Here's a breakdown:
* Early forms: People have long used various materials to absorb cat waste, including sand, sawdust, and even newspapers.
* First commercial cat litter: In the early 1940s, Edward Lowe, a Michigan businessman, stumbled upon a clay product used to absorb oil spills and decided to market it as cat litter. This marked the beginning of commercially available cat litter.
* Clay litter: Lowe's product, called "Kitty Litter," was a major success. It was the first commercially available clay litter and set the standard for the industry.
* Other materials: Over time, companies developed litter from other materials, including silica gel (often marketed as crystal litter), wood pellets, and even plant-based options like corn and wheat.
So, while Edward Lowe is often credited as the "inventor" of cat litter, it's more accurate to say that he was the first to successfully commercialize a product that became a staple for cat owners. The development of cat litter is an ongoing process with many individuals and companies contributing to its evolution.