Thread: Kitty Litter VS Bentonite

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[edit] Clumping litter

Close up of cat litter Clumping litters were first developed in the UK in the 1950s by the Fuller's Earth Union, later to become a part of Laporte Industries Ltd. The type of clumping litter developed by the FEU was calcium bentonite, a less swelling and less sticky type than American bentonite. Subsequently in America, clumping bentonite was developed in 1984 by biochemist Thomas Nelson. Most are made from granulated bentonite clay which clumps together when wet and forms a solid mass separate from the other litter in the box. This solid clumped material can be scooped out and disposed of without changing the entire contents of the litter box. However, the entire contents should be changed on a regular basis to prevent buildup of bacteria; every four to six weeks is recommended. At the same time, the litter box itself should be disinfected.
Approximately 69% of the cat litter market consists of clumping litter. Clumping litter usually also contains quartz or diatomaceous earth (sometimes called diatomaceous silica, which causes it to be mistakenly confused with silica gel litter). Because of the clumping effect, it is not recommended to flush clumping litters down the toilet. The top two clumping litters in the United States according to sales data are Fresh Step and Tidy Cats.
In recent years, there are increasing claims that clumping litter can be harmful to pets because if it is ingested or inhaled, it swells and solidifies inside them.[1] This is thought to be particularly dangerous for kittens, who are more likely to ingest cat litter and less likely to recover easily. However, other than anecdotal testimonial, there has been little evidence for the claim, and no confirmed cases in the scientific literature.[1]
Clumping clay cat litters also contain crystalline silica, or silica dust, which is a known carcinogen according to California Proposition 65.[2] It has been proven to not be of a significant risk to humans, but there are no regulations or studies to show the affect of silica dust on cats. Clay litter has also come under scrutiny due to the fact that the clay used in its production is commonly stripmined in an environmentally degrading process.[3]

[edit] Clumping litterClose up of cat litter Clumping litters were first developed in the UK in the 1950s by the Fuller's Earth Union, later to become a part of Laporte Industries Ltd.This solid clumped material can be scooped out and disposed of without changing the entire contents of the litter box. However, the entire contents should be changed on a regular basis to prevent buildup of bacteria; every four to six weeks is recommended. At the same time, the litter box itself should be disinfected.Approximately 69% of the cat litter market consists of clumping litter. Clumping litter usually also contains quartz or diatomaceous earth (sometimes called diatomaceous silica, which causes it to be mistakenly confused with silica gel litter). Because of the clumping effect, it is not recommended to flush clumping litters down the toilet. The top two clumping litters in the United States according to sales data are Fresh Step and Tidy Cats.In recent years, there are increasing claims that clumping litter can be harmful to pets because if it is ingested or inhaled, it swells and solidifies inside them.[1] This is thought to be particularly dangerous for kittens, who are more likely to ingest cat litter and less likely to recover easily. However, other than anecdotal testimonial, there has been little evidence for the claim, and no confirmed cases in the scientific literature.[1][3]

The type of cat litter is important

Compostability depends in principle on the type of cat litter. If it’s biodegradable, it can also be composted. We take a detailed look at the different types of litter below.

Silica cat litter

Silica litter is made from silica gel, which comes in the form of crystals or granules. The litter particles contain very fine pores, giving rise to a high level of absorbency. Silica litter can normally absorb roughly its own weight in liquid. Since it doesn’t decompose, however, this type of litter can’t be disposed of with organic waste or on the compost heap.

Bentonite litter

Bentonite litter is extremely popular with many cat owners, who value its high absorbency and good odour-binding properties.

Bentonite consists of various clay minerals, hence its description as mineral litter. Even though the raw material is a natural product, bentonite litter may not be disposed of with organic waste. It doesn’t decompose, and won’t rot down in composting facilities, therefore. You must dispose of this litter only with household waste.

Another aspect to consider is that bentonite is obtained through open-cast mining. This has a significant environmental impact, because mining operations to extract the raw material leave a substantial scar on the landscape.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Sodium Bentonite Cat Litter. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Plant-based cat litter

Plant-based cat litter consists of natural fibres such as wood, corn or straw. These raw materials are 100% biodegradable and so they can be composted. It’s important to ensure, however, that the litter contains no chemical additives or fragrances.

Plant-based litter is available in both clumping and non-clumping varieties. Our COSYCAT organic clumping litter is made from wood and can absorb up to 800% of its own weight in liquid. Thanks to the high absorbency of the wood fibres used, it only needs to be replaced completely every 6 to 8 weeks. This is why it’s so popular with environmentally aware cat lovers.

In our Advice section, we feature a comparison of plant-based and mineral clumping litters.

COSYCAT cat litter: compostable and eco-friendly

Our COSYCAT biodegradable cat litter offers a host of environmental benefits. It is eco-friendly because it’s obtained from sustainably managed forests. It also weighs less than bentonite litter, for example, thus giving rise to lower CO2 emissions in transportation. And because it’s compostable, it has a smaller environmental impact.

Disposing of compostable cat litter correctly

When using a plant-based litter like COSYCAT, you have two options for disposal:

• with organic waste
• on the compost heap

Disposal via the organic waste bin is not permitted in all regions. You can obtain information regarding the disposal options in your area from your local authority. Many municipal authorities wish to prevent litter contaminated with faeces from being disposed of with organic waste, because the faeces of cats that spend time outdoors can contain toxoplasmosis pathogens. Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite that can be found in cats that eat raw meat. If the composting facility fails to reach a sufficiently high temperature, the pathogen can survive the composting process and find its way into the human food chain via the compost.

In most cases, toxoplasmosis does not cause humans any problems. In pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems, however, infection caused by toxoplasmosis pathogens can have serious consequences.

For more information, please visit Premium Bentonite Cat Litter.