COCOCAT: COCONUT COIR AND RICE HUSK AS NATURAL CAT LITTER

Abstract

Growing concerns about the environmental impact of cat litter and the health implications for cats and cat owners have highlighted the need for reliable and affordable cat litter that can effectively manage odor and moisture. Traditional clay litter, while affordable, contains harmful crystalline silica, prompting the exploration of organic alternatives such as coconut coir and rice husk. Coconut coir is known for its moisture-absorption capability; however, it may be less effective in eliminating ammonia odors, which led to the incorporation of rice husk for improved odor control. This study aimed to explore the absorption and odor-control capabilities of coconut coir and rice husk as natural cat litter, addressing gaps in existing studies on alternative cat litter options. This study employed an experimental research design to assess the efficacy of alternative cat litter made from coconut coir and rice husk in terms of absorption capability, odor control, and texture. A total of twenty (20) respondents evaluated the alternative cat litter. Descriptive statistical tools, including percentage and weighted mean, were used to analyze the data. The alternative cat litter made from coconut coir and rice husk demonstrated a higher rate of absorption compared to commercial cat litter. However, commercial cat litter performed better in odor control. The addition of rice husk to coconut coir helped reduce odor, resulting in a faint odor rather than a strong or distinct smell. In terms of texture, the alternative litter was described as soft and sandy, comparable to commercial cat litter. The findings indicated that the alternative cat litter made from coconut coir and rice husk is comparable to commercially available cat litter in terms of quality and cost. It is recommended that future processing of rice husk be refined into a more granular texture to enhance its overall effectiveness.