Clumping litter concern

I know there are a ton of threads on litter choices. But my concern is specific. I am one of those hold outs, clay litter has always worked for me, and I never saw any reason to switch to clumping, and plenty of reason not to: it tracks everywhere and Tolly.

Tolly, my boy cat, squats very very low when he pees. I have read that clumping litter is bad for male cats because the grains are so small they can get "up there". Whether there is any truth to this I don't know, but it worries me.

So that is my concern. My reason for pondering this is that I am much older than I used to be, and scooping litter has started to become a bit of a hardship. And now that I am back to four cats it's going to get even more difficult.

I once had to help a friend when she hurt her back by taking care of her litter boxes, and at the time I was amazed at the ease of it. But still.....there's Tolly and his low squat.

If I went to clumping I bet I would spend every waking moment worrying he was getting grains up his urinary tract. I sure don't need any additional worries regarding Tolly.

But my gosh it's getting to be hard work.

IMO the risk of clay litter to a cats lungs is worse than possibly affecting the urethra, but then I have a cat that can't have clay litters in the house - any clumping clay is too dusty and has additives that make him congested, cough, sneeze, and irritates his eyes.

It would cost a bit more if you went with something like WBCL or swheat, but they are a lighter litter for the same amount of bulk you get from a clay litter. ie, 10lbs of a corn litter is more than 10lbs of a clay. I actually use chicken feed crumbles and it is easier for me to deal with (I have a torn disk and arthritis in my back) than trying to carry out used clay litter to the trash.
When I used clay I could not do full litter changes on my own due to the weight.

Thanks for your reply! But with plant based litters, I read so many things about bugs in them, plus the one time I tried, a long time ago, the cat kept trying to eat it.

And yeah, clumping has additives to make it clump, right? So, that would just have me worrying all the time, in addition to worrying about Tolly's low squat.

I don't consider dust a problem with plain clay litter as they are only in the litter box for a minute or two, so they are not breathing it in for very long.

I guess there just isn't any perfect solution is there? <sigh>

Considering what it's for, no. Even a bathroom toilet isn't clean unless you've just cleaned it and there's the possibility of catching all sorts of icky bacteria from it.

Yes, plant based can get grain pests. But so can your cereal, flour, corn meal, etc. You still buy these products, correct? It's just more of the same. Check any bag/box upon opening it, store in a cool dry area (such as you'd keep your grain foods in), and just check your litter boxes closely from time to time. I've found that the litter boxes do not get infested with anything if regularly used... it seems that pests aren't particularly fond of cat urine. If you get any litter that has a grain pest, take it back to the store.

There's also the clumping feline pine. I tried the pellet feline pine years ago and weight wise it wasn't that heavy.

Another thing you might consider, to help you, is to get a small cart or wagon with wheels. This way you could keep your normal litter and routine if you wished.

We opted to go with plant based clumping litter after I did some research on the additives that make the litter clump. I really wasn't wild about my girl ingesting the chemicals that they add to the litter when she was cleaning her paws and such. Also, the added fragrances irritated my husband's allergies, so we made the switch and haven't looked back. We've not had any problems with bugs in the litter or kitties wanting to eat the litter, not even the newest little addition.

Well, we use clumping litter, have for so long that I cannot remember even how to use the clay kind. I do hate the dust, but have never had any issues with the male cats (or any cats for that matter) urinary tracts) or had any lung issues, etc. I always make sure I buy unscented litter. Right now we are using Arm and Hammer Super-Scoop Fragrance Free. I really like everything about it except for the dust factor. By the way, the pieces of this litter are no longer the size of a sand particle (like they used to be). I think everyone changed their formulas to make them larger...maybe for the very reason you mentioned. Anyway, clean-up is a breeze - just scoop up the clumps and put them in a bag and toss them in the trash (outside trash!!). Then add more litter once you see it getting low in the box. I can't remember the last time I even washed out one of the boxes completely, although I DO do it once in awhile, probably when I'm spring cleaning.

All the above being said...I have heard that with kitten, you should NOT use the clumping litter. Can't remember up until what age, but I'm sure lots of people on this board will know.

Originally Posted by mrsgreenjeens

I can't remember the last time I even washed out one of the boxes completely, although I DO do it once in awhile, probably when I'm spring

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Oh, yuck! You should really do that a minimum of every couple weeks. Plastic is really bad about harboring bacteria, thus needs a good scrub with bleach and soap (then air it out). If you don't the plastic itself will start smelling and make the whole box smell even if the litter is fairly clean.

The easy way to do this is to have spare litter boxes. Dump the litter from the dirty box into the clean box, scrub the dirty box then set it aside until the next swap. You'll always have clean boxes.

I do this roughly every 2 weeks because the boxes themselves will get nasty with seven cats using them.

I have only had bug issues once... that was when the *cough* brillant me decided to leave the chicken feed in the garage ...

Plastic is really bad about harboring bacteria, thus needs a good scrub with bleach and soap (then air it out). If you don't the plastic itself will start smelling and make the whole box smell even if the litter is fairly clean

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Well, I know I probably should, but there is never a smell that anyone can detect, including people who walk into the house (because I ask my best friend, who doesn't have cats everytime she comes over if she can smell anything, and believe me, she would tell me if she could) and no notices anything, and the cats don't seem to mind either. Maybe because I scoop out the boxes a minimum of twice a day. And when I DO clean them, I put them out in the AZ sunshine to dry. That's like putting them in an autoclave (almost!! )

I still really love the World's Best, their Multiple cat formula was great, though I've heard some people don't like the smell it gives off. I've grown up around farms and so the corn litter doesn't smell bad to me. Since Boo's been gone, I put a tray of clay in the pan room, mostly for Boca who we bring in when it storms now, and Chickster prefers the clay over the WBCL, but still uses it. While it's expensive, it's way easier for me to scoop out (I have a bad back too) and doesn't take nearly as long as trying to pry wet sticky sludgy clay out of a pan. I don't use liners either and wash my pans regularly, but the WBCL is just so much lighter and I can fit much more into a plastic grocery bag then toss it, and the garbage bag doesn't get so heavy I can't lift it to take it to the garbage can.
I was so skeptical of it lasting twice as long but it really does. Once I clean out Chickster's stuff, it's back to smelling like corn litter. But when she poo's, you can smell she poo'd. Which is really a good thing for me, I am unfortunately sometimes forgetful lately.

I wouldn't go back to clay simply because it doesn't last as long and it's easier to clump, with the added benefit of no dust. I haven't had any problems with bugs or worms or anything. (Knock on wood). I tried the feline pine pellets but they didn't absorp the pee well enough for my liking, and it was just more work I felt. Plus, Boo ate them that one time and puked back up sawdust, so I'd just rather not mess with them anymore

I hope you find something Otto

Originally Posted by mrsgreenjeens

And when I DO clean them, I put them out in the AZ sunshine to dry. That's like putting them in an autoclave (almost!!

)

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It's almost as bad here in the summer. Lately nearly every day has been over 100... the other day it was 107F (suppose I should be happy it's stayed under 110F this year).
My problem is that the cats will all pee in the same spot, sometimes directly after each other. No litter can handle 2-3 cats peeing in the same corner of a box like that. So the plastic does get reallystinky and I can tell. Even if something looks fairly clean, it could have a heavy bacteria load, though.

You should give the box swap idea a try. On top of that, in sharpie write when you buy the box on the bottom and throw it away after a year to a year and a half.


I've had grain mites once in a litter box where the corn got stale because no one would ever use that box. The cats didn't like the litter stale, either. After no use for a couple months the mites moved in.
I've also bought a bag of chicken crumbles that had mites. At $8.50 at the time I didn't bother with it and just tossed it straight in the trash. Otherwise the boxes themselves have been fine. I have meal moths from my meal worm bins (the beetles and larvae need a grain mixture that the moths love) that occasionally try to get in the litter boxes... that never ends well for the moths.

We got the WBCL multiple cat version ONCE. The cats wouldn't use it! We had to go back just before closing and get the regular version!

We change out litter and clean boxes about every 3 weeks. We have 3 boxes and do one box a week. The old litter gets put in the fertilizer and put on the yard.

Originally Posted by strange_wings

any clumping clay is too dusty and has additives that make him congested, cough, sneeze, and irritates his eyes.

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humm.... it highly depends on the litter. I use Dr Elsey's precious cat litter and it is not dusty at all - not dust whatsoever, 99.9% dust free. It is also hypoallergenic.
It tracks very very little, as long as I have their litter mat in place, I do not get litter around my house at all.

As far as the boxes, mine are all made with plastic with Microban, so it doesn't harvest bacteria on it. It also greatly reduces the smell - I use rubbermaid food storage containers, usually used for hunting. They are the same size and design as the regular storage boxes, only difference is that they are made of anti-bacterial plastic.

Originally Posted by Carolina

humm.... it highly depends on the litter. I use Dr Elsey's precious cat litter and it is not dusty at all - not dust whatsoever, 99.9% dust free. It is also hypoallergenic.

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If it clumps there's additives in it and no particle substrate is dust free. It's simply not possible. The pieces of clay will rub against each other and produce some dust.

Either way I have a cat I would never expose to clay again because of his sensitivities, it would be highly irresponsible of me to do that to him. Plus, like mentioned, the weight of clay is just too hard on my (and other people's) back - unless you've had days where you very nearly can't walk due to pain you simply can't know how hard trying to drag used litter out the door, or even from one room to another, can be.

Originally Posted by mrsgreenjeens

Well, I know I probably should, but there is never a smell that anyone can detect, including people who walk into the house (because I ask my best friend, who doesn't have cats everytime she comes over if she can smell anything, and believe me, she would tell me if she could) and no notices anything, and the cats don't seem to mind either. Maybe because I scoop out the boxes a minimum of twice a day. And when I DO clean them, I put them out in the AZ sunshine to dry. That's like putting them in an autoclave (almost!!

)

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I think I do a pretty good job keeping enough litter deep enough (3.5-4 in.) so that the scooper gets the urine balls and feces intact and they do not stick to the bottom of the litter box. But the boxes can still be a soiled, built up mess to clean because of course there are always spots where they have scraped away that get gummed up on the bottom or sides. And no muss, no fuss - I clean all four every week with a dilute bleach solution, boiling water and then toss them in the dishwasher for a sanitizing rinse. Just easier than spot cleaning and more frequent dumping.

Even if you and your friend can't smell it, your cat may appreciate this regular freshening-up of his toilet.

Originally Posted by strange_wings

If it clumps there's additives in it and no particle substrate is dust free. It's simply not possible. The pieces of clay will rub against each other and produce some dust.

Either way I have a cat I would never expose to clay again because of his sensitivities, it would be highly irresponsible of me to do that to him. Plus, like mentioned, the weight of clay is just too hard on my (and other people's) back - unless you've had days where you very nearly can't walk due to pain you simply can't know how hard trying to drag used litter out the door, or even from one room to another, can be.

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First of all, have you used it? The way you speak it sounds like you haven't... I can tell you there is no dust here, and I have been using it for a long time. I am sure other members who have used can testimony to the lack of dust as well. I did not take the 99.9% dust free from thin air, it is in all their packaging, website for anybody to see it. Being a regular user I agree with that number.
Yes, all clumping litters are made from sodium bentonite, a form of clay.Some of them use cheaper clays to make it clump instead of 100% bentonite, which makes clump harder and not break apart. If you consider that an additive, sure - it is still a natural form of clay.
I have used several other brands and they were dusty. That is NOT the case with Dr, Elseys. Not even when I pour the dust in and I am standing up. No dust.

I would not say it is impossible, as it DOES happens in this brand of litter.
Lastly - my reply was not to tell YOU to use it, simply correcting an information that is not true. The litter you use is the one that works for you and obviously it is your choice.
The OP was discussing clumping litter, and as in anything else, if we see information that is not correct, or want to give our opinion on it, we should post. This is why this is a forum.

Originally Posted by Carolina

First of all, have you used it? The way you speak it sounds like you haven't...

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Actually, when I first thought that Tomas's problem was just additives back in early '07 I tried the classic (along with non-clumping clay). It was fairly dusty, though not the worst I've ever used. From my understanding they had a problem back in '07 with it so maybe it has improved since then. But at that time it was more dusty than walmart's special kitty clumping and didn't clump any better.

I haven't used the cat attract versions, having never really needed them, or any of their other special formulas.

But the main topic was otto being concerned about clay clumping and being able to change the boxes by herself.

Have you considered trying Dr. Elsey's senior cat litter? It's a crystal litter that was designed with urinary issues in mind. It's also quite lightweight. My girl was excellent with crystal litters, and for sheer ease, I loved it - sadly, my boy only likes Elsey's Cat Attract.

I've tried clay litters and honestly they scare me. I cat-sat recently for folks that used a clay litter and it was nasty.

I'm a big fan of World's Best multiple formula. I live in a small apartment with 2 litter boxes and it works wonderfully to prevent litter smell.

Another vote for World's Best. It's all I have used for the past 3+ years with my two.