If in case you have a cat, you even have a litter field. Cats being litter field educated is simply one of many many perks of being a cat mum or dad (yay, no lengthy walks daily!). However having a litter field in your house can elevate a couple of points in case you aren’t cautious. One downside with litter containers is the quantity of mud that comes from sure sorts of litter; these with bronchial asthma and different respiratory points can have bother with that. One other is toxoplasmosis (although that is extra of a priority for individuals who are pregnant and people with compromised immune programs).
One litter field situation you won’t have thought-about is the flammability of it. Wait, what? Is cat litter flammable? It is dependent upon what kind of litter you employ, however some cat litter is certainly flammable! So, it is advisable to be cautious with the place you place your pet’s litter field in case you use considered one of these litters.
Cat Litter Varieties and Their Flammability
First, let’s take a look at the various sorts of cat litter obtainable. They are often damaged into the classes of non-biodegradable and biodegradable.
Non-Biodegradable Litter
We’ll take a look at a few sorts of non-biodegradable litter right here which can be essentially the most generally used.
1. Bentonite Clay
Litter constituted of bentonite clay is the most typical litter and certain the type you employ. It rapidly absorbs moisture and clumps extremely properly, so it makes it easier to wash out the litter field (all the time a plus!).
For those who use bentonite clay, you’ll be glad to know this type of cat litter isn’t actually flammable, so it shouldn’t catch fireplace.
2. Crystal
Then there’s crystal litter. The sort of litter is white and constituted of silica beads which can be extraordinarily small and further porous. This implies one of these litter is terrific at absorbing urine and trapping odors, so your cat’s litter field stays contemporary for longer. And there’s even crystal litter obtainable that may enable you to preserve monitor of your kitty’s well being! Plus, being constituted of silica means this litter has little to no mud.
This sort of litter can also be non-flammable.
Biodegradable Litter
Many individuals lately are methods they are often eco-friendly, and litter constituted of biodegradable materials is among the methods this may be completed. Biodegradable supplies are a lot better for the setting, and also you’ll discover that a few of this litter is even flushable for simpler clean-up!
Nonetheless, these litters are extra flammable than these which can be non-biodegradable.
1. Corn/Wheat
Yep, corn and wheat! Corn and wheat would possibly appear to be odd supplies for litter, however they’re extremely absorbent, so they’re a superb litter choice. And surprisingly, most are clumping, which makes scooping out the litter field a breeze. Better of all, litter constituted of corn and wheat is biodegradable, so it’s eco-friendly, and lots of litters constituted of these may even be flushed!
Nonetheless, corn and wheat are undoubtedly flammable supplies.
2. Walnut Shell
Walnut shell would possibly appear to be one other uncommon choice for cat litter, but it surely has a definite skill to expertly management ammonia odors, making it excellent for the litter field. Just like the corn and wheat litters, walnut shell litter is usually clumping (although there are many non-clumping choices in case you choose). It additionally has a texture just like clay litter.
As a result of walnuts are biodegradable, this litter is unquestionably flammable, although.
3. Pine
Pine can be used to make eco-friendly litter, because it absorbs odors and ammonia exceptionally properly. It additionally tends to be much less messy than clay litters. Nonetheless, this materials has a couple of downsides, like its skill to draw bugs and its flammability. Pine is wooden, and we all know wooden catches fireplace simply!
You too can discover litter fabricated from different sorts of wooden; all of those shall be extremely flammable.
4. Paper
Paper litter doesn’t clump and isn’t the perfect at odor management. However it’s extremely eco-friendly and low-tracking, so some choose it to conventional sorts of litter.
Like wooden, although, paper litter is extremely flammable.
Fireplace Security Suggestions for Litter Containers
So, suppose you’re utilizing a litter that’s biodegradable and extra flammable than one thing like clay. How are you going to preserve your kitty (and your self) protected from fireplace?
Watch out the place you place the litter field. It’s by no means a good suggestion to have a litter field wherever close to a supply of warmth, comparable to a heater or fire, even with non-flammable litter, as the warmth might soften the litter field. But it surely’s an particularly dangerous thought in case you’re utilizing litter that’s flammable.
The identical goes for open flames. You most likely don’t have burning candles positioned proper subsequent to the litter field, however you may need one on a close-by shelf. Simply because that flame is on a shelf, although, doesn’t imply it would keep there. Candles might be knocked over (particularly by our height-loving feline associates!), and if a candle will get knocked right into a litter field stuffed with flammable litter, you’ll have an issue.
Lastly, watch out of the place you get rid of flammable cat litter. All the time get rid of it as per the producer’s directions for security.
Closing Ideas
Some cat litter is certainly flammable, which is usually a vital concern. However so long as you retain your kitty’s litter field away from warmth sources and open flames, everybody needs to be protected from the danger of fireside. For those who’re particularly involved in regards to the fireplace danger a litter could pose, switching to litter that gained’t catch on fireplace, comparable to clay or crystal litter, could be finest.
Featured Picture Credit score: EvGavrilov, Shutterstock
