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Re: Composting Kitty Krud
In article <MOD$971007.8725@rec.gardens.ecosystems>, gondwana@ix.netcom.com
wrote:
> We have become rather wealthy in kitty litter (johnny Cat brand). And
> I've been wondering...does this stuff compost? I realize it is probably
> very high in urea, but the litter material looks like it would be ideal
> for aerating and supplying friability to soil....except that I am
> wondering about chemicals. But for the urea, I'd be tempted to work it
> directly into the soil...
Sorry but you're going to have to resist. Cat droppings have too many
parasites and other icky things to make it safe to compost. I believe the
distinction is carnovores having undesirable extrement vs herbivores having
desirable manure, but I'm sure there are exceptions on both sides. Cat
urine minus the rest is not okay either, though I'm not sure if it's
because the same things are in the urine as the rest or if there is another
reason.
I don't worry too much about my cat using the garden for a litter box (we
don't have a litter box and it's a godsend) but I haven't started my veggie
garden yet (I'll discourage her from there as much as possible). Also, if
I were pregnant, I would avoid the stuff. Cat droppings can pass
toxoplasmosis which can be very very dangerous to a developing fetus.
Pregnant women should change litter boxes with gloves or get someone else
to do it. There is (as far as I know) no danger from cat urine or from the
cats themselves.
As for the kitty litter itself. If it's 100% clay or sand, that should be
okay. But definately do not put scented litter in the garden or compost.
I'm not sure if clumping litter has things added to it to make it clump but
if it does, avoid it too. If you live in a snowy area you can use kitty
litter for traction on the ice. Do you really want to add kitty litter to
your soil? Do you need more clay or more sand?
Cyndi
_______________________________________________________________________________
Oakland, California Zone 9 USDA; Zone 16 Sunset Western Garden Guide
Disabled, chemically sensitive, wheelchair user Organic Gardening only
_______________________________________________________________________________
"There's nothing wrong with me. Maybe there's Cyndi Norman
something wrong with the universe." (ST:TNG) cnorman@best.com
__________________________________________________ http://www.best.com/~cnorman
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