Is Cat Litter Biodegradable? Benefits And Risks

Pet owners want the best for their furry companions, including eco-friendly products that are safe for their pets and better for the environment. With millions of tons of cat litter purchased each year, disposal can be a major source of landfill waste.

Many cat owners wonder if composting cat litter is a sustainable option. This article covers the biodegradability of different litters and the potential benefits and risks of composting used cat litter.

What Is Cat Litter Made Of?

Cat litter was invented in 1947 by Edward Lowe to provide an alternative to the ashes, sand, and dirt that people commonly used in cat boxes. Today’s cat litters are made from a variety of materials:

• Clay - This is the most widely used cat litter. Clumping clay litter is made of bentonite, a type of clay that forms clumps when wet. Non-clumping clay litter may include materials like silica or diatomaceous earth to help with odor control. Clay litters are inexpensive and effective at containing odors, but they are not biodegradable.

• Silica gel - Also known as crystal litter, silica gel litters contain porous beads made from sand and minerals that absorb liquid. Silica gel litters control odor well but do not biodegrade.

• Paper - Recycled paper and sawdust or other plant fibers are made into pellets for absorbent and compostable cat litter.

• Pine - Pine litter can be produced from sawdust, pellets, or granules. It is biodegradable but may not clump as well as clay.

• Corn - Whole kernel corn and corn cobs are used to make natural, compostable litters. Corn litters are highly absorbent but more expensive than clay.

• Wheat - Wheat straw and fibers make an effective compostable litter, though some cats may not readily take to wheat litters.

• Walnut shells - Crushed walnut shells are a renewable and compostable material for cat litter. Litters made of walnut tend to have a pleasant natural odor.

So while clay is the most common, cat litters today include a range of natural biodegradable options.

What Cat Litter Works Best?

There is no definitive “best” cat litter for all situations. Factors pet owners consider when choosing a cat litter include:

• Odor control - Controlling ammonia and other odors is essential. Some litters contain baking soda or activated charcoal for extra odor absorption. Most biodegradable litters naturally neutralize odors effectively.

• Dust level - Low dust litters are better for households with asthma or allergies. Many natural litters produce less dust than traditional clay litters.

• Clumping ability - Clumping litter makes cleanup easier but some biodegradable litters don’t clump well. Non-clumping varieties require more frequent litter changes.

• Tracking - Some litters tend to get stuck between kitty’s toes. Litters with large grains or pellets have less tracking.

• Cost - Inexpensive clay litters let owners change litter frequently. Natural litters often cost more but may last longer per change.

• Biodegradability - For environmental benefits, choose a cat litter made of renewable materials that will break down.

Consider your cat’s preferences as well. Some cats immediately take to a new litter while others need time to adjust to the switch.

Can You Compost Cat Litter?

Not all cat litters are compostable. Clay, crystal, and other synthetic litters do not biodegrade. However, natural plant-based or paper-based cat litters generally can be composted.🐱

To compost cat litter:

• Use an organic, biodegradable litter
• Compost soiled litter separately from food scraps
• Allow 1-2 years for litter to fully decompose
• Only use compost on ornamental plants, not edibles

Composting cat litter has some clear benefits, but it also carries risks pet owners must consider.

How Can You Compost Cat Litter?

Composting cat litter follows the same basic steps used for other compost materials:

• Build or purchase a standard compost bin, tumbler, or pile in your yard. Do not use kitchen compost bins for cat litter.

• Layer biodegradable cat litter in the compost pile as you would with food scraps, grass clippings, dry leaves, etc. Ensure good airflow by regularly turning the compost.

• Allow 1-2 years for cat litter to fully decompose, longer than most standard compost piles. Move finished compost from the bottom of the pile to cure separately.

• Because cat feces may contain parasites, only use cat litter compost on ornamental plants. Do not use it for vegetable gardens.

If you live in an apartment or don’t want an outdoor compost pile, talk to your municipal waste department about local residential composting options. Some communities offer curbside pickup for organic waste like cat litter.

Proper composting requires patience and care, but can keep tons of biodegradable cat litter out of the landfills each year.

It’s a natural way to recycle organic cat waste into nutrient-rich fertilizer.😺

What Are the Benefits of Composting Cat Litter?

Composting biodegradable cat litter offers several advantages:

• Reduces landfill waste - Millions of tons of clay cat litter go into landfills each year. Composting can divert some of this waste stream.

• Reuses waste - Turns used cat litter into useful compost instead of trash.

• Environmentally friendly - Composting is a sustainable way to handle organic cat waste.

• Produces fertilizer - Mature compost provides nutrients for your ornamental gardens.

• Saves money - Homemade compost can replace purchased fertilizers and mulch.

With the right precautions, composting cat litter lets owners dispose of pet waste in an earth-friendly manner.

What Are the Risks of Composting Cat Litter?

While composting cat litter can be done safely, there are some risks to consider:

• Parasites - Cat feces may contain toxoplasmosis pathogens that can infect humans. Always wear gloves when composting litter and do not use the finished compost on edibles.

• Respiratory irritation - Compost piles release gases that may cause irritation for some individuals. Place compost bins in well-ventilated outdoor areas.

• Odor - Decomposing cat waste can smell bad. Turn piles regularly to speed decomposition. Locate compost away from neighbors.

• Vermin attraction - Outdoor compost may attract unwanted rodents or insects if not properly maintained. Use sealed bins and tumble regularly.

Though composting cat waste takes more effort than bagging it for the landfill, the environmental benefits may make it worthwhile for many cat parents.😼

Conclusion

With responsible precautions, composting cat litter can be a relatively safe method to reduce landfill waste from biodegradable litters.

Corn, wheat, pine, paper, and other natural cat litters will break down in a well-maintained compost pile over 1-2 years. While not recommended for all households, litter composting may appeal to eco-conscious cat owners who want to dispose of pet waste sustainably.

Whether you compost cat litter or not, choosing a biodegradable natural litter is one small step to reduce your cat’s environmental paw print!