Owning an indoor cat means you must provide cat litter. Most people use traditional clay litter. However, traditional litter has many drawbacks. It isn't healthy or environmentally friendly. Natural litter made from corn or wheat may be a great alternative for many cat owners. Continue reading to learn more about natural corn or wheat-based cat litter and its benefits.
What Are Corn or Wheat-Based Cat Litter?
Corn and wheat-based cat litters come from waste or excess agricultural products. For example, the wheat in wheat-based litter comes from non-food grade wheat. Corn litter comes from dried corn kernels. Both these ingredients are renewable and biodegradable. You can also choose from other natural materials like paper, pine, or even nuts.
What Are the Benefits of Corn or Wheat-Based Cat Litter?
Many people like using corn or wheat-based litter because of its environmental benefits. For one, they are biodegradable, so they don't take forever to break down in the landfill. Some people choose corn or wheat-based litter because they produce less dust. Dust reduction can be very beneficial to your cat's health. These litters also receive high marks for absorbency and odor control.
How Is the Texture Different From Clay Litter?
Corn litter tends to be finer with a softer texture. Wheat-based litter is often more coarse. Some people describe the texture of wheat-based litter to be similar to clay. However, the texture may vary between brands. Clay litter is better at clumping than corn or wheat-based ones. However, you may be able to find clumping natural litter on the market.
Are Corn and Wheat-Based Litters Flushable?
Generally, you can flush small amounts of corn or wheat-based litter in the toilet with no problem. However, don't dispose of a whole litter box worth at once. Clay litter is more likely to clump and clog the plumbing.
What Are Some Precautions With Corn and Wheat-Based Litter?
Corn and wheat-based litter are food substances that can break down quickly when exposed to heat and moisture. They have a higher chance of bacterial, mold, and fungal growth if unchanged for a long time. Therefore, you will need to be diligent about your litter changes. Also, some cats lick their paws after using their litter box. This could be problematic if your cat has an allergy to corn or wheat.
Natural litter made from corn or wheat may be beneficial for many households. They are perfect for an environmentally friendly household. If you aren't sure if they will work for you, give them a try. You can often purchase them online or at certain pet stores. Reach out to natural cat litter suppliers near you to learn more.