Kitty advice

[badger]

one more thing to add about litter: After basically trying everything, I've found that using pine pellets (also used in horse stalls) are the best. They're also the cheapest when compared to everything else (about $5-$7 per 40lb bag). They puff up when they come into contact with liquid, so they can even be composted if you have the capability.

I find that if you clean it on a daily basis, the litter box doesn't smell at all. I found the clumping kind to be the worst in odor control and keeping it clean, and I also had my male cat get a slight urinary tract irritation from what I believe was the clay dust. And they're so bad for the environment.

[Eden]

I use Swheat Scoop its made of wheat, does clump, but is not dusty like clay and does really well at odor control. Most importantly the cats like it. I also provide them with a big box - not a litter box at all, but one of those under the bed boxes. (I have a basement fortunately, so I have space to do this)

My cats are entirely indoors. Outdoor cats around here disappear way too regularly. I would be absolutely heart broken if either of them was eaten by a coyote, killed by a raccoon or run over by a car - these things all happen here even though I live in the middle of the city!

[Biciclista]

I am surprised that so many of you do not use clay. Since 80% of the earth's crust is clay, why is using clay bad for the environment? I know it's bad for kittens and do no use it with Kittens, but why is it bad otherwise?

[Eden]

I don't like the dust, the perfumes that most clay litters have (though I'm guessing you can probably find brands that don't have this) nor do I like the tendency that it has to get a bit muddy when in contact with liquids... I had a cat who had a tendency to step in it, then track muddy clay prints around the house - icky.. Plus the wheat litter cleans out of the box better and is a better odor controller - without any added scents.

The shelter I volunteer at uses clay. Some of the shelter kitties sit in their litter boxes - they end up with clay all through their fur. It is nasty and I'm betting that it sure doesn't make them more adoptable...

[spokewench]

I used to use clay with my cats when they were younger, but with a 23 year old cat; it does not work. It gets stuck in his feet and creates a health hazard and causes him pain. I have used the pine litter and newspaper litter; both work well; and I'm glad they do not have perfumes in them.

[tctrek]

To train cats to use a scratching post, rub some catnip on the post ... they really love the kind that is sisal rope wrapped around a post. You can make one yourself pretty easily. I don't use carpet scratching posts, 'cause that gives them the idea it's ok to scratch carpet.

I have nine indoor cats, all with claws and none of them scratch my furniture.

[Biciclista]

oh yes, SISAL! if you can find a cheap source of sisal, get some elmer's glue and make sisal spirals on a board. instant kitty scratch post!!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

... they really love the kind that is sisal rope wrapped around a post.

Yes, the sisal rope one can be popular!