Switching from cat-sand to cat paper-litter

My friend, Cathy, told me all about cat paper-litter sometime ago.

But when I first moved here, I was told clumping cat-sand is better when training cats to use the litter-box, so I tried a clumping cat-sand (had too much dust) and finally, I found Ever Clean, which my brood took to instantly.

It was already almost a miracle that my Cow-Bunny-Pole-Cleo gang was willing to use the litter-box with Ever Clean, so I stayed with it.

But now, cat-sand poses a slight problem. No matter how high the litter-box is, my brood will still kick some sand out, and when the sand gets wet, it get crusted on the floor and this entails scrubbing every day and wetting the entire floor.

Not that it’s such a big problem, but when I heard that paper-litter is environmental friendly, etc., I was game to try.

So, Cathy helped me buy a pack and she lent me her litter-boxes that she got from https://meowkai.com/best-automatic-litter-box/. You’d need a double-layered litter-box to use paper litter because it doesn’t clump. Instead, the urine goes right through the paper pellets and there is a wire mesh on the first layer to enable the urine to seep to the bottom layer (where you put newspapers to soak up the urine). You only have to change the newspapers every day. It’s the same principle as pinewood pellets. But I am told that pinewood pellets has a peculiar smell which some cats absolutely detest. Remember Lady Faye Yin perching on the edge of her litter-box when her owner changed from normal cat-sand to pinewood litter? http://animalcare.my/2011/12/25/when-a-cat-doesnt-like-its-litter-lol/

But paper litter has no odour at all, so I figured maybe my brood would like it….?

 

 The gang was interested in the new thing…

That was yesterday, and it’s been more than 24 hours now. No one has used the paper litter at all. They don’t even go near it.

What’s worse is that some of them are now using the garden because I only have two sand litter (not enough toilets!). I took away two and replaced it with the paper litter-boxes.

Nope, no one wants to use it…so far.

If you’ve been successful in switching your cats from cat-sand to paper-litter, please do share your experience and success stories.

I’ll give it a few more days, and if they still don’t want to use it, it would be back to cat-sand, Ever Clean again….before my garden stinks up!

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14 responses to “Switching from cat-sand to cat paper-litter”

  1. Chen

    I’ve tried that brand but did not like it because it does not handle pee well and I do not like the 2-layer litter box – more difficult to clean! I sent that box for recycling ages ago and vow never to use it again. I like to use a basic plain box. I’m now using Cat’s Pride Fresh & Clean (non-clumping)- it’s the one in blue packaging http://www.facebook.com/catspride?sk=app_160263437383227. So far it’s the best after going through many brands in terms of price, effectiveness, smell and dust-tracking. I buy it for RM17 for 4.53kg pack. It’s really “dry” and gives out the least tracking of all the brands I went through. It’s non-clumping so the “dust” can be easily swept with a broom. It claims to be very safe and some of the profits are used for the American Humane Association. Harry the kitten uses it happily and so have my adult cats.

  2. Cathy

    Did you do a gradual switch to the new litter? Some cats adjust easier and while others would only switch if they have no other choice. You can get some tips on how to do a gradual switch here : http://thealleycatforum.blogspot.com/2007/10/cat-litter-switch-your-cats-litter-slow.html
    Sand litter causes quite a bit of health problems to cats (especially the clumping types), and when the cats groom themselves, they lick off the bits of sand that get stuck to their paws and fur and end up ingesting it.

  3. BK

    I used this brand before too & my kitten like to chew on it. Causing my kitten to have diarrhea. Has stop using it.

    1. chankahyein

      Which brand, BK?

  4. Wong Yoke Mei

    I am curious to find out how your cats take to the litter in a few more days. I am having some litter issues too. Currently we are using OKO plus litter (clumping), it works ok, but since my younger cat just got diagnosed with asthma a week ago, I am on the hunt for a litter with very very minimal dusts. Though OKO clumps, there is still quite a lot of dusts on the bottom. Bought the pine pellets (non clumping) yesterday and mixing it in bit by bit. So far so good, but the pine smell is pretty strong and I am not sure whether it is good for asthmatic cats or not. Since I saw your blog this morning, I was wondering whether the recycle paper litter would be a better choice? By the way Dr Chan, have you had any past experience with asthmatic cats or know of anyone who has? I am desperately needing some group support.

    1. chankahyein

      Hi Yoke Mei,

      I have no experience with asthmatic cats. Maybe it’s best to consult the vet on this. But if you are looking for cat litter that clumps and has no dust, I’d strongly recommend the brand I’m using now – Ever Clean. It really, really has no dust. You can try the paper litter too, it’s environs friendly and doesn’t not clump. It’s also dust-free.

      1. Wong Yoke Mei

        Hi Dr Chan,

        Thanks for the feedback. May i know where am i able to purchase the paper litter. I went around some of the pet shops in SS2, Section 14 and Tmn Megah, but could not find the paper litter that was shown on the pic above.

        1. chankahyein

          Am not sure because Cathy helped me buy. Maybe Cathy can advise you on this.

        2. Alicia

          I use the same brand too but for small animals.

          You can get it at most Pet Lover Centre outlets. There’s one in SS2 Mall, IPC (Ikano Power Centre) and Sunway Pyramid. It’s better to call first (smaller outlets) cos sometimes there’s no stock.

          1. Wong Yoke Mei

            Thanks Alicia for the info. Will drop by SS 2 mall today.

  5. Melle

    Hi, Kah Yein.

    I’ve been using this litter for my cats. It’s pretty good as long as you clear the litter box twice a day. I noticed the purple litter box has a wire mesh tray. Could you ask your friend, Cathy where she bought the purple litter box? Currently using the pink litter box- it’s a bit small for my tom-cat (he has to squeeze his body into the litter box). And I’ve been looking for a bigger litter box ever since.

    Thanks

    1. chankahyein

      Hi Melle, Subang Pet Products has ordered a new shipment of the bigger double-layered trays. Tel: 03-56339585.

  6. cindy

    I agreed … I would not use the clump-type. My worry is, perhaps uncounted, would cause lungs problem. Imagine when they scratch the sand and breath in the dust? Norstrils??? Somehow I dislike all these chemicals.

    I think wood-pallets, newspaper pallets, old newspaper are the best.

    Just like you would train your cats to eat home-cooked food, mix the new little to the old. Gradually increase the new and reduce the old. They will use it. Takes time. You might also try to use regular old news paper underneath and just sprinkle a handful or two of the paper-products.

    I am very fussy with my little boxes. I changed them very often through the day. And to save my energy, I layered my trays with plastic sheet (I cut a garbage bag into two and use one every time) newspaper, then put two handsful of the woodpallets. When it is soiled, I just lift up the newspaper and throw them away and replace the newspaper and handful of woodpallets again. I changed the plastic ONCE daily if it is too messy. IF it is decent, I wipe it with paper towel and washing liquid.

  7. Melle

    Thanks for the info, Kah Yein. Shall go check it out at Subang Pet Supplies. 🙂