Traditionally, cat litters of mineral origin have been marketed, based on bentonite, sepiolite or silica, which are characterized by their ability to absorb, agglomerate and trap the odors of feline waste. These qualities make these sands ideal for maintaining the hygiene of a sandbox at home. But one of its great drawbacks is the treatment of this waste. That is why in recent years other types of litters have become popular, vegetable litters, 100% natural and without chemical products, which not only can effectively contain urine and excrement, but also contribute to preserving the planet by being biodegradable and sustainable..
In this article on our site, in collaboration with Catit, we explain what are the vegetable litters for cats and their benefits for cats cats and for the conservation of the environment.
Why choose vegetable litter for cats?
The mineral sands are the most widespread, they work very well and can be found at a very affordable price. But the truth is that they have some disadvantages that, if we want to conserve the planet we live on, we cannot lose sight of. The clays used for these sands are extracted in open pit mines. It is a type of mining with great environmental impact which, in addition, consumes a large amount of resources and emits CO2 both in extraction and in production and in transport. As if that were not enough, this clay does not decompose, so it remains in landfills indefinitely. Hence, if you are concerned about the he alth of the planet, using a vegetable sand is the best option.
Not only because its production reduces pollution, the use of resources and energy, but also because its life cycle is circular. This means that, being biodegradable, waste can become reusable material, can be composted and used as fertilizer among other things, which makes it a sustainable product which, therefore, contributes to the conservation of the planet. At Catit they make their vegetable litters with leftovers that would go to the landfill, they also help save thousands of trees and all their litter production is very efficient from an energy point of view, since only solar energy is used.
Types of vegetable litters for cats
If you are interested in vegetal and biodegradable litters for cats, you should know that there is not only one type, but they can be made with wood, multi-plant fibers or recycled paper.
They are all green options, although each will have its advantages and disadvantages in terms of effectiveness to absorb, clump, neutralize odors or adhere to your cat's paws and fur. Look for information on all of them to decide which one is best for you and your feline. These are the basic characteristics of the different types:
- Wood: This arena uses recycled wood from different species, such as spruce, pine and other conifers. It is considered surplus wood, which means that trees are not cut down to make it. It can be marketed in granules, which favor greater absorption, chips or pellets.
- Plant Fibers: These litters are based on plant fibers, such as those from corn, barley, walnut shells, or pea, which They are characterized by retaining moisture very well. To make them, raw materials not intended for human consumption are used. In addition, they are respectful litters with the paws of the most delicate cats. They can be found in the form of pellets.
- Recycled paper: as its name suggests, this sand is nothing more than a recycled paper-based bed, without the presence of ink, which is processed into pellets.
Benefits of vegetable litters for cats
As all cat keepers know, litter is an essential product that we use in considerable quantities, with which the waste it generates is equally numerous. Hence, if you want to conserve the environment, vegetable litters are the best option for you, such as Catit Go Natural, the range of ecological cat litters made with natural resources. sustainable. Unlike other mineral cat litters, vegetable litters are a more appropriate option for cats and respectful of the planet because their manufacture does not emit polluting gases, renewable energy and recycled natural resources are used. These are the characteristics that make them beneficial for the planet:
- They are ecológicas.
- Environmentally friendly.
- 100% natural.
- No added chemicals.
- They are biodegradable and totally recyclable.
- They are made from renewable resources, so they are a product with a cycle of sustainable living.
- Your production is low waste.
- They tend to achieve high yields with a smaller amount of product, which also means economic savings.
- Some can be flushed down the toilet, always following the manufacturer's instructions, with others you can make compost for non-edible plants and there are some that can be deposited in the container for organic waste.
But, in addition to the environment, they also offer other advantages for you and your cat, since they do not contain chemical products or raise dust, they are suitable for the most sensitive cats. The options in pellets or larger granules help the cat not take its content out of the litter box when digging or covering its excrement and do not adhere to the hair, thus facilitating the hygiene of the home and, above all, of the area. adjacent to the sandbox.
How do I change my cat litter?
If the qualities of vegetable litter, ecological and biodegradable have convinced you and you want to put it in your cat's litter box, don't do it all at onceMany kitties are very sensitive to change and might stop using the litter box if they suddenly find a different litter.
First, buy a bag of the new vegetable litter and put a small amount in the litter box, mixed with the litter you were using. If the acceptance is good, increase the amount of vegetal sand until it is the only one that occupies the tray. The adaptation process will take a few days or weeks, depending on the cat. You can also put another litter box with only vegetable litter next to the usual one, since some cats are encouraged to use a new litter directly. But, just in case, always leave him the option of his old litter until you make sure that he uses vegetable litter without any problem. Also discover how often to change your cat's litter in this other article.
