When shopping for cat litter, you may find litters advertised as toilet flushable. While this concept may sound appealing, the reality is not quite so simple. In this article, we’ll clarify what defines a litter that shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet from those designed for the purpose.
What type of litter should not be flushed down the toilet?
Clumping litters should not be flushed down the toilet, especially those containing bentonite (clay). Their absorbent properties make them easy to block your toilet plumbing. Silica litter is not biodegradable and does not dissolve in water, even though it is not clumping.
Can OdourLock® litter be flushed down the toilet?
OdourLock is a clumping litter made from natural clay, and should never be flushed down the toilet. Its absorbent properties could cause serious damage to your plumbing system.
How do I dispose of clumping clay litter?
If you use a clumping clay litter like OdourLock, we recommend that you clean your litter tray daily and use a scoop and litter garbage can to dispose of soiled litter. Daily cleaning will allow you to remove only the soiled clumps of litter, which will extend the life of your litter box.
Cats prefer clean environments, so by cleaning the litter box daily, you’ll reduce the risk of your cat relieving itself outside the box. About once a month, we recommend emptying the litter tray completely and cleaning it with soap and warm water.
What kind of litter can be flushed down the toilet?
Certain types of litter made from biodegradable materials such as corn, wheat or tofu can be described as flushable for two reasons. Firstly, they are made from raw materials that are biodegradable and break down in water, but they are also non-clumping. This means they form little or no clumps of urine that can block the pipes. Before flushing any type of litter down the toilet, check with the manufacturer.
Advantages and disadvantages of toilet litter
For some cat owners, disposing of their pet’s needs directly in the toilet makes litter box maintenance easier. However, since litter boxes should be kept as dry and well-ventilated as possible, it’s never a good idea to put a litter box in a bathroom because of the humidity. So even if you have a disposable litter in the toilet, you’ll probably have to carry your cat’s needs from one room to another, which somewhat eliminates the benefits of the product.
Depending on your local regulations, your municipality may also prohibit the flushing of cat litter down the toilet, if, for example, the drain is unsuitable. Some litters also contain additives that could contaminate the water.
Conclusion
Although many litters are sold as toilet flushable, it is generally recommended not to flush cat litter down the toilet for reasons of environmental preservation, prevention of plumbing blockages and compliance with local regulations. Instead, it’s best to dispose of it properly, for example by wrapping it in a sturdy rubbish bag and placing it in the garbage can. Be sure to follow your litter manufacturer’s recommendations on how to dispose of it properly.
OdourLock litter is not soluble and should never be flushed down the toilet. Pregnant women and people with autoimmune diseases should not clean the litter box. Always wash your hands and arms thorough.
