Alternative applications for used kitty litter?

Question

I was thinking about throwing my cats' used kitty liter into the compost pile, but read somewhere that it makes for horrible compost. So do i continue throwing it out? Or is there some other garden use for it? Will it perhaps kill weeds?

Answer 1

Never use any sort of pet poo in your compost heap. Different animals have different issues with problematic organisms that aren't killed in domestic compost piles because they don't tend to reach sufficient temperatures to kill pathogens.

This is more of a problem with meat-eating animals (cats & dogs) and with birds. However, the poo and bedding of most rodent types (mice, gerbils, hamsters, rabbits) it's not a problem.

There is at least one new composting bin out there that claims to get hot enough to deal with pet poo, but I can't find it right now.

You could switch to flushable litter; then it would get handled by the waste treatment plants.

Answer 2

Being a Master Gardener I'm supposed to tell people not to use carnivore crap in the compost pile or garden, so there, I've said it. True there are some issues with litter boxes and pregnant women but I've never been pregnant nor will I ever be, so my dogs doo and cats poo all end up in my compost, as would my own if it was practical. Anyone who thinks the neighborhood creatures don't use your yard and gardens as restrooms is delusional and there's almost nothing you can do to prevent it, so wash your veggies and get on with your life. RScott

Answer 3

I agree that meat eating animal waste is not a good compost ingredient because of the possibility of e coli poisoning. I taught my cat how to relieve herself outside. No more cat boxes! If your cat is indoor/outdoor I can tell you how to train your kitty. Have a great week.

Answer 4

I would think it would be good in your compost pile to keep the soil loose. It is all natural isn't it? And the waste products in it would compost/deteriorate if you let it set long enough. They were probably concerned about the acidity in the urine, but I would think that would disipate with time, watering, and turning? ~Just my thoughts:) The only other thing I can think of to use it for would to be to fill in a hole in your yard before covering it with soil.
Good Luck!!

Answer 5

You should NEVER use waste from an animal that eats meat. There is something in the waste that can get into your food, if used for fertilizer, and cause you to become ill. Chicken or rabbit waste would be safe alternatives. I would throw it out.

Answer 6

i been throwin dog poop in my compost pi;e for years