Certain litters are actually causing serious problems for our feline friends including asthma, bronchitis, intestinal blockage and possibly even lung cancer. Most litters are loaded with chemicals to reduce odor and help with absorption. These chemicals are released into the air when your cat digs in the litter box. The dust from the litter gets into the cat's lungs and can wreak havoc on its immune system, putting his or her health in jeopardy. With every visit to the litter box, your cat may be polluting its lungs.
Damage can occur in just a short period of time.
Clumping clay litter, which forms a hard ball when it gets wet, is one of the most harmful types on the market. Several brands use this clay to make thier litter easier to scoop. It's a natural clay ingredient called sodium bentonite. So when your cat or kitten digs in the litter box it's stirring up clay dust and breathing it in. Once it gets into their lungs, it expands from the moisture, and in time builds up, causing all sorts of lung problems like the ones mentioned above.