Traditional cat litter often contains clay, silica and artificial fragrances to improve absorbency and mask odors. While these materials can perform these tasks well, they can also pose hidden dangers.
Clay-based litters. Clay-based cat litters are popular due to their excellent clumping properties and odor control. Is clay kitty litters toxic? They may contain sodium bentonite, a clay mineral. Ingestion of sodium bentonite may result in gastrointestinal blockage, vomiting, and diarrhea. Such litters are very toxic for kittens. Kittens, in particular, are at higher risk of ingesting litter due to their curious nature and smaller size. In addition, these litters contain large amounts of dust. These dust particles can be inhaled by both cats and humans, leading to respiratory problems such as coughing, wheezing, and even asthma exacerbations. In addition, dust from litter can accumulate in the genital area, leading to irritation and potential urinary blockage. Long-term exposure to dusty litter can have a critical impact on the respiratory health of both pets and their owners. Dust is especially harmful to kittens whose bodies are not fully formed, cats and owners of asthma or other respiratory diseases, and pregnant cats and girls.
Silica Gel Crystals: Silica gel cat litter also provides superior absorbency and odor control. However, fine particles of silica gel dust can irritate the respiratory tract when inhaled, exacerbating existing respiratory conditions or causing the development of new ones.
The next question is “Is cat litter smell toxic?” Many traditional cat litter contain artificial fragrances to mask unpleasant odors. While these fragrances may seem harmless, they may contain phthalates, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other potentially harmful chemicals. The chemicals, perfumes and additives used in scented litters can irritate your cat's sensitive skin, causing itching, redness and discomfort. Cats may become over-groomed to relieve irritation, which can further worsen skin problems. Some cat litters contain ingredients that can alter the pH balance of cat urine or cause urinary tract irritation. Cats with sensitive urinary systems may experience discomfort or develop urinary tract infections when exposed to certain types of litter.
Environmental Impact: In addition to the health risks for cats, traditional cat litters can also have adverse effects on the environment. Clay mining for cat litter contributes to habitat destruction, soil erosion and water pollution. In addition, clay and silica-based litters are not biodegradable, clogging landfills and creating long-term environmental hazards.
