Some Types of Cat Litter are Flammable [Here’s How to Avoid the Risk]

Flammable cat litter might not be the first thing on your mind as you prepare for a new feline friend, but it's a crucial topic to tackle.

Getting a new cat is a thrilling journey filled with endless queries. Fret not because we've scoured every corner of the web to bring clarity right to your fingertips.

In this guide, we'll unpack the burning question: which types of cat litter pose a fire risk? From clumping litters to biodegradable varieties, we've got you covered.

Your pet's safety is paramount, and after reading this, you'll be well-equipped to make an informed choice. Onward to a safer cat care experience!

Is Arm and Hammer Cat Litter Flammable?

Aside from their biodegradable litter made from wood and corn, all of Arm and Hammer's cat litter is clay-based, which means they're not flammable.

Click here to see this Arm and Hammer clumping cat litter on Amazon.

Bentonite clay used to make most clumping cat litter, is entirely non-flammable and can be used to put out fires - more on that later in this article!

Click here to see this corn-based Arm and Hammer clumping cat litter on Amazon.

The types of clay used to make other non-clumping litters are also non-flammable.

Is Tidy Cats Cat Litter Flammable?

Tidy Cats has a wide variety of cat litter, including clay-based clumping, non-clumping, and scented paper pulp-based pellets, and wood and paper-based biodegradable.

Click here to see this Tidy Cats cat litter on Amazon.

All their clay-based litters are non-flammable, but the pellets and biodegradable varieties are flammable and should be stored away from heat or flames.

Click here to see this Tidy Cats litter pellets on Amazon.

Is Fresh Step Cat Litter Flammable?

Fresh Step makes silica and clay-based cat litter; according to their website, none is flammable. Both silica gel and clay are stable, non-flammable materials.

Click here to see this Fresh Step silica litter on Amazon.

Is the Litter Box a Fire Hazard in Your Home? [And How to Prevent That]

If you're using clay-based litter, there should be no fire risk.

It's generally best to keep the litter box away from hot surfaces such as a furnace, fireplace, or heating vent, but that's more to prevent the plastic litter box from melting than to avoid burning the litter.

However, things are a little different when it comes to biodegradable litter.

Click here to see this biodegradable litter on Amazon.

Wheat bran and paper-based cat litter burn easily and can even cause spontaneous combustion.

With this added risk, you may wonder why you choose biodegradable litter over clay litter.

There are several good reasons to choose this type of litter - it breaks down after being discarded instead of sitting in a landfill, it's made from sustainable materials instead of environmentally damaging clay, and there is a minimized risk of toxins.

You can read our article 8 Types of Biodegradable Cat Litter (Including Pros and Cons) to learn more about biodegradable litter.

Safety Precautions for Using Biodegradable Cat Litter

And don't worry, and you don't have to choose between the health of the environment and the safety of you and your cat!

If you take a few precautions, the biodegradable litter in your cat's litter box won't present a safety hazard.

• Keep the litter box away from hot things like stoves, fireplaces, heaters, furnaces, or heating vents.
• Avoid burning candles near the litter box - it might be tempting to mask the smell this way, but if the candle dripped wax or fell into the litter box, it could start a fire.
• Use a covered cat litter box to reduce the risk of anything hot or flammable accidentally falling into the litter. You can learn more about covered litter boxes in our article Do Cats Like Covered Litter Boxes?
• Be mindful of where you store the cat litter. Please keep it in a cool, dry, secure location such as a pantry, hall closet, or a cool corner of the basement. Never store it near hot water pipes, exposed electrical wires, or anything that could cause intense heat or sparks.

Click here to see this covered cat litter box on Amazon.

Can Cat Litter Put Out a Fire?

If you use the right kind, cat litter can extinguish a fire! Just ensure you're using clay-based litter and not potentially flammable biodegradable litter.

Some people use cat litter to prevent grill fires by pouring a layer on the bottom of their grill.

Be sure to replace it when it becomes grease-soaked, and dispose of it like you would discard any other potentially flammable item.

You can also pour cat litter on the flames from small kitchen fires to bring them under control.

Playing It Safe with Cat Litter Flammability

Well, fellow feline lovers, that's the litter lowdown. Clay and silica are your fire-safe champions, while biodegradable types need a watchful eye.

Who would've thought clay could even be a fire-fighting hero? As we wrap up, remember: it's all about mixing eco-friendly choices with safety.

Thanks for joining us on this cat-tastic journey, and here's to safe and eco-conscious litter choices!

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