Why was cat litter invented?

Cat litter wasn't invented with the specific goal of making cats happy or solving their bathroom problems. The original purpose was much more practical: to control the smell of cat waste.

Here's the history:

* Early days: Before commercial cat litter, people used things like sand, ashes, sawdust, and even newspapers to absorb cat waste.

* 1940s: The first commercial cat litter, a clay-based product called "Kitty Litter," was introduced. It was marketed as a hygienic and odor-absorbing solution for cat owners.

* 1970s: The introduction of clumping cat litter revolutionized the market, making it easier for owners to scoop and dispose of waste.

* Today: There's a wide variety of cat litter materials available, including clay, silica gel, wood, and even plant-based options.

So, while cat litter makes our feline friends' lives a little easier, its primary invention was to solve a human problem: the unpleasant odor of cat waste.