Flushing Cat Litter
Flushing cat litter is usually limited to brands that are made out of materials such as plants (corn, wheat). Clay, a material in 90% of cat litter may or may not be flushable depending on the brand. If the brand does not specfically say that it is flushable we wouldn't recommend it. Some will damage your plumbing or septic system. When in doubt, don’t flush.
Even when clay says it is flushable, I'd be reluctant to do it. Also, if your septic system backs up frequently, we'd suggest using a biodegradable trash bag and dispose of the litter through the garbage.
In addition to clumping clay litter not being flushable, silica crystals are generally not flushable as well (element found in quartz).
Flushable litter is particularly convenient for cat owners who keep their litter box in the bathroom. If having flushable litter is important to you, there are several brands you can consider.
The following claim to be OK for flushing cat litter:
* ExquisiCat Enviro-Friendly Pine Litter
* Feline Pine Cat Litter by Nature’s Earth Products
* Nature’s Miracle Odor Control Clumping Cat Litter (made from corncobs)
* Pa Purr Scoop Recycled Paper Cat Litter
* SwheatScoop Cat Litter (made from wheat)
* World’s Best Cat Litter (made from corn)
The following popular brands of cat litter should NOT be flushed at all:
* Arm and Hammer Super Scoop Clumping Litter (Arm and Hammer does make a flushable litter, though; it’s new and it’s called Arm and Hammer Easy Flush)
* Ever Clean Clumping Cat Litter
* ExquisiCat Crystals Cat Litter
* Fresh Step Scoopable Clumping Cat Litter with Odor Eliminating Carbon
* Scoop Away Cat Litter
* Tidy Cats Scoopable Cat Litter
To learn about other brands or types of litter, read the packaging carefully. If it does not say on the packaging, you can check the brand’s website or call their customer service number. Again, if in doubt, don’t flush. It’s not worth damaging your plumbing.
You should note that just because a litter brand claims to be flushable, that does not mean flushing it will be good for your plumbing or septic system. You may clog up your toilet or cause harm to your septic system. In fact, some recommend against flushing litter at all if you have a septic system, regardless of what the litter company might say.
When flushing cat litter, flush small amounts at a time. Flushing is good for when you’re removing waste on a daily basis; when you need to change the entire litter box, you’re better off putting all that litter into the trash.
Sources:
www.petsmart.com
www.armhammerpets.com
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