Is it normal for a cat to respond to litter like this

I used to use a clumping litter for Scout which he had no issues with but then I heard clay litter can be bad for cats, because the dust particles can get in the cats lungs and eyes or stuck in their paws, causing digestive issues, etc. So I switched to Feline Pine.

When I made the switch I did so gradually and Scout has been using the Feline Pine for a month now – but I still donâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t think he enjoys it very much. He no longer buries his poo after going (as he used to when he went to the bathroom with the clay-clumping litter).

Instead he scratches the top lip/rim of the litter box or will even jump out and then do the scratch/burry motion on the floor… I have also seen him do this randomly when in the kitchen, or before taking a sip from his water bowl. … Then last night he was going to the bathroom and then jumped out of the box and dragged his but on the floor before he was “finishedâ€â€¦ I am starting to become very concerned with these behaviors.

My question is, should I be as concerned as I am?
Should I change back to a clumping litter?
Is there another odor control, flushable litter that is safe for cats and will not cause them health problems?

Thanks!

I've heard the "butt-dragging" thing can be a sign of worms--might want to take a quick jaunt to the vet to rule that out.

I've never heard of Feline Pine causing problems--although you never know about allergies--it's possible.

I would approach it this way:
step one: to the vet w/ a stool sample to check for wormies
step two: switch to a clay based litter or yesterdays news (made from recycled newspaper--very enviro-friendly and flushable)
step three: watch the little bugger and his bum for about a week, see if symptoms resolve...if not...I'd say back to the vet for more extensive testing.

But, definitely vet first and ASAP--worms are very common in young kitties and can cause lots of problems if not dealt with.

I'm not familiar with that litter but wonder does it have an odour. Some cats do not like a scented litter.

I also did not want to use the clay clumping litter for Bijou so I switched to Swheatscoop which I mix with World's Best Kitty Litter (which are both clumping litters by the way).

Only advice I have.

I use "Clump and Flush" which is a corn clumping litter. I really like it. It is safe for cats, clumps and can be flushed! What is better than that????

My Frantic used to scratch at the floor and the top of his litter pan instead of in the litter. I asked my vet. She says its because he doesn't like the feel of the litter. I switched to clumping litter at her recommendation. He hated that even more and even refused to get in the pan. He would on the sides of the litter instead of stepping into it. I switched back and he went back to "normal". Thankfully, his brother, Pipsqueek, doesn't like the smell of his brother's poop so he goes in and covers it.

I use a clay litter that should raise a lot of dust, but I have a citypet litter pan air filter that sucks dust and bacteria out of the air. It sounds to me like your cat does not like the green litter, which is actually quite common. It doesn't feel right to him, therefore he is not quite sure what to do with it- I would switch back to what he is used to, but his dragging the butt could be anal gland impaction or worm infestation- both of which require a vet visit.

Originally Posted by hissy

I use a clay litter that should raise a lot of dust, but I have a citypet litter pan air filter that sucks dust and bacteria out of the air. It sounds to me like your cat does not like the green litter, which is actually quite common. It doesn't feel right to him, therefore he is not quite sure what to do with it-

I would switch back to what he is used to, but his dragging the butt could be anal gland impaction or worm infestation- both of which require a vet visit.

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Thanks for everyone's replies!!

Last was the first night I have ever seen him do the "butt move" -- should I send a stool sample to the vet right away or watch him over the next few days and see if he continues to do it... I guess I will have to try and fine a litter that feels good to him and keeps him a healthy lil man!!!

I would say to call the vet, describe the symptoms, and try to schedule an appt. sometime between now and the weekend. Chances are they'll need a stool sample and may give him some worming meds depending on the results of the stool "test"--it shouldn't be too big an ordeal, but it's worth taking care of as soon as you can so Mr. Cutypants can be more comfortable!
I love his markings, btw--so unusual and cute!

Originally Posted by OllyExtra05

I would say to call the vet, describe the symptoms, and try to schedule an appt. sometime between now and the weekend. Chances are they'll need a stool sample and may give him some worming meds depending on the results of the stool "test"--it shouldn't be too big an ordeal, but it's worth taking care of as soon as you can so Mr. Cutypants can be more comfortable!
I love his markings, btw--so unusual and cute!

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Olly - Yes him markings are so unusual and helps him look even more handsome
I just called my vet and they said it could be a variety of things including his anal glans being full, so I have an appointment tomorow afternoon. They also told me to change my litter back...

I am just so nervous out going back to the clumping litter because I don't want it to get in his system!! Does anyone know of a healthy, flushable, soft-on-the-paws kitty litter??????????? I want him happy but also healthy, please help!!!!!!!

I tried to switch to Feline Pine too and Pixie just hated it. She had a similar reaction to burying her poop and even went out of the box bc she hated it so much. I switched back to the clumping litter which I don't like for a variety of reasons and she was fine again. Then a couple weeks ago I bought the crystal litter and put that in the second box. They've both been using that from the beginning without a problem! It's now in both of their boxes and it lasts for a while. It doesn't mask the poop smell that well, but I just scoop it out each day or if I'm home right after they go. It's been much better received than the Feline Pine was!

Well I brought Scout to the vet today.... Externally the vet said he was fine so she took him out back to do a rectal exam and oh my the little guy yelped and screamed I just felt so bad... First he was snipped of his manhood there and now he was asulted However the only reason I can laugh about this is because the vet said he is fine and that he was probably acting the way he was because he didn't like the Feline Pine. So it was well, well worth the $25 exam to find that out!!!

I ended up buying a litter called Clump 'N Flush High Performance Scoopable Corncob Litter which feels just like clay litter but healthier than clay. I also bought Scout a Krinkle Kitty Tunnel for having to go through the not-so-fun exam and gave him about 10 treats before heading back to work.

Thanks to everyone who provided advice!!!!!!!!!!!

Originally Posted by MyLilScout

Well I brought Scout to the vet today.... Externally the vet said he was fine so she took him out back to do a rectal exam and oh my the little guy yelped and screamed

I just felt so bad... First he was snipped of his manhood there and now he was asulted

However the only reason I can laugh about this is because the vet said he is fine and that he was probably acting the way he was because he didn't like the Feline Pine. So it was well, well worth the $25 exam to find that out!!!

I ended up buying a litter called Clump 'N Flush High Performance Scoopable Corncob Litter which feels just like clay litter but healthier than clay. I also bought Scout a Krinkle Kitty Tunnel for having to go through the not-so-fun exam and gave him about 10 treats before heading back to work.

Thanks to everyone who provided advice!!!!!!!!!!!

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That's great that he's ok! Hopefully he'll like the new litter you picked out. They can be sooooooo picky, lol.