Put a stop to cat litter dust and tracks

Some people have trained their cats to go to the bathroom in a toilet. Others leave out a box filled with litter and let them dig for days.

With litter boxes, undoubtedly one of the problems a pet owner faces is his cat’s ability to track litter from the box throughout the house.

Not only is litter tracking a nuisance, but it can lead to frustrating problems around the home.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Air and Radiation, an increasing amount of scientific evidence indicates that the air within one’s home can be more seriously polluted than outdoor air in even the largest, most industrialized cities.

Since people spend much of their time at home, it’s important to keep the air clean and free of dust and other airborne allergens.

Most cat owners have encountered the plume of dust that rises when they pour litter into the litter box, or the tracks of dust that Kitty has left behind.

However, within recent years a new breed of natural litter has hit the market. Unlike outdated clay-based cat litters, many of the natural litters are virtually dust-free.

Taking this one small step and changing the cat litter one uses can improve air quality and cut back on dust levels that can potentially harm a family.

Filling the litter box with an all-natural pine-based litter will not only cut down on tracking and dust but also cut back on toxins.

The National Center for Health Statistics reported that one in three people today suffers from asthma, allergies, bronchitis or sinusitis.

One suggested treatment for these conditions is reducing synthetic chemicals within the home.

Search the market for a cat litter that is silica dust-free and has no chemical additives or artificial fragrances.

Cat litter tracking can also be particularly harmful to home furnishings. Clay litters contain an extremely abrasive substance, silica, that can damage hardwood and even some tile flooring.

One way to protect a floor is by using a mat at the front of the litter box; also, switch to an all-natural litter, such as a pine litter, that touts less tracking and has smoother surfaces than gritty clay litter.

Most floors are made of “hardwoods” – maple, oak or cherry – that will lose the scratching battle with clay every time.

Cat litter made of “soft” wood, such as pine, is non-abrasive and will keep floors looking their best.