Feline pine--how does it work?

jack31

TCS Member
Thread starter
Top Cat
Joined
Nov 1, 2007
Messages
1,819
Purraise
15
Location
Cincinnati, OH
So I have been thinking about using a more "green" cat litter. I recently read on a post (can't find it now) about someone using something for horses you can get at like Tractor Supply, instead of Feline pine--because its cheaper.

#1. Anyone know what I'm talking about with the horse stuff?
#2 How does Feline pine work? Does it clump, how do I clean the box basically?
#3 Likes, dislikes?

I am currently using Tidy Cats Scoop (blue lid), which I like pretty well.

Leslie
 

sharky

TCS Member
Veteran
Joined
Jan 30, 2005
Messages
27,231
Purraise
38
YUP ... it has many names a cheaper form yet is stove pellets about 3.50 for 40-50lbs

it covers urine odur well

like odur control ... not scoopable ... so I bought feline pine scoop
 

goldenkitty45

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Aug 29, 2005
Messages
19,900
Purraise
44
Location
SW Minnesota
We use Petco's version of Feline Pine. I like it, the cats don't seem to mind it. It break up into "sawdust" when wet. The poop you have to scoop out. Am still figuring out the best way to sift out the sawdust from the pellets. I'm thinking of a screen in the bottom of the pan to help. Right now I just sift myself with the scooper and dump the sawdust litter into bags (with the poop) in the trash. Then put the remaining pellets back in the box and add some more fresh pellets.
 

cat mommy

TCS Member
Alpha Cat
Joined
Aug 23, 2006
Messages
587
Purraise
1
You are talking about shavings that are placed on the floor of a horse's stall? Something like this: http://www.suncoastbedding.com/

Which works great in a stall, but the urine will make it a great big mess. I use the Feline Pine litter and love it! (I guess after it "breaks down" from the urine, its like horse stall bedding). I use the PetSmart version of Feline Pine and it works great and it's cheaper.
 

okiron

TCS Member
Alpha Cat
Joined
Jan 5, 2008
Messages
405
Purraise
1
As for feline pine, there's clumping and nonclumping. I use the nonclumping. My cats refuse to use them though. Works great for my rabbits. So easy to clean.
 

mschauer

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Jun 17, 2007
Messages
6,753
Purraise
2,338
Location
Houston, Tx
I use the Feline Pine pellets and love it! Cleaning the litter boxes is a breeze. I use 2 part sifting boxes so that all I have to do is shake the box to get the sawdust to fall to the lower level and scoop out and flush the solid waste. Once or twice a week I dump the sawdust from the lower level.

I hate scoopable litter because the urine balls get stuck to the bottom and sides. With FP the boxes stay clean unless feces comes in contact with the side of the box and needs to be cleaned. I use oversized boxs so this rarely happens. And the pine pretty much completely eliminates urine odor.
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #7

jack31

TCS Member
Thread starter
Top Cat
Joined
Nov 1, 2007
Messages
1,819
Purraise
15
Location
Cincinnati, OH
So what are the upsides? I mean, why leave clay litter (other than feline pine being more "green")?
 

mschauer

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Jun 17, 2007
Messages
6,753
Purraise
2,338
Location
Houston, Tx
Originally Posted by Jack31

So what are the upsides? I mean, why leave clay litter (other than feline pine being more "green")?
... Cleaning the litter boxes is a breeze....the boxes stay clean...And the pine pretty much completely eliminates urine odor....
I consider these big "upsides".
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #9

jack31

TCS Member
Thread starter
Top Cat
Joined
Nov 1, 2007
Messages
1,819
Purraise
15
Location
Cincinnati, OH
Okay...I still have mixed feelings. I guess maybe if I were dealing with multiple cats it might be something but with one kitten right now I'm not sure.

Thank you for all your help, I was clueless as to how it worked.

Leslie
 

mschauer

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Jun 17, 2007
Messages
6,753
Purraise
2,338
Location
Houston, Tx
Originally Posted by Jack31

Okay...I still have mixed feelings. I guess maybe if I were dealing with multiple cats it might be something but with one kitten right now I'm not sure.

Thank you for all your help, I was clueless as to how it worked.

Leslie
You are more than welcome.

Litter preferences seem to vary quite a bit from person to person (and cat to cat).

Recently I was looking at possibly having to switch to a scoopable litter (long story) and I was *really* bummed at the prospect. Litter box maintenance is *so* easy with FP!
 

rebochan

TCS Member
Adult Cat
Joined
Dec 3, 2007
Messages
155
Purraise
23
What do you mean by a sifting litter box? I was looking at the Feline Pine myself and it sounds like it could be a good option for me and my kitties.
 

mschauer

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Jun 17, 2007
Messages
6,753
Purraise
2,338
Location
Houston, Tx
Originally Posted by Rebochan

What do you mean by a sifting litter box? I was looking at the Feline Pine myself and it sounds like it could be a good option for me and my kitties.
the sifting boxes are 2 piece. It is basically like 2 standard boxes stacked together with the top one having a bunch of holes in it. As the pellets break down into sawdust, you can shake the box and get the sawdust to fall to the bottom one, leaving unused pellets and feces in the top part.

Feline Pine makes one :

http://www.felinepinelitterbox.com/

My kitties need a larger than standard box so I buy 2 large Sterlite brand storage boxes and drill a bunch of holes in the bottom of one. I like the Sterlite brand cuz they are thicker than some of the other brands.
 

mschauer

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Jun 17, 2007
Messages
6,753
Purraise
2,338
Location
Houston, Tx
Originally Posted by mews2much

I use Yesterdays Mews but have tried Feline Pine too. I do not use Clumping Litters at all. Coco cant use clay it makes her Asthma act up/
That reminds me of a couple of other reasons I like FP. No dust and the only tracking is a few pellets that are easily swept up.
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #15

jack31

TCS Member
Thread starter
Top Cat
Joined
Nov 1, 2007
Messages
1,819
Purraise
15
Location
Cincinnati, OH
I was wondering about the sifting as well--I have to use a covered box for Jack, he is very messy, but we use rubbermaids, and was wondering how to work the sifting with the box I use.

Perhaps I will try a bag of feline pine.

Leslie
 
Top