust-free. That also means it’s a renewable resource. The moisture is removed from the seed leaving behind a high-starch, lightweight, and fine-grained litter that is quite absorbent and locking in odors. Containing no fragrance, this litter is biodegradable.
Grass cat litter is a newer concept so you won’t find it everywhere. That means it can cost more than some of the other non-clay/non-silica litters. Rarely, cats can be allergic to grass, so keep that in mind as you try it out.
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Final Verdict
If you’re just venturing into non-clay and non-sand cat litters, World’s Best Multi-Cat Unscented Clumping Corn Cat Litter (view at Walmart) is an excellent place to start. Its price, performance, and clumping ability have made it a favorite.
What to Look for in Cat Litter
Clumping
As with any cat litter you buy, consider whether you prefer clumping or non-clumping types. Clumping is easier to scoop, but finicky cats tend to prefer the less expensive non-clumping litter that holds greater volumes of urine and odor but must be changed more often (usually once per week if you scoop daily).
Most cat litters will mention whether or not they are flushable. But the truth is, if you can avoid it, it’s better if you don’t flush your cat litter. Flushable cat litters don’t expand as much as non-flushable types. Both kinds are capable of clogging your pipes if you ignore their specific flushing directions.
But even without the risk of plumbing problems, it’s still a negative for your municipal sewage treatment facility or your septic system. For your city’s system to treat what you flush, they’ll need to separate the cat litter solids and send them to the landfill anyway. By skipping the flush, you’re saving them the trouble and reducing the sediments sent to the treatment plant.
If you are on a home septic system, flushing your cat litter is just adding excess organic solids to your system. That forces it to work harder to process your waste. That can upset the balance in your system and result in an increased need for service. Instead, find out if your local compost facility can accept cat litter, or if you want to compost at home, set up a dedicated kitty compost pile.
If you must flush, check the bag to ensure the litter is flushable. Those that are will include recommendations and flushing limitations that are worth following. You’ll want to avoid anything that expands when it gets wet.
Pellet Size
Pellet size is also something to consider. If you have a long-haired cat, litter with a small pellet size is discouraged. It can stick and mat in their fur. Many litters will indicate on the bag whether or not it is recommended for long-haired cats.
Multi-Cat
For those with more than one kitty, consider litters designated as “multi-cat.” They tend to contain more odor neutralizers like baking soda to prevent odors on contact. Clumping litters are often better for multiple cats because they can be quickly scooped each day and need to be changed less often. Most experts also recommend one box for each cat plus at least one additional litter box.
FAQs
Can I make my own cat litter?
Yes! There is a wide range of materials that can be used to make Do-It-Yourself (DIY) cat litter. Be aware that each material has different properties so, for example, some may be quite absorbent but not contain odors and vice versa. Be sure to look at the pros and cons of each type so you can pick the one that’s right for you. Most recipes rely on baking soda as an ingredient to help control odors, but you can also try green tea.
Newspaper cat litter is a great option if you’re still getting your local paper because you’re repurposing something you’ve already purchased. But you can also find simple recipes online that incorporate one or more of these biodegradable materials:
- Dried wood chips, shavings, sawdust, or animal bedding (cedar, pine, etc.), but avoid fresh cedar as it contains natural phenol oils that are toxic for cats
- Whole corn kernels
- Steel-cut oats
- Ground wheat berries
- Chicken feed
- Rabbit food (alfalfa or Timothy grass) pellets
- Coconut or walnut shells
- Wood pellets (stove fuel or livestock bedding)
Is clay cat litter biodegradable?
The clay used in cat litter is a natural soil component made of minerals—either calcium montmorillonite or the clumping sodium bentonite. Neither type breaks down further in a landfill or your compost pile. So although both are naturally occurring, they are not technically biodegradable.
Is clay cat litter eco-friendly?
Clay cat litter is not considered good for the environment because it is often not sustainably sourced. Although clays are naturally occurring soil minerals, and therefore better than synthetics, they must be mined. The process commonly used—strip mining—involves the removal of all trees, plants, and topsoil which then results in erosion into nearby waterways. Most strip mines are so destructive that they cannot and are not repaired or remediated.
Often, these clays are strip-mined from the Southern United States, Montana, Wyoming, or South Dakota. Some clays may also be strip-mined from foreign countries like China and the Ukraine.
Are silica cat litters eco-friendly?
Many clay cat litters have added silica, which generates silica dust.Silica is a type of sand. It is also known as silica sand, silica gel, or crystal cat litter. Silica is made from mined quartz (silicon dioxide). Like clay, it is made from naturally occurring elements that weather slowly and will not technically biodegrade.
Some companies are marketing it as a better alternative to clay cat litters because it is non-toxic, technically reusable and it doesn’t generate harmful dust the way clay does. It also is better at neutralizing odors and lasts longer than clay cat litter. Although the silica mining process is less damaging than clay strip mining, the process still causes damage to the environment. It also requires a lot of processing and energy to produce. The litter will still sit in the landfill on a geologic time scale and is not sustainable long-term.
What is the best way to dispose of biodegradable cat litter?
So glad you asked! There are many ways to dispose of the litter, each with advantages and disadvantages. Check out this Treehugger article for the pros and cons of the greenest options.
Why Trust Treehugger?
Lorraine Wilde has had at least one cat companion in her home for the past 35 years. Two of her cats lived into their early twenties. She has only the highest of standards for her best friends. Lorraine also holds a Master’s degree in environmental science and is a firm believer that consumers can make healthy, informed, and environmentally conscious choices to protect their families, their pets, and our planet.
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FAQs
Which cat litter is best for the environment? ›
- Wheat-based Cat Litter. Wheat-based cat litter is plant-based, biodegradable, renewable, and septic and sewer safe. ...
- Walnut-based Cat Litter. ...
- Wood-based Cat Litter. ...
- Corn-based Cat Litter. ...
- Grass Seed Cat Litter. ...
- Recycled Paper Cat Litter.
All clumping litters are made from sodium bentonite, a form of clay. Premium scoopables, like ours use 100% sodium bentonite to maximize clumping ability. Some clumping litters blend cheaper clays with bentonite and will break apart in the litter box.
What kind of cat litter is the least messy? ›- tuft + paw Really Great Cat Litter.
- World's Best Original Clumping Cat Litter.
- Fresh News Cat Litter.
- Feline Pine Original Non-Clumping Cat Litter.
- Purina Tidy Cats Original Breeze Litter System.
At the top of the list is Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat Ultra multi-cat clumping litter. We chose this clumping clay litter for its firm clumps, easy scooping, and minimal dust output. And as one of the most economical products on the market, Dr.
How do you dispose of eco-friendly cat litter? ›Bag it in a biodegradable container.
Scoop up your litter into a biodegradable bag and toss it into your garbage. You can buy a bag, or you can just wrap your used litter in a newspaper, tie it up, and dispose of it that way.
Scoop one to two clumps of World's Best Cat Litter™ at a time into the toilet where they'll quickly break down, then flush! It's as simple as that. World's Best Cat Litter™ went through a rigorous testing process to make sure that our litter won't clog pipes, sewers, or septic systems when flushed.
Is there a perfect cat litter? ›The best cat litter in 2022
Tidy Cats Naturally Strong Litter is a clay-based clumping litter that is highly absorbent, contains odors well, and is relatively dust-free. Quick-clumping Dr. Elsey's Ultra Multi-Cat Strength Litter is a fragrance-free clay litter with good odor control and very little dust and tracking.
Stewart is teaming up with PrettyLitter, a product she has been a fan of since 2015. “Litter boxes are notoriously stinky and messy, and I have been looking for years for a litter that eliminates all odor and that doesn't have to be cleaned every day, and that is PrettyLitter,” she said.
Is crystal cat litter better than clay? ›Silica Gel Crystal Cat Litter: The Safer Option
Clumping clay litter or silica litter has special chemicals added which cause the clay to clump when it comes into contact with your cat's urine. Clay litter is supposed to make it easier to scoop, but those chemicals can actually be harmful to your cat.
Pine litters are generally better than clay when it comes to producing the least dust. They are a low dust cat litter option, which also means a better choice for cats with allergies or sensitivities.
What cat litter will not stick to paws? ›
Elsey's Ultra Premium Clumping Cat Litter is a premium litter full of qualities that make it a top choice. It's 99.9% dust-free and is unscented, so it won't irritate sensitive respiratory systems. This low-tracking formula won't stick to paws, so more of the litter stays in the box instead of on your floor.
What is the easiest cat litter to clean? ›non-clumping. Clumping cat litters have a lot of benefits. Most notably, cat owners generally prefer clumping litter because it makes litter box cleaning easy and mess-free. Cats also often appreciate this since it means their litter box is cleaner.
Can 2 cats share 1 litter? ›Although some households might prefer to maintain only one litter box, it's never recommended to force two cats to share the same litter box as it can cause stress, increase aggression, and result in out-of-box urination.
Is 1 litter box enough for 3 cats? ›“The rule of thumb is one litter box per cat, plus one extra,” Galaxy says. As a cat foster mom, I recommend that new adopters have at least 1.5 litter boxes per cat. So if you have one cat, you need two litter boxes; two cats, three litter boxes.
What cat litter lasts the longest? ›Should you go for crystal, wheat, or clay? If you want your kitty litter to last longer, opt for the kind that clumps and is scoop-able. Clumping litter is not recommended for kittens that are younger than seven weeks, so if you have a young cat you'll have to wait until she's a little older.
How many litter boxes should 2 cats have? ›Follow this simple rule: one box per cat, plus one extra. So if you have two cats, you should have three boxes. Making sure everyone has their space can help ease elimination issues. Some owners prefer a hooded box, but some cats don't like them.
Is it OK to flush cat poop down the toilet? ›Even though it may seem like a good idea, you should not be flushing your cat's litter or feces down the toilet. It can cause havoc on your plumbing, clog pipes, and damage your septic system.
Can you flush cat litter down the toilet? ›Flushing cat litter down the toilet, even if that cat litter is marketed as safe for pipes, allows Toxoplasma gondii to enter the water supply and increases the possibility of public infection. In short, it is NOT advisable to flush kitty litter down the toilet in ANY circumstance.
What do you do with cat litter poop? ›Whatever litter you use, to avoid spreading Toxoplasma and other dangerous organisms, never dump it outside. Place it in a plastic bag, tie it shut, and put it in your regular garbage. A biodegradable bag will give it a better chance to break down in the dump.
How often should you change World's Best cat litter? ›World's Best Cat Litter has a chart that suggests that a 7 lb bag will last about 30 days with only one cat using it. From personal experience, I start to notice a funny odor after about a week.
Does World's Best cat litter smell? ›
World's Best Cat Litter is made from corn instead of clay, which makes it so much lighter than other litter. Your trash bag won't sink from the weight of your daily cleaning! Online reviewers note that it smells a bit malty since it is, in fact, plant-based, which also means it has a bit of organic dust.
How often should you clean litter box? ›If you use a clumping litter, it's best to scoop the box daily and change it out completely at least monthly. If you have more than one cat, it may be best to change the cat litter more often, every 2-3 weeks.
What cat litter do breeders use? ›Breeder Celect Recycled Paper Cat Litter is the litter choice for many cat breeders and there are many good reasons! Available in 20 and 30 litre sizes.
Does Martha Stewart own PrettyLitter? ›LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--PrettyLitter, the first-of-its-kind, health-monitoring, cat litter, announced today a partnership with lifestyle expert, animal lover and cat owner, Martha Stewart and Marquee Brands.
Who Owns World's Best cat litter? ›Kent Pet Group operates as a highly independent business unit of Kent Corporation, and its core business is World's Best Cat Litter™, the fastest-growing natural litter brand in the U.S.
How much does Martha Stewart's PrettyLitter cost? ›My initial thoughts: Whatever cat litter Martha Stewart and Elisabeth Moss use is definitely out of my price range. Fortunately, I judged too quickly. Subscriptions for PrettyLitter start at $24 a month, which gets you one bag of litter.
Do cats not like crystal litter? ›Some cats dislike crystal litter because it pokes their paws uncomfortably. Corn, wheat, and pine. These types of litter are made of natural, biodegradable substrates. They don't usually clump (though World's Best Cat Litter does), but most of them have low or no dust.
Do you scoop crystal litter? ›It is recommended to scoop the feces out at least daily and stir the litter to distribute the silica to absorb the urine. When you notice the crystals are unable to absorb any more, it is time to empty out the entire box, clean it, dry it, and add fresh litter. 16.
Can litter cause UTI in cats? ›Unclean litter boxes can make cats more susceptible to developing urinary tract infections (UTIs). Certain types of litter like the clay litters and litter with fine dust can also contribute to respiratory disease, and make cats with asthma have more frequent flare-ups.
Is silica litter better than clay? ›Most clay litters have minimal dust and do not create tracking marks when cats leave the litter box. But silica crystals are completely dust-free and do not leave marks around the house because they are in bead form.
Is clumping litter better or non-clumping? ›
The choice between clumping and non-clumping litter is a personal decision that will depend on what you want in a cat litter and what your cat prefers. Many cats appear to prefer clumping litter because it is easier for them to push aside, but some cats prefer non-clumping clay.
Can I use sand as cat litter? ›Yes, you can use dirt, sand, or soil as cat litter although there are some major downsides to this approach and it's rarely the best long term choice. While it can be very cost-effective, it's not always convenient, and exposing indoor-only cats to dirt from the outside could be dangerous.
What are 3 reasons a cat won't use its litterbox? ›Cats stop using their litter boxes for a variety of reasons, including issues with the box or litter, dissatisfaction with the placement or number of boxes, changes in the environment inside or outside the house (e.g., a new pet in the house, cats prowling around outside), and undiagnosed medical conditions.
Why does my cat paw at the wall after using the litter box? ›Cats who scratch the floor or wall after using the litter box are usually making a comment about the litter box itself and or the litter that is being used. Often the cat box is too small for the cat or there isn't enough litter or there's too much litter in the cat box.
Why do cats paw the floor after using litter box? ›After kitties do their business, they dig and scratch in the litter to find the perfect spot to bury their waste, and this is a natural feline instinct. The reasons for this behaviour stem back to when cats spent most of their time in the wild — hiding waste ensures other nearby dominant cats don't feel challenged.
What type of litter is best for self cleaning litter box? ›Clay-clumping cat litter
In order to separate your cat's waste from the clean litter, our self-cleaning litter box works best with a clumping litter. Although any clumping litter works, a high-quality clay-clumping litter equates to tighter clumps, which leads to less mess in the litter box.
Corn-based cat litters are made from finely-ground whole corn kernels or ground corn cobs. The cobs are more environmentally friendly because a waste product is being given a new purpose, and they biodegrade.
Is pretty litter better for the environment than clay litter? ›Is Pretty Litter environmentally friendly? As a silica gel litter, Pretty Litter is less harmful for the environment than bentonite clay litter, but not as environmentally friendly as natural litters made from wheat, corn, or recycled paper.
What is the most environmentally friendly cat litter UK? ›CJ's Premium Ultra Absorbent Wood Pellets: Best Cheap Eco Cat Litter. If cost is your main concern, try CJ's Premium Wood Pellet cat litter. At around £0.86 per kilo, it's our cheapest pick. Almost dust-free, it's very absorbent and the wood does a good job of trapping smells too.
What is eco-friendly cat litter made of? ›Eco-friendly cat litter can be made from wood, pine, bamboo, paper, newspaper, grass seed, coconut, corn, wheat, beet pulp, and even tofu.
Can you put biodegradable cat litter down the toilet? ›
The answer is no, you shouldn't. Flushing cat litter can cause several problems. Not only for your plumbing but also for the wider environment.
Can biodegradable cat litter go in brown bin? ›Do not put cat litter (even if it is marked as biodegradable) in your recycling or garden waste bin as it can be hazardous during processing.
How do you dispose of cat litter without plastic bags? ›The single best option you may consider is to scoop and toss the cat litter into a biodegradable pickup bag before tossing it into your curbside garbage.
How long does an 8lb bag of Pretty Litter last? ›In an average sized litter box, one 8lb bag should last 3 weeks to one month. If its larger than average it will last less than that amount of time. If you want a full month's worth of use, you will need 2.5-3 inches of depth in their box.
How do you dispose of Pretty Litter? ›The silica gel crystals are not quickly biodegradable, so they are not an optimal choice for composting. You should not flush Pretty Litter! Scoop out solid waste and flush it if you want, but get rid of the used litter in the regular trash.
What is the closest litter to Pretty Litter? ›Both PrettyLitter and Fresh Step litters also offer odor control to promote a naturally fresh and tidy cat litter box. And because they are both types of non clumping cat litter, they work in a pretty similar way.
Is cat litter compost or waste? ›Cat litter is composted in the same manner as other organic waste. It is placed in a composter or compost bin, along with other biodegradable materials, and allowed to break down naturally over the course of several months. This process can even take as long as a year.
Is clay litter better? ›Clay is still a great absorber and cheap as dirt (well, clay), but it's more environmentally unfriendly as you have to dump out the whole litter box once it's full (in other words, once a week). Like its name suggests, clay doesn't clump, so you can't just scoop out nice, neat clumps of urine to clean the box.
Is biodegradable cat litter good? ›Not only are natural substrates biodegradable and often more sustainably sourced than clay or silica gel litters, they are also good at minimizing odors with their natural scents and fibrous composition. Unfortunately, not every cat is willing to switch from the litter they've become used to.
Is Breathing in cat litter dust harmful? ›Crystalline silica dust, the other ingredient in most clumping litters, is a known carcinogen for both humans and household pets when inhaled. According to OSHA.gov, “Crystalline silica has been classified as a human lung carcinogen.
How often should you change cat litter? ›
If you can, you should aim to replace cat litter at least once per week. However, if you scoop the litter frequently, it is possible to stretch litter changes to once every two weeks.
Why would you buy non clumping cat litter? ›Why? Non-clumping cat litter is good at removing odors associated with cat urine because it has the ability to absorb relatively large volumes of urine.