Clumping litter controversy

[PaisleySloan]

So, we've been hearing quite a bit about the dangers of clumping litter to cats that ingest the litter (ewww) and/or breathe in the dust. They can develop respiratory problems, and the dust or clay can form hard balls in their tummies and hopefully they pass them, but sometimes they just accumulate and the cat gets very ill.

I've been researching this "issue" online because I've heard it from my breeder and from my husband. It seems to be only isolated incidents and it hasn't been "scientifically" proven. There is one ingredient that people seem to have a beef with, but they don't really list ingredients on the cat litter - either that or I've overlooked them.

Enough of my preamble. We're using Johnny Cat, which was recommended by my breeder, and I absolutely HATE it. It's terrible. I can smell the urine wafting out because it just accumulates in the bottom of the pan. It's so nasty. I would like to buy a clumping litter, but I'm terrified of what it might do to Ferris.

Anyone have any advice or recommendations?

[QueenDillyDally]

Well, I haven't done any research on the topic but I have two 10 year old kitties that have been using Fresh step scoopable since I got them at 6 weeks old. So far, they have not had any stomach issues of the sort and hopefully they won't for the rest of their cat lives. They track the litter everywhere, but I don't see them licking it off their paws at all. I wonder if it sticks to their paws more when the litter is soiled. I scoop their box faithfully everyday so they do not step in the soiled litter.

That's all I have on the issue.... just first hand experience. BTW, I LOVE Fresh Step because it takes the urine smell away and clumps really well. Haven't tried any other brand though.

[PaisleySloan]

Thanks for the reply! That makes me feel better that your kitties are 10 and you've been using this litter for years.

I used to use Fresh Step with a kitty that my ex now has and he's about 9 now! I remember really liking it, so maybe I'll go back to this brand.

[BTB]

My 18-year-old cat uses Scoop Away. My mother's 17-year-old cat uses Fresh Step - one of that cat's brothers died in August of diabetic complications, another sibling died at 13 of genetic heart disease. My advice (to myself, anyway, but there for anyone who wants it) is to ignore anecdotes. When a well-conducted study comes out suggesting elevated risk, then, I'll listen. ;)

[greenbunny]

We use and love Ever Clean Scent-free clumping litter. This was recommended to me by our behaviorist for our problem eliminator, and my vet approved it as well.

The information I've seen regarding clumping litter being ingested was mainly related to small kittens who have yet to learn to wash themselves properly. The only litter problem I've had with our two adult cats is when they are overdue for a trip to the groomer's and have litter cling-ons on their behinds. :o If you have short-hairs, or keep your long-haired cats groomed regularly, I doubt you have anything to worry about.

[jesvet]

I haven't heard of this being a big issue, and I see lots and lots of cats regularly. Non-clumping dusty fine litters are actually more of a risk for developing respiratory irritation.

[Jess71903]

We use Tidy Cats Crystals and I love it. You just scoop out the poop and stir up the rest and it soaks up the pee. It lasts about a month and smells like soap to me.

[Reenie]

I've been using Scoop Away clumping litter for years and both of our cats are fine. As far as the tracking issue is concerned, I bought a couple of those Track Mats to put outside of their boxes, and we don't seem to really have any more trouble with litter around the house. But like greenbunny said, sometimes our big guy has "cling ons" that I have to get off.

[PaisleySloan]

Thanks for all the replies. I ended up buying the Fresh Step, so we'll see.

I heard about clumping litter issues being more common in kittens as well. Also, he's a bengal and my breeder put the fear of God into me about how sensitive they can be to change, and possible stomach issues. Also, I guess the "big controversy" was the one my household! :)

I think my next big issue is whether or not he will actually use it. I bought some litter that was recommended a few weeks ago and I know you're supposed to gradually change their litter, but I was over-zealous and just went for it. Ferris only peed and didn't have any bowel movements for a day and a half!!! So, I went out, bought the Johnny Cat again and he like RAN to the cat box when I replaced it. Poor little dude was holding it! I felt so guilty.

[KaliLily]

We use and love Ever Clean Scent-free clumping litter.

We use Ever Clear unscented, too. I usually get the Low Track formula. I don't know anything about the controversy, but I love how well this stuff works. I can go 3 weeks without changing the litter, whereas with all other litters I had to change it every week.

There is dust with the litter, but it's not as bad as others I've tried. One of my cats and I both have bad allergies, and I think they are a little better with Ever Clean.

My vet did make a comment last time about hooded litter boxes and litter dust, but I have to use them. My other cat is a digger and loves to toss the litter around.

[eli1126]

I also use a clumping litter and my kitties haven't had a problem with it.

[Jennifer]

We use "Worlds Best Cat Litter" (at pet food stores)...it's clumping - but corn based without the ingredients that most people are most worried about. A breeder friend recommended it as being the only one she wasn't worried about the kittens licking...we've used it for a few years now - works great in out automatic scooping boxes and is good at odor control.

My one complaint is that it is pricier than other litters.

[tlew12778]

I think most of the controversy has to deal with Sodium Bentonite. You can read about it here (http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=286497).

We sometimes buy an all natural clumping litter, not bc of the bentonite issue, but bc it's biodegradable and flushable. We don't buy bentonite-based litters bc I can't stand the smell.