Liz Coleman / Cats.com
As shoppers search to reduce their carbon footprint, pure cat litter is having its day—a motion we will get behind. Sadly, there’s lots of misinformation about pure litter on the market. We’re right here to clear up the confusion and spotlight its strengths, weaknesses, and who stands to learn most.
To make clear, after we discuss with “pure” litter within the pet trade, we imply litter made out of natural supplies that break down extra simply than conventional clay. Whereas clay litter is sourced from the earth and will be technically thought of “pure,” it’s not probably the most eco-friendly choice. Pure litters are crafted from renewable assets like wooden, corn, and recycled paper. Not solely are they higher for the planet, however in addition they provide sensible advantages for cat mother and father.
Uncertain if pure litter is for you? Under, we’ll lay out the primary advantages—and admittedly name out widespread drawbacks. Listed below are seven causes to contemplate a sustainable litter, like Catit’s Go Pure Pea Husk Litter.
1. It’s Higher for the Surroundings
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Pure cat litter presents a transparent environmental benefit, each when it comes to manufacturing and its disposal.
Whereas bentonite clay is extracted by way of strip-mining, a damaging course of that harms ecosystems, pure litters are made out of renewable assets like wheat, soybeans, and recycled paper.
These supplies usually come from sustainably managed practices. For instance, wood-based litters are derived from responsibly harvested forests, and tofu-based merchandise make the most of leftover scraps. Catit’s pure litter upcycles post-consumer supplies that will in any other case be discarded, together with pea husks and bamboo.
Many pure manufacturers additionally deal with eco-friendly packaging. Catit, as an illustration, options recyclable cardboard packing containers and vacuum-packed luggage that save house and cut back CO2 emissions throughout transport.
When it’s time to switch litter, pure choices are biodegradable and break down over time, lowering waste in landfills.
2. It’s More healthy for Cats
Clay litter usually comprises dangerous chemical compounds, dyes, and fragrances. Pure litters, however, are normally made out of food-grade, non-toxic supplies. These are gentler in your cat’s lungs, pores and skin, and even their tummy, ought to they struggle a nibble.
As a substitute of counting on harsh components to fight odor, pure litters embody supplies that naturally take up and neutralize odors. In addition they incorporate eco-friendly add-ins, like baking soda, to handle smells.
Moreover, pure litter tends to supply much less mud, which is healthier for cats with bronchial asthma or allergy symptoms in addition to delicate people. Switching to a pure litter could make everybody within the family—feline or in any other case—breathe just a little simpler.
Whereas pure litter is mostly safer, two potential well being hazards to look at for are pests and mould. If not saved accurately, pure litters like corn and wheat will be prone to those points.
3. It’s (Often) Much less Mess Than Clay
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On the subject of cleanliness, pure litter has an edge over clay. Sometimes, pure supplies produce much less mud, and any mud generated is safer to breathe than tiny clay particles.
Some pure formulation, resembling Catit’s Pea Husk litter, are purposefully designed with bigger pellets that monitor much less, protecting litter contained in the field as a substitute of your flooring. Nevertheless, you’ll additionally discover pure litters which are light-weight and are available fantastic granules. These can truly result in extra mess than clay.
One thing to contemplate: Regardless that they don’t sometimes embody synthetic fragrances, some pure litters could have a definite odor by advantage of their substances. (i.e., pine pellets will odor woodsy and tofu has a decidedly candy odor). We advocate selecting one thing you possibly can reside with.
4. Pure Litters Typically Out-Carry out Clay
Pure litters can get a nasty rap for being ineffective, however some manufacturers can truly outperform clay in key areas. I’ve tried a wide range of litters through the years, and I’ve discovered that many pure choices clump and management odors higher than some financial system clay litters.
That mentioned, experiences will differ. Not all pure choices are equally hard-working. Each materials has totally different strengths and weaknesses, and there are trade-offs with any litter.
Pine, for instance, is extremely absorbent, and corn tends to clump properly. In testing, we realized Catit’s Pea Husk litter, like different related tofu-based litters, managed odors admirably. Paper pellets, nevertheless, want extra frequent adjustments and normally have mediocre odor management.
5. Simpler Disposal
Pure litter is usually biodegradable, that means you possibly can compost it or use it as mulch to your backyard. This eco-friendly method helps cut back waste. Each Catit’s Pea Husk Litter and Extremely-Mild Litter are compostable—simply bear in mind to take away dirty clumps first to forestall the unfold of pathogens.
In distinction, clay litter takes a very long time to interrupt down and might sit in landfills for years. It’s additionally heavier, which makes disposal tougher.
Some pure litter is even flushable, though you’ll want to make sure your plumbing can deal with it and that native ordinances allow it.
6. It’s Light-weight and Simple to Handle
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Not like heavy clay, which may make litter field adjustments really feel like a exercise, many pure choices are straightforward to elevate, carry, and pour. That is splendid for these dwelling in high-rise flats or for anybody who finds heavy luggage troublesome to handle.
With light-weight pure litter, not solely is it simpler to prime off the litter pan, however altering the complete field turns into a less complicated process. Whether or not you could have mobility points or simply desire a lighter choice, switching to pure litter can lighten your load.
7. It’s Softer Than Clay
Most pure litters provide a gentler contact in comparison with clay, which will be tough on delicate paws. Supplies like corn and pine are mushy. They’ll make the litter field extra comfy for cats with delicate toes or joint points. This added consolation may imply the distinction between your cat willingly utilizing the field or avoiding it altogether (in favor of a extra comfy floor, like your mattress).
Whereas some cats may have just a little time to transition from coarse clay to mushy pellets (and a few, like my cat Amber, might not take to it in any respect), the advantages of a smoother floor will probably be a sport changer for a lot of cats.
Pure litter gained’t be a homerun for each cat or family. And, usually, you’ll want to identify a number of further bucks to fill your packing containers. However, for some cat guardians, a high-performing pure litter ticks all of the packing containers.
For those who’re in search of a litter that’s kinder to the planet, safer to your cat, and simpler so that you can handle, a pure litter like Catit is certainly price contemplating. Its efficiency and effectivity might shock you (in one of the best ways).
