With the invention of pine cat litter -- litter created using the sawdust from mostly scrap pine lumber that is formed into convenient pellets and kiln-dried -- the biodegradable requirement has been met. Environmentally friendly and odor-absorbing, litter made from pine fits the bill for even the most eco-conscious pet owner, but does it pose any risks to your cat?
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Could the Oils Present in Pine Litter Poison My Cat?
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Most likely the answer to this question is no. Pellets manufactured for pine cat litter are kiln-dried, a process that bakes out potentially harmful oils, phenols and hydrocarbons. Any compounds missed by the drying process are captured and squeezed out by pressurization, pretty much eliminating the threat of toxic chemicals.
If you are unsure whether your brand of pine litter is manufactured by these same stringent methods, write to the company or call its customer service number and ask.
Unless your pet has some kind of severe allergy or underlying health issue, it should be able to use pine cat litter without becoming ill.
Will My Cat be Discouraged by the Pine Scent?
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This is a possibility. According to the Stanford Cat Network, which operates in agreement with Stanford University, many cats are repelled by the smell of pine cat litter. Unfortunately, should the situation occur, it could result in your pet eliminating in undesirable places, or not at all, which can quickly become a major danger to your cat's health.
If you find your cat is repelled by the scent of pine litter to the extent that he cannot be trained to return to his box, it may be time to switch to something less aromatic like clay or wheat-based litters.
Can Switching to Pine Litter Interrupt my Pet's Training Process?
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If you follow the program and allow your pet ample time to adjust, switching its litter should be relatively painless. Many manufacturers of pine litters have printed instructions on their packaging that detail the best way to acclimate your pet to pine. Normally, it involves a gradual weaning process of spreading a thin layer of the litter your cat normally uses over the new pine litter in its pan. As it digs and spreads the pine litter, it becomes accustomed to the texture and scent, allowing you to eventually fill its pan with only the pine. In this way, your pet's transition to pine cat litter becomes easier and less stressful.
Does Pine Cat Litter Damage the Environment?
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Pine cat litter that is manufactured from leftover scrap lumber is flushable in small amounts, can be used as mulch in the flower garden once the waste is removed and is completely biodegradable and earth-friendly, making for less litter at the landfill and an easier conscience for pet owners.
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