Skoon Is Planet & Earth Day Friendly
Overall, Skoon is 100% natural and healthy for cats, people, and the environment. With no harmful additives or chemicals, Skoon means better breathable air for you and your furry friends. And because its four times lighter than clumping litter, it generates less waste, and less energy to produce and transport, therefore, reducing your cats carbon footprint over a lifetime. Creating a foundation of support for our environment will determine the legacy we leave behind.
Switching to a new cat litter may seem like a small step to take, but each small step contributes to big changes for our planet.
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Silica Gel Cat Litter
Silica gel litter is relatively new, and is sometimes referred to as crystal litter. Its actually a granular form of sodium silicate, a substance with an incredible ability to absorb liquids, so its no surprise someone decided to market it as cat litter. It also has many industrial and commercial uses, such as those little packets you find in vitamin bottles. In use, you have to scoop out the feces every day, but urine is absorbed and just seems to vanish. It doesnt, of course, it is just soaked up, and eventually the litters ability to absorb any more is gone. Then its time for a complete change. Some people find that a 2 kg bag will last for a month for one cat. Silica gel litters have gained much of a following, with only 2% of sales at A Pets Life.
Kitty Litter Isn’t ‘biodegradable’ Or ‘flushable’ In Ventura County
Cat litter sold at supermarkets and discount retailers is often clay-based. However, larger or specialty pet stores carry alternatives made from wheat, corn, pine, paper, walnut shells and silica gel.
Environment:Time to unfriend ‘eco-friendly’ labels
The EcoAdvice website of Stanford University says more than 75 percent of all cat litters on the market are made from bentonite clay. While the silicate, aluminum, magnesium and iron in the clay make it effective at absorbing moisture and controlling odor, some people look for alternatives because bentonite comes from surface mines, mostly in Wyoming. Making cat litter from waste products closer to home has less impact on the environment.
Cat litter made from paper often comes from the waste fibers of newspaper-recycling facilities. These are fibers too short to be made into new paper, but they are still effective at absorbing cat waste. Cat litter made from corn comes from ground-up cobs and rejected kernels handled by food processing operations. Walnut-based cat litter is made from shells.
Compared to clay, recycled newspaper fibers are approximately 4 percent more expensive, wheat 10 percent more expensive, and corn 90 percent more expensive according to the Stanford site. Other alternatives are highly variable.
Also, cat litter collected in plastic bags, placed in trash carts and buried in landfills is unlikely to degrade, regardless of its content.
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Is Silica Gel Litter Safe For Cats Common Questions & Facts
Between clay, pine, wheat, and paper, there are many different types of litter that are made from various ingredients. Silica litter is new to the cat litter new and is sparking interest among cat owners. What is silica litter, and is it safe for my cats? So far, research shows that silica cat litter is safe for cats to use. Because it is so new, however, this belief could change in the future. Things are looking good so far, though, and this could be the next traditional cat litter in the years to come.
Should You Still Consider Making The Switch To Flushable Cat Litter If Its Not As Eco
A. Even if its not universally recommended to flush the flushable cat litter down the toilet, this type of cat litter still provides some advantages over silica-based and clay-based cat litter brands. You can even compost the soiled flushable cat litter in most cases.
Flushable cat litter also tends to be more environmentally friendly for landfills, since the ingredients degrade over time. Some cats also like the texture of the flushable cat litter over the firmness of many clay-based litter brands.
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It Can Prevent Oil Spots
As you know, kitty litter has silica in its composition, which you could use to your advantage since it absorbs liquids. You can use crystal cat litter to soak up any oil spots or spills on your driveway.
Simply enough, apply a few scoops of used kitty litter to where your parked car might normally leave oil spots. This way, if any oil spills from your car, the crystal cat litter should be able to absorb it before finding its way to the concrete.
Of course, it can be pretty hard to soak up any oil thats already formed on your driveway. Therefore, its always a good idea to prevent this from the beginning.
Environment Fight Club: Biodegradable Vs Non
With so many options of cat litter out there, choosing the right one for your cat can be a daunting task. Understanding your cat’s needs and keeping their safety in mind can help narrow the choices down. There are three main types:
CLAY
- Pros: The clumping types are very easy to use, resulting in using far less of it, which saves money. Most brands tend to absorb quite well, saving time regarding the frequency with which you have to wash out the box.
- Cons: I used six different kinds in various price ranges and found them all very dusty, despite claims to the contrary. Sodium bentonite clay, a mined clay, is often used as a main ingredient in the litter. This substance can be very harmful as it absorbs 15 times its original volume meaning, if ingested, it can cause severe health issues and even death.
SILICA
- Pros: Very resistant to bacteria due to their high absorption rate and many manufacturers claim that it is a flushable, non-dusty litter. The small beads don’t stick to your cat’s paws and hair, and therefore doesn’t track as much out of the litter box. This litter is easy to clean and does not have to be changed as often.
- Cons: I used two different kinds and they ARE dusty. Because of its high absorption rate, it is one of the more expensive cat litters on the market. The gel expands to absorb liquid, making it dangerous in much the same way as bentonite clay. Severe health issues and death can occur in pets that ingest this litter, including cancer.
BIODEGRADABLE
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Can I Make My Own Cat Litter
Luckily, you can create your own version of cat litter with items that should be normally available in your household. This way, itll be a chance to recycle different stuff in your house and save a few bucks as well.
For instance, you can use shredded newspaper or old paper that youd otherwise throw in the garbage. These should make your cat more comfortable. However, they might be a bit tricky to clean up since they arent as absorbent as other cat litter types on the market.
Still, the best thing about using old newspapers as cat litter is that you recycle it for the third time. Your inner environment activist should be thrilled at the idea!
How Cat Litter Is Made
The oldest form of cat litter well, after the boxes of ashes or sand people used prior to 1950 is clay-based, thanks to clays great absorbent properties. Most scoopable cat litter is an extension of the format, adding sodium bentonite which forms clumps when exposed to moisture. According to Stanfords Eco Advice: Digging Deeper: The Scoop on Cat Litter, 75% of cat litters on the market are made using bentonite clay.
Strip mining is as bad as it sounds. Also known as surface mining, the mining company bulldozes everything at surface level, then removes the topsoil down to the desired mineral. This type of mining destroys the local environment, displaces wildlife due to habitat loss, and can contaminate water tables. Many mining companies today have improved their practices to include restoring the stripped land by reclamation. However, this process is of questionable benefit from a conservation perspective.
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Does Cat Litter Contain Silica
Does Cat Litter Contain Silica? Many mass market cat litters contain significant amounts of silica dust which has been linked to upper respiratory issues in cats and even humans. Likewise, the chemical fragrances in many cat litters can also be toxic to cats. Yet another issue is the sodium bentonite clay in clumping cat litters.
Dear EarthTalk: Which are the most ecofriendly and nontoxic cat litters?-Sam Barnes, Macon, Ga. It makes sense that environmentally enlightened cat owners would want cat litter made from natural products that will not potentially compromise their health or that of their beloved pets. The fact that this type of clay can swell up to 15 times its original volume when a cat urinates or defecates into it makes it an excellent cat litter substrate, as waste clumps can be scooped out and filled in without changing the entire litter box. Frugal eco-conscious cat owners might consider making their own cat litter by repurposing everyday materials that would otherwise end up in the waste stream. The Glenbrook North Zero Waste Blog in Vancouver, BC provides instructions on how to get healthy compost from cat litter derived from wood, sawdust or vegetable products.
Which Biodegradable Litter Will Work For You
You should now have good start in deciding what will work best for you and your buddy. Keep trying until you find something you both like.
If you want to learn more about choosing litter, check What Are the Best Types of Cat Litter?
Using my detective skills, Ive found some interesting and unusual biodegradable types of cat litter.
Clay and silica litters are included for your convenience.
Just click on the name of the type that catches your interest and follow the trail.
Details include brand names, manufacturer claims, and some user reviews.
This is by no means an exhaustive list and I make no money from it.
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What Does It Mean If A Cat Stops Urinating
If a cat stops urinating altogether, it is likely they are experiencing a feline urinary tract disease such as bladder inflammation or urinary stones or crystals, problems to which male cats are particularly susceptible. When a cat can’t urinate, deadly toxins begin to build up, triggering a life-or-death emergency. Blockages that aren’t removed within 24 to 48 hours by a veterinarian can kill a cat.
If a veterinarian rules out medical problems like FLUTD, anxiety may be the culprit. A behaviorist can help identify what is triggering the behavior and offer solutions.
Is It Safe For My Cat And Everyone In My Household
There is a common misconception that silica litter is unsafe for your cat. Usually, this is because it makes us think of the packages of silica beads that come in almost every product. They guarantee freshness and read, Do Not Eat.
However, the beads in this product are meant to absorb moisture in the product and to keep it from becoming soggy. They are dangerous if eaten because they are so small- they are a choking hazard. They are also somewhat toxic, containing something called crystalline. And they are, of course, not edible.
Silica Gel is often confused with these packets. The packets have crystalline silica, which is toxic. Crystalline silica is toxic, but silica gel is not at all. They are two separate items: apples and oranges.
In fact, if you are looking for dangers in cat litter, these are found in clay clumping litter in the clumping agent and in the ingredient sodium bentonite. Moreover, dust can be an issue with clay litter.
Silica gel does not have a clumping agent, sodium bentonite, or dust.
All this being said, it is not great if your cat is consuming the gel beads. And your cat should not be eating the gel beads in the preservative packaging of products, either. Those can cause choking among other problems.
It is rarer that your cat would take to eating the silica beads in the litter. If your cat is eating these, or the beads in the packages for preserving mentioned above, call a poison control line for animals and/or your vet right away!
Yes!
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Is Silica Gel Cat Litter Biodegradable
Being a feline proprietor is an extremely fulfilling title. They arent excessively affectionate like dogs as well as give you room up until they desire focus. Is Silica Gel Cat Litter Biodegradable
Everyone who has a pet cat recognizes of the overwhelming job that is the feared can.
I mean, who really appreciates having an open feline toilet in their home?
The smell of having felines is probably the only reason that there are pet owners in the first place!
That is why you should recognize whatever you can about pet cat litter and just how the right or the wrong kind can be great or ravaging to your residence.
Do You Have To Transition Your Cat Gradually From Traditional Cat Litter To Flushable Cat Litter
A. Cats are creatures of habit and dont like huge disruptions to their routines, so you should make the transition in stages if you want to switch from traditional clay-based litter to biodegradable and flushable cat litter.
Replace a tiny amount of the original cat litter with the new brand and gradually increase the amount of new cat litter until they have completely transitioned to the flushable cat litter.
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Why Choose A Natural Litter
There are several reasons why a natural litter might be a better fit for your cat and your family, as a whole.
They are environmentally friendly. “By switching to natural litters that are compostable or biodegradable, we can help our planet,” said Satchu. Indeed, natural litters are made from sustainable resources such as responsibly managed forests, upcycled food waste, and quick-growing plants. Both their acquisition and disposal have less of an environmental impact than strip-mined clay litters.
They provide natural odor control. “The nice thing about natural options is that the scents tend to be less intense than the intentionally scented ones,” said McKechnie. That means odors are kept at bay without producing a cloying perfume fragrance that many cats dislike.
They produce less dust than the average clay litter. Cats with respiratory issues may benefit from switching to a natural litter with minimal dust, according to Satchu. Grass litters, she said, are consistently among the most dust free of the natural options, though we found in testing that some of the walnut, wood, and grain litters produced equally minimal dust.
They won’t harm cats who like to snack on their litter. A cat that eats its litter may have an underlying medical problem or just an unusual craving. After a visit to the vet rules out issues such as anemia, kidney disease, or nutritional deficiencies, Satchu often recommends that snacky cats switch to a grain litter that is safe for ingestion.
Is Biodegradable Cat Litter Flushable
Some biodegradable litter manufacturers claim its flushable hey thats cool!
Flush it all down the toilet no more throwing it in the trash! But wait!
Not all plumbing can handle it, septic systems in particular. So be sure to test with small amounts no matter what the claims.
You dont need a backed up toilet, clogged pipes and a big plumbing bill!
Flushing litter isnt permitted in some areas so be sure to check your local ordinances.
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How Many Times A Day Does A Cat Normally Use The Litter Box
It is typical for cats to urinate two to four times a day and defecate once or twice a day, but every cat is different some may go more or less frequently than others. Cleaning litter boxes at least once daily can help guardians identify changes in toileting frequency, which may indicate an emerging health problem.
How Bad Is Cat Litter For The Environment
The traditional processes involved in manufacturing clay litter can be harmful for the planet.You guessed it, Fullers Earth comes directly out of the earth, and the excavation processes involved in mining it can have a drastic effect on our landscape.
In strip mining, raw bentonite clay is pulled up from below ground by the truckload, which can require huge amounts of existing topsoil, vegetation and wildlife to be removed beforehand.
Not only can this lead to animals losing their natural habitats and deforestation, the mineral sediments can end up polluting the water cycle, flowing into rivers, changing the watersheds and harming the wildlife there.
What you can be left with is a gigantic hole in the ground where there once was natural beauty, but the story doesnt stop there
Sadly, the damage doesnt end there either.
As clay cat litter is not biodegradable, much of the waste ends up in landfill where it will likely stay forever.
Even without the plastic bags and liners which are often used to dispose of litter, the clay does not naturally decompose, but will stick around for thousands of years .
As if that wasnt enough, when cats ingest bentonite , the material swells and can cause gastrointestinal problems for your furry friend.
To recap, clay litter can create:
- Pollution
- Millions of tons of litter gets thrown away in the UK
- Potential health risks for you and your cat!
What about crystal litter?
The future of cat litter
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Is Flushable Cat Litter Safe For Your Sewage Or Septic System
A. Flushable cat litters tend to be more biodegradable than silica-based or clay-based cat litters, but they can still cause an issue when flushed into the sewage system. The dry cat feces can clog your pipes and carry some contaminants that are dangerous for your septic system.
Many brands suggest flushing this type of cat litter in small amounts to avoid blocking the pipes that lead to the septic tank. The cat litter might not completely break down in the septic tank like toilet paper and other paper-based products do.