Would you add the cat litter to your compost?

Simone_in_Wiltshire · November 2022

Sorry, I can't find the cat discussion despite best efforts and so I open a new discussion.

I have recently seen cat litter totally made of paper, and decided to try it. Our cat accepts it and the best thing is that all the dust from the litter we used to use for 14 years is gone, and no plastic bags are left.
I wonder if I could add it to the compost in my garden. The amount would pile up, of course, but I wonder if the cat's urine does something with the soil over the time.
What do you think? Even I added only once a months the toilet to the compost would mean 25% less litter in the household bin.

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Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6030279/uploads/editor/u5/zyyoipydfif3.jpg

Many thanks for your thoughts.

Dovefromabove · November 2022

The usual advice is never to add manure etc from carnivores to compost or to your garden soil because of the risk of it containing the eggs of parasites. I’m sure your cats are very well cared for but even a well cared for pet can get parasitic worms from hunting and eating mice and birds.

I have seen the horrendous effects of toxoplasmosis on a child who was infected in the womb, because the pregnant mother did some gardening on infected soil. I would never take the risk.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/manures/cat-feces-in-compost.htm

punkdoc · November 2022

I agree, @Dovefromabove

Fairygirl · November 2022

I agree too. The wet bit is ok.
I was very careful when pregnant, never to touch the litter tray, for the reasons @Dovefromabove mentions. Hubby had to deal with it - for a change.

Simone_in_Wiltshire · November 2022

Many thanks to all. The only stuff that is in the cat litter is the urine. Our cat had always used the towel on the bathroom floor for the poo since we gave her a shelter. We also have no pregnant women to expect as visitors. But I will keep it as we have done in all the years and give it to the household litter.

Dovefromabove · November 2022

Good idea. Toxoplasmosis is also not good folk who are immuno-suppressed or vulnerable in other ways.

Fairygirl · November 2022

Much as I'm slightly horrified at the 'bathroom' scenario @Simone_in_Wiltshire, one of our cats learned to pee in the toilet.
He was a lot less messy than most men too

MikeOxgreen · November 2022

If it's only pee it'll be fine.
We tried it for the very same reason, but our cat just would not take to it so had to stop.

fidgetbones · November 2022

We had a cat (neutered tom)that used to squat and pee over the waste water drain outside. He used to drink out of the toilet. There was always a bowl of water down, the dog would drink from it but not the cat.

I would not put any faeces from any dog , cat, pig or human in the compost heap. Bird cage litter is too strong. Herbivores such as sheep or horse or cow dung is fine.

WonkyWomble · November 2022

@Fairygirl...I think you may have exposed the true reason we never had kids.....🤔 Hubby has never emptied the litter tray in 23 years!!! 🤣

Dovefromabove · November 2022

Come on, be fair @WonkyWomble … he can hardly see it from up there … it’s certainly too far for him to bend down 🤣

Would you add the cat litter to your compost?

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