CORN VS. CLAY: WHAT TYPES OF CAT LITTER TO BUY & WHY
There are a lot of options when it comes to cat litter. We break down each different type, and what you should look for when choosing your litter.
What is Cat Litter Made Of?
Today’s pet parents have a lot of choices when it comes to what’s in their cat litter. Understanding what cat litter is made of can help you pick the litter that works best for you, your cat, your family, and the planet.
The 4 Most Common Things Cat Litter is Made of:
1. Fuller’s Earth or Non-Clumping Clay
The first commercially available cat litter came on the market in the 1950s, when a man named Edward Lowe started selling an absorbent clay known as Fuller’s earth. Fuller’s earth traps some of the unpleasant litter box odors, but because it doesn’t clump, it needs to be changed frequently. It’s also heavy and produces a lot of dust.
2. Bentonite Clay
In the 1980s, biochemists developed a new kind of litter made of bentonite clay. Bentonite clay has the advantage of clumping in the presence of moisture, so urine can be removed more effectively. However, bentonite clay comes from strip mines, leading to environmental concerns. Like Fuller’s earth, it’s can also be dusty and heavy to carry.
3. Silica Gel or “Crystal Litter”
Some cat litter is made from silica gel, a crystallized form of silicon dioxide. Silica gel absorbs liquids and helps eliminate odors. Like clay litter, silica litter is derived from sand – a non-renewable resource.
4. Natural Litters
For pet parents who are looking for planet-, pet-, and people-friendly cat litters, there are several natural options. Some natural cat litter is made from paper, pine or sawdust, and wheat or other plant products. While there are many options, all natural litters aren’t equal and ingredients can play a part in their clumping performance and a cat’s willingness to use them. Many cats refuse to use paper, pine, or other non-clumping natural litters, which can lead to litter box problems.
Today’s cat lovers are demanding box solutions that are simple, sustainable and safe for our pets and family. That’s why more and more are asking “what is cat litter made of?” and getting away from traditional clay cat litters.
World’s Best Cat Litter™ is the only litter that uses the concentrated power of naturally absorbent corn to help you maintain a cleaner litter box. Our patented formulas offer outstanding odor control, quick clumping and easy scooping. And because it’s made from sustainably grown corn, there’s no concern about mining or silica dust.
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Yes it seems the clumping litter and dust can be deadly dangerous if inhaled or ingested by your cat and especially your kitten.
The old fashioned non clumping litter may be the way to go for many.
REPURPOSE:
Non-clumping litter (natural CALCIUM Bentonite clay):
*I’D LIKE TO POINT OUT THAT THE NON CLUMPING LITTER CAN BE A VERY GOOD SOIL AMENDMENT IMPROVER FOR YARDS AND GARDENS AND POTTED PLANTS WHEN TILLED OR THROWN ON TOP-PREFERABLY WITH A FERTILIZER BROADCAST SPREADER!*
From what I’ve read, the non clumping litter is hard and does not break down or become mushy when wet or over time, it helps break up your soil, hold moisture and nutrients for use by plants and adds air to the soil. People buy the stuff new just for this purpose, I wouldn’t hesitate to use it for the cats and then dispose of the used by this method where it will serve your yard plants for decades to come.
The rain and watering should wash out the harmless cat urine.
We’ve been throwing away this wonderful natural soil amender we paid for and hauled home, all these decades!
Clumping litter (natural SODIUM Bentonite clay):
I see on another site “can you seal your pond with clumping cat litter” the clumping litter was used by a person to line a backyard duck pond to stop water loss. Clay to stop water loss in ponds is the old school method, instead of modern rubber sheet like liner material.
If your building a pond, you might consider this natural liner method…