The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Growing => Gardens => Topic started by: ellied on October 09, 2010, 11:14:37 am

Title: composting wet cat litter (wood pellet type)
Post by: ellied on October 09, 2010, 11:14:37 am

I use a wood pellet kind of cat litter and muck it out regularly but I wondered whether the wet sawdust left in the tray might be compostable and if so how much the compost might tolerate in proportion to twiggy and leafy stuff?  It seems such a shame to put it in the black bin for landfill but I am not sure whether the acidity would be too much?

I have tried a few odd trays to see in one of the compost bins but I'm throwing a lot out still and there is a large newly established compost heap by the veg garden that it would be lovely to use for some more..

Title: Re: composting wet cat litter (wood pellet type)
Post by: HappyHippy on October 09, 2010, 12:04:26 pm

Personally, I wouldn't put it anywhere near a compost heap that you intend using on anything edible  :o
It might be okay as a mulch round shrubs and flowers or rot down in a seperate pile and use in your flower beds and borders.
I'm just thinking of the possible risks of toxoplasmosis - but maybe I'm being silly  ???
HTH
Karen

Title: Re: composting wet cat litter (wood pellet type)
Post by: doganjo on October 09, 2010, 12:13:33 pm

Absolutely right, Karen. I wouldn't either.

Title: Re: composting wet cat litter (wood pellet type)
Post by: Fleecewife on October 09, 2010, 01:11:32 pm

Same here.  The risk of disease is too high.  Also I wouldn't use dung from a carnivore such as a dog or cat.  Manure from grazers is bulky with grasses, very different from cat or dog.

Title: Re: composting wet cat litter (wood pellet type)
Post by: northfifeduckling on October 12, 2010, 11:01:28 pm

no - toxoplasmosis in cat poo, not good news for pregnant women. Also, do we know what they actually put in cat food? :cat: :&>

Title: Re: composting wet cat litter (wood pellet type)
Post by: ellied on October 13, 2010, 10:37:19 am

I had already taken out the cat poo, it was just wet sawdust but I take the point and will keep that bin separate from the stuff that goes on the veg plots - it can go as a mulch on a weedy area I am trying to keep down.

Actually the cats probably use the veg plots as a toilet occasionally, but it's only a risk to myself and I guess as the mucker out I probably get exposed to whatever it is they have in any case ::)