Can I Compost Cat Litter?
Composting cat litter is unsafe due to the high risk of pathogen transmission and potential for attracting pests.

Sourced & Cited
Cat litter, even if seemingly natural, presents significant challenges for home composting. The potential for harmful bacteria and parasites in cat feces makes it a risky material to handle and incorporate into a compost pile intended for garden use. This guide will explain the safety concerns and outline why it's generally not recommended.
Compost Classification
Unsuitable for Composting: This material should not be composted due to potential safety hazards or its inability to decompose properly. As such, the classification of brown (carbon-rich) or green (nitrogen-rich) does not apply.
🏷️ Tags
Important characteristics to know about this item:
Pest Attraction Risk Odor Risk May Contain Synthetics
⚠️ Potential Risks
- Risk of pathogen transmission (toxoplasmosis, E. coli, Salmonella)
- Attraction of rodents and other pests
- Unpleasant odors during decomposition
- Incomplete decomposition due to the presence of non-organic materials in some litters
- Production of compost unsuitable for use in food gardens
💡 Best Practices
- Do NOT compost cat litter.
- Dispose of cat litter responsibly according to local regulations – typically in sealed trash bags.
- Never use the resulting compost on food gardens, even if the litter itself is organic.
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