What is Bentonite Cat Litter?
Bentonite cat litter is a type of litter made from bentonite clay and other materials.
Bentonite clay is a natural clay. It is mined from the earth and is known for its ability to absorb liquids.
It is ideal for use in cat litter because it forms clumps when it comes into contact with liquid. So when the cat pees in the litter a clump is formed. This makes it easy to scoop the clump of litter and dispose of the litter.
Bentonite clay is used in many industries. In the cosmetic industry it can be applied as a face mask to draw out impurities. Bentonite clay is often used to treat oil spills or neutralize contaminated soil.
Clumping and Non Clumping Cat Litter
Bentonite litter is available in both clumping and non clumping varieties.
Clumping clay litter is hugely popular because it makes cleaning the litter box easier. Scooping and disposing of clumps is far easier than having to deal with traditional litter which can become very smelly until the time that the litter box can be emptied and replaced with fresh litter.
Non clumping litter, does not form clumps and requires more frequent cleaning.
Clay litter can control odors. The clay absorbs the moisture and the odor that comes with it. This helps to keep your home smelling fresh and clean.
It is not foolproof though. All cats are different. Some brands of bentonite cat litter also contain added fragrances to further control odors.
Advantages of Using Bentonite Cat Litter
Absorption Power
Clumping litters containing bentonite is highly absorbent. It can absorb up to 3.5 times its weight in liquid. This means that it is very effective at trapping urine and controlling odors.
When your cat urinates in the litter box, the litter quickly forms clumps that are easy to scoop out, leaving the rest of the litter clean and fresh.
One of the main advantages of bentonite litter is its ability to clump. The clumps are easy to scoop out, which makes cleaning the litter box a breeze. The clumps are pretty strong and do not break apart easily.
This means that you can use less litter overall and save money in the long run.
Odor Control
Bentonite litter is very effective at controlling odors.
The odor is trapped when the clay absorbs the liquid from the cat urinating.
This helps to keep your home smelling fresh and clean, even if you have multiple cats.
Some manufacturers of bentonite litter also add fragrances to their products to help control odors.
However, it is important to note that some cats and people may be sensitive to these fragrances. It’s a matter of personal choice.
Ease of Cleaning
The clumps are easy to scoop out as already mentioned, leaving the rest of the litter clean and fresh. You can simply scoop out the clumps and dispose of them in the trash. This means that you do not have to worry about handling messy or smelly litter.
Disadvantages of Using Bentonite Cat Litter
Dust Production
Bentonite cat litter can produce dust which can cause respiratory problems for both cats and humans. Inhaling the dust can lead to coughing, sneezing, and eye irritation.
The dust can also settle on surfaces around the litter box, making cleaning more difficult.
Tracking
Bentonite cat litter can stick to the paws of a cat and be tracked throughout the house. This can be frustrating for pet owners. The cleaning up is constant. Litter can also sticks to carpets and other flooring.
Environmental Impact
Environmentally, Bentonite cat litter is not a great choice. It is not biodegradable and can have a negative impact on the environment. The litter in landfill can take years to decompose. Mining and production of bentonite can have negative effects on the environment, including soil erosion and water pollution.
It is a popular choice among pet owners but it is important to consider the disadvantages before making a decision.
There are alternative types of cat litter available that may be a better choice for both your cat and the environment. Some alternatives would be, recycled newspaper litter or pine litter.
This is a paper litter!
Types of Bentonite Cat Litter
Clumping vs. Non-Clumping
Bentonite cat litter comes in two main types, clumping and non-clumping.
Clumping litter is made from bentonite clay and forms tight clumps when it comes into contact with urine.
Non-clumping litter, on the other hand, does not clump and must be replaced entirely when soiled.
While non-clumping litter is generally less expensive, it may require more frequent cleaning of the cat litter box and replacement of the litter.
Scented vs. Unscented
Bentonite cat litter comes in both scented and unscented varieties.
Scented litter is designed to mask the odor of cat waste. Some cats may find the scent unpleasant or irritating.
Unscented litter may be a better choice for cats and humans with sensitive noses or allergies.
Remember too that bentonite clay itself without any scent, helps with odor control as the clumps are formed quickly which lock in unpleasant odors.
Even unscented litter can produce dust that may be irritating to both cats and humans.
Multi-Cat vs. Single-Cat Litters
There are many types of both multi cat and single cat, cat litters that use bentonite clay.
Here are some of the popular brands of cat litter containing bentonite clay.
- Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Ultra Clumping Cat Litter
- Arm & Hammer Litter Double Duty Clumping Litter
- World’s Best Cat Litter Multiple Cat Clumping Formula
- Fresh Step Advanced Clumping Cat Litter
- Tidy Cats 4-in-1 Strength Clumping Cat Litter
Choosing the Best Bentonite Cat Litter
When it comes to choosing the best bentonite cat litter, think about these things, your cat’s preferences, your preferences as an owner, and the price and availability of the litter.
Cat’s Preferences
Cats can be picky about their litter, so it’s important to choose a bentonite litter that your cat will actually use.
Some cats prefer unscented litters, while others may prefer scented litters.
Some cats prefer finer or coarser textures, so it’s important to consider the texture of the litter as well.
Owner’s Preferences
As an owner, you may have your own preferences when it comes to cat litter. For example, you may prefer a litter that clumps well for easier scooping, or a litter that is low-dust for easier clean-up.
You may prefer a litter that is environmentally friendly or made from natural materials.
Price and Availability
Price and availability are also important factors to consider when choosing the best bentonite cat litter.
Consider your budget. Experiment here because sometimes a more expensive litter may be more efficient and work for longer thus making it affordable after all.
Use this cost per ounce calculator to check the price per ounce. Compare the different litters that you are thinking of purchasing.
Some brands may not be available where you live. Choose a litter that you can easily purchase.
How do you dispose of bentonite cat litter?
Dispose of bentonite cat litter by pouring it in a small trash bag and throwing it in the trash.
It is not advisable to flush it down the toilet. It can cause major plumbing issues and harm the environment. It is against the law to flush cat litter in some states.
Consider using biodegradable bags or compostable cat litter made from natural materials if the environmental aspect is a concern for you.
In Summary
After researching the different types of cat litter available, it is clear that bentonite cat litter is a popular choice due to its clumping properties and effectiveness in controlling odors.
However, it is important to note that some cats may be allergic to the dust and fragrances found in some types of bentonite litter.
There are also concerns about the environmental impact of traditional clay litters, including those made with bentonite. As such, many pet owners are turning to biobased cat litters made from renewable resources such as corn, wheat, and wood chips.
While sodium bentonite litter may be a convenient option for many cat owners, it is important to consider the potential risks and environmental impact before making a decision.
Ultimately, the best cat litter choice will depend on your cat’s individual needs and preferences, as well as your own values and priorities.
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