Clumping clay litters are not flushable, because they're made from bentonite clay. Bentonite clay forms a cement-like compound in water, so flushing it could clog pipes or damage septic systems. Because of this, using traditional clay litter means also signing up for endless trips to the trash.
Traditional clay litters are definitely not flushable. Some natural or alternative litters are flushable, but certainly not all of them. You should review your litter packaging thoroughly and understand the instructions of your litter brand before flushing. Don't over do it: Scoop clumps into the toilet 1-2 at a time.
As you're now sure to see, cat litter does not dissolve in water due to its absorbent properties. You can, however, use it's absorptive properties to your advantage beyond cleaning up your pet's waste by applying it in areas of your home or elsewhere where there is too much moisture.
Less Contamination. Non-clumping litters don't clump around your cats “solids”, so they can get spread around and contaminate the rest of the litter, which isn't only unsanitary but can also be dangerous as cat poo may carry Toxoplasmosis or other harmful bacteria.
The choice of clumping versus non-clumping litter is a personal decision. Though many cats appear to prefer clumping litter because it is easier for them to push aside, some cats prefer non-clumping clay.
The Downsides to Clumping Litter
Clumping litter is often finer than non-clumping litter, this is part of what makes it clump. As a result, it can often be dustier. So if your cat has allergies or asthma, it might not be a good choice.
Twice a week is a general guideline for replacing clay litter, but depending on your circumstances, you may need to replace it every other day or only once a week. If you clean the litter box daily, you might only need to change clumping litter every two to three weeks.
Clumping litters
They form a solid clump around urine or faeces so that you can just remove that without having to empty the entire litter tray (make sure you top up with extra litter to make up for what you've removed).
Cats generally prefer clumping litter with a medium to fine texture. They also usually prefer unscented litter. To help your cat pick her preferred litter, put a few boxes side-by-side with different types of litter in them. She'll use the one the she likes best.
Flushable cat litter is made from biodegradable materials that break down in the environment. It will not harden when mixed with water and is supposed to be safe to flush down the toilet. Conventional cat litter is often made from a combination of clay and silica.
Clumping clay litters are not flushable, because they're made from bentonite clay. Bentonite clay forms a cement-like compound in water, so flushing it could clog pipes or damage septic systems. Because of this, using traditional clay litter means also signing up for endless trips to the trash.
This can clog your toilet or other drains. When you flush kitty litter down your toilet, your pipes can break or burst from the pressure of the clog. This means you could end up with water damage and extensive plumbing repairs. Also, it can lead to sewage backups in your home, which can make you and your family sick.
If your cat is eating litter, it could be a sign that they have an underlying health issue. Petful points out that eating litter can be a sign of anemia, a vitamin or mineral deficiency or a neurological disorder — all conditions that require diagnosis by a veterinarian.
A variety of studies have found that cats prefer their litter to be soft and fine-grained. A recent study compared three types of unscented litter—wood pellets, silica microgranules, and nonclumping clay granules. Overwhelmingly, the cats chose silica and clay over the pellets.
Silica litter prevents bacteria with crystals that absorb urine and help dehydrate feces, making your cat's litter box too dry to sustain any growth. This helps prevent kidney problems and UTIs in cats. Environmentally, silica litters will biodegrade and are non-toxic, making them a better choice than clay.
Unclean litter boxes can make cats more susceptible to developing urinary tract infections (UTIs). Certain types of litter like the clay litters and litter with fine dust can also contribute to respiratory disease, and make cats with asthma have more frequent flare-ups.
It can be. Eating indigestible matter, including cat litter, can cause an intestinal obstruction or constipation in a cat or kitten. Clay-based clumping litters contain sodium bentonite, which can swell when moisture is added, and form hard lumps immediately or over time.
We do not recommend mixing a non-clumping litter with the clumping clay and it could inhibit the scoopable litter's ability to clump.
Open a trash bag and place it next to the litter box. Mix two parts hot water with one part hydrogen-based bleach in your spray bottle and shake well. Spray all of the clumps that remain on the litter box thoroughly. Soak them well so they're easy to remove.
On one hand, too much litter in your cat's litter box can cause overflow and spillage problems all over your bathroom floor. On the other hand, too little litter in the box can create smelly and messy poo problems when your cat isn't able to dig enough litter to hide their solid waste.
How Often Should You Change the Cat Litter? If you use a clumping litter, it's best to scoop the box daily and change it out completely at least monthly. If you have more than one cat, it may be best to change the cat litter more often, every 2-3 weeks.
In most cases, clumping litter is the easiest to clean. You'll also want to consider how much time and maintenance you're willing to dedicate to litter box cleaning.
The most likely reason a kitten will be eaten is that it was born unhealthy or stillborn. The cat may eat the kittens for any other reason but they are more common in feral cats living in the wild without food or shelter. If your cat eats its kittens, worry not, it's nature adjusting itself.
Cat owners and women who are exposed to cats should follow these tips to reduce exposure to Toxoplasma. Avoid changing cat litter if possible. If no one else can perform the task, wear disposable gloves and wash your hands with soap and water afterwards.