Switching cat litters can sometimes feel like a minor decision, but for some cat owners, it can lead to unexpected health issues in their feline companions. This was the experience of one cat owner, A.B. from Washington D.C., who shared their concerning experience with clumping cat litter and its effects on their cat, Benga, in a letter to Dr. Michael Fox. Their story raises important questions about the safety and potential side effects of clumping cat litters, especially those made from clay.
A.B. had been using a World’s Best cat litter, a brand known for its natural composition, for their two cats. However, due to litter dust issues, they decided to transition to a clay-based clumping litter, Precious Cat Ultra Premium Clumping Cat Litter, based on positive online reviews. Initially, both cats adapted well to the new litter. However, within a day, Benga started exhibiting worrying symptoms.
Over the following week, Benga vomited small amounts of clear liquid, sometimes foamy, multiple times a day. On two occasions, the vomit contained undigested food and, notably, had clumped together, mirroring the clumping action of the new cat litter. This observation became A.B.’s first indication that the new litter might be the culprit behind Benga’s distress.
Adding to the concern, Benga’s bowel movements became less frequent and smaller, shifting from a normal daily routine to once every two or three days. The stool color also changed, turning gray, the same color as the clay litter. By day 13 of using the new clumping cat litter, A.B. strongly suspected the litter was causing Benga’s health problems. Upon switching back to the original World’s Best litter, Benga’s vomiting ceased immediately, and his bowel movements returned to normal within a few days.
This experience led A.B. to question the ingredients in clumping cat litters, particularly the clumping agents added to clay, wheat, or corn. They wondered about the safety of these chemicals and whether “multi-cat” formulas, which might have stronger clumping properties, pose a greater risk. While their other cat remained unaffected, A.B. recognized that Benga’s grooming habits, which involved more digging and greater contact with the litter, might have made him more susceptible.
Dr. Fox, in his response, echoed these concerns, highlighting the lack of transparency from cat litter manufacturers regarding chemical additives. He emphasized his general opposition to clay litters, especially clumping varieties, primarily due to the risk of ingestion when cats groom themselves after using the litter box. Sodium bentonite, a common clumping agent in clay litters, was specifically mentioned as a potential concern.
While bowel obstruction or constipation from ingested clumping litter might be rare and not well-documented in veterinary literature, Dr. Fox raised additional concerns about potentially toxic mineral compounds in clay litters and the inhalation of silica-laden dust. He also advised against litters with synthetic fragrances, noting reports of cats improving when switched to dust-free and fragrance-free alternatives.
Dr. Fox further pointed out that even seemingly “better” clay litters, like the one A.B. used, are not biodegradable and pose environmental concerns. He also strongly cautioned against flushing any type of cat litter down the toilet due to the risk of toxoplasma parasites from cat feces harming marine life.
A.B.’s experience and Dr. Fox’s insights underscore the importance of carefully observing your cat’s health when introducing a new cat litter, especially clumping varieties. While clumping cat litter offers convenience in scooping and odor control, some cats might be sensitive to certain ingredients or the clumping action itself. If you notice symptoms like vomiting, changes in bowel habits, or lethargy after switching to a clumping litter, consider reverting to the previous litter or exploring alternative, non-clumping options and consult with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.
