CAT LITTER MAY CONTAIN HARMFUL CHEMICALS

Most cat litters contain ingredients proven to be harmful to humans and animals. Beware of sodium bentonite clay and silica gel - and the presence of alfatoxins in grain-based cat litters 
 

SODIUM BENTONITE CLAY
Not to be confused with beneficial calcium bentonite clay - non-biodegradable sodium bentonite clay, used in clumping litter, can be harmful if ingested.   Your pets could suffer from an accumulation of insoluble masses inside the body causing bowel blockages, kidney problems, dehydration, and inability to absorb nutrients. If left untreated, these ailments can be fatal.

 

SILICA GEL
As an added absorption and deodorizing benefit, many kitty litter companies also use silica gel, which is a porous form of silicon dioxide and is made synthetically from a compound called sodium silicate.

 

Silica gel is most commonly used in desiccant packets in newly purchased shoes, electronics or vitamins where excess moisture would encourage the growth of mold or spoilage.

 

Silica gel crystals work as drying agents in kitty litter by trapping cat urine in their small pores while allowing the excess water to evaporate.

 

In 1997, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified silica as a human carcinogen yet it is estimated that roughly 95 percent of U.S. cat litter is a form of silica.

 

Prolonged exposure to silica dust can cause irritation and permanent damage of the mucous membranes of the lungs and upper respiratory tract as well as leading to silicosis and lung cancer.

 

Your pet's natural grooming practices leave them susceptible to ingesting litter and dust that has accumulated over time on their paws and in their hair.

 

COBALT III CHLORIDE

Often, kitty litter companies add toxic cobalt(III) chloride to the silica gel when a visible indication of absorption is needed. The cobalt(III) chloride changes from blue to pink when wet and has been directly linked to cancer. Not the best addition to your pet's diet.

 

AFLATOXIN  IN NATURAL GRAINS LITTER

So you ditch the toxic soup of clumping silica-based cat litters and opt for a more natural ingredient choice - unfortunately you aren't out of the woods yet. Kitty litter made from grains such as corn or wheat is susceptible to contamination by aflatoxin producing Aspergillus. Grains are particularly susceptible to infection if stored in warm temperatures and moist environments - exactly like your cat litter box. Aflatoxin exposure predominately attacks the liver and can lead to a whole host of serious illnesses.

Protect the health of yourself and your pets by opting for non-clumping and non-toxic kitty litters. Even better, train your cat to use the toilet and forever abolish the need for costly litter, disgusting clean ups and toxin exposure. Not to mention - a cat using a toilet is always a good conversation starter.

 

Read more:  http://www.naturalnews.com/041255_kitty_litter_bentonite_clay_harmful_ingredients.html

 

Link to this post -  http://ottersandsciencenews.blogspot.ca/2013/07/cat-litter-may-contain-harmful-chemicals.html