Cat Litter 101: What is Bentonite Clay Litter? | Benefits & Risk

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If you're a cat owner, you've probably heard about bentonite clay litter. It's become increasingly popular on store shelves for its price point and unique features. But what exactly makes it so special?

Once upon a time, people began using bentonite (a type of clay) instead of sand in commercial cat litter — probably because asking sand to clump was out of the question!

Shortly after that, it became the official cheap, mainstream cat litter for most pet owners.

Today we love bentonite clay litter because of how easily it sticks together when wet. And though its price point and clumpiness seem like a heavenly match, bentonite clay litter isn't without its potential downsides.

There's a lot to unpack here. Let's dive in!

The Basics: What is Bentonite?

Bentonite is a type of clay that becomes extremely sticky when wet. Made from volcanic ash, it has been known and utilized for centuries — in fact, it’s one of the oldest materials used by humans!

Key Advantages of Bentonite Clay Litter

Bentonite cat litter has several unique benefits over traditional sand, plant, or wood-based litter.

Absorbency: The primary selling point of bentonite clay litter is its clumping ability. It can absorb several times its dry weight in liquid and expand up to 15 times its original size. Just look up online images of clay litter forming impressive clusters when damp!

Cost Effectiveness: Bentonite clay litter is generally cheaper than other types of litter. While that may not always seem advantageous, it can indeed help keep expenses in check.

Part of its cost-effectiveness lies in its reusability. When soiled, you only need to replace the dirty clumps; the rest remains good for use.

Odor Control: Bentonite clay is adept at neutralizing unpleasant odors, acting like a natural deodorizer. It also typically has a neutral scent, free from added fragrances, maintaining your home’s natural aroma.

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Potential Risks of Using Bentonite Clay Litter

While bentonite clay litter offers many benefits, it also comes with certain drawbacks.

Allergy Concerns: Some cats may be allergic to bentonite clay, which can cause sneezing or skin irritation. If you notice your cat displaying these symptoms, it might be best to switch back to a previous litter and consult your vet.

Dust: Bentonite clay is inherently dusty, and its fine particles can contribute to respiratory issues in both cats and humans. Opt for a dust-free variety and wear a mask while handling it to mitigate this risk.

Toxicity: Though bentonite clay litter is generally non-toxic, some varieties contain baking soda or activated charcoal. Be cautious of additives, such as fragrances or harsh chemicals, which may be harmful if ingested in significant quantities.

Understanding the Bentonite Cat Litter Production Process

The process of turning bentonite clay into cat litter starts by grinding the clay into a powder, which is then mixed with various additives like fragrances and baking soda. This mix is dried and compressed into pellets, clumps, or granules before being packaged for sale.

It may seem harmless enough.

However, the primary concern is that every box of bentonite-based litter originates from strip mining.

Strip mining:

1. Destroys wildlife habitats.
2. Removes topsoil, causing sediment runoff that pollutes nearby lakes and streams.
3. Permanently scars the land.
4. Contributes to climate change by releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
5. Generates significant waste during processing that needs proper disposal.

I'm certainly not chastising anyone for using bentonite clay litter. Even I still have two boxes of unscented Purina litter in storage for when (and if) my cat prefers a change.

We all live in a commercial world, and while eco-friendly products are beneficial for the planet, they may not always suit individual budgets. Hence, we must choose our battles wisely.

Is Bentonite Clay Litter Safe for Domestic Cats?

The short answer is yes, bentonite clumping cat litter is generally safe for healthy cats and kittens. However, that doesn't mean it's necessarily the best option for your feline friend. Consider other alternatives if your cat and your budget allow it!

Got any questions or concerns? Feel free to comment!

Popular Opinion: Other Cat Litter Options

An increasingly popular cat litter option is Diatomaceous Earth (DE) cat litter. DE is valued for its clumping abilities and low dust production. Users have noted that it's highly effective at keeping the litter box clean and odor-free.

When I couldn't find DE, I tried Boxie cat litter. Initially, I wasn't a fan, but it grew on me. It seemed to keep the litter box cleaner. As a comparison, DE is superior to World's Best Litter. Any occasional issues were quickly resolved with DE's great customer service. Ultimately, the determining factor often comes down to price.

When I couldn't find DE, I tried Boxie cat litter. Initially, I wasn't a fan, but it grew on me. It seemed to keep the litter box cleaner. As a comparison, DE is superior to World's Best Litter. Any occasional issues were quickly resolved with DE's great customer service. Ultimately, the determining factor often comes down to price.

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