Clumping Vs. Nonclumping Litter

Maintaining the litter box is a necessary part of owning a cat, but the task is not enviable. One of the factors cat owners need to consider is the type of cat litter to use. There are a variety of litter types on the market. In the last several years, clumping cat litter has become increasingly popular. However, there is considerable disagreement over the safety of clumping cat litter, and whether its benefits outweigh the possible health risks.

  1. Advantages of Clumping Litter

    • The primary advantage of clumping cat litter is it is easier for users to remove all of the urine and fecal waste from the litter box. The active ingredient in clumping litter is sodium bentonite. This material forms a gel-like substance when it comes in contact with liquid, and can expand to 15 times its original volume. This means that urine and the moisture in feces allow the waste to be easily removed from the litter box in solid pieces, leaving little odor-causing residue behind.

    Disadvantages of Clumping Litter

    • A report on the Felines & Friends website written by Lisa Newman, a holistic animal care specialist, states clumping cat litter poses serious health risks. Although the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals website claims scientific studies show no conclusive evidence, Newman reported an increase in respiratory disorders, immune system problems, irritable bowel syndrome, nonhairball-related vomiting, eye irritation and poor absorption of nutrients among cats that used clumping cat litter. The litter tends to stick to cats' fur, so as cats groom themselves, they ingest the chemicals. These maladies can also affect dogs who raid a litter box. Additionally, the swelling properties of clumping cat litter mean it can cause clogged pipes if it is flushed.

    Advantages of Nonclumping Litter

    • The ASPCA recommends nonclumping cat litter for use with young kittens who are learning to use the litter box. This is because curious kittens often eat the litter, a habit that healthy kittens eventually grow out of. The absence of chemical additives makes nonclumping litter safer if ingested. Nonclumping litter does not stick to cat's paws or long fur as much as clumping litter, and there tends to be less tracking of litter outside the litter box.

    Disavantages of Nonclumping Litter

    • One disadvantage of nonclumping cat litter is it is difficult to completely remove the smell of urine from the litter box. Nonclumping litter acts as a filter, siphoning liquid to the bottom and corners of the litter box, where it collects in puddles. This makes is harder to separate the clean litter from the soiled litter, because the individual grains easily mix together. Nonclumping litter is often less expensive pound-for-pound than clumping litter, yet it is necessary to use a greater amount for the same degree of odor control, so it can end up being more expensive in the long run.