Fresh Step Crystals or the famous health monitoring Pretty Litter are examples of litter made out of this material. Much like added scents, a litter with a sharp or rough texture can make using the box an unpleasant experience for your cat. Clay cat litter is not considered good for the environment because it is often not sustainably sourced. Introduction Silica cat litter is a popular choice among cat owners due to its ability to absorb moisture and control odors. Here are all the winners from my testing process: Best Cat Litter Overall: Dr. Elsey's Ultra. We also partner with pharmacies who can deliver prescription medication (in applicable states only) and over-the-counter treatments directly to your door. Silica gel crystals may start to break down prematurely and create dust. Is Polyethylene Terephthalate Biodegradable? For example, you can use biodegradable litter bags or compost your cats waste instead of throwing it in the trash. It is also flushable and has natural odor control properties. SmartCat is made from 100% organic non-GMO grass seed that is chemical-free and 99% dust-free. But choosing the right cat litter for you and your kitty can also be healthier for you, your pet, and for the environment. But keep in mind that 8 lbs of silica litter by volume would look more like around 12-13 lbs of clay, plus its not necessary to use as much silica litter in the litter box (the box only needs to be 2 inches deep, vs. the recommended 3-4 inches with clay). "Crystalline Silica: Health Risks." But is silica cat litter safe? Many cat litter impacts the environment adversely since it contains a substantial amount of silica dust. It is also important to tie the bag securely to prevent any litter from escaping. Another option is to dispose of silica cat litter in a more environmentally friendly way. This material is derived from quartz, a mineral that is abundant in the earths crust. It is highly absorbent and can hold up to three times its weight in liquid. Price Range: $20-$33 Naturally Fresh is a brand that turns walnut shells from their family farm in California into biodegradable cat litter with sustainable odor-control.. Like other plant-based cat litter, Natural Fresh's walnut cat litter is also compostable and biodegradable. Best Dust-Free Cat . Except for clay and silica gel cat litters, all varieties of cat litter are biodegradable. 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. Wheat litter is a better-for-the-environment alternative to clay litter. One of the main advantages of silica cat litter is its ability to control odors. Thank you for your detailed review of silica litter. When choosing an eco-friendly cat litter, it is important to consider your cats preferences and needs. Newspaper cat litter is a great option if youre still getting your local paper because youre repurposing something youve already purchased. Many clay cat litters have added silica, which generates silica dust. Weve developed a step-by-step guide to creating a stress-free schedule that brings out your cats best. Here at tuft + paw, we are cat experts. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Naturally Fresh is dust-free and doesnt stick to kitty paws so it's low tracking. Although some producers claim their litters are devoid of it, it eventually becomes a determining factor for cat owners when weighing their alternatives. Be sure to look at the pros and cons of each type so you can pick the one thats right for you. To research this article, we consulted cat behaviorist Nicole Van Andel, veterinarian Megan Teiber, and hundreds of online reviews. Corn litter is biodegradable and artificially perfumed. However, the main concern with silica cat litter is its biodegradability. The silica still absorbed the moisture and dried out the poop and the urine. In this context, the question arises: Is silica cat litter biodegradable? However, silica cat litter is not biodegradable. Even if its advertised as flushable litter, it might not be safe for your pipe system. Eco-Friendly Cat Litters vs. Clay and Crystal Litters. This change in molecular state makes silica gel completely harmless, whereas crystalline silica dust (the kind found in clay litter) is a known carcinogen if inhaled. "Toxoplasmosis: General FAQs." The clumping pine litter looks like sawdust and is grounded, whereas the non-clumping pine litter looks like a pelleted structure. Flushable cat litters dont expand as much as non-flushable types. Double-bagging the litter can also help prevent leaks and spills. It is commonly used in a variety of products, including food packaging, electronics, and personal care items. 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. Luckily, you have options, but finding a suitable litter may take some trial and error. When it comes time to change out your kitty's litter box, crystal litter thankfully doesn't leave any cemented clumps behind. Best Natural and Biodegradable Cat Litter in 2023 - Insider Crystal cat litter is made from non-toxic amorphous silica. Alternative litters are made from a variety of materials alone or in mixtures including paper, corn, walnuts, wheat, wood, pine, and grass. Silica gel is a synthetic material made from silicon dioxide, which is a non-renewable resource. However, beware: Potting soil could make quite a mess. In addition to the base membership plan, our veterinarians may also recommend additional medication (Rx and/or OTC) that you will have the option of adding to your plan at an additional cost. Some cat owners say it lasts longer than any other sort of litter they can get their hands on. With just a quick stir and scoop of poop every day, you get an optimal clean without much effort. The original formula for making sodium silicate permeable is silica; this cat litter is formed of silica dioxide, the same as quartz. Furthermore, it is thought to have a smaller landfill volume. To earn the top overall spot, the litter must be absorbent, available, reasonably affordable, sustainably produced, and capable of preventing odors. Most cat litter boxes are made from plastic, which is a fossil fuel byproduct that we discourage purchasing brand new. The lightweight litter is also easy to pour. Some of the best advantages to using crystal litters is theyre much lighter than clay, and they last a lot longer. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/crystalline-silica, https://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/science-questions/question206.htm, https://www.aspca.org/news/learn-more-about-silica-gel-common-pet-toxin. Two inches is typically enough, but you can add more if needed. 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. Side note: yes, silica gel is what's inside those DO NOT EAT desiccant packets. However, the process of turning silica gel into cat litter involves adding chemicals and other materials that can make it less biodegradable. That can upset the balance in your system and result in an increased need for service. They do not clump like most other litters, instead, the moisture is able to evaporate, while odor stays trapped within the crystals. The manufacturer claims that this litter is so absorbent, one bag will last as long as three bags of clay-based litter. Get quality puppy care today. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. With any cat litter, pour in a ventilated area to reduce your exposure to dust, and always wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning up. Shopping for litter for your cat can be a challenge. When searching for the best cat litter, you'll find two types of silica: crystalline and amorphous gel. Our team of writers strives to provide accurate and genuine reviews and articles, and all views and opinions expressed on our site are solely those of the authors. Treehugger's tester reports that ExquisiCat pellets don't tract out of the box much, and they particularly liked the resealable packaging. Is silica cat litter biodegradable?No, silica cat litter is not biodegradable. However, our tester found the softer texture to be super messy and difficult to clean up. Using compost with cat feces anywhere near a waterway can also pose a health risk. So, perhaps one of the best choices you can make for your cat, the environment, and your lungs is to choose a biodegradable cat litter. It also clumps wellthe bag claims it clumps better than clayso its easy to scoop. The magic of this brand is that it is made from whole-kernel corn compressed into tight granules that expand to absorb and clump quickly to trap odors. Furthermore, silica cat litter is not compostable. According to a press release put out by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in 2015, manufacturers and marketers of dog waste bags were told that their biodegradable, compostable, and other environmental claims may be deceptive. =. These take less time to break down than a plastic bag or even current biodegradable bags on the market. With amazing prices, selection, and customer service, theyre the KING of the pet supply niche. Here at tuft + paw, we're cat experts. In this context, the question arises: Is silica cat litter biodegradable?var cid='7881753709';var pid='ca-pub-7143940720449858';var slotId='div-gpt-ad-ablison_com-medrectangle-3-0';var ffid=1;var alS=1021%1000;var container=document.getElementById(slotId);var ins=document.createElement('ins');ins.id=slotId+'-asloaded';ins.className='adsbygoogle ezasloaded';ins.dataset.adClient=pid;ins.dataset.adChannel=cid;ins.style.display='block';ins.style.minWidth=container.attributes.ezaw.value+'px';ins.style.width='100%';ins.style.height=container.attributes.ezah.value+'px';container.style.maxHeight=container.style.minHeight+'px';container.style.maxWidth=container.style.minWidth+'px';container.appendChild(ins);(adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle||[]).push({});window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId,'stat_source_id',44);window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId,'adsensetype',1);var lo=new MutationObserver(window.ezaslEvent);lo.observe(document.getElementById(slotId+'-asloaded'),{attributes:true});var cid='7881753709';var pid='ca-pub-7143940720449858';var slotId='div-gpt-ad-ablison_com-medrectangle-3-0_1';var ffid=1;var alS=1021%1000;var container=document.getElementById(slotId);var ins=document.createElement('ins');ins.id=slotId+'-asloaded';ins.className='adsbygoogle ezasloaded';ins.dataset.adClient=pid;ins.dataset.adChannel=cid;ins.style.display='block';ins.style.minWidth=container.attributes.ezaw.value+'px';ins.style.width='100%';ins.style.height=container.attributes.ezah.value+'px';container.style.maxHeight=container.style.minHeight+'px';container.style.maxWidth=container.style.minWidth+'px';container.appendChild(ins);(adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle||[]).push({});window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId,'stat_source_id',44);window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId,'adsensetype',1);var lo=new MutationObserver(window.ezaslEvent);lo.observe(document.getElementById(slotId+'-asloaded'),{attributes:true});.medrectangle-3-multi-617{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. From home. 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. 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. Elizabeth MacLennan is a fact checker and expert on climate change. If not properly disposed of, cat waste has the potential to be hazardous to you and the environment. 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. Three years later, the biodegradable, oxo-biodegradable, and conventional plastic formulations were still strong enough to carry groceries after being in the soil or the marine environment. Made from natural wood fiber that has been responsibly rescued, its texture is smaller than the pellets of many other brands of eco-friendly litter. Rescue agencies and shelters that are on tight budgets like it also for its smell-reduction without scents or perfumes. Newspaper, wood shavings or sawdust, sand, and potting soil are all environmentally friendly, cat-safe, and odor-masking litter options. All comments are moderated before being published. The litter itself is free from any artificial or chemical odors, and only smells faintly of paper. The crystal particles start to break down and develop dust when stirred, Size of the litter box (if you use a jumbo box or larger, youll need to use more litter than recommended in order to reach the 2 depth), number of cats you own (more litter box traffic = shorter life), the volume of pee your cat produces (cats with diabetes can pee excessively, severely shortening the litter lifespan). Perhaps the best part is the litter is 100% pine shavings. Reaching for eco-friendly cat litter is beneficial for cats, humans, and the planet. Silica cat litter has become increasingly popular among cat owners due to its ability to absorb moisture and control odors. How long does silica cat litter take to decompose?Silica cat litter does not decompose as it is not biodegradable. One option is to recycle the used litter. Learn why puppy parents are choosing Dutch. Read our complete disclosure here for more information. Author Lorraine Wilde has had at least one cat companion in her home for the past 35 years. Do you still have any queries related to cats or want to share some experiences with your feline friend, why don't you join us on Facebook with other cat lovers? Its low tracking, all natural, and even flushable! the answer is complicated. You also will need to wash out the litter box after each time you dump it out to prevent build up on the bottom. Some companies are marketing it as a better alternative to clay cat litters because it is non-toxic, technically reusable and it doesnt generate harmful dust the way clay does. Thats why developed our own tofu litter called. Author of Book: Secrets To Keep Your Cat Healthy Pine cat litter is also less harmful to the environment than clay cat litter. These gigantic operations can be some of the largest industrial sites on the planet, displacing massive amounts of preexisting vegetation and habitat. Worlds Best Cat Litter Multiple Cat Unscented at Walmart, Feline Pine Original Non-Clumping Litter at Walmart, Fresh News Recycled Paper Litter at Amazon, kocat Original Natural Wood Cat Litter at Walmart, Pioneer Pet All Natural Clumping Litter at Walmart, ExquisiCat Paper Pellet Cat Litter at PetSmart, Worlds Best Cat Litter Multiple Cat Unscented, kocat Original Low Dust Natural Wood Clumping Cat Litter, The 9 Best Cat Collars and Harnesses of 2023, ExquisiCat Naturals Multi Cat Paper Pellet Cat Litter. What is the most environmentally safe cat litter? It does a very good job of eliminating waste odor.". Silica cat litter is made from amorphous silica gel, not the crystalline thats used in those packets. It is not biodegradable or compostable, which means it will remain in landfills indefinitely. You also wont need to do the daily task of scooping out urine clumps, which makes cleaning the box faster and easier. Naturally Fresh Quick-Clumping cat litter is made from 100% annually renewable, organically-grown, non-GMO walnut shells from California. Littermaid Premium Walnut Litter is made from repurposed food waste and creates very little dust. September 13, 2012 Dear EarthTalk: Which are the most ecofriendly and nontoxic (to people, cats and sanitation systems) cat litters?Sam Barnes, Macon, Ga. There have been several reports that cat faeces contain the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, linked to the death of sea otters when flushed down the toilet. If you examine the cost per pound of silica gel litters vs clay (both clumping and non-clumping versions) it appears significantly more expensive. Okay, one last thing. $0 This Quick-Clumping variation is a fine ground recommended for one or two cats. Best Eco-Friendly Cat Litters | PetGuide Some clays may also be strip-mined from distant countries like China and the Ukraine. Because walnut litters are not as common as clay-based litters, you may not find them in all stores. In addition to proper disposal, it is important to also consider the environmental impact of the production and transportation of silica cat litter. Catnip vs. Catmint: Are They Really the Same? Home Blog Is Silica Cat Litter Biodegradable? Silica cat litter has become a popular choice among cat owners due to its ability to absorb moisture and control odors. Eventually, the water evaporates and leaves the smelly compounds behind; this is what grants crystal litter its odor controlling capabilities. Some varieties of maize litter even include cat attractants. The litter is also good at trapping in any urine odor. As previously said, there are many different types of cat litter available on the market. This means that 5 or 6 pounds of silica litters work similarly to 15 or 20 pounds of clay. Avoid flushing it down the toilet and instead dispose of it in the trash using a strong and securely tied bag. Well, there are a few reasons why some pet owners opt to search for a more environmentally friendly cat litter for their furry companions. What is walnut cat litter? Does the eco-friendly alternative really work? The clay used in cat litter is a natural soil component made of mineralseither calcium montmorillonite or the clumping sodium bentonite. So, what is silica litter, and is it safe for my cats? She is the Owner and Strategist of the public relations and content company Wilde World Communications. This raises a lot of questions about whether these biodegradable bags can actually deteriorate enough to make them a viable substitute for standard trash bags. The most common types of cat litter are "clumping" or "non-clumping". So, cat litter can be bad for the environment. Environmentally friendly cat litter can be called biodegradable. I will definitely give you a Like on Facebook. That means it can cost more than some of the other non-clay/non-silica litters. If you are on a home septic system, flushing your cat litter is just adding excess organic solids to your system. These drawbacks either depend on personal preference or vary between brands.
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