Clay cat litter is among the first cat litters ever used, along with sand. Just like sand, the clay litter is able to absorb the liquid and will clump, making it easy to scoop and get rid of. Clay litter has a few advantages, but it’s also helpful to know that it has disadvantages also.
Advantages of Clay Litter
The very first cat litter used was sand, which was efficient enough but wasn’t able to absorb the scent. Soon enough, the clay started to be used instead of sand as cat litter.
Clay litter is an efficient solution for your cat’s litter box being also reasonably priced.
Clay has a high level of absorbency in a small amount of time, which means that the litter box dry at all times. The clay also absorbs the smell, which is important, as the cat urine and feces smell is not at all pleasant.
Clay litter clumps easily, so it is scoopable and practical. The clay may expand when in contact with moisture and it hardens.
Clay litter can plug up the toilet, so make sure you dump it with your garbage.
Disadvantages of Clay Litter
The main concern about clay litter is that there is a component in the clay, called sodium bentonite, which allows the litter to clump and this component can be a risk especially for younger kittens. The sodium bentonite may be toxic for cats and even for people when inhaled in high amounts. However, this theory is denied by many experts.
Some types of clay may also contain silica, which is a substance that can cause lung damage and respiratory problems.
To be safe, make sure your cat doesn’t eat the litter and don’t allow any kids around the litter tray.
Given that clay litter may plug up your toilet, you need to dump the used clay with garbage; however clay is non-degradable so it is not an environmental friendly cat litter solution. Clay cat litter contributes to landfills.
Other Cat Litter Options
Other cat litter options include the scoopable litter, which is environmentally friendly, as it is made of wheat, alfalfa, recycled newspaper, peanut hulls or oat.
The scoopable litter can be partially replaced, which makes it practical.
This type of cat litter may be more expensive, but it does not present any risks for your cat even when ingested.
Despite all the disadvantages of clay litter, many people still use clay cat litter, as it is considered a very practical solution.
When choosing your cat litter make sure you consider a few factors: the cat’s health, your health, whether the product is environmentally friendly and the price. Always read the labels of the cat litter you buy.
Whichever cat litter you may choose, you must keep in mind that cat litter contains Toxoplasma gondii, which is a microscopic parasite that can be dangerous for pregnant women and can be harmful for marine life once flushed. Make sure you wear gloves whenever you handle cat litter.