Question:
I have been using clumping litter for my kitty. But I am concerned since a friend of mine was told how little pieces stick to the pads/fur on the feet and cats licks their feet and the clumping litter will clog inside of them.
Has anyone else ever heard this?
I'm a new kitty mom and have learned so much from you wonderful people on this forum.
Thanks,
Susie
"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way it's animals are treated." Gandhi
Answer:
The little bits they ingest from cleaning their paws shouldn't be a problem. This advice is directed toward young kittens, who sometimes eat litter. I don't know if it's ever been actually proven that clumping litter does clump inside the digestive tract. But it's good to be cautious.
I wouldn't worry about it with an adult cat.
Tim
Answer:
I use clumping litter too. I'm more concerned with the dust of clumping clay litters that when the cat kicks up the sand it's not good for the respiratory system. That's why I use World's Best Cat Litter which is made out of corn cobs instead of clay.
Answer:
coaster wrote: The little bits they ingest from cleaning their paws shouldn't be a problem. This advice is directed toward young kittens, who sometimes eat litter. I don't know if it's ever been actually proven that clumping litter does clump inside the digestive tract. But it's good to be cautious.
I wouldn't worry about it with an adult cat.
Thanks for your reply. So far the only info that I have found online was pretty much what you just said about young kittens.
Thanks again,
Susie
"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way it's animals are treated." Gandhi
Answer:
When clay litter get ingested it doesn't stop absorbing fluids. Clay however only absorbs its own weight (specific bands maybe more than others) but what was mention by others can cause problems for kittens since it only takes a little bit to block them up. Can be a problem for other animals like dogs since they like to eat poo (yuk), but only if they ingest enough of it. I have read a lot of books and articles that say cats can come down with URI from long exposure to clay litter dust. Have read many others that disagreed but I don't think that breathing in the dust is good thing. Just my opinion.
Hope this helps
Answer:
Thanks for your info. What type of litter do you use? I'm thinking about switching litters now.
Susie
"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way it's animals are treated." Gandhi
Answer:
I don't use clumping litter. I've read that the litter can cling to a male cat's genitals and cause some severe urinary tract blockage. Instead, I use the old fashioned stuff, and I change the litter and clean the box everyday.
Lori F. is owned by:
Callie, the four-legged dog
Martin, the three-legged cat
Paul, the two-legged husband
Answer:
My vet told me it is a much bigger problem right after neutering, due to the open wounds.
Married for one year. Three male cats. Three female cats.
Answer:
I was using Swheat but am now using layer crumbles (chicken feed) because its alot cheaper than grain litters.
Answer:
Normal litter's not too good, especially when a cat has a ruptured anal sac. We'd used shredded newspaper for years (due to ignorance really) and were grateful that we didn't have to deal with the bits of litter getting into the wound when Boy ruptured his anal sacs twice.
Most important thing is to make sure the newspaper is soya-based. I called the newspaper office to ask and they confirmed that it is, so I use them for all 5 cats without worrying too much.
Five Cats Mom
Five Cats Blog
http://fivecats.blogspot.com

Answer:
moggiegirl wrote: I use clumping litter too. I'm more concerned with the dust of clumping clay litters that when the cat kicks up the sand it's not good for the respiratory system. That's why I use World's Best Cat Litter which is made out of corn cobs instead of clay.
That's why I don't like it either. The first time I used some it was so fine and I noticed my cat was sniffing it and then started snorting and I tossed it right away.
duncan
Answer:
Clay litter makes me and the cat choke. It contains silica dust that can give you silicosis (black lung disease) and it is not biodegradable.
I use Nature's Miracle cat litter, which is made of corncob. It can be flushed down the toilet and it's completely biodegradable. The cat likes it. It does track a little but it's the same with all the litters since Gizmo is a bit fussy about wiping her paws.
I tried another brand of corncob litter and she got an eye infection when a piece went into it. The Nature's Miracle has not had any side effects and you would never know I had a cat--there's no smell.
As for the litter expanding inside the cat, that is just an old wive's tale. But I'd be sure to watch that kittens don't eat any kind of litter.
Answer:
gizmocat wrote: ... It contains silica dust that can give you silicosis (black lung disease)...
Yes, but it takes 20 years and longer of exposure for this disease to develop. Longer than a cat's lifetime. Not to worry for this reason. (And that's per my vet.)
Tim
Answer:
I'm more concerned about my own lungs. Clay litter had me gagging and coughing in one day. It's much easier and more pleasant, if this term can be used when discussing litter, to use a biodegradable product.
Answer:
Ah, yes, I know what you mean. Still doubtful you have anything to worry about from silicosis. But just the irritation from the dust, and more likely the additives: scents and odor inhibitors. And the cats are "down there in it."
I try to find a litter with the least scent and the least dust. It's not easy.
Tim