Topic Overview

Digestive Concerns & Cat Litter

Some cats eat litter, which understandably concerns owners. We're cat owners, not vets—if your cat is eating litter or having digestive issues, please see your veterinarian. This behavior can indicate underlying health problems.

Last updated: December 2024 • 8 min read

Why Some Cats Eat Litter

Litter eating, called pica, can have various causes. According to veterinary sources, potential reasons include[1]:

Anemia — Cats may eat unusual substances when iron-deficient
Nutritional deficiencies — Missing nutrients may drive unusual eating
Curiosity in kittens — Young cats explore with their mouths
Behavioral issues — Stress, boredom, or compulsive disorders[2]
Underlying illness — Various conditions can cause pica

Please don't try to diagnose this yourself. Your veterinarian can run tests to determine if there's a medical cause.

Concerns About Litter Ingestion

While occasional litter contact is unavoidable (cats groom their paws), intentional eating raises concerns:

Clumping agents — Some worry about clumping litter expanding in the digestive tract
Chemical additives — Fragrances and other additives weren't meant to be eaten
Intestinal blockage — Large amounts could theoretically cause obstruction
Toxicity — Some litter ingredients may be harmful if consumed

The actual risk depends on how much is eaten and what type of litter. Your vet can advise on your specific situation.

Keeping the Litter Box Clean

Whatever the cause of digestive concerns, a clean litter box is generally better for your cat. Ammonia buildup from urine can be irritating, and a dirty box may contribute to stress.

For effective odor control without chemicals your cat might ingest, activated carbon offers a fragrance-free solution. Purrify uses natural adsorption to neutralize odors—learn about its safety. Unlike scented litters, it doesn't add fragrances that could be concerning if your cat tastes the litter. Check out their standard size or family pack for multi-cat homes.

Litter Considerations for Concerned Owners (Our Opinions)

If your cat eats litter, the priority is finding out why with your vet's help. These are general observations, not recommendations for cats with pica.

Sometimes Preferred by Worried Owners

Paper-based litter Generally passes through if small amounts ingested

Wood pellets Natural material, less concerning if tasted

Corn or wheat (unscented) Digestible materials, though molding is a concern

Some Owners Are More Cautious About

Clumping clay litter Clumping agents may cause issues if ingested in quantity

Silica crystal litter Not meant to be eaten, though small amounts usually pass

Scented litters Chemical fragrances add another concern if ingested

General Digestive Health & the Litter Box

Even if your cat doesn't eat litter, the litter box environment can relate to digestive comfort:

Stress and the gut — Cats under stress may have digestive issues; a pleasant litter box environment helps reduce stress
Observation opportunity — The litter box is where you might notice changes in stool that warrant a vet visit
Ammonia irritation — Strong ammonia from urine buildup isn't good for anyone; managing odor helps

If you're dealing with litter box odor, there are solutions that don't involve adding chemicals to the box.

When to See Your Veterinarian

If your cat is eating litter, please see your vet. This isn't a behavior to manage on your own. Your veterinarian can:

Test for anemia and nutritional deficiencies
Check for underlying medical conditions
Rule out behavioral causes
Recommend appropriate litter if needed
Provide treatment for any discovered issues

Also contact your vet if your cat has vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or any other digestive symptoms—whether or not you think litter is involved.