How does cat litter impact the environment?

How does cat litter impact the environment?

Then there’s the matter of waste. Clay and silica-based litters are not biodegradable – they’re already in their final form – clay or silica. It’s not going to break down. Instead, it’s going to sit in our landfills and not go anywhere, continuing to pile up.

What does cat litter do to humans?

Crystalline silica dust, the other ingredient in most clumping litters, is a known carcinogen for both humans and household pets when inhaled. According to OSHA.gov, “Crystalline silica has been classified as a human lung carcinogen.

Is cat litter bad for the earth?

From its invention in the mid 20th Century, cat litter has been produced using methods that can be damaging to the environment, and the resulting clay litter is non-biodegradable, so will get thrown away, including sitting on landfill for thousands of years.

Is cat litter harmful to humans?

Litter Containing Crystalline Silica Dust Over time, crystalline silica can accumulate in your cat’s lungs, resulting in a condition called silicosis, which causes shortness of breath and reduced lung capacity. Humans are also susceptible to silicosis.

Can cat litter cause breathing problems in humans?

Living in an atmosphere filled with these ammonia fumes can cause a great deal of respiratory discomfort and problems. These fumes cause irritation of the bronchial membranes of the lungs, leading to an increased production of phlegm, coughing and difficulty breathing.

Is cat litter environmentally friendly?

Clay – the most common type of cat litter – sounds natural, but it’s far from environmentally friendly. The clay that goes into making litter is mined and processed in a way that destroys habitats and pollutes the environment.

Why is cat litter toxic?

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.

Should I wear a mask when cleaning cat litter?

Wear a mask. If you are concerned about the spread of germs, wear a mask when you clean your litter box. Wearing a mask can help protect you from inhaling any airborne germs. It may also help reduce the amount of litter dust you inhale. If your litter has a lot of dust, you may consider wearing goggles, too.

Can litter cause coughing?

Dust in traditional clumping litters can irritate a cat’s respiratory tract, causing it to sneeze, wheeze and cough after using the litter box.

Can cat litter be recycled?

Once you’ve confirmed that your cardboard cat litter container can be recycled in your community, ensure that it is empty and then place the broken-down box into your recycling bin. You’ve recycled your cat litter container.

Is cat litter harmful to pregnancy?

You can change your cat’s litter box safely while you’re pregnant, but it’s better to have someone else do this chore if possible. The concern here is toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection that can be transmitted through cat poop (such as in kitty litter or outdoor soil where cats have defecated).