T.R | Title | User | Personal Name | Date | Lines |
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123.1 | CLUMPING LITTERS | SALEM::DILLON_M | It's never to late | Tue Jan 07 1992 07:34 | 38 |
| Prices are based on my last purchase. Not all "gallon" containers
weight the same, read the label. More brands are coming on the market every
day. I've talked to the folks from one of the suppliers below and they
informed me that all clumping litter is manufactured from only two locations.
Recommendations: EVERCLEAN was the first one I used and forms hard
clumps that are easy to dispose. But for price/performance, SCOOP AWAY
works very well.
BRAND NAME COST/lb COMMENTS
---------- ------- ---------------------------------------------
EVERCLEAN .99 net wt. 7lbs. forms firm clump, found only
in pet type stores, can be purchased in bulk.
EVERCLEAN ES .99 net wt 7lbs. multiple cat use. forms firm
clump. I found no difference with the plain
EVERCLEAN.
EVERCLEAN FG net wt 7lbs. never used this one. has
formula to neutralize orders
EVERCLEAN HD .99 forms a very hard clump, can not be flushed,
found only in pet type stores. can be
purchased in bulk
SCOOP AWAY .57 net wt. 7lbs. has green things in it to help
control order. forms a firm clump. found
in supermarkets.
LITTER GUARD .67 net wt. 6lbs. forms soft clump. clumps dry
up fast and break easy. found in dept. stores
TIDY SCOOP .57 net wt. 7lbs. contains baking soda, very
dusty, tracks more than others. forms firm
clump. found in supermarkets
CATS PRIDE .70 net wt. 5lbs. forms firm clump. did not last
long due to its size. found in supermarkets
|
123.2 | Cat's Pride #1! | SELL1::FAHEL | Amalthea Celebras/Silver Unicorn | Tue Jan 07 1992 07:57 | 27 |
| I will ONLY use Cat's Pride. Yesterday my husband bought 2 huge 2
gallon containers. We've had no problem with dust, and the clumps form
very solid (so wonderfully easy to pick up!) We "scoop" every other
night...that's usually all we need. Rico is usually very particular
about his litter (if he disapproved of a brand, he simply would NOT use
the box) and he loves this. Alex likes to "help" with the scooping -
she's always right there when we start!
There IS a problem with "tracking", but no more so than regular litter
(I've found). If anything, stepping on a bit of sand is a HECK of a
lot more comfortable than stepping on a bit of regular litter. ;^) We
put a newspaper under the box (there is no room for a rug where there
box is).
We used to use SCOOP AWAY, but find that the clumps don't form as
solid. More often than not the clumps would just sift right thru our
scoop.
And on a side note, every container of "Cat's Pride" comes with a cents
off coupon. ;^) We've also noticed one very, VERY endearing thing
about this brand...no smell whatsoever! My landlady (who isn't a cat
person in the least) stood less than 5 feet from the box, and couldn't
smell it (and she was TRYING to - she once told us to get rid of the
furbs because of box smell. She settled for the compromise. Thank
goodness...we didn't feel like moving.)
K.C.
|
123.3 | Convince me! | CALS::HEALEY | DTN 297-2426 (was Karen Luby) | Tue Jan 07 1992 11:31 | 12 |
|
Where do you find Cat's Pride? About how much does a one
gallon container cost (and how many pounds are in a gallon)?
Also, how much do you need to fill up the litter box the
first time and how much is needed weekly to replenish?
I'm still kinda skeptical about this type of litter. What
happens if the cat steps on the clumps?
Karen
|
123.4 | works great for males with urinary problems | MUTTON::BROWN | | Tue Jan 07 1992 12:24 | 14 |
| Jonny Cat also makes a clumping litter. It is not marketed in a gallon
plastic jug. The time that I used it it came in a bag just like the
one that their regular litter did, I think it weighed ten pounds. It
is new to the market. I liked the Jonny Cat. I am not sure on the
cost as the bag I had was given to me as a sample at the pet fair.
At our Tails & No Tales show this weekend one of the vendors had two
pallets of clumping litter brought to the show and gave one gallon for
every cat that was entered. That means I came home with three gallons,
plus the ones that exhibitors carelessly left in the show hall. The
company name was Premium Pet Supply, but I can't recall the brand of
litter. Will try it out and give you a full report.
Jo
|
123.5 | How's this? | SELL1::FAHEL | Amalthea Celebras/Silver Unicorn | Tue Jan 07 1992 12:25 | 20 |
| I find Cat's Pride at my local Market Basket (Nashua, NH), and it costs
(before coupon) about $2.99 for a gallon. I didn't ask how much the 2
gallon containers cost, but I'm willing to bet that it is probably,
pound for pound, a bit cheaper. I don't know how many pounds per
gallon.
For my 2 furballs, it takes most of one to first-time fill it, and the
rest can be stretched to about 3 weeks to a month.
And if a cat steps on a clump, he steps on a clump. Nuthin'. It
doesn't break up (not unless you have a VERY Heavy cat...and Tiki was
20 pounds when we started using this stuff). Usually they step AROUND
the clumps.
It is recommended that you scoop regularly. Like I said, I scoop every
other evening. We bought one of those little metal deep-fry scoops to
use for just the occasion (and keep it right next to the box...so as
not to be confused with our REAL deep fry scoop). (Sorry)
K.C.
|
123.6 | | JUPITR::KAGNO | Kitties with an Attitude | Tue Jan 07 1992 12:31 | 12 |
| I thought this type of clumping litter had to be scooped *daily* in
order to achieve maximum effectiveness. I have three litterboxes for
three cats (the other two do their business outside), non clumping type
litter, and you should see the messes they can create in one day, let
alone every other day. All three boxes are always in use and I find
myself scooping them at least 2 to 3X daily.
When I used the Everclean, I found it to be very dusty and the clumps
would break up easily, causing odor.
-Roberta
|
123.7 | | CAPITN::CORDES_JA | Set Apt./Cat_Max=3..uh,I mean 4 | Tue Jan 07 1992 13:22 | 21 |
| Jo,
I think it was called Premium Cat Litter but I could be wrong. When
they guy checked in to set up he mistook me for you (him and 6-7 other
people during the weekend) and introduced himself. I'm pretty sure
that's the name of the company he said he was from.
Do you remember the name of the litter that the Fromm's guy was
displaying? It sounds like a neat thing for people who's cats have
problems with FUS. When the cat pees in the litter and the ph
content is normal the litter will appear slightly yellow. When ph is
off by some small amount the litter will turn a lavender color and you
know it is time for a vet check. One small problem he noticed though.
Seems by giving his cats tap water, the minerals or whatever in the
water were causing the litter to show lavender even when things were
okay. When he switched them to bottled water this stopped. I think
this stuff was called Fussy Kitty or something like that. I have the
brochure at home. Has anyone heard of this before?
Jan
|
123.8 | | RIPPLE::KENNEDY_KA | Strong and Determined | Tue Jan 07 1992 14:07 | 6 |
| I used Scoop Away for a couple of months. I found after the first
month the ammonia smell permeated the rest of the litter, even when I
scooped on a daily basis. I've gone back to Johnny Cat regular. The
cats seem happier now also.
Karen
|
123.9 | cleaning litter box | WMOIS::RIVETTS_P | | Wed Jan 08 1992 06:30 | 6 |
| How often do you clean the litter boxes when you use this stuff.
I remember reading in some other note that someone didn't like using
this kind of litter because of the bacteria that build up in the litter
box. (or something like that)
|
123.10 | thoughts on cleaning the litter box | MUTTON::BROWN | | Wed Jan 08 1992 09:28 | 13 |
| That was me that put in that I thought that this litter gave people the
impression that they never had to clean the box again. Bacteria and
parasites can live in the litter pan, so when the litter is finally
dumped, the pan should be scrubbed with a bleach/water solution and
then refilled with fresh litter. I have known folks that just kept
adding litter to the box and *never* actually cleaned the box.
This litter is supposed to last you a month if I remember the adds
correctly. I don't think that disinfecting once a month is often
enough, but that is just my opinion. For optimum safety, we disinfect
all our litter pans once a week.
Jo
|
123.11 | | SALEM::DILLON_M | It's never to late | Wed Jan 08 1992 10:01 | 10 |
| I scoop out the box twice a day and keep at least three inches in
it even though it says on most of the instructions that only two are
required. This way the urine never makes it to the bottom of the pan. I
clean out the pan once a month. I do this by letting the litter run
low, so I don't have to dispose of to much. Clean up is easy and I
never have any dirty litter waiting for trash day.
This type of litter is not for everybody. Some cats have problems
with using it and it does need to be cleaned more offen than other
types of litter, or the cats will break up the clumps in time.
Mike
|
123.12 | I use scoop away | TEGAN::LACORTI | | Thu Jan 09 1992 06:46 | 12 |
| Ever since I brought Chief home I have used this type of litter. I
use the scoop away from the supermarket. I scoop at least once a day.
I also have a heavy towel under the box and I keep the dustbuster in
the same room. I guess he likes it since he has never gone anywhere
but the box (and once in a while outdoors). If I had more than one cat
using the box though it might become hard to keep it clean and scooped.
An advantage of scooping every day is that I know exactly what he
"bowels" are, and if something is different I can tell immediately.
Not that you cant with regular litter, but I dont think I would be as
attentive if I used it. I know a coworker who tried it with her 3,
but it did not work out.
Sandy
|
123.13 | Fargas likes Cat's Pride | PARITY::LAUER | Boethia Uper Allelon | Thu Jan 09 1992 12:56 | 11 |
| We prefer Cat's Pride also. I used Scoop Away in Chicago, but I can't
find it in my supermarket here. I had a coupon for - I think - Tidy
Cat? with the yellow label - but we didn't like it as much. Cat's Pride
has a finer texture, the hockey pucks don't break up, and it doesn't smell!
I have been buying it in a 10 pound bag which is convenient and recyclable.
Farg also enjoys scoop time. He has to investigate everything I remove
from the box - and then after it is refilled he gets in, lays down, and
relaxes for a while.
**Deb
|
123.14 | Fussy Cat Litter | CAPITN::CORDES_JA | Set Apt./Cat_Max=3..uh,I mean 4 | Thu Jan 09 1992 16:08 | 35 |
| I brought in a flyer for the litter I mentioned in 123.7 that is
pH oriented. I have never tried this litter. If anyone does try
it, please post a note and let us know how it works.
FUSSY CAT HM (Health Monitor Cat Litter)
Fussy Cat Health Monitor is a premium clumping cat litter that changes
colors to warn of possible urinary infections or improper diet. With
Fussy Cat Health Monitor, the color change is from yellow to purple
with the "triggering point" set at 7.5 pH.
The instructions on the Fussy Cat Health Monitor says that the purple
color must be seen for 3 to 4 days running before it becomes necessary
to consult your veterinarian. Other conditions may temporarily change
a cat's urinary pH (i.e. a change in diet).
FUSSY CAT HM CAT LITTER 3/10# 33.09
4/5# 25.95
FUSSY CAT D (Indicating Cat Litter)
Fussy Cat D is only available to the veterinarian trade. It is a more
sensitive indicating cat litter that can make several determinations
for you and/or your client by visual colormetric methods. You can
learn to interpret the colors in 5 minutes.
FUSSY CAT D CAT LITTER 3/10# 41.75
(the info below was on the top of the flyer)
James Grain Company, Inc. 408-293-5732 1-800 OK GRAIN
Wholesale Catalog * Vet edition * August 1, 1991 Page 3
|
123.15 | | OXNARD::KOLLING | Karen/Sweetie/Holly/Little Bit Ca. | Wed Jan 15 1992 16:38 | 5 |
| I had to stop getting this kind of litter for my cats because it
aggravated Sweetie's respiratory problem. Also in the old FELINE
file, someone reported that it had caused a severe eye problem in
her cat.
|
123.16 | More on Premium Cat Litter | YOSMTE::CORDES_JA | Set Apt./Cat_Max=3..uh,I mean 4 | Wed Jan 15 1992 17:27 | 20 |
| Well, I've been using the Premium Cat Litter I took home from the
show for almost a week now with very good results. I only had
enought Johnny Cat litter to refill 2 of the 3 boxes in the house
so I opened the Premium stuff and dumped it into one of the boxes.
That box is the freshest smelling box in the house and I think it
is the most used.
I've been keeping an eye out for any problems with breathing or
eyes. In fact, I think I'm hypersensitive to it. If anyone so
much as sighs or has anything around their eyes, I have to check
it out.
When I first put the Premium litter in the box and set it out for
the cats Onyx got inside and just went nuts digging. He wasn't
doing it for any purpose that I could see he just was having a
blast digging in the sand. I think he thought I'd given him his
own personal sand box to play in. I had to drag him out of there
or he'd have been in it all night.
Jan
|
123.17 | Alex on the left, Rico on the right | SELL3::FAHEL | Amalthea Celebras/Silver Unicorn | Thu Jan 16 1992 06:41 | 12 |
| Re: .16
With one of the brands of clumping litter, it has a pamphlet. It says
that some cats (especially kittens) may play in the box like it WAS a
play place, digging and such. They recommend just letting the novelty
wear off.
The other night when it was time to scoop, both Rico and Alex were side
by side, digging, covering, digging, scratching... Talk about subtle
hinters! ;^)
K.C.
|
123.18 | Clumping litter mini-report | YOSMTE::CORDES_JA | Set Apt./Cat_Max=3..uh,I mean 4 | Mon Jan 20 1992 14:36 | 25 |
| Well, Were back to 3 litter boxes with Johnny Cat litter in them
now. The Premium Cat litter lasted over a week but by Sunday it
smelled pretty bad even though I'd been scooping out the lumps and
clumps regularly. I didn't have any more sand to add to it so I
had to change it.
I kind of like the sand litter, so did the cats. But, I can't see
how you could go for more than a 1-1/2 to 2 weeks without changing
it. A month would be way too long.
Also, I have been having a lot of allergy problems for the last 1-1/2
weeks. I'm going to monitor and see how I do now that the sand litter
is gone. I have an allergy to dust and since the cats were probably
spreading the sand around the house, I may have a problem with it.
How odd that I would have to stop using it because it causes me
respiratory problems instead of the cats. I didn't notice any of
the feline household members having any trouble with either the
eyes or breathing in the length of time we used it.
Jan
P.S. The novelty did finally wear off for Onyx. He didn't spend
nearly as much time digging after the first couple of days.
Of course, when it was fresh and clean, that was the best time
to play. Who wants to play with it after it becomes more used.
|
123.19 | a cure for the common poo-head stage | MUTTON::BROWN | | Mon Jan 20 1992 17:20 | 10 |
| Hurrah for the Premium cat litter. I have had six little poo-heads using
my spare bedroom as their personal litter box, and I decided to let
them try the sand litter. Lo and Behold, not one single little
"present" was left on the carpet in there since the switch was made!!!
If the stuff can litter train six poo-heads, it has my vote!!
Guess I better get another jug or two...at least enough to survive the
poo-head stage. ;')
Jo
|
123.20 | one more vote for... | SOLVIT::IVES | | Tue Jan 21 1992 11:55 | 22 |
| Guess I will add my 2 cents worth to this note. I have used Fresh
Step litter since we got our first cat 4 + years ago. I just thought
all litter was 99% dust. Our grocery store that we shop at regularly
has been adding different brands and eleminating other. One week they
didn't have Fresh Step and I bought Tidy Cat/MC. I WILL NEVER USE
ANYTHING ELSE. Not only have my allergies been helped (litter boxes
are in the cellar) but the kitties eyes don't have the guppy stuff
in the corner of their eyes anymore.
Ming always had sort of a squinty look to her semi pushed in face
but now is wide eyed. She had a terrible scratch on her cornea when
we got her but it had healed. However, there were times her eye had
a sort of milky look to it. The Vet told us to use the ointment when
this happend till it cleared up. He said the injury would manifest
itself occasionally. Well, since we got Tidy Cat/MC no more milky
look has shown up.
My daughter did use the sand type until I told her about the eye
problems some of the feline owners were having. She also went to
Tidy Cat/MC and loves it.
Barbara & her 3M's
|
123.21 | bacteria buildup will getcha | FORTSC::WILDE | why am I not yet a dragon? | Tue Jan 21 1992 13:29 | 14 |
| reality note:
with any type of litter, bacterial buildup, and the resultant odors, occurs
whether you clean up the clumps or not....any litter will require
replacement due to odor, more frequently when the weather is warmer, because
the bacteria grows faster. If you have one cat using the box, the clumps
WILL stay together better, and less bacteria will get to the litter, but
some will get there. The sand-type litters claims that you never have
to change your cat box are bogus. Depending on your cat(s) and their use
habits, it may last 2 weeks or so. However, in my opinion, it is pretty
expensive to replace that often when you are paying the prices they charge
for clumping, sand-type litters.
Now, as a kitten litter-box trainer....it is well worth it! 8^}
|
123.22 | No more poop on the carpet! | GLDOA::SHEETS | Dot in DEE-troit | Tue Jan 21 1992 13:55 | 35 |
| My husband and I switched to using the clumping-type litter and are very
happy with it. My 16-year-old long-hair, Cinderella, had developed a nasty
habit of "doing number two" on the basement carpet. No amount or frequency
of changing the clay litter seemed to help. We bought Everclean in desperation,
but have not had a problem with anybody going outside the litter since we
started using it. We use the extra-clumping in one box and the odor-guard
in the other. We have 3 cats and we scoop it every night and change it
entirely about once a month. I'd suggest using a litter box with a lip-type
cover to keep the tracking down (not the kind with a full hood, just some kind
of snap-on cover). We also prefer to keep about three inches of litter in
the box, instead of the two inches that the manufacturer recommends.
We do like the Everclean better than the "clumping" litters you can buy in the
grocery. I like the clumps to stay together until I get them out of the box!
We're in Michigan, so we buy at Pet Supplies Plus (sort of a supermarket for
discount pet supplies). Also, our local humane organizations sell a
"Pets and Their People" coupon book. It costs $15, but has coupons for
all pet-related supplies, including food and litter. We use the coupons for
a discount, then really stock up on the Everclean -- it doesn't spoil!
As far as allergies go, I've noticed that I have less sniffles & sneezes
since we got rid of the regular Tidy Cat (the one in the yellow bag). Also,
Pixel, our 9-month-old blue point Apple-head Siamese kitten loves to be the
first one to use the clean litter. We feed the gang and then scoop the
litter, but Miss Pixx prefers playing in the newly cleaned sand to eating!
Our 5-year old Ruddy Abby, Flakey, doesn't seem to know the difference between
the clay litter and the sand. We've never had a problem getting him to use
either one.
All in all, though, we're glad we made the switch to the Everclean!
P.S. (Now I just hate to ask a co-worker to watch the cats when my husband
and I both have to travel at the same time on business -- it seems so tacky to
ask a friend, to shovel the clumps out of the litter). :^)
|
123.23 | Quick on the draw...slow on the aim | CIVIC::FAHEL | Amalthea Celebras/Silver Unicorn | Wed Jan 22 1992 06:15 | 16 |
| THAT is something else I like about the clumping litter...
Although Rico is a "mature" furball (5 years old), he would still have
a tendancy to pee wherever there was paper if the box was the SLIGHTEST
bit in need of changing. This meant mail left on the couch, newspapers
on the bed, etc. Sometimes he would do it on piled clothes. AND his
aim wasn't always that good. We would wake up in the middle of the
night to "scratching"...the sound of Rico attempting to bury his
whoopsies.
Then we started to buy the clumping litter. Now the only scratching we
hear is Rico scratching the edge of the box (his aim at scratching
still needs work...instead of digging in the litter, he scratches the
overlap rim of the box). There has not been ONE whoopsie since!!!
K.C.
|
123.24 | | MUTTON::BROWN | | Wed Jan 22 1992 09:35 | 6 |
| Not to change the subject, but in Rico's case, it might have been
territorial marking. Seems I remember from a previous note that he is
unneutered. Spraying doesn't have to be done standing up in order to
be spraying.
Jo
|
123.25 | | CIVIC::FAHEL | Amalthea Celebras/Silver Unicorn | Wed Jan 22 1992 11:00 | 6 |
| Re: .24
Maybe...maybe not. All _I_ know is that Rico is 5 years old, and the
moment we started using the clump-litter, he stopped. Completely.
K.C.
|
123.26 | Dusty litter hint | EMASS::SKALTSIS | Deb | Wed Jan 22 1992 20:55 | 16 |
| RE: the dusty litter
Since I'm sure that you folks already know I'm a bit "soft in the head"
when it comes to THE FIRM, I guess I'll pass along this little tidbit.
When I use one of the "dustier" litters like Johnny Cat (which my cats
love), if it is warm enough, I pour the litter into the box OUTSIDE,
and play witht he litter (turn it over a few times) to get most of the
dust out. I"m very allergic to dust, and this seemed to help a great
deal before I got my Alpine Air filter. (If you are concerned about
what your neightbors might think, you could just open a window while
you "play" with the litter inside.)
Deb
|
123.27 | You're right on track! | SANFAN::BALZERMA | | Thu Jan 23 1992 08:55 | 8 |
|
Deb, I do not think that you are soft in the head at all! My vet
told me that friends of his that have their practices in the UK
RECOMMEND that people handle their litter outside to dissipate
all of the dust that litter generates. It is much healthier
for both humans and felines!
|
123.28 | ? @ Johnny Cat | LEDDEV::LAVRANOS | | Thu Jan 30 1992 09:27 | 11 |
| Hi,
I tried Cat's Pride (clump litter) and the smell was pretty bad even
though I cleaned the litter daily. I'm now trying Johnny Cat and like
it a lot.
I have a question...when I clean the box I find plenty of stools but no
sign of urine. Is it possible that the litter is absorbing the urine
or is my kitten using another part of the house for his litter box?
...Rania
|
123.29 | | MUTTON::BROWN | | Thu Jan 30 1992 10:09 | 10 |
| Just to clarify, you are now using the Jonny Cat brand of clumping
litter? If so, and you are not finding pee balls, I would start
checking around your house for wherever he *is* going.
If you are using plain Jonny Cat clay litter, there would be no pee
balls, and you would have to judge if he was using it by the ammonia
smell of urine, and by any wet litter you might find when stiring the
litter around.
Jo
|
123.30 | | WISDOM::TAYLOR | Just ONE happy thought ... fly! | Thu Jan 30 1992 10:23 | 8 |
| Has anyone tried that new clumpy type litter called "Tidy cat 3 Multi cat".
It's supposed to be for when you have "multiple cats" and from what the
ad on TV says, the "clumps" of pee become extra hard, making it easier
to scoop.
Any comments?
Holly
|
123.31 | | LEDDEV::LAVRANOS | | Thu Jan 30 1992 10:42 | 10 |
| Hi Jo,
Nope, it's not the clump type of JC. And I have been stirring the
litter to find any wet spots but nothing. I think I need to inspect my
house tonight....darn!
Would this kind of thing be common?
Thanks,
Rania
|
123.32 | the poo-head stage can be tough | MUTTON::BROWN | | Thu Jan 30 1992 11:13 | 10 |
| Depends on the age of the kitten. When we raise our litters, it is
common for them to "forget" litterbox training at about 8 weeks to 10
weeks old (give or take a week on each side). We switched our current
litter of poo-heads to the clumping litter so we could see if they were
using the litter at all! (we knew they weren't having their bowel
movements in it. ;'p) The result was that suddenly they were cured of
the poo-head stage. They have been using the litter exclusively (as
opposed to my carpets and cat beds) ever since.
Jo
|
123.33 | | SHALOT::BROWN | Debbie Brown @OPA | Thu Jan 30 1992 14:09 | 6 |
| I have tried the Tidy Cat 3 Multi Cat litter (clump type), but I don't
like it as well as the regular Tidy Cat clump litter. It does make the
clumps harder, but just like the regular Multi Cat it smells a lot
more (it is scented).
Debbie
|
123.34 | | OXNARD::KOLLING | Karen/Sweetie/Holly/Little Bit Ca. | Thu Mar 26 1992 13:57 | 17 |
| I was talking to a vendor at the San Mateo cat show over the weekend.
She said she handles wholesaleing for several different types of litter,
and when I asked her if she had heard about any connection between
clumping litter and respiratory problems, she said Cornell had
a study out that reported that some cats got severe respiratory and eye
problems from it, and that there were suspicions about it's being a
carcinogen because it has a very high content of silica.
(Silica is a component of sand, I think. Presumably sharp particles
accumulate in the lungs, but I'm just guessing.)
Take this for what it's worth....
She was selling Gentle Touch litter and one or two other types, I
think. I bought a bag of the GT but haven't tried it on my cats yet.
Anyone get the Cornell newsletter? Maybe they mentioned this in there?
|
123.35 | I'll check it out | SANFAN::BALZERMA | | Thu Mar 26 1992 15:01 | 7 |
|
Karen, there was no mention of it in the last newsletter. I will look
for it in the next issue. Cornell puts out 2 newsletters. One to the
vet community and another to the general public. I'll check with my
vet.
|
123.36 | | SANFAN::BALZERMA | | Fri Mar 27 1992 08:58 | 7 |
|
There was a reference to the Cornell litter study (Feb. newsletter) in
the April issue of Cats Magazine. A company is studying utilizing peanut
shells as litter. The shells are processed to a granular texture and are
proving to be quite absorbant. This is what I call recycling.... :')
|
123.37 | Similar to asbestiosis? | MCIS5::CORMIER | | Fri Mar 27 1992 10:40 | 8 |
| Maybe the silica causes a feline version of asbestiosis? Not exactly
cancer, but definitely a life-threatening respiratory disease. My Dad
has asbestiosis from years of handling asbestos without protection. It
causes little slivers of asbestos to lodge in the lungs. It's
untreatable. I can't believe nobody bothered to find out if other
substances act the same way when inhaled. Gosh, the way Spike throws
the litter around when he finished it looks like a dust cloud!
Sarah
|
123.38 | Do you flush it?? | MAYES::MERRITT | | Mon Mar 30 1992 10:30 | 17 |
| I had never tried the Clumping litters with my crew...but since
Van Gogh's operation we have noticed he pee's atleast 4 to 5
times a day and he was flooding the litter. We were to the
point that we had to change the box every day. So...we decided to
try a clumping litter to see if that works better for him.
It seems to be working well...and I am keeping a close eye on VG
to ensure he doesn't have any eye problem or respitory problems...
but I do have a question. the litter says it is flushable...but
when we tried to flush it...the toilet almost backed up. Now
you need to understand VG does not leave us little tiny pee
balls...but more like huge pancakes of pee!!! Does everyone flush
this stuff when scooping???
Sandy
Sandy
|
123.39 | | CIVIC::FAHEL | Amalthea Celebras/Silver Unicorn | Mon Mar 30 1992 10:39 | 9 |
| We don't. We just put it in a trash bag and put it out with the trash
like we did with REGULAR litter.
We finally got the opportunity to test Fresh Step's scoopable litter.
Rico recognized the smell at once, and loved it. Alex loves to play in
it now. It is a tad powdery and has a scent, but the pee hardens it OK
(not as hard as I'd like, but harder than I'd be disappointed with).
K.C.
|
123.40 | 1 for the money, 2..... | SALEM::DILLON_M | Major Mudd, my hero. | Mon Mar 30 1992 10:47 | 8 |
| ref.38
My rule of thumb is: three urine balls and I flush. Any more than
that and it seems to want to back up.
I just purchased some new litter at Sam's Club in Hudson, N.H. 22
pounds for $5.99. I'll be reporting on it in a few weekds.
Mike
|
123.41 | attention cat owners with diabetic, FUS, etc cats | MUTTON::BROWN | | Thu Apr 09 1992 15:14 | 19 |
| I just got my California Vet Supply Specials flyer and they have that
special litter listed on sale. It says:
CatScan Urine Screening Tests by Health-Check
This unique, new product allows you to minotor "problem cats" at home,
either following a visit to the vet, or early warning before the
problem becomes critical. Simply sprinkle the contents of the CatScan
packet over the cat's litterbox - a change in color alerts you to a
possible problem as soon as it starts - each packet clearly explains
all color variations - there is a test for: BLOOD, PH, PROTEIN &
GLUCOSE - please indicate which one you want when ordering.
1 packet Reg. $3.39 SALE $3.15 Buy two or more $2.95 each.
The phone number for CA Vet Supply is in topic 9, the addresses and
phone numbers topic.
Jo
|
123.42 | stuck to their fur | SONATA::KOVACS | | Tue May 12 1992 10:35 | 30 |
| I tried it, and we all (3 kitties) liked it, but I eventually gave it
up anyway.
Pooh also produced great pancakes instead of balls, so I transfered the
pancake into a plastic bowl, broke it up, and then flushed it. Worked
for quite some time until the day I had to buy a drain snake, as I did
block up the toilet with too much litter. Then I started putting it in
the trash and it wasn't around long enough to smell.
The reason I gave it up was because I was finding traces of it embedded
between [shorthair] Misty's toes; between [Persian] Pyewacket's toes,
and stuck on her fur (in the important places). I don't remember it
being stuck on Pooh (Persian) anywhere, but then he never digs at all,
just runs away like he done somethin' bad...
Whereas both Misty and Pyewacket are always grooming, I didn't want
them eating any, and went back to my favorite Kleen Kitty (plain).
While they do track it, at least it doesn't stick to them.
p.s. Yes, I did try wiping/combing it off their feet, etc. but was not
satisfied with the results.
p.p.s. I bought the "permanent" corncob litter and contraption that
allows the urine to drip down to newspaper. Not only was it kinda
messy (with Pooh's big volume), but he got so he didn't want to use it
after the first few days. I guess it hurt his feet. Misty used it ok
(no Pye at the time) but I couldn't see running 2 different kinds of
boxes...
andrea
|
123.43 | clumping litter turns carpet to cement | MUTTON::BROWN | everybody run Prom Queen's Gotta Gun! | Thu Jul 23 1992 01:28 | 10 |
| I have the clumping litter horror story of the year. We had used this
in our kitten room for a litter of kittens last year. This year, we
decided to turn the kitten room into a guest bedroom. We have an old
vacuum that doesn't work too well. Evidently, it didn't pick up all
the clumping litter that was on the floor. When we steam cleaned the
carpets in the new guest room, the clumping litter that was down deep
in the rugs clumped, turning the carpet into cement!! STill haven't
been able to get it out. Be forewarned.
Jo
|
123.44 | Can you use it like spackle? | STUDIO::COLAIANNI | | Thu Jul 23 1992 06:52 | 12 |
| Jo,
If you end up with a cement rug, does that mean your rug doesn't wear
out as fast? ;-)
Just kidding. That must have been a real shock when you went to clean!
But I may get some of the clumping kind to fix the driveway! ;-)
Love,
Y
|
123.45 | They could repair freeways with this stuff | MUTTON::BROWN | everybody run Prom Queen's Gotta Gun! | Fri Jul 24 1992 02:13 | 13 |
| You could probably use it as spackle. We waited until it was dry and
then tried to "rake" it out of the carpet. :') Didn't work. We may
have to try chiseling, or maybe sandblasting the stuff out. People
who stay in the guest room always want to know, "gee, what kind of
carpet is this?" Haven't thought of a good comeback yet, other than
telling them that I am sure it will last a lifetime. We could probably
put it in one of those time capsules. :')
It was a REAL shock to see the carpet turn to concrete before our very
eyes. Thank goodness it isn't the whole carpet, just one area that is
about 2 square feet.
Jo
|
123.46 | | MAYES::MERRITT | Kitty City | Fri Jul 24 1992 05:57 | 6 |
| Thanks for sharing that JO...I use this type of litter for
Van Gogh...and I went home and took the box off of the rug!!
I can see how this could happen.....that stuff is like cement
when its wet. Thank god that even though they say it is
flushable...I stopped flushing it!
|
123.47 | Which brand get really firm? | POWDML::CORMIER | | Mon Dec 21 1992 11:29 | 10 |
| Is there one brand that turns really hard? I can't remember the kind
I"m using, but I seem to have trouble getting the clumps out without
breaking them. I keep the box very full, since both of my cats "hold
it" until they come in the house at the end of the day, and then go.
So they usually leave a considerable puddle in the box. I though maybe
I wasn't putting enough in there, and the urine was spreading too thin
in the bottom of the box, but now I wonder if it's the particular
brand. I bought it in a 1-gal container, royal blue label. Kleen-kitty
maybe???
Sarah
|
123.48 | What an interesting subject | LEDDEV::LAVRANOS | | Mon Dec 21 1992 12:02 | 12 |
|
I find Scoop Away (no-track) works the best for me and my two cats.
I've had pretty good luck with this clumping type litter. It seems to
keep together and not stink.
Cleo's got an amazing bladder and leaves me at least 2 record breaking
balls of urine a day. What I do is lift and shake one end of the pan
so that I don't have to search for the balls which I will otherwise
break (and repeat for the other end).
...Rania
|
123.49 | | AYRPLN::TAYLOR | Deck the Halls .. DON'T SAY IT!! | Mon Dec 21 1992 12:36 | 11 |
| On the other hand, I've found that I don't like the scoop away (sorry
Rania!).
the best one with the "extra hard clumping" is Tidy Cat MC. It's for
more than one cat in the household, so the "peeballs" are extra hard.
What do I use?? Either Tidy Cat MC or Fresh Step scoopable. I love
the stuff!
HOlly
|
123.50 | | LEDDEV::LAVRANOS | | Tue Dec 22 1992 05:15 | 8 |
|
No reason to be sorry Holly. I think I tried every brand (clump/no
clump) that noters recommended and then stumbled upon the Scoop Away.
The one to go with is the one that works best for you and the cats.
For awhile I didn't think I'd ever find a clumping brand that we liked.
...Rania
|
123.51 | tee hee | PROXY::HUTCHESON | the revolution will not be televised | Tue Dec 22 1992 11:07 | 1 |
| how about a blind scoop test?8^>
|
123.52 | I'm MAXXed out..... | SALEM::DILLON_M | Major Mudd, my hero. | Sat Dec 26 1992 09:04 | 17 |
| After all the research I've done, I've settled on KITTY LITTER
MAXX. It is a scooping litter with maximum clumping and minimum
tracking. And it works. We used to find litter all over the house, but
since changing to this, it stays on the rug next to the box. The
granules are bigger than standard clumping litter. The only draw
back..it can not be flushed. It took me a while to work out a system to
dispose of the urine balls, but now that I've used it for almost 4
months, I will never switch back (I did once because the store was out
of MAXX, purchased it next week and threw out the other litter). I've
used the EVERLCEAN maximum clumping litter and it works just as well,
except it costs more and does not have any odor control. These clumps
do not break up and they scoop out easy. I think the cats like it because
it does not stick to their feet. And one more thing, the granules do
not settle into the rug, they are to big, they sit on top and can
cleaned up very easy.
Mike
|
123.53 | Sticky litter! Help! | SWAM1::DEFRANCO_JE | | Tue Aug 03 1993 10:56 | 15 |
| My husband just bought some type of clumping kitty litter for our 4
cats. The stuff works great in terms of reducing odor but we have one
major problem. The urine clumps get so hard and stick so tightly to
the bottom of the litter box that we just about need a hammer and
chisel to remove them from the box.
We have tried putting just a few inches up to as much as 6 inches of
litter and nothing seems to change. This stuff is like glue. Has
anyone else had this problem? If so, is there a fix?
Thanks,
Jeanne
|
123.54 | | NETWKS::GASKELL | | Wed Aug 04 1993 08:21 | 7 |
| try cutting a sheet of newspaper the same size as the litter box and
placing it under the kitty litter. The litter will stick to the paper
but, unlike the bottom of the box, you can remove the paper and replace
it with some fresh.
The disadvantage, if kitty is a deep digger, the paper can get
shreadded.
|
123.55 | PLastic liners | REFDV1::LUST | Hugs - food for the soul | Wed Aug 04 1993 08:30 | 5 |
| Another option is to use the litter box liners, the plastic kind that
slip over the box. Then you can grab the edge and lift to loosen the
hard stuff. Can you tell I've had the same problem? This works well.
Linda
|
123.56 | Well, it works for cooking!...... | STUDIO::COLAIANNI | I have PMS and a handgun ;-) | Wed Aug 04 1993 08:50 | 4 |
| How about spraying the bottom of the box with no stick PAM!? Sorry, I
couldn't resist, and I feel in a silly mood today.
Yonee
|