Olive-based litter perfect for a glamour puss
BY MARIKA HILL
OLIVES TO LOOS: Massey University researchers Dr Ngaio Beausoleil, Tiffany Wendland and Dr David Thomas are working on a process that turns olive oil waste into kitty litter.
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Olive oil has produced an unusual byproduct for pet owners – biodegradable kitty litter.
Massey University researchers have helped a Hawke's Bay olive oil company transform its waste into an organic toilet for cats.
The Village Press chief executive Wayne Startup wanted new uses for the stones, skin and flesh waste from olive oil.
"The waste looks like sawdust and it just got me thinking," he said. "Here is a natural product that is biodegradable; it looks like kitty litter and it might just work."
Wanting science behind his idea, he approached Massey University's Centre for Feline Nutrition.
Researchers took on the challenge and found cats happily accepted the alternative toilet material.
Centre director David Thomas said traditional cat litters were made from clay, which doesn't break down in landfills.
This new product has proven to be biodegradable and kitty-friendly.
Animal science master's student Tiffany Wendland, who is conducting the study, said there was a gap in New Zealand market's for natural kitty litter. "It has clear advantages over existing commercial cat litters because it is completely biodegradable and that will appeal to people who want to keep New Zealand green," she said.
The team are now testing the litters' absorption of the smell and liquid from cat's waste.
If all goes well, Dr Thomas hopes he'll receive some free samples for the 150 cats the centre houses.
- © Fairfax NZ News
