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Re: Composting Kitty Krud




Cyndi Norman (cnorman@best.com#nospam) wrote:

> 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


If it's possible for the composting pile to heat up to a high enough 
temperature, it will kill any pathogens (bacteria)...then animal wastes 
can safely be used. If your housecat has parasites, however, this is 
NOT normal and he/she needs to go to the vet ASAP.

On a related note, there has been some research done of a "solar toilet" 
which uses the sun to burn waste (in this case, human) to ash...the 
technology sounds ideal if it can be made to work, especially for rural 
homesites or those close to water sources, etc....it sure beats a septic 
tank. Last place I found material on this was at one of the "Earthship" 
sites up in the Santa Fe/Taos areas of New Mexico.

Anyway, it relates to this newsgroup in that an efficient solar heating 
process would not only sterilize animal wastes but do it much sooner than 
composting, or time alone. Consequently, such material could be used 
safely for gardens...many countries have been using UNtreated 
human/animal wastes for centuries (not recommended, but it's been 
regularly done), so treated wastes should be just fine.

John Dechon
El Paso, TX


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