Going green with cat litter

DEAR PAW’S CORNER: My cat’s current litter works fine, but I am reading some worrying things about the ingredients and how they might harm him. Plus there’s the environmental impact. Is there a good “green” cat litter available? — Suzy G., via email

DEAR SUZY: You’re not alone in your concern about litter and the health of your cat. According to a report in Scientific American a couple of years ago, many litter products contain silica dust, which can cause respiratory problems in cats. “Clumping” type litters may use a sodium bentonite clay, which swells up as it absorbs liquid, however, it may cause gastrointestinal problems if ingested by cats, such as when they lick their paws to clean them after using the litter box.

There are also issues around how certain clays are mined, and the size of the “carbon footprint” surrounding production of cat litter, including how far a product travels to reach store shelves.

Sure is a lot to consider when you’re just trying to find a better place for your cat to pee.

In response to consumer concerns, there are a few “green” litter products on store shelves. Look for a product like Yesterday’s News, litter made from recycled paper; SchweatScoop Natural Wheat Litter; World’s Best or Benovo, made from corn; or even litter made from wood shavings and sawdust.

If you’re feeling adventurous, look into creating litter yourself from old newspaper.

But don’t jump fully into “green” litter without consulting your cat: Test out a new product for a few days to see if your cat will use it. If it doesn’t adapt to one, try another.

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