Kittens and kitty litter?

naynaygoose

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Feb 15, 2006
Messages
13
Purraise
0
Location
Michigan
Okee, the kittens are getting a bit older and I figured they would be using the litter sometime soon. I heard somewhere that you should not use "scoopable" or fine litter rather, that you should use the bigger chunked litter instead. Becaus they might try to eat it? Is this true? Does anyone have any suggestions on a special litter or should i use what Peepants and battly already use? I have been using Tidy Cats scoopable. Also I have been wanting to switch to one of the "earth friendly" natural litters anyway, has anyone tried any? Are they any good?
 

gayef

TCS Member
Veteran
Joined
Jan 7, 2001
Messages
7,814
Purraise
29
Location
Still Hittin' 'Em Right Between The Eyes
Clumping litter is bad for kittens as 1) they may eat it, 2) they may step in the puddle they just made and develop little concrete boots *smile* and 3) the dust from it goes into their eyes and noses clogging up the airways and sinuses/tear ducts.

For kittens, just use regular non-scented white clay litter. Walk right past the more expensive stuff because as frequently as you will be changing it with kittens, it is more cost-effective to use the less expensive kind. Just remember to make sure you keep litter pans in close proximity to where the kittens are allowed to explore around your home because little bodies are not as adept at holding it as older kitties.
 

kumbulu

TCS Member
Veteran
Joined
Aug 6, 2002
Messages
4,338
Purraise
3
Location
Perth, Western Australia
Gaye has given you some good information.


I use something called Crumbled Egg Layer Chicken Feed (yes, it's really chicken food LOL). My kittens use this from whenever they're showing indications that they're ready fo a litter pan. It's completely natural, clumping and flushable. Even better, it doesn't harm the kittens if they nibble on it, which they inevitably do. It's also very inexpensive. I get a large sackful for $14.

As well as the plain clay litter, you can also use a wheat/corn or newspaper based litter such as Yesterday's News.
 

solaritybengals

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Oct 31, 2005
Messages
2,359
Purraise
5
Location
Raleigh, NC
I thought it was the clay itself that was bad for the cats? Or maybe its just clumping clay litter... Any clay I would think if eaten would compact. Well maybe not...clay can be cleansing I suppose in such a small amount. Maybe its the clumping action that causes the compaction...

Sorry thinking out loud...err..typing...
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #5

naynaygoose

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Feb 15, 2006
Messages
13
Purraise
0
Location
Michigan
Originally Posted by Kumbulu

Gaye has given you some good information.


I use something called Crumbled Egg Layer Chicken Feed (yes, it's really chicken food LOL). My kittens use this from whenever they're showing indications that they're ready fo a litter pan. It's completely natural, clumping and flushable. Even better, it doesn't harm the kittens if they nibble on it, which they inevitably do. It's also very inexpensive. I get a large sackful for $14.

As well as the plain clay litter, you can also use a wheat/corn or newspaper based litter such as Yesterday's News.
Thanks a whole bunch everybody!!


Kumbulu, what are the indications that they are ready to use litter??
 

semiferal

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Jul 15, 2005
Messages
1,890
Purraise
9
Location
in my apartment
Plain clay litter is okay for kittens. Better is wheat, corn, or newspaper based litter but these are a lot more expensive.

You can switch them back to clumping when they're around 8-10 weeks old.
 

kumbulu

TCS Member
Veteran
Joined
Aug 6, 2002
Messages
4,338
Purraise
3
Location
Perth, Western Australia
It's a bit different when kittens have a mumcat, as she takes care of things for the kittens right up until they're using the litter pan. For my orphans, they start to use just one corner of their box when they go to the toilet(instead of just going anywhere in the box) and they also do a little bit of 'burying' action after they've gone. That tells me they've got the general idea.
 

gayef

TCS Member
Veteran
Joined
Jan 7, 2001
Messages
7,814
Purraise
29
Location
Still Hittin' 'Em Right Between The Eyes
One of the best indications that kittens are ready to learn about the litter box is when they just squat and go wherever they want to. *grin*

In all seriousness, the best time to introduce the litter is at the same time you introduce solid foods. Once kittens begin eating on their own as well as nursing, Mom will stop doing "butt duty" or if Mom isn't present, when they no longer need you to stimulate elimination for them. Normally, they are quite ready and able to both eat and eliminate on their own by the age of 3 to 4 weeks old, some kittens may be able to eliminate on their own even younger than that.
 
Top