Cats dig and cover several times a day, creating a local dust cloud at box height, and chronic inhalation irritates airways, especially in asthmatic cats.
Bentonite litters tend to run dustier though better brands de-dust them, while tofu and paper litters are usually lower-dust but still shed particles when damp and crumbled.
Test directly: watch the cloud when pouring and scooping, and check palm residue after running a hand through the litter; visible fog means switch.
Place boxes in ventilated spots away from bedrooms and scoop gently; if coughing or sneezing worsens after box use, change to low-dust litter and get an airway assessment.
