![]() This sort of litter can be toxic to ferrets, leading to both respiratory and digestive problems. Clay litter is also criticized by the manufacturers of non-clay litter because the components of clay litter are commonly obtained from a strip mine in an environmentally degrading process. Some may also contain naturally occurring crystalline silica, or silica dust, which in California is treated as a known carcinogen under Proposition 65. Ĭlumping clay cat litters are natural products. Because of the clumping effect, the manufacturers usually instruct not to flush clumping litters down the toilet, because it could clog it. This solid clumped material can be scooped out and disposed of without changing the entire contents of the litter box.Ĭlumping litter usually also contains quartz or diatomaceous earth (sometimes called diatomaceous silica, which causes it to be mistakenly confused with silica gel litter). Most are made from granulated bentonite clay, which clumps together when wet and forms a solid mass separate from the other litter in the box. Subsequently in America, clumping bentonite was developed in 1984 by biochemist Thomas Nelson. This was manufactured in the UK in the 1950s by the Fuller's Earth Union (FEU), which later became a part of Laporte Industries Ltd. Litter clumps were first developed by using calcium bentonite clay. Clumping litter Microscopic close-up of clumping cat litter, showing the fossilized remains of diatoms Non-clumping cat litter is often made of zeolite, diatomite and sepiolite. Today, cat litter can be obtained at a variety of retail stores. The brand name Kitty Litter has become a genericized trademark, used by many to denote any type of cat litter. Clay litter is much more absorbent than sand and is manufactured into large grains or clumps of clay, making it less likely to be tracked from the litter box. This was the first large-scale use of clay (in the form of Fuller's earth) in litter boxes previously sand was used. ![]() The first commercially available cat litter in the United States was Kitty Litter, available in 1947 and marketed by Ed Lowe. ![]() In the US, cat litter is a $2 billion industry consuming five billion pounds (2.3 Mt) of mined clay annually. ![]() If kept in a room with an intake vent, an air freshener may be added on the furnace filter to isolate the odor from the rest of the house. They contain baking soda, plant extracts and/or odorized crystals. There are commercially available special types of litter to help cover or lessen the odor produced. It is recommended that the litter box be kept in low traffic areas of the home, such as a basement or laundry room to avoid litter box aversion. The litter can give off a strong odor, and must be disposed of periodically. Sometimes, when an owner wishes to stimulate the cat's natural instincts, natural dirt is used. The most common material is clay, although recycled paper "pellets" and silica-based "crystal" variants are also used. The litter material also satisfies a cat's instinctive desire to hide their scent by allowing them to bury their waste. Some litter brands contain baking soda to absorb such odors, or owners may sprinkle a thin layer in the bottom of the box, under the cat litter. Litter box filler is a loose, granular material that absorbs moisture and odors such as ammonia. To stimulate this instinctive desire, a litter box's bottom is typically filled with 2 inches (5 cm) or less of cat litter. They use their paws in a backward sweeping motion to cover their feces. In the wild, cats naturally excrete in soft or sandy soil for easy burial. They are provided for pets that are permitted free roam of a home but who cannot or do not always go outside to excrete their metabolic waste. For the safety box in motorsports racing, see run-off area.Ī litter box, also known as a sandbox, cat box, litter tray, cat pan, potty, pot or litter pan, is an indoor feces and urine collection box for cats, as well as rabbits, ferrets, miniature pigs, small dogs, and other pets that instinctively or through training will make use of such a repository. For the British television presenter, see Cat Sandion. For the nucleotide sequence in molecular biology, see CAAT box. "Cat box", "Cat sand", and "Kitty litter" redirect here.
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