Here is an idea that can add to ethical way we care for (and consume for) our family cat.
MPM products (http://www.mpmproducts.co.uk) provide pet care products including cat litter. In fact their cat litter is called the “Worlds Best Cat Litter". Why they have given it this name seems clearer on closer inspection. After all, you may think how different can it be? The answer is, it seems, quite different indeed.
Do you know what the average cat litter is made of? Cat litter most likely consists of Bentonite, Fuller's earth or Silica crystals (http://pubs.acs.org/cen/whatstuff/stuff/8217kitty.html). Bentonite is used for its ‘clumping’ ability and is the most popular type of cat litter sold today (around 60% is Bentonite or similar cat litter).
Despite its popularity, there are some issues regarding clumping cat litter from clay sources. Namely, if the cat using this kind of litter then licks its paws (as cats do) they may ingest some of the clay, it may swell in their stomach and cause medical problems. Also clumping cat litters may have perfumes or other chemicals added to improve absorbency which may is neither safe for cats to ingest nor environmentally friendly. The validity of these claims is arguable, though many cat owners would prefer a safer, natural clumping cat litter that avoids with the above issues.
One such cat litter is MPMs Worlds best cat litter. They claim that the litter, made from whole kernel corn, is 99% dust free - which is both safer for owner and cat. They go on to address the paw licking issue by saying:
“There is also no need to worry about ingested litter. As all cats lick their paws, litter particles can be swallowed, even small kittens may try eating their litter, as you are probably aware with other litters this can be very dangerous, but not with Worlds Best as it will pass safely through your cat’s digestive system.”
To address any issues of odour, they explain about the qualities of corn kernel:
“Cat owners demand superior odour control and Worlds Best Cat Litter meets this demand, because it is made from whole-kernel corn. Corn's unique micro porous structure provides a large surface area to effectively trap and absorb ammonia and urine odours, which are quickly and naturally eliminated with no need for masking agents.”
The cat litter is clumpable and they also claim flushable, though I’m unsure of the environmental issues associated with this. As the litter is natural I would assume that once any cat faeces are removed it can then be composted (though I think you can also do this with normal cat litter).
Another good quality of Worlds Best cat litter is that:
“WORLD'S BEST CAT LITTER™ is made from a natural organic material, whole-kernel corn, as opposed to an inorganic material such as clay. Even though WORLD'S BEST CAT LITTER™ is not a food product, it is made from the same corn varieties approved by the USDA/EPA/FDA and EU (European Union) for use in both food and animal feed products. It is safe for cats and cat owners.”
Though there are other cat litters on the market similar to Worlds Best Cat Litter it is certainly a good competitor for the title regarding both environmental issues and safety.
