Cat Owners - What kind of litter do you use?

[floria]

I have three indoor moggies and currently use Breeders Choice and have found of late that the product is really dusty. Anyone else who used Breeders Choice finding that it is dustier than usual.

I don't like clumping litter as it trails through the house too much. They don't like hooded litter pans either so that's out.

floria

[Erin]

Hi Floria,

I'm using breeders choice and yep a hooded litter tray is a must! Plus it looks so much better.

Erin

[Leigh]

I use breeder choice, haven't found it any dustier than usual.

We got a free bag of those litter beads with some dry food a few weeks ago, I havn't been game to try them, tho these ones seem to be a better shape. After our first try with litter pearls years ago. Who's stupid idea was it to make them round and bouncey. We only used them for a few days, and we were finding them months later all over the house. We also have a problem with Caesar getting a little to close when peeing, and them getting stuck, you know where :O

[Rosanne]

I use Breeders Choice but would like to try Wonder Wheat. ALison of Paws A While distributes it in Brisbane but she is a bit too far for me to go as I don't drive.

[emmcee]

I use either WonderWheat or Max's Pet litter - Emm doesn't like BC or crystals.

I prefer WOnderWheat but it is only sold in oneplace in Sydney and that's not near me - Max's we can get close by.

[Chezz]

I use Breeders Choice and find it by far the best of all I have tried, and I have tried a lot!

I think it's easy to scoop up the mess, odour control is fantastic and most importantly the cats like it the best :-) Only downfall with the Breeders Choice that I can find is it's quite expensive but would rather pay the extra to have something both me and the cats are happy with.

They really hated the crystals, think it was the "chalk on the blackboard" type of sound under their paws that put them off.

Chezz

[Mel]

I've been using Breeder's Choice for quite some time now, but am not satisfied with it. I find it get's too stinky in summer...even though I clean and change the tray regularly?

A few weeks ago I got a bag of Wonder Weat and have found it much better in terms of odour control. I do like it - one of the better litters I have used. The only draw back I find is that it is a tad messy - the boys manage to get it everywhere.

I have been tossing up whether I should get the boys a covered litter tray, but I've held off thinking that, because we have a relatively small house, I might be able to come up with a better solution - like a covered (and secure) out door tray that is attached to the house via a cat flap. Something like this maybe:

http://www.catcagesaustralia.com/photos/hutch1.jpg

Mel :)

[Leigh]

I have seen units that fit into a window (American site of course), But it would be fairly easy to make something up like that yourself.

I do find the breeders choice a little stinky in the warmer weather too. But am happy to put up with that, rather than having litter from one end of the house to the other.

[willow]

:blush: Err...gee...I use plain old home brand from the supermarket.
I've never heard of Breeder's Choice or Wonder Weat. Tried clumping litters (both home brand and an expensive one) and didn't find em to be any better.
We have 3 cats, plus one in the bedroom who uses her own tray. I just find I need to change it very reg. or she perches on the side for her business, then doesn't cover it over :eww:

[Supa]

we use 5acres of sand. Our cats dont have trays they go outside for "business"

[sjc]

I use Breeders Choice. Although I feel the quality is not what it used to be. I find there is a lot of dust in it and makes my Persian sneeze from time to time, especially when he is scratching around for ever. (They do have very sensitive noses) I have also noticed it does get smelly on warm days. I like the fact it does not track on the floors.
I wont use clumping litters as I have heard horror stories of very young kittens inhaling it and dying.

____________

Sheryl

[Jewly]

I just use the homemade litter and I have a covered litter tray but find that my cats don't use it that often unless they've been left inside for a long time.

[Naomi]

Sheryl, I was finding the same thing with BC for a while - we were getting the second biggest size (biggest you can get from the supermarket) and it was quite dusty. I've just bought a couple of the biggest size from Pet Warehouse and it's much better. I wondered if it's because the ones from the supermarket sit there for ages and get moved around a lot, so tend to break up more whereas the pet warehouse type places would have a quick turnover so it's 'fresher' IYKWIM?

[sjc]

Sheryl, I was finding the same thing with BC for a while - we were getting the second biggest size (biggest you can get from the supermarket) and it was quite dusty. I've just bought a couple of the biggest size from Pet Warehouse and it's much better. I wondered if it's because the ones from the supermarket sit there for ages and get moved around a lot, so tend to break up more whereas the pet warehouse type places would have a quick turnover so it's 'fresher' IYKWIM?

Naomi, You could have a point re the Supermarket litter, however I always buy from a large pet warehouse. I wonder if it is just certain batches as the one I have at the moment is dusty but not as bad as some have been. Could it be the type of paper they use in the processing. The dust in some bags has been quite extreme as I said poor Rupert really had the sneeze's his fine now but that would be due to less dust in the last couple of bags. It does not seem to bother my three Exotics, I think Rupe is more sensitive. There is a 1800 number on the bag I may ring them and inquire why so much dust.
I buy the largest bag which is 35 litres, that changed also as it used to be 40 litres so now you are getting less but paying the same.

__________
Sheryl

[Naomi]

Yes, you're probably right about different batches. I hadn't noticed the size change grrr I hate it when they do that. If you do ring them, let us know what they say, I'd be interested to know.

[sjc]

Yes, you're probably right about different batches. I hadn't noticed the size change grrr I hate it when they do that. If you do ring them, let us know what they say, I'd be interested to know.

I will ring them during the week, will keep you posted.

___________

Sheryl

[Colby]

After our first try with litter pearls years ago. Who's stupid idea was it to make them round and bouncey. We only used them for a few days, and we were finding them months later all over the house. We also have a problem with Caesar getting a little to close when peeing, and them getting stuck, you know where :O

That's too funny... poor Caesar :D

[Leigh]

I had been wondering the same about the BC, we have used it for as long as we have had cats and of late it has gotten a more stinky. I haven't noticed the dust tho, I buy the smaller ones from the supermarket.
I don't think I would ever change, I haven't come across anything better for tracking.

[sjc]

I phoned BC today re the dust, and lack of odour control. It was a total waste of time, the girl I spoke to sounded half asleep and not the least interested and had no answers. So I guess we just put up with it or change brands which I would be reluctant to do at this stage.

____________
Sheryl

[Naomi]

Sounds like they don't particularly care about customer feedback. I remember a couple of years ago we got a bag that was truly awful, even before we'd used it, it already smelt bad but they said that was a batch fault. I agree that it is stinkier much quicker now ... the wee seems to smell more too.

[sjc]

Sounds like they don't particularly care about customer feedback. I remember a couple of years ago we got a bag that was truly awful, even before we'd used it, it already smelt bad but they said that was a batch fault. I agree that it is stinkier much quicker now ... the wee seems to smell more too.
Yes I agree Noami they are not worried about customer feedback. The litter is nowhere near as absorbent as it once was. The reason I feel for it getting so smelly much quicker now.

__________-Sheryl

[lOvingKWTP]

I first tried some sort of litter pearls with Furby as that was what he used when we first got him - when we moved out a year later we found them hiding under furniture (they just roll here and there on a hard floor), they look nice but the urine smell is overpowering... Furby liked them though =/

We then started to use Catsan Ultra - I quite liked it as it didn't smell as bad, only thing that I don't like about it is the amount of dust.

At the moment though we're trying Wonder Wheat - people love it. I on the other hand, don't like it as much LOL - I hate the smell of it, it smells worse with urine... and it just makes me feel ill for a minute or two while/after scooping.

We'll be going back to Catsan Ultra when the Wonder Wheat is finished, unless we can find another which doesn't have as much dust.

[Naomi]

Thanks for that info on Wonder Wheat ... I have heard lots of people say how great it is, but I wasn't really interested in getting it until it was sold in retail outlets (not a big fan of having to have it delivered etc, it's much more convenient for me to be able to just pick it up while I'm in town). It's good to get an alternative view IYKWIM, sometimes when you hear too much good news about something, it ends up being disappointing when you try it.

[Telori]

I use litter bead for Slim Shady (my daughter is an Eminem fan) and I find they are great. They dont smell and they dont powder. They last longer than kitty litter and they look better. Slim's litter tray is in our toilet room, so if he's done his business, whoever is going to the toilet afterward scoops it out and flushes it.

I haven't got the packet to know the brand, but they were bought at a Pet Shop and they have the occasional pink and blue bead amongst the white.

I do find them around the toilet when I clean but I just vacuume them up - and I use to find kitty litter around the toilet also, so there is no difference there.

[sjc]

Thanks for the info on Wonder Wheat. I know some love it and some hate the smell, I think the smell issue is what has turned me off trying it. I will at the moment continue to use BC although I am far from happy with it at the moment. There are a lot of clumping litters around but I wont use a clumping litter.

_________
Sheryl

[Leigh]

I too had been wondering about the wonder weat. It's a pain that it isn't too easy to get.
What does it smell like? I think I tried it a few years ago, got a sample from pet expo and it smelt like horse pee, you know that dirty stable smell. I hated it.

Maybe I need to toilet train them too LOL

[sjc]

I have just found out about another litter. I was speaking to a breeder who uses these and swears by them, she says even with stud cats there is no smell. It is called Oz Pet Litter and the Oz Pet litter Tray. The litter tray is designed to work for use with OZ Wood Litter. The tray is made up of two parts top section used as a sieve. When OZ pet is wet it breaks down into small particles then falls into the bottom tray, which leaves the top section dry. It is very economical. I am not sure what the expense would be to set up as I have five litter trays, one for each cat plus a spare, but if they are as good as what they say the initial outlay would be worth it. You can do a google for Oz Pets and you should find some information.

Leigh you can toilet train your cats there is something called a Litter Quitter it fits over the loo seat, not sure if they are available here or only America.
Can you imagine the kids and the cats all lining up waiting for the loo LMAO


Sheryl

[Leigh]

Sounds interesting Sheryl, here is the link Oz-pets (http://www.oz-pet.net.au)

Do you know what the cost is like? There is a few people close by selling it, might look into trying it out.

Not sure I would use the litter tray tho, how would they go about scratching..might get their claws stuck in the holes?

[sjc]

Sounds interesting Sheryl, here is the link Oz-pets (http://www.oz-pet.net.au)

Do you know what the cost is like? There is a few people close by selling it, might look into trying it out.

Not sure I would use the litter tray tho, how would they go about scratching..might get their claws stuck in the holes?

Leigh I dont think the litter is very expensive, the trays I think are around $30.00. I also thought about them getting their claws caught, although from what I have read re people using the trays that has not been mentioned. I thought I may buy one tray and see how it works if they did not like it you could always take the top section out and use the bottom section as a normal litter tray. I think the reason they are popular is because you dont get the smell as the wet stuff is falling through to the botton leaving the top section dry, you just change the bottom half.

__________-
Sheryl

[Lea78]

My uncle uses woolworths brand kitty litter.
He tried a few but they werent making much difference. Having a female cat, probably makes a difference to smell as well. Since she is an outdoor cat. She usually goes outside anyway.

[Telori]

Leigh you can toilet train your cats there is something called a Litter Quitter it fits over the loo seat, not sure if they are available here or only America.
Sheryl

They sell them here in Mackay at the Pet Barn. But they look pretty messy. I think you'de need two toilets one for yourself and one for the cat. Imagine cleaning the toilet every time someone needs to use it?

[Naomi]

I think Litter Kwitter was invented by someone in Australia. It was on one of those current affairs programs a few months ago.

[sjc]

They sell them here in Mackay at the Pet Barn. But they look pretty messy. I think you'de need two toilets one for yourself and one for the cat. Imagine cleaning the toilet every time someone needs to use it?

I wonder if you could teach the cats to push the button.

Sheryl

[lOvingKWTP]

You can also get them at Kmart if there's one over there :)

Oh and the Wonder Wheat smell - I'm not sure how to describe it, but it's just :eww:

[~Helen~]

I use breeder choice, haven't found it any dustier than usual.

We got a free bag of those litter beads with some dry food a few weeks ago, I havn't been game to try them, tho these ones seem to be a better shape. After our first try with litter pearls years ago. Who's stupid idea was it to make them round and bouncey. We only used them for a few days, and we were finding them months later all over the house. We also have a problem with Caesar getting a little to close when peeing, and them getting stuck, you know where :O
LMAO aaaww my cute caesar too funny could just imagine him LMAO

[~Helen~]

LMAO still getting the hang of this site ...sorry ...
i use the woolies home brand for my 3 moggies ..yes u get the odd footprints but alot cheaper and less smelly than some brands

[veebee]

I just use home brand too - the cheaper the better - although my two don't use the tray much prefer to go outside - I jus thave it there for night time in case the oldboy gets caught short (not talking about the hubby here either):y:

I have one old cat who is nearly 14 and one young one just 5 months old - they get on really well - at the moment:jump:


vee :meow:

[gertrude]

Again, this is difficult for me to Answer as i live in the UK, but over here the best is Tesco Lightwieght litter. My cat pees for Britain, but if i use this it gives off a floral smell when he "goes":jump:

[sjc]

Again, this is difficult for me to Answer as i live in the UK, but over here the best is Tesco Lightwieght litter. My cat pees for Britain, but if i use this it gives off a floral smell when he "goes":jump:

I wish the Breeders Choice I use for my cats would give off a floral smell. I dont think we have tesco here.

Sheryl

[peppermint_tulip]

Good old home brand for us, never clumping...ewwwwwww

We have two cats one is outside cat because she spends all her time out hunting mice in the hayshed, the other is inside cat because she doesn't like to get her feet dirty. They both get locked inside at night though and have to use the tray whether they want to or not. As for smell mum got this bucket of horse stable deodorant power from her boss, (she works for a veterinary pharmaceutical company and her boss also owns a horse farm somewhere) it is a red powder with these blue specs in it (like the ones in washing machine soap powder) I cup of this stuff sprinkled in the bottom of a horse's stall will keep the whole area smelling fresh so we just sprinkle about a teaspoon and a bit in the bottom of the tray and there is no smell it is great.


~ PT

[Lea78]

Hi PT,

Do you know what the stuff you sprinkle in the kitty litter is called?.

It would be great to get a hold of some for the horse stables. Horse stables always has a really strong amonia smell, more so when you start cleaning it out and stirring it all up.

Thanks

Cheers
Lea

[peppermint_tulip]

Hi Lea,

It is called "stable mate" if you go to your local pet and produce or farming store they should be able to point you in the right direction. I think it comes in a huge bag though, but then again I am not sure because the lot we got came in a recycled grout bucket. It is worth checking out anyway you if it does come in a big bag you might be able to go halvies or something with other people you know who have cats.

~ PT

[helen01]

sorry not a cat person.

[Lea78]

Thanks for that PT,

My sister and I both have horses. She has 4 stabled at the moment, so I could always share with her.

My cats started to hang around inside alot more now.
My uncle put a box down with a paw shapped cushion in it and she loves it, so is using the kitty litter alot more.

Leanne