The Nerdiest Corner Of The Internet … On Cat Litter
via MadeHow.com
I admit: I am one of those cat parents to whom litter box cleaning is almost a meditative practice. To be clear, it's not that I enjoy it -- after all, how many people besides the Dalai Lama and Deepak Chopra actually enjoy the act of meditation? Nay, as a confirmed germaphobe, I'd gown up in PPE for a cleaning sess even before the pandemic hit us. But good litter box hygiene is essential for our furbabies, and cat litter history and science is so fascinating.
For example, did you know that cat litter was not even a thing until 1947, aka 11,940 years after cats first started living with humans? Or that the advent of cat litter played a crucial role in the "domestication" of cats, because prior to that cats had to be at least partially outdoors?
And did you know that some litter has catnip added (what!), or that some litter is made with citrus? (An abomination! Do these manufacturers not know about the long-running feud between cats and citruses?)
So! 'Tis with great satisfaction that I share my recent discovery of what may very well be The Nerdiest Corner of the Internet dedicated to Cat Litter. This gloriously nerdy webpage covers the history of litter -- the "Godfather of Cat Litter" may not have a Hollywood star, but he’s a star in my book! -- and the process by which litter is made. It also discusses why clay is the most prevalent material (tldr: absorbent) and some common alternatives.
Friends, I present to you:
How Products Are Made, Cat Litter Edition via MadeHow.com
If you yearn to see the manufacturing process diagram in 3D action, Youtube provideth with this video on bentonite (clay) litter production AND this demo of machinery that makes cat litter.
And, of course, our beloved Wikipedia offers a Litter Box entry that covers both litter box and litter types.
A bit of fun bathroom reading, perhaps? ;)
p.s. You may also like: Litterbox Manifesto
REFERENCES
Citrus sinensis and Citrus limonia toxicity profiles via ASPCA Animal Poison Control
How to make Bentonite cat litter in the factory? via Youtube - Check out the fascinating note from commentor Bruce Coulda, who shares his experience working in a kitty litter production company
Making Dust Free Cat Litter - Continental Rollo Mixer® Mk VII 1 via Youtube
