We spend so much time and money making sure our cats eat healthy food, play with non-toxic toys, and sleep on beds that are safe for them. But how much thought is really put into choosing the best litter for your cat?

Litter is one of the most valuable resources for cats – right next to food, water, and your love. There are tons of options – including clay and natural variations of scented, unscented, clumping, dust-free – so it can quickly become an overwhelming choice.

Luckily, not all litters are created equal, so let’s help narrow down some of the best choices.

An important place to start is knowing that cats naturally lick their paws and groom themselves meticulously. This means they ingest small amounts of the litter they use every day. They breathe in litter each time they walk into that box to do their business. Their paw pads absorb everything they stand on, as they are a vascular part of a cat’s anatomy. Making a conscious effort to choose a litter made with safe ingredients is an important first step in protecting your cat’s long-term health. Let’s see which litter options we should avoid.

 

 

Scented Litter

 

Did you know that many scented litters contain synthetic essential oils, perfumes, deodorizers, and other artificial fragrances that may be harmful to cats over time? These ingredients certainly contribute to scented litters being associated with respiratory issues, and skin sensitivities.

Strong scents can also be overwhelming to a cat’s highly sensitive nose, which may lead to avoidance of the litter box and improper elimination outside the box. This is why scented litters have been linked to urinary tract issues.

The scent in these litters is a relatively modern marketing idea meant for us humans – without appropriate consideration for our cats.

 

Clay Litter

 

Clay litter often contains silica and sodium bentonite, both of which can pose potential health concerns. These fine particles can become airborne when the litter is poured or scratched, increasing the chance of inhalation. Sodium bentonite expands up to 15 times its size, which is why it’s ideal to create clumping litter. However, our cats ingest the litter that they use when grooming, so imagine what this does as it expands and is filtered through the bodies of our cats. We’ve been told by a holistic veterinarian that clay litter is directly linked to kidney disease in cats.

Silica dust is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen for humans, and chronic exposure has been linked to respiratory disease and cancer in humans. While research in cats is more limited, it is worth considering how frequently cats are exposed, often with their faces close to the litter while breathing in dust many times daily. Ingesting clay litter through paw licking may also contribute to digestive irritation and even obstructions.

Because of these concerns, clay-based litter is another option we choose to avoid.

 

Corn and Wheat Litter

 

Natural-based litter like corn or wheat may seem like a safer alternative at first glance. They typically do not contain silica or sodium bentonite and are often unscented. However, there are still important considerations.

The majority of conventionally grown corn, wheat, and soy crops may be treated with herbicides such as glyphosate and can also contain mycotoxins from mold contamination. While many of us choose organic, non-GMO versions of these foods for ourselves, most corn and wheat-based litters are not certified organic.

For cat parents looking to minimize chemical exposure, avoiding non-organic grain-based litter may be the safer choice.

 

Safer Litter Alternatives

 

The good news is that there are still many great litter options available that tend to be gentler and more cat friendly. Kiln-dried pine pellets, grass seed litter, wood-based litter, coconut litter, and walnut shell litter are all great alternatives.

Important to note that if you’re switching up your cat’s litter, do it gradually. Add a bit of the new litter to the old and increase over time. You want to make sure your cat is comfortable with their new ‘bathroom’ – because the real bottom line? The best litter is the one your cat will use.

 

 

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