Dusty Cat Litter can cause Respiratory Disease Flare-Ups
Dr. Jeff Nichol, DVM, IAABC Veterinary Behaviorist
Premium Quality Clumping Litter is Safest
Question:
I recently switched from using clay litter to clumping litter. I noticed that it’s extremely dusty when pouring it into the litter box. Is this dust harmful to my two kitties when they dig or to me when I stir and scoop?
Dr. Nichol:
It can be downright irritating to the lungs of a cat with a history of smoldering upper respiratory disease or asthma. That kind of tissue insult can result in an outbreak of illness. A premium brand (meaning more expensive) should have fewer of those tiny particles and do a better job of clumping around the waste.
Related Posts
About the author
Dr. Jeff Nichol, DVM, IAABC is a residency trained veterinary behaviorist whose practice is dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of behavior disorders of dogs and cats. With extensive experience in general practice and behavior medicine, he works with pet parents to tailor practical, individualized treatment plans to improve the well-being of pets and their people.
Dr. Nichol regularly writes about the treatment of behavior problems, including anxiety, aggression, fear, separation, house soiling, and other common concerns in companion pets.
