Mineral pet litter (MPL) is produced from naturally occurring clay minerals. The most common examples are bentonite, sepiolite and attapulgite . These minerals are selected because they have the exceptional natural property to absorb liquid as well as to control odors. Depending on the type of mineral, the product can either form clumps when wet or remain unbound.
Behavior
Cats instinctively seek a hygienic litter environment, a trait inherited from their wild ancestors who buried their excrements for safety and territorial marking. This natural behavior explains why many cats readily adopt mineral litter, mirroring their innate preferences and ensuring their well-being at home.
Efficiency
Mineral pet litter comes in clumping and non-clumping varieties, each offering different absorption properties and maintenance requirements. While clumping litter allows for selective removal of waste, extending its lifespan, non-clumping litter requires full replacement upon saturation, making efficiency dependent on usage and upkeep.
Safety
The clays used as litter have many applications and can be found in various day-to-day products such as cosmetics, animal feed, paper, fertilisers and are also used in the production of some food products such as oils and wine. In fact, specific clays are naturally used to reduce the toxicity of certain foods.
Sustainability
The mining of minerals used for pet litter used based on the EU sustainable mining principles. These follow three different pillars established by the European Commission aiming to achieve a sustainable European economy in terms of environmental, social- and economic performance.
Facts and Figures
Discover key insights and essential data in our Facts & Figures section, where we break down important information concisely. Explore statistics and trends that provide a deeper understanding of the topic at hand.
Useful links and documents
Find valuable resources and access relevant materials, official documents, and additional information. Explore these curated sources to deepen your understanding and stay informed.
European Bentonite Association
Rue des Deux Eglises 26 Box 2
BE-1000 Brussels, Belgium