Cat Information

Is all clumping cat litter potentially harmful to cats?

So, I heard cats can sometimes ingest clumping cat litter and this can cause impactions in their lungs. Is this true for all clumping cat litter or only non-natural clumping cat litter like scoop away? Like does the world's best cat litter pose this same risk to cats or not since its made of corn?

Public Comments

1. According to my vet and some at Cornell Feline Health Center....ALL litter that clumps when met with moisture can be harmful.
2. The litter clumps from moisture. So if a cat cleans its paws by licking them after the litterbox, it will ingest particles and can clump causing an obstruction.
3. Both my cats used the clumping litter and one died at 17 and the other one is going strong at 17 currently so I don't think it's that harmful.
4. That story has been going around for some time. It is related to a type of clay (betonite) that is used in litter. There are arguments about ingestion from licking their paws. However, none of my cats have shown any ill effects, and combined that adds up to many years worth, and my oldest is now 13, and the oldest cat I had lived to be 15 1/2, before succumbing to thyroid problems. Problems are more anecdotal than proven, although some cats may be more sensitive than others. However, betonite containing cat litters make up about half the market, and there are not cats dropping dead all over the place. For a more detailed discussion, including both sides, I have posted a link.
5. I think that the environmentally-friendly flushable clumping litters (such as those made from corn and wheat) are safe for cats. The link below for World's Best Cat Litter states that it is safe without worry of ingestion.
6. I have used clumping cat litter since it first came out & my last cat lived to be nearly 19 years old. The two cats I have now are healthy & happy & I use clumping litter. I also scoop the box every day & totally change it at least once a week. Most plumbers will tell you that flushable litter is not good for your plumbing. It can damage the pipes & cause major problems in your septic system.