TheCatSite.com › Forums › Our Feline Companions › Care & Grooming › Do you think non-clumping litter will solve my problem?
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Do you think non-clumping litter will solve my problem?

post #1 of 21
5/4/11 at 3:38am
Thread Starter 
So, since I'm a noob, I don't know if I'm posting in the right place.. <__<

Grimalkin is very particular in his bathroom habits. Pee always goes next to the lower side of the litter box, poop on the opposite side.

Anyways the problem is that he always pushes enough litter out of the way so that when he goes pee, the clump is always stuck to the side. Then when I go to scoop, it's a struggle to get it all in one piece and then I have to wipe down that side of the box. I put plenty of litter in there, so thats not the problem.

Do you think non-clumping litter would be a better alternative? Any other ideas?

Also, my FreshStep tracks like no other...
Reply
post #2 of 21
5/4/11 at 4:47am
The biggest problem with clay litters is that they really do not absorb the smell at all and are so dusty. We use the wood stove pellets or horse bedding pellets (same as wood stove but used for animal bedding).

I think all litter will stick somewhat to the sides. Clumpling litters work better then clay and won't stick as much if you scoop every day.
Reply
post #3 of 21
5/4/11 at 5:02am
If you have a cat that doesn't like to poop and pee in the same spot, as yours doesn't seem to like doing, add another box. The boxes can even be side by side if they have to be.
If he feels more comfortable with separate boxes for this he may start peeing more towards the middle of his preferred pee box rather than in the corner.

Type of litter won't change how he uses his current box since he's just trying to keep from stepping on his own waste. (doesn't matter if you scooped it, the litter will still smell and he'll know he went there)
Reply
post #4 of 21
5/4/11 at 10:38am
Non-clumping litter in a word... suck.

I agree, just get a different litterbox, or get two and put them side by side which is what I have done.

There are a plethora of options that work, but what I use that I can verify will work well are the combination of Swheat Scoop multi-cat formula litter (the one w/ the green label) and the Omega Paw litterbox. Just pull the box forward, roll it, and the pee and poop is in the plastic handle part which comes out and can be flushed down the toilet. Excellent odor control.


^ great product IMO, the scoop is just there for an occasional cling-on, but its easy to see and scrape off since all the rest of the litter is gone and sifted in the compartment on the right.
Reply
post #5 of 21
5/4/11 at 10:48am
Non-clumping litter is definitely not for everyone, but I like it tremendously because my house smells cat-less and you dont get that massive dust cloud. After years of trial and error, I finally found methods that work for me, the main item is a small candy scoop made from good quality metal instead of a slotted litter scoop. I doubt this addresses the issue you're having but I'm basically saying non-clumping litter is trickier to scoop but worth it (in my opinion). So just be forewarned.
Reply
post #6 of 21
5/4/11 at 10:54am
Quote:
Originally Posted by c1atsite View Post
Non-clumping litter is definitely not for everyone, but I like it tremendously because my house smells cat-less and you dont get that massive dust cloud. After years of trial and error, I finally found methods that work for me, the main item is a small candy scoop made from good quality metal instead of a slotted litter scoop. I doubt this addresses the issue you're having but I'm basically saying non-clumping litter is trickier to scoop but worth it (in my opinion). So just be forewarned.
Which one are you using, and don't you have to change the litter entirely every week?

There was actually one non-clumping litter that I have seen well reviewed, which used little seeds to catch the poo on top, and the urine would flow through it into a separate chamber. Can't imagine it does anything for poo odor control though, so I hadn't tried it.
Reply
post #7 of 21
5/4/11 at 11:00am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ducman69 View Post
don't you have to change the litter entirely every week?
Yes. How'd you guess?

To me it's worth it. I know not everyone will agree.

The brand is Tidy Cats original, gold and red label. I use a standard high-sided box and a metal candy scoop. The candy scoop is my own spin and it's the only departure from a standard (no-gimmicks) litter box ensemble. The candy scoop is absolutely necessary -- otherwise the crumbly urine will drive me insane.
Reply
post #8 of 21
5/4/11 at 11:05am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ducman69 View Post
There was actually one non-clumping litter that I have seen well reviewed, which used little seeds to catch the poo on top, and the urine would flow through it into a separate chamber. Can't imagine it does anything for poo odor control though, so I hadn't tried it.
The smart cat box/DIY, using safflower seeds. There's no odor control. It's much like using any non clumping litter. Now if one put the seeds several inches deep in the top box it could help by the cat being able to bury the poop - but then the urine doesn't drain well.

There's three simple remedies to this, though. Scoop the poop out once or twice, have enough boxes for how many cats you have, and feed your cats decent foods so that they don't have ultra stinky stools.

I'm stuck on the later one since Sherman has to be on C/D which gives him some of the funkiest smelling poops sometimes. I'll just scoop and take it out to the trash in the shop if it's a bad one, though.

And the downside is it needs some daily washing and complete thorough scrubbing at least twice a week. The plus is that all the urine gets flushed.
Reply
post #9 of 21
5/4/11 at 2:06pm
Thread Starter 
Okay, I found a few things I want to respond to.

1. I scoop every day. That doesn't help the clumps from sticking to the sides or him peeing on the sides. Neither does dumping all the litter, wiping down the box, etc. He just always pees on the side.

2. I have absolutely no room for another box. I live in a casida (detached bedroom/bath) and unless I put it in the bathtub, there is no room. xD

3. The rolling litterbox... maybe. But like it was said, the clumps still stick.

4. I only have one cat.

5. My clumping litter has perfect odor control. I'd like to keep it that way.

6. If I get a non-clumping litter, I don't want to have to scoop anything besides poop.

7. My cat is on awesome food, so I know thats not a problem. (Not that the litter box smelled anyways.)

And to better explain my problem, basically I LOVE clumping litter, BUT... if I can't get all the pieces (which you can't when the clumps stick to the sides) then whats the point in having it, you know?

I'm just not sure if non-clumping will be right for me either. I'd want one that you just have to stir up and then dump when saturated.
Reply
post #10 of 21
5/4/11 at 2:25pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Minka View Post
And to better explain my problem, basically I LOVE clumping litter, BUT... if I can't get all the pieces (which you can't when the clumps stick to the sides) then whats the point in having it, you know?

Ah okay, then you'll hate non-clumping litter.

Just my opinion.

Thanks for the clarification.
Reply
post #11 of 21
5/4/11 at 2:34pm
My girl forever pees right in the corner - luckily, somehow when I lift the box slightly and give that corner a good whack on the outside, usually the pee ball has dried enough and detaches from the sides and allows me to scoop in one piece. I use Cat Attract, a clumping litter.

But, yes, there are times I have to scoop out little pieces when the ball fails to detach 'properly'.

You might try, maybe, in another box, crystal litter. With that, you scoop the poo, and stir up the rest. the pee is sort of absorbed into the crystals. With one cat, you dump and replace about once a month. My girl absolutely did beautifully on the crystal litter, and there was no odor. However, my boy did not like the texture and wouldn't use it. I tend to believe that if you find a litter your cat uses faithfully, better to keep that litter. If you did want to experiment, I'd get another box to see what happens. You can transition to the new litter slowly, but I myself would always keep a box of the original litter around until I was positive the cat preferred the new stuff.

Good luck.
Reply
post #12 of 21
5/4/11 at 10:55pm
Thread Starter 
Yea, see I think thats what I might be interested in. A litter where you just swirl everything together and then go about your day. I'm just very indecisive. xD
Reply
post #13 of 21
5/4/11 at 11:03pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by darlili View Post
My girl forever pees right in the corner - luckily, somehow when I lift the box slightly and give that corner a good whack on the outside, usually the pee ball has dried enough and detaches from the sides and allows me to scoop in one piece. I use Cat Attract, a clumping litter.

But, yes, there are times I have to scoop out little pieces when the ball fails to detach 'properly'.
I also use either cat attract or precious cat - whichever is available, and do the very same thing - never have a problem... Lucky is a total side-peer, Bugsy too.
No dust either, and the kitties use it religiously - couldn't ask for more
Reply
post #14 of 21
5/5/11 at 2:20pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by c1atsite View Post
Yes. How'd you guess?

To me it's worth it. I know not everyone will agree.

The brand is Tidy Cats original, gold and red label. I use a standard high-sided box and a metal candy scoop. The candy scoop is my own spin and it's the only departure from a standard (no-gimmicks) litter box ensemble. The candy scoop is absolutely necessary -- otherwise the crumbly urine will drive me insane.
I used to use Tidy Cats original and dumped out boxes weekly and scrubbed them. I really liked that plan and my cats always seemed so happy about getting the fresh litter that I never had any out-of-the-box problems. I always felt my boxes were so clean and there was no smell either.

I do use a clumping litter now and do like it. But I am conducting an experiment with litter types and have a few different types of litter in a few different litter boxes at the moment. I plan on starting a thread about my experiment soon. Very interesting what my cats are choosing.

Anyway, I find that the best clumping litter with the hardest clumps is Ultra Precious Cat by Dr. Elsey. I do have one cat that pees right up against the side of the box too and if you scoop right after the cat pees, then is is way to sticky and breaks apart. If you let it sit there for an hour then scoop, the clump comes right off the side of the box.
Reply
post #15 of 21
5/5/11 at 3:10pm
I haven't had any out of the litterbox issues, and there is no bad smell, but the clumping litter lasts for months before I completely change it. IMO the difference is the natural enzymes and odor absorbing ability of organic litter, and that clumping prevents litter not in contact with the moisture from becoming contaminated. Poo for that matter is also pretty firm for my cats, and so doesn't really contaminate surrounding litter either.

Replacing litter entirely and cleaning the box frequently is definitely hygienic, but I'm too lazy for that, and that just seems like a LOT of litter use.
Reply
post #16 of 21
5/8/11 at 8:28pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ducman69 View Post
Which one are you using, and don't you have to change the litter entirely every week?

There was actually one non-clumping litter that I have seen well reviewed, which used little seeds to catch the poo on top, and the urine would flow through it into a separate chamber. Can't imagine it does anything for poo odor control though, so I hadn't tried it

.
Doesn't everyone change their litter boxes every week? I'd have a revolt on my hands if I didn't dump and scrub weekly. It seems gross not to.

I scoop multiple times a day, four cats five litter boxes, and dump and scrub once a week. Poop smells like poop regardless of what kind of litter you use. All three of my girls are corner pee-ers, and one of those girls is a stand up pee-er.

I use a combination of CatsPride 'Naturals' clumping, and regular clay. I have no problem with odor.

Those covered 'rolling' boxes ..... I find them appalling. All that pee and poop and dirty litter rolling all over the place inside. ugh. And you don't take them apart and clean them every week? It seems so ......icky.
Reply
post #17 of 21
5/8/11 at 9:46pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by otto View Post
Doesn't everyone change their litter boxes every week? I'd have a revolt on my hands if I didn't dump and scrub weekly. It seems gross not to.

I scoop multiple times a day, four cats five litter boxes, and dump and scrub once a week. Poop smells like poop regardless of what kind of litter you use. All three of my girls are corner pee-ers, and one of those girls is a stand up pee-er.

I use a combination of CatsPride 'Naturals' clumping, and regular clay. I have no problem with odor.

Those covered 'rolling' boxes ..... I find them appalling. All that pee and poop and dirty litter rolling all over the place inside. ugh. And you don't take them apart and clean them every week? It seems so ......icky.
No

And I also have a kitty that likes to use one specific corner. He heaps the litter up onto that corner. Sometimes it overflows on that side and the other side you can see bottom. Because of this I keep the level lower than normal.

But I only have one cat and I scoop ever time he uses it.

On the paperwork that came from the shelter his former owner stated that she scooped three or four times a week. Compared to that he must think his box is super clean.
Reply
post #18 of 21
5/8/11 at 10:59pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by otto View Post
Doesn't everyone change their litter boxes every week? I'd have a revolt on my hands if I didn't dump and scrub weekly. It seems gross not to.
Nope, never any litterbox avoidance issues. I roll once a day and clean the boxes when I completely replace the litter every few months. Its nothing like the clay my buddy uses, which stinks to high heaven after around a week. And try Swheat Scoop just once, as I don't know if its the active enzymes they talk about or what, but it definitely has great odor control as long as the pee/poo are buried.

Dry poop doesn't smear btw and is coated in litter-specs so no worries, and the litterclumps barely break apart even when they are in the toilet. I wouldn't eat my breakfast off it, but its a great system. Besides, right after your cat takes a poop, he's licking poop residue off of his own butt, so lets be realistic.

There is a reason it is the #1 selling litterbox on Amazon, and while its not perfect, you can see it has over a thousand five-out-of-five star reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Omega-Paw-Self...4920673&sr=8-1

Would recommend against it if your cat has frequent diarrhea though, but IMO thats a whole other health issue all together. And of course some cats hate covered boxes, or really big Maine Coons may want a bigger one, and cats that stand up and pee might be a problem as I'm not sure how well that seam would contain spray. And of course it takes room to roll, but I have plenty in my closets.
Reply
post #19 of 21
5/9/11 at 4:20am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ducman69 View Post
Nope, never any litterbox avoidance issues. I roll once a day and clean the boxes when I completely replace the litter every few months. Its nothing like the clay my buddy uses, which stinks to high heaven after around a week. And try Swheat Scoop just once, as I don't know if its the active enzymes they talk about or what, but it definitely has great odor control as long as the pee/poo are buried.

Dry poop doesn't smear btw and is coated in litter-specs so no worries, and the litterclumps barely break apart even when they are in the toilet. I wouldn't eat my breakfast off it, but its a great system. Besides, right after your cat takes a poop, he's licking poop residue off of his own butt, so lets be realistic.

There is a reason it is the #1 selling litterbox on Amazon, and while its not perfect, you can see it has over a thousand five-out-of-five star reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Omega-Paw-Self...4920673&sr=8-1

Would recommend against it if your cat has frequent diarrhea though, but IMO thats a whole other health issue all together. And of course some cats hate covered boxes, or really big Maine Coons may want a bigger one, and cats that stand up and pee might be a problem as I'm not sure how well that seam would contain spray. And of course it takes room to roll, but I have plenty in my closets.
A thousand good review doesn't make it the "best selling litter box" in America.

It sells because it's EASY for the human. Who cares if the cat has to pee and poop in a stinking dusty dark hole. It's disgusting, in my opinion.

Same reason auto feeders for kibble sell. It's EASY. And my opinion of Auto feeders for daily use is the same as my opinion for those rolling boxes.
Reply
post #20 of 21
5/9/11 at 5:25am
Quote:
Originally Posted by otto View Post
A thousand good review doesn't make it the "best selling litter box" in America.
I said its the best selling litterbox on Amazon. Go to category litterboxes under litter and housebreaknig, sort by 'bestselling', and its the top one.
Reply
post #21 of 21
5/9/11 at 5:34am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ducman69 View Post
I said its the best selling litterbox on Amazon. Go to category litterboxes under litter and housebreaknig, sort by 'bestselling', and its the top one.
ok, I misread that part. My opinion of those boxes stands. Major Ick.
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Care & Grooming
TheCatSite.com › Forums › Our Feline Companions › Care & Grooming › Do you think non-clumping litter will solve my problem?