Cat Litter as hamster bedding?

[Renlikescake]

I am running out of substrate options where I live and this may be the last option I have as more beddings are stopping retail here.
I've heard that Wood Based non clumping cat litter is safe to use as substrate and I just want to double check with others as I've never used it.

I'm unsure whether it must be biodegradable or not? I watched ErinsAnimals video about cat litter and it just really confused me.

I've used paper pellets in the past and the pellet style beddings are my personal favourites so I know all there pros and cons.
Would non clumping paper cat litter also be suitable?

[Fluffagrams]

Either paper or wood based cat litters are supposed to be safe for hamsters and both have been used in the show pens of Long Haired Syrians at NHC shows.

The wood based cat litter can make the cage heavier to lift and smaller hamsters might find some of them hard to walk over if the pieces are fairly large. It's not great for burrowing either so if your hamsters like to dig, it might be worth bearing that in mind.

[AmityvilleHams]

It can make a good litter for some small pets,but it isn't like sand wouldn't be even better.As mentioned it isn't appropriate for burrowing,and since hamsters are burrowing animals that is absolutely a huge consideration!

I don't personally find it difficult to get pieces of substrate out of my longhair Syrian female's fur,but of course I use paper substrate and not wood so that might be different plus she doesn't have a gorgeous skirt like a male would.

[Renlikescake]

I said I know its pros and cons as I've used it before, im asking does the litter have to be biodegradeable to be safe?

[CMB]

You need to find out if it will break down. In case the hamster eats it. You don't want it to be eaten and get stuck inside the hamster.

I think if it breaks down/dissolves in water it is ok. But someone else may have a better explanation.

[Renlikescake]

thank you CMB I will put it in water to see how it breaks down before using it

[alpacassei]

I've used torn up tissue as emergency substrate before and that worked well, just have to clean their toilet area more often.