Problems With Clumping Litter for Kitties

Clumping cat litter dominates the pet care market as an inexpensive, better-smelling alternative to non-clumping litter products. These scoopable litters absorb large amounts of ammonia and other malodorous compounds in cat urine, thereby mitigating the unpleasant smell we associate with pet waste. Despite their overall convenience, clumping litters are associated with several drawbacks. Because of this, some pet owners choose to avoid them.

  1. Ingestion Safety

    • The ASPCA does not consider clumping cat litter to be a major threat to a pet's health, even if the cat eats it. Some newborn kittens ingest small amounts of cat litter, and this may lead to digestive upsets such as constipation or diarrhea. Bentonite clay and silica, the two primary ingredients in clumping litter, are regarded as nontoxic. Clumping litters, however, may contain fragrances, colorants or deodorizers that may threaten a cat's health. Until more is known about the safety of clumping litters, the ASPCA recommends that owners avoid their use for kittens, which are most likely to ingest the litter

    Respiratory Illness

    • No compelling evidence has linked clumping litter to respiratory disease, but some pet guardians anecdotally report episodes of asthma or pneumonia associated with clumping litter. Some of these reports have been collected on The Lighthouse, a cat care website. If your cat has asthma or seems to be allergic to fragrances or compounds in clumping litter, try a different litter formula. Although most clumping litters have been processed to remove excess dust, the ASPCA recommends alternative litter formulas for cats that are sensitive to airborne dust.

    Odor Issues

    • Many cat guardians neglect litter box duties because they assume that clumping litters need less attention. This backfires because even scooped litter harbors moisture and ammonia. Additionally, the strong perfumes in some clumping litters sometimes augment, rather than mask, the odors associated with pet waste. Strong or foreign fragrances also cause some finicky cats to avoid the litter box entirely.

    Environmental Issues

    • Bentonite clay is not a renewable or biodegradable material. It does not decompose naturally in land fills, and it is often mined using processes that disrupt the environment. The ASPCA notes a trend toward more ecologically friendly, sustainable formulas. These may be made from pine, recycled newspaper, orange peel, corncob or peanut shells. These benefit the environment by utilizing waste products, and by facilitating the natural decomposition of pet waste.

    Plumbing Problems

    • Clumping cat litters form hard, cement-like lumps when in contact with moisture. This property makes them convenient for scooping owners, but it also makes them entirely unflushable. If you flush clumping cat litter down your toilet, it is likely to clog your pipes, necessitating professional help. A clogged drain is expensive and inconvenient to repair. If you do use clumping litters, dispose of them responsibly without involving your home's plumbing system.