Comparing Properties and Potential of Pinewood, Dried Tofu, and Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) Pellet as Cat Litter

• Published in: Cellulose: Development, Processing, and Applications
• Main Author: Umor N.A.; Adenan N.H.; Hajar N.; Akil N.A.M.; Malik N.H.A.; Ismail S.; Meskam Z.H.
• Format: Book chapter
• Language: English
• Published: CRC Press 2023
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85170196500&doi=10.1201%2f9781003358084-21&partnerID=40&md5=65d44bc75d811deeca0cceffe8e8dd64

The demand for biodegradable cat litter is increasing due to high awareness of environmental and health impacts among cats and cat lovers. The use of clay and bentonite could be harmful to the environment if not properly managed. In this study, imported cat litters were compared with locally produced empty fruit bunch (EFB) pellets for performance. Four types of biodegradable cat litter, namely, pine, EFB pellet, dried tofu, and a mixture of EFB pellet and pine (4:1), were evaluated for their physical properties, water absorption, and odor. The length and diameter of the samples varied due to the production specification, but in terms of bulk density, dried tofu had the highest density, followed by EFB pellet. The pH of the samples was mostly in the neutral range, except for dried tofu, which had an acidic value of 4.53. The sensory odor test showed that dried tofu caused better adsorption of the softener odor as it was hardly perceived by the respondents, followed by wood and EFB pellet. The EFB pellet-wood sample, on the other hand, was easier to smell when tested. In summary, EFB pellets have characteristics comparable to imported cat litter, which is advantageous as it is locally produced. © 2024 selection and editorial matter, Abu Zahrim Yaser, Mohd Sani Sarjadi, and Junidah Lamaming; individual chapters, the contributors.