One of the stones used in litter boxes is natural zeolite. Thanks to the properties of this mineral, it has many applications and many benefits from its use.
What is zeolite?
There is a wide variety of zeolites, more than 40 different types, but they all have the essential characteristic of having a microporous structure that gives them the property of being absorbent.
It also has a great cation exchange capacity, due to the charge imbalance produced by the Si and Al relationship in its structure. Thanks to this feature, it not only absorbs water molecules but also some heavy metal cations, such as mercury, nickel or arsenic.
At the same time it releases calcium, magnesium and phosphate. With these properties, this natural stone has a wide variety of applications in agriculture, the environment, and animal and human health.
With the particularity of being ecological. Zeolite applications The properties of natural zeolite are used for a multitude of applications and can even be an ecological alternative to some chemical products without leaving residue. Agriculture and Crops Zeolite absorbs water and nutrients when it rains and slowly releases them as the soil dries.
Among the nutrients they absorb are calcium, nitrogen, potassium and magnesium. Wastewater treatment Ion exchange is one of the most used properties for natural and ecological water purification. Thanks to this capacity, zeolite absorbs bad odors, heavy metals such as arsenic or lead and cations such as zinc, iron and ammonium.
Filters for swimming pools or fish farms
An excellent alternative to sand is zeolite in pool filters. Since in addition to filtering particles of up to 5 microns, the water is purer, due to ionic exchange.
Drinking water filtration
Another application of zeolite is the purification treatment of water to make it drinkable. Gas filtration in industry.
Zeolite eliminates humidity, ammonia, bad odors and some toxic particles. Due to these properties, it is ideal for purifying gases from an air flow. Use of zeolite in construction
In construction it is usually used as a natural pozzolana in the formation of concrete. The structure is stronger and lighter. Since the absorbed moisture is gently released, improving the setting of the concrete. It is also used as a soil stabilizer due to its hygroscopic properties and its ability to restore pH.
Animal Nutrition A type of natural zeolite called clinoptilolite is used as a nutritional supplement for animals. Especially to reduce diarrhea episodes, improve the assimilation of vitamins, minerals and proteins.
Human health In addition to its use in animals, it is also used as a food supplement in cases of diarrhea or absorption of toxins.
For external use, zeolite is used on the feet to eliminate sweat and bad odors. As in some cosmetics to hydrate the skin and improve its tone. Benefits of using zeolite as cat litter
The properties of zeolite allow cat litter to be more hygienic and healthy for the pet and the people who live with it. One of the most important reasons is that it prevents the development of bacteria, mold, fungi and parasites dangerous to cats and humans.
Its excellent drying and odor absorption properties make it a natural deodorant for the environment. It does not agglutinate or form clumps, its granular shape is maintained and the excrement is separated so that it can be removed with a litter shovel.
Cats have a healthy and natural environment. The environment has healthier air, without bad odors.
Easy maintenance. The waste can be disposed directly into the soil as plant fertilizer. Learn about the properties of other types of cat litter
Where can you buy zeolite?
At omnipets you can get quality cat litter with the right advice for each situation.