Health Issues Caused By Litter

siamnaco

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I'm not sure if this qualifies as a new thread as it is kind of an
extension of my previous post regarding breathing issues with my kittens.
I was researching different cat litter brands and someone had commented
about his cat breathing fast and making whistling noises through nose
when breathing. He discovered it was caused by the cat litter they were using.
We bought Blue Buffalo Kitten Litter
and I thought maybe I was allergic because whenever I scoop it I would immediately
experience breathing difficulties. My nose would start burning, my chest would feel heavy, and I find myself gasping for air. It never occurred to me that it could be affecting
my kitties too, until I read that review. Talk about a "duh" moment! So now I'm looking for another brand to try sooner rather than later but am also being cautious. I also learned that cat litter made of benzonite clay is harmful to cats if ingested. So I am going to stay away from clay type litter. Have any of your cats experienced health problems due to their cat litter?
 
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Mamanyt1953

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I've been lucky, but do stay away from clumping litters until your kitten is past the stage of exploring with his mouth.  That can cause real issues...clogged intestines and the like.  You will just have to experiment till you find something.  Hekitty is an adult cat, so I don't have to worry about litter nibbling, and she love Fresh Results, a corn based litter from WalMart, and one of the cheapest litters out there, thank goodness! 

The clay litters can be dusty, which causes the problems.  You might, till your kitten is older, try something like Yesterday's News, a paper litter that can be good for cats with breathing problems.  I have no direct experience with it, just anecdotal.
 

mrsgreenjeens

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I also know that some cats experience skin allergies from certain litters.  They lose the fur on their tummies, for one thing.  So, yes, there are definitely some health related issues with litters.  I would also stay away from the perfumy ones.  I, personally cannot be around them....instant headaches. 

Not only can some litters cause breathing issues, but being in a covered litter box, I would think could cause the same issues, if your cat is so inclined.  Again, I personally would not use a covered  litterbox for my little ones, just because even just scratching creates some dust that I don't what them to have to inhale any more than they have to.
 
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siamnaco

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We switched to SWheat Scoop because Pet Smart has a sale until 2 Oct. we got 100 lbs. for $50. I find it is a bit dusty but not as bad as Blue Buffalo. My fur babies seem to be okay with it and their breathing isn't as labored as it used to be. We've only had it down for two days and I have noticed improvement in their breathing. I'm looking for something else that is dust free and have read a few articles about using chick start at a fraction of the cost. It is supposed to work as well as cat litter. We found a 50lb bag at Tractor Supply for about $18. Going to buy some today. If it doesn't work for us I can give to my daughter who raises chickens and ducks.

We do not use covered litter boxes. I put covered litter boxes and port a potties in the same category, gross. I scoop their litter boxes at a minimum of twice a day. If I happen to see them doing their business I will scoop as soon as they are done. Thank goodness they don't mind doing their business if I'm in the same room. [emoji]128570[/emoji]
 

catsknowme

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 Wonderful to read that there are such wonderful kitty owners here! I cringe inside everytime I see those cute commercials that are promoting HIGHLY-FRAGRANCED cat litters ~ those chemicals are harmful to cats and their families, including small children, asthmatics, the elderly and dogs. I was able to cure two different elderly cats of diarrhea just by convincing their owners to stop using scented litter - it would make anyone cry to see those poor kitties with the swollen, irritated behinds trying to squat in the scented litter (both, at times, would go outside the box, unable to endure the torture). 

 

My experience with both laying mash and krackettes chicken feed is positive. It can be blended with an unscented clumping litter for increased clumping with easier cleaning.  I also like to use Arm&Hammer Super-scoop and Multi-Cat fragrance free formulas. I like Cat&Co's unscented clumping and for the price, find it very effective, especially if I add some baking soda to the mix. 
 
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