| Many types of cat litter are on the market. Most | | | | agent acts as a cement and may compromise |
| litters are disposable; some are even flushable. | | | | your cat's health that can be traced to sodium |
| Clawed cats are not likely to care what type you | | | | bentonite's properties. This clumping agent |
| use. Declawed cats, on the other hand, are often | | | | expands to 15 times its size when wet. When a |
| challenged with litter box issues. | | | | cat steps in the litter box, some sodium bentonite |
| Non clumping clay litters: Granulated pieces of clay | | | | clings to his paws. Later on, the cat will lick it off. |
| litter are about the size of small-grain rice. 100% | | | | Once it gets into his digestive system, this trace |
| clay litters are natural, very inexpensive and | | | | residue will expand. This results in an impaired |
| available in every grocery store, pet stores, and | | | | immune system, respiratory distress, and irritated |
| online catalogs. They have been on the market | | | | bowel syndrome. |
| since 1945. Clay litters are not biodegradable or | | | | Non clumping clay litters at least have larger |
| flushable. The clay naturally contains silica dust | | | | granules that tend to fall off his paws. And they |
| which is a known carcinogen. Manufacturers say | | | | do not contain this type of cement that gives |
| that the cat litter does not have any more silica | | | | scoopables their "clump." Since manufacturers do |
| dust than sandy beaches. Even so, if your cat has | | | | not have to disclose ingredients on the litter's label, |
| a sensitive health or behavior problem, you may | | | | call them and ask if the clumping littercontains |
| try biodegradable litters. Many are dust-free and | | | | sodium bentonite. If it does, try another brand. |
| flushable, such as alfalfa pellets. Some clay litters | | | | Litter containing ingredients such as calcium |
| are scented with a deodorizer that absorbs odors | | | | bentonite and sodium bentonite may also ruin the |
| or is activated when the litter is pawed at or | | | | plumbing in your house. Some municipalities may |
| stirred. Your cat may or may not like the scent | | | | fine you if certain clumping litters are found in |
| so try both kinds. | | | | your pipes or sewer. |
| Clumping litter: Also known as "scoopable," this | | | | Biodegradable litters: Biodegradable litters come |
| type of litter forms a solid ball when urine | | | | from plants. These litters are made of alfalfa, |
| penetrates a deep layer of the litter. The urine | | | | corn cob, aspen, citrus peels, pine and wheat. |
| hardens the litter which can then be scooped out | | | | Most are flushable but call the manufacturer to be |
| in a hard ball. This litter lasts longer and controls | | | | sure, or if you have a septic tank. New |
| the smell of urine quite well. Some declawed cats | | | | biodegradable litters are hitting the market almost |
| may prefer the fine texture and softness of | | | | every year. Some litters are finely ground, others |
| clumping litters. Because clumping litters control | | | | are pellet type. Some naturally clump without |
| the odor so well, they seem ideal at first, | | | | sodium bentonite. Most are dust-free. |
| especially if you have more than one cat. But | | | | Newspaper litters: Litters recycled from |
| there is a serious problem to some scoopable | | | | newspaper come in pellet form. These are found |
| clumping litters. | | | | in grocery stores, online catalogs, and pet stores. |
| For clumping litters to work, they need a | | | | However, newspaper could be toxic to some cats |
| "clumping agent." A popular clumping agent in | | | | or people because some inks are toxic. Some do |
| many scoopable brands is sodium bentonite. This | | | | not control odor too well. |