It is also flushable and has natural odor control properties. Well, there are a few reasons why some pet owners opt to search for a more environmentally friendly cat litter for their furry companions. This makes silica cat litter a popular choice for cat owners who live in small apartments or homes where odors can quickly become a problem.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'ablison_com-box-4','ezslot_4',630,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-ablison_com-box-4-0'); However, the environmental impact of silica cat litter is a cause for concern. Pros & Cons of Crystal (Silica) Cat Litter - tuft + paw Medically treat your cats issues today. Lorraine also holds a Masters degree in environmental science and is a firm believer that consumers can make healthy, informed, and environmentally conscious choices to protect their families, their pets, and our planet. Author Lorraine Wilde has had at least one cat companion in her home for the past 35 years. Yes! Treehugger's tester reports that ExquisiCat pellets don't tract out of the box much, and they particularly liked the resealable packaging. What are the benefits of eco friendly cat litter? It is highly absorbent and can hold up to three times its weight in liquid. But you can also find simple recipes online that incorporate one or more of these biodegradable materials: First, we deeply researched a wide range of options, assessing litter materials and manufacturing processes. Fresh News Recycled Paper cat litter is made with 100% post-consumer paper from recycling centers. However, many pet owners are concerned about the environmental impact of using non-biodegradable cat litter. Many clay cat litters have added silica, which generates silica dust. Made in Iowa, we also love that Worlds Best gives back. Typically crystal (silica) cat litters are non-clumping litters, but certain varieties have additives that give them the ability to clump. Shopping for litter for your cat can be a challenge. We wish you the best of luck on your litter journey and hope this article has been helpful for you. They are softer and more absorbent than clay litters. The 7 Best Eco-Friendly Cat Litters of 2023. But even without the risk of plumbing problems, its still a negative for your municipal sewage treatment facility or your septic system. When disposing of silica cat litter, it is important to use a trash bag that is strong enough to hold the weight of the litter. Why isn't clay litter considered eco-friendly, even though it's a natural material? In a 2019 study conducted by the University of Plymouth, researchers took five kinds of plastic bags and exposed them to air, buried them in the ground, and submerged them in the sea for three years. Dutch is an online veterinary pet telehealth service, created by pet parents and board-certified veterinary specialists. Using compost with cat feces anywhere near a waterway can also pose a health risk. Fortunately, there are eco-friendly alternatives to silica cat litter that are biodegradable and sustainable. Is Silica Cat Litter eco friendly? - Scholar Plug You can pour fresh crystals in throughout the month to freshen up the box (although it isnt necessary) but it will still need to be dumped entirely after about 3-4 weeks. Although the silica mining process is less damaging than clay strip mining, the process still causes damage to the environment. From playtime to mealtime, sleep to grooming, our expert guide will show you how to make every day a purrfect day for your cat. There will be varying levels of dust present depending on which brand you choose, but rest assured that it's not the hazardous crystalline silica dust found in clay litters. It is non-toxic if ingested or inhaledalthough it may cause GI issues like vomiting and diarrhea because it doesn't contain crystalline silica. Flushable cat litters dont expand as much as non-flushable types. Fresh Step Crystals or the famous health monitoring Pretty Litter are examples of litter made out of this material. However, there is no single best dust-free cat litter because the suitable litter for your cat depends on their preferences. What Kind Of Cat Litter Is Biodegradable? Find out more about my story, Your email address will not be published. Instead of throwing it in the trash, cat owners can consider composting their cat litter. If in doubt, remember veterinarian Megan Teiber's sage advice: "the best litter is the one your cat will use.". Silica cat litter has become increasingly popular among cat owners due to its ability to absorb moisture and control odors. Clay cat litter is the most often used since it is inexpensive, easy to dispose of, and absorbent. It is also important to note that we may have financial relationships with some of the companies mentioned on our website, which could result in receiving free products, services, or monetary compensation in exchange for featuring their products or services. Two inches is typically enough, but you can add more if needed. How to Test If Something Is Biodegradable? Furthermore, heavy machinery is utilized for transporting and mining the clay, which adds to the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Clay cat litter is not considered good for the environment because it is often not sustainably sourced. If the litter is not disposed of properly, it can be ingested by animals, causing digestive problems and even death. From home. Its produced by taking the sand particles and mixing them with water and oxygen. Again, crystal cat litter is not the same as crystalline silica, although some clay litters may use crystalline silica in their products. Dutch isnt a veterinary practice or pharmacy, but a company that helps facilitate these services for pet parents to make veterinary care more accessible to all. However, our tester found the softer texture to be super messy and difficult to clean up. The next section goes over this process in more detail. The next section goes over this process in more detail. 9, 2019, pp. The conventional clay, non-clumping recipe accounts for around 40% of cat litter marketed in the United States today, while clumping cat litters consisting of clay and additional additives accounts for the remaining 60%. However, there has been some debate about whether or not silica cat litter is biodegradable. Often, these clays are strip-mined from the Southern United States, Montana, Wyoming, or South Dakota. Ultimately, it is up to each individual cat owner to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of using silica cat litter and make an informed decision based on their own values and priorities. If you examine the cost per pound of silica gel litters vs clay (both clumping and non-clumping versions) it appears significantly more expensive. When liquid is exposed to these miniature porous beads, it's pulled into the network of microscopic pores and trapped along with any accompanying odors. Introduction Silica cat litter is a popular choice among cat owners due to its ability to absorb moisture and control odors. However, there are many eco-friendly alternatives to silica cat litter that are biodegradable and sustainable. the answer is complicated. It does a very good job of eliminating waste odor.". However, you should always read the ingredients in the litter to ensure it doesn't contain crystalline silica, which can be harmful to pets. When choosing an eco-friendly cat litter, it is important to consider your cats preferences and needs. The tradeoff for silica gel not spoiling is that it also doesn't biodegrade. It is also known as silica sand, silica gel, or crystal cat litter. And as the name implies, the principal ingredient in this cat litter is clay, which comes from the ground. For those with more than one kitty, consider litters designated as multi-cat. They tend to contain more odor neutralizers like baking soda to prevent odors on contact. Crystal litter is one of the lightest litter types thanks to the porous structure of silica gel. Amorphous silica gel cat litter doesn't contain carcinogens. "Composting Dog Waste." Even though there are many advantages to silica litters, they also come with their fair share of disadvantages. The natural wood fibers absorb urine and prevent the formation of ammonia, the substance that causes the strongest odor in your cat box. Natural cat litter has the benefit of being compostable, virtually dust-free, and made of more renewable and sustainable sources than traditional . Most cat litter boxes are made from plastic, which is a fossil fuel byproduct that we discourage purchasing brand new. Cat feces contain bacteria that's dangerous to humans, so it should never be used in compost that is used for edible plants and vegetable gardens. What is walnut cat litter? Does the eco-friendly alternative really work? Happy Cat Corner also participates in programs from Skimlinks, Chewy, and CJ. You also will need to wash out the litter box after each time you dump it out to prevent build up on the bottom. Why You Shouldn't Put Flushable Cat Litter in the Toilet, How to Reduce Your Pet's Carbon Footprint, 7 Unrecyclable Items That Really Can Be Recycled, The 7 Best Eco-Friendly Puppy Training Pads of 2023, Home Compostable Plastics Are Too Good to Be True, The Best Biodegradable Pots for Your Garden, The 7 Best Countertop Compost Bins of 2023, How to Recycle Light Bulbs and Why You Should, Spray-on Biodegradable Produce Coating Could Replace Plastic Packaging, What Are Bioplastics? So, while choosing a cat litter for your pet, remember to do your homework. All opinions are honest and remain my own. Youll want to avoid anything that expands when it gets wet. Clay cat litter is being phased out in favour of silica cat litter. We each have well over 20 years of experience with cat ownership and are here to share our knowledge with you. Elizabeth MacLennan is a fact checker and expert on climate change. No more long waits for appointments or surprise bills. Its also a healthier option than clay litter. silica gel litter) has become a popular choice for cat parents looking for convenience and cleanliness in their litter box setup. Companies experiment with different types of clays and other additives to make kitty litter compositions with varying absorption and odour control levels. Most clumping and non-clumping cat litter are made up of various clay types. Home Blog Is Silica Cat Litter Biodegradable? These litters are made from renewable resources and break down over time, reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. However, beware: Potting soil could make quite a mess. Made in Michigan, this litter has added baking soda to control odors. Our tester found their cat transitioned to this product easily. Environmentally friendly cat litter is quickly growing in popularity as people realize the potential health concerns and environmental destruction associated with clay and silica-based cat litters. Eco-Friendly Cat Litters vs. Clay and Crystal Litters. Fresh News claims to be almost three times more absorbent than clay litters, so it lasts longer. Two of her cats lived into their early twenties. With amazing prices, selection, and customer service, theyre the KING of the pet supply niche. Shop Really Great Cat Litter. This will make the litter box experience more pleasant for your cat and also allow you to see the color of your cat's urine more clearly (i.e. What Is Silica Gel? That means it can cost more than some of the other non-clay/non-silica litters. It can last up to a month before needing to be replaced, which means less frequent trips to the store and less waste. From home or on the go. One option is to use biodegradable cat litter made from materials such as corn, wheat, or recycled paper. Here are the best eco-friendly cat litters, according to Treehugger's real world testers. The company reports that it has donated more than 662,000 pounds of litter to rescue cats in need. Crystalline Silica - Cancer-Causing Substances. National Cancer Institute, https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/crystalline-silica. While silica gel itself is biodegradable, the process of turning it into cat litter can make it less so. The type of cat litter best for your feline friend depends on your pet. It does not break down naturally and can take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills. A biodegradable bag designed for cat litter may seem like a great option. Many clumping cat litters bind cations together by attracting cat urine to them. If silica cat litter is disposed of in a landfill, it may take hundreds of years to break down completely. Weve developed a step-by-step guide to creating a stress-free schedule that brings out your cats best. Corn-based cat litters are made from finely-ground whole corn kernels or ground corn cobs. Be aware that each material has different properties so, for example, some may be quite absorbent but not contain odors and vice versa. 10 Best Silica Cat Litters on the Market in 2023 - Petsumer Its silica gel particles absorb liquid waste and permit water to evaporate while trapping smelly particles securely in its microscopic pores. Happy Cat Corner is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Silica gel is a synthetic material made from silicon dioxide, which is a non-renewable resource. Its also worth noting that flushing or using cat excrement and litter as compost without first checking the contents might harm the ecology. The bottom line is silica gel litter is better than clay, but not the most environmentally friendly option if that is what youre looking for. However, your vet can give you recommendations to help you find the right one. Lets find it out. The information on this site is not intended to replace veterinary advice. Your email address will not be published. On the other hand, this litter does not come in a variety of colours or fragrances. Like walnut shells, corn cobs, and some wood-based litters, this paper cat litter is made from a product that would otherwise be thrown away. Clay litter is by and large the most popular pick among consumers, but it's pretty bad for the environment. Coconut-based cat litter is highly absorbent and has a pleasant scent. Veterinarian Megan Teiber believes crystal litter to be a suitable choice for cats or owners suffering from respiratory issues. If you want to make an investment in a long-lasting option that wont absorb odors, consider a (used) stainless steel steam pan. Pretty Litter Alternatives Do They Exist? In addition, while clay litter contains crystalline silica, silica gel contains amorphous silica, which is much safer for cats and humans. Another concern is the impact of silica cat litter on wildlife. When trying to figure out where to place the litter box, most crystal litter instructions recommended keeping it out of humid areas, like the bathroom, to help the most with evaporation and odor control. This type of litter is able to be used for quite a while (up to a month) before needing to be dumped out since after the silica gel crystals get filled with moisture, absorb smells, and evaporate, theyre able to continually repeat that process. By taking these steps, we can help to protect the planet and ensure a healthier future for all. While most cat litters include the same fundamental elements, the kind, composition, and ratios of those chemicals and other additions affect how effectively they perform. Clumping litters are often better for multiple cats because they can be quickly scooped each day and need to be changed less often. Some litters arent designed for septic systemsand many septic systems cant break down certain materials like cat waste, no matter what litter you use. Its ability to absorb liquids slowly deteriorates, so they become saturated and just begin to turn a bit sludgy. We also tested kocat's Super Soft version because its texture may appeal to some cats, particularly those who may have certain injuries or health issues. Pretty Litter Review: The Ultimate Guide to the Internet's Favorite Crystal (Silica) Cat Litter, 5 Best Cat Litter Boxes for Kittens in 2023, Okay, one last thing. We understand that product offers and rates from third-party sites may change, and while we make every effort to keep our content updated, the figures mentioned on our site may differ from actual numbers. Recycled paper litter is safe for animals and can be composted so it doesnt have to end up in the landfill, although cat waste must be composted with care so that the resulting soil is never applied to food crops. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Crystal cat litters are some of the more technologically advanced and resource intensive litters on the market, and their pricing shows it. They also need daily stirring to keep the litter working as well as possible. The process commonly usedstrip mininginvolves the removal of all trees, plants, and topsoil which then results in erosion into nearby waterways. Expect to pay anywhere from $3 to $4 per pound for these high-tech litters. It is commonly used in a variety of products, including food packaging, electronics, and personal care items. Despite all the benefits of natural cat litters, they can be susceptible to mold or spoilage if not stored properly. Littermaid Premium Walnut Litter is made from repurposed food waste and creates very little dust. Coconut-based cat litter is made from renewable resources and is biodegradable. However, silica litters are mined from quartz sand and the process is still environmentally destructive, although not as bad as strip mining for clay. Alternatives such as wood pellet litter are better due to their ability to break down easily and be composted. Or are you looking for an easier way to stay stocked on your pets staples during the Covid-19 pandemic? Simba, Snowball and Oreo: My 3 musKITTYeers! Silica gel is remarkable for its porous structure, which allows each silica gel particle to absorb up to 40% of its weight in liquid at a time. . Youll want to get expert advice in your area on whether or not to do it and how to do it safely. Weighing Affection and Health Risks. Crystal (Silica) Cat Litter: Pros, Cons | Happy Cat Corner It's an inorganic mineral that cannot be composted or flushed, so it must be sent to the landfill where it will break down very slowly. Crystal cat litter could be a great choice for your household if: And there you have it! Crystal cat litters are advertised as being virtually (99%) free of dust. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It is also flushable, making it a convenient option for cat owners. While there are numerous biodegradable kitty litter alternatives around you, some of them are equally harmful to the environment. Silica gel is a desiccant (a substance that maintains dryness) and absorbs and holds water vapor. Some of the best advantages to using crystal litters is theyre much lighter than clay, and they last a lot longer. You can build your own pet compost if you have the room in your backyard, and dont mind dealing with some really stinky materials. If youre thinking of trying crystal cat litter, here are our recommendations: Pretty Litter is a unique crystal litter that can detect early signs of UTIs and kidney disease in cats. Some varieties of maize litter even include cat attractants. Much like added scents, a litter with a sharp or rough texture can make using the box an unpleasant experience for your cat. Its arguable that crystal litters are a better option because people are using less of it, and dumping it out less frequently therefore, less of it ends up in landfills. Considering the fact you can go weeks without changing the litter for single cat households, the higher cost might equal out in the end. Are silica crystal litters a good environmentally friendly alternative? Paper-based cat litter is highly absorbent and lightweight, making it easy to handle. Arguably among the most eco-friendly natural cat litter, Littermaid Premium Walnut Litter is made from the discarded shells of edible walnuts. On average, this type of litter lasts anywhere between 2 4 weeks. For example, some litter box systems use a self-cleaning mechanism that separates waste from clean litter, reducing the amount of litter that needs to be disposed of. Littermaid Premium Walnut Litter is created from the discarded shells of edible walnuts, making it one of the most environmentally friendly natural cat litters available. Our goal is to improve the quality of cat education and cat products. In conclusion, silica cat litter is not biodegradable and should be disposed of properly to minimize its environmental impact. The cobs are more environmentally friendly because a waste product is being given a new purpose, and they biodegrade. kocat's Original litter is free from excess dust so you and your cat can breathe easily. Many cats and pet parents prefer silica for many reasons, including the following: Is Silica cat litter safe? Is Pretty Litter Safe? The Surprising Answer is No | Better Goods Our licensed vets can help you find the right litter for your household and cat to prevent accidents, mess, and odors. Some companies offer recycling programs that allow cat owners to send their used litter back to the manufacturer, where it is processed and reused. Feline Pine is one of the more affordable brands: A 40-pound bag is around $15 to $20, although our testers note that the giant bags can get unwieldy. To get technical, all clays found in cat litter are hydrous aluminium silicates, which developed millions of years ago from volcanic ash during the Cretaceous era. Wood-based cat litter is also lightweight and has natural odor control properties. Proceed with caution if you want to compost cat waste, as cat feces can contain T. gondii, which is highly dangerous to humans. Maybe wood chips mixed with silica would be a workable solution to the environmental problem. It never goes bad and it helps create a dry, sanitary environment in the litter box. Medically treat your dogs issues today. Instead of adding fresh litter, youll need to rake through the litter box a few times with the cat litter scooper each day. Biodegradable kinds are constructed of compostable and recyclable materials, while clay and silica gel variants are not. 4775-4783. doi:10.1021/acs.est.8b06984. The most eco-friendly cat litters are the ones that biodegrade, including ones made from natural materials like paper, corn, wheat, wood, walnuts, and grass. The clay used in cat litter is a natural soil component made of mineralseither calcium montmorillonite or the clumping sodium bentonite. If youre still interested in taking this route, contact a local composting expert. What Makes TofuKitty the Best Eco-Friendly Cat Litter? Silica-based litters are advertised as lasting up to 30 days, but the length of time will vary depending on how many cats you have, and your cats urine volume. It works well but definitely isnt perfect! However, many cat owners are concerned about the environmental impact of using silica cat litter and wonder if it is biodegradable. It clumps well so its easy to scoop. Clay litter is by and large the most popular pick among consumers, but its pretty bad for the environment. What is walnut cat litter? The litter will still sit in the landfill on a geologic time scale and is not sustainable long-term. I switched to non-clay, non-silica cat litter because a family member suffers from mild asthma and I have a cat with just one working lung. Clay and other minerals, natural substances such as pine, wheat, maize, or synthetic crystalline silica are the most common constituents in cat litter. Author of Book: Secrets To Keep Your Cat Healthy This creates very small pores within the crystals that are incredibly absorbent each piece can hold approximately 40x its weight in fluid. The most common types of cat litter are "clumping" or "non-clumping". Silica dust can be dangerous to inhale in certain forms, but the silica gel used in crystal litter has been processed to eliminate this problem. The litter is also good at trapping in any urine odor. Please seek help from your vet for any medical or behavioral concerns. This means that it cannot be broken down by natural processes and will remain in the environment for a long time. The Environmental Impact of Silica Cat Litter. Silica cat litter has become increasingly popular among cat owners due to its ability to absorb moisture and control odors. We use a science-backed approach to provide pets relief for their everyday physical and behavioral health issues. Is Throwing Something Biodegradable Littering? The reason for this is that unlike clumping clay litters which can last a very long time if you keep the box clean, eventually, silica litters wear out. Wheat-based cat litter is highly absorbent and clumps well, making it easy to clean. They tested how well each litter performed, evaluating how cats transitioned to these products, smell, cleanup, packaging, and any other standout features. To earn the top overall spot, the litter must be absorbent, available, reasonably affordable, sustainably produced, and capable of preventing odors. If you are concerned about the environmental impact of using silica cat litter, there are alternative options available. Furthermore, silica cat litter is not compostable.