Safety

Is clay-based pet litter toxic?

No, clay-based pet litter is not toxic to pets or humans.

When we think of keeping our homes clean and comfortable for our beloved pets, particularly cats and mammals, a seemingly simple product often comes to mind: pet litter. While various materials now populate the market, mineral-based litters, predominantly those derived from clay, have a long-standing history. They continue to be a popular choice. But the story of clay extends far beyond the litter box. It reveals a versatile mineral with a surprising array of applications that underscore its inherent safety and utility.

The very clays that form the base of many effective pet litters are not niche substances. In fact, they are integral components in a multitude of everyday items. Consider the smooth texture of your favorite cosmetics – clay minerals often contribute to their consistency and feel. Even the paper we write on and the fertilisers that nourish our gardens can contain processed clays.

Perhaps more surprisingly, certain types of clay play a role in the production of some of our food and beverages. In the careful clarification processes of oils and the winemaking tradition, specific clays remove impurities and enhance clarity. This widespread use across such diverse and often regulated industries speaks volumes. It highlights the fundamental properties and safety profile of these minerals.

Interestingly, nature itself has recognised the beneficial qualities of certain clays. For centuries, and even today in some cultures, people have used specific clay types to naturally mitigate the toxicity of certain foods. This inherent ability to bind and neutralise harmful substances further highlights the non-reactive and generally safe nature of these minerals.

For pet owners, understanding this broader context provides reassurance. The same clays that are claimed safe enough for use in cosmetics we apply to our skin, and even in the food we or our animals consume, form the basis of a reliable solution for managing pet waste. This isn’t to say all clays are identical. Processing for specific applications will vary. Nonetheless, the fundamental non-toxic nature of the raw material is a consistent thread.

While the focus here is on safety, the enduring popularity of clay-based litters also hints at other factors. Their affordability has historically made them accessible to a wide range of pet owners. The sheer volume of minerals produced globally each year underscores its significant place in the market, in part to meet the demand for pet litter.

Different types of clay, such as bentonite and fuller’s earth, exhibit varying degrees of absorbency – a crucial characteristic for effective pet litter. Bentonite, for example, can absorb many times its weight in liquid. This leads to the formation of easily removable clumps. This clumping action is a key differentiator. As a result, it is a major driver of preference for many pet owners. Furthermore, the effectiveness of clay in controlling odours is another significant factor contributing to its widespread use. Its porous structure can trap and neutralise the volatile compounds responsible for unpleasant smells.

It’s also worth acknowledging that, like any material, clay-based litters have aspects that consumers consider, such as dust levels. While some traditional clay litters can produce dust, manufacturers have responded with innovative processes to create low-dust and even dust-free options. These address a key concern for both pet and owner respiratory health.

Finally, even the extraction of clay, a natural resource, has its place in a broader environmental context. While the provided information doesn’t delve into specifics, it’s important to recognise that mining, regardless of the material, has an environmental footprint. Responsible sourcing and the implementation of best practices in the extraction industry are crucial. These considerations are important for the long-term sustainability of any product derived from the earth.

In conclusion, the seemingly humble clay that forms the basis of much of our pet litter is far from a simple substance. Its widespread use across diverse industries, including those with stringent safety regulations, speaks to its inherent non-toxic nature. Coupled with its effective absorbent and odour-controlling properties and its historical affordability, clay continues to be a significant and reliable solution in the world of pet care.

Is the ingestion of clay-based pet litter dangerous for my pet?

The clumping characteristics of some clays may cause concern to pet owners in case of accidental ingestion, for example trough licking the fur. The idea that clay particles will stick together or swell and form hard blockages in a pet’s intestines is inaccurate. If ingested, the clay particles will simply pass through the pet’s system before being excreted.

Moreover, the clays used as pet litter are authorised in animal nutrition. In fact, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) assessed the safety of bentonite as a feed additive. They concluded that bentonites are safe for all animal species, the consumers and the environment when used in feed.

In case the ingestion is more massive, this is due to behavioral disorders of the animal. This conduct should always be avoided and additional education by the owner or a visit to the veterinary is advised. This recommendation is valid for the ingestion any household item.

Clay-based pet litter may contain “silica”, what does it mean?

Silica refers to a broad group of substances generally classified as crystalline, non-crystalline or amorphous. It is crystalline silica, in the form of particles of respirable size, which the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified as a known human carcinogen. IARC also states that the risk is limited to occupational exposure, meaning that it affects those exposed through a job or profession. Industries working with respirable crystalline silica, including MPL producers, take all necessary measures to protect the health of their workers.

The normal use of pet litter is not an occupational exposure. Extensive research and testing have proven that consumer exposure to respirable crystalline silica during the normal use of clay-based pet litter is not at risk.

What evidence supports that crystalline silica in pet litter does not pose a risk?

In 1999 the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) granted a Safe Use Determination (SUD) for the presence of crystalline silica in sorptive mineral-based pet litters.

After extensive analysis, OEHHA has determined that there are no adverse health risks associated with the occurrence of crystalline silica in sorptive mineral-based pet litter. A copy of the complete submission for the SUD, including research, may be obtained from OEHHA.

In 2018, EUBA additionally assessed the consumer’s exposure to dust and crystalline silica from handling MPL. Different types of clumping and non-clumping MPLs placed on the market in the European Union have been analysed. Consideration has been given to the different handling by the consumer depending on the litter type. This study concludes that under the worst possible use conditions, exposure to crystalline silica from MPL is more than 300 times lower than the health-based limit value at the workplace.

Therefore, exposure to respirable crystalline silica from handling mineral-based pet litter is negligible and does not raise health concerns for the consumer.

What precautions shall you use when handling pet litter?

Always follow the instructions given by the manufacturer.
Wash your hands after handling or cleaning litter boxes.
In general, keep your house clean and vacuum up also near the litter box.
Keep pet litter out of reach of children and other pets, like any other household product.
Do not throw waste litter, not faeces, into the toilet.
Beware of some formats that can be heavyweight when loading.
In general, animal faeces can be harmful to pregnant women.
Thus, avoid any contact with pet faeces, so better not to manage soiled pet litter.
Store tightly closed in a cool and dry place.

How can I reduce dust when preparing a new litter box or disposing of the old one?

Always follow the instructions given by the manufacturer.
Choose pet litters with proven quality and/or dedusted pet litters.

How to safely dispose of used litter?

Disposal via household waste as described on the packaging. This applies to used litter, faeces or excrement present in the used litter.
Another disposal option is the specific bin offered in many municipalities and thus the large-scale composting. Where regionally permitted, you can also dispose of litter and unused granules in the organic bin.
Important Notice: Never flush into the toilet! The mineral has a high-water binding capacity and will form big clumps, which can immediately block the wastewater lines.