Man, that Abyssinian can **** off.


I did some cursory research and I think I'm convinced that it's worth it to switch to one of the non-clumping, non-clay or silica based litters.

It's hard finding credible information on cat litter, but this study is from a legit journal and it has some findings linking the clay/dust/silica stuff to some respiratory problems in humans and cats (well it found, technically, I think, that cats with lung problems already are further irritated by these litters). http://www.securepet.biz/wordpress/2...-dust-in-cats/

This link provides a pretty good overview of the debate: http://cats.about.com/cs/litterbox/a/clumpingclay.htm

I think it makes sense that the clumping litter that sticks on my cats' paws and is later consumed by them is probably not a good thing. Also dust that is accumulating on people's glasses is probably not the safest thing to breathe, but I am a hippie who buys stupid organic food, and I spend too much money on my cats.

I'm not sure which brand I'll switch to but World's Best Cat litter seems good. Having uncovered litter boxes makes sense, so thanks for that. I saw some good stainless steel litter trays at PetsMart today.

What's that, pleb?



I am better than you.



And you know it.



/thread

My cousin had an Abyssinian -- was an awesome cat.

Has anyone's cat had a dental cleaning?

My vet recommends annual dental cleanings. It is performed in the vet's office. My two cats will be three at the end of April but during their last exam the vet noticed some redness on their gums and tartar build up and suggested a dental cleaning. I would not hesitate to have this cleaning done except the only way a vet can do this is to give them anesthesia. This scares me so I have been putting it off. If anyone here has a cat that has had a dental cleaning done I would greatly appreciate your advice/opinion. Also, if anyone knows of a vet that is willing to do a dental cleaning without anesthesia in the metro NY area please let me know.

Thanks for the link Keyser.

Jessiep, three of my cats have had their teeth cleaned with anesthesia. It wasn't a big deal. They were all ok around three or four in the afternoon. I am pretty sure Apoolo was three when he had his done. He was ok.
I really don't think your pet will be very cooperative having its teeth cleaned without being under. Just a guess

As for it being done every year... When they go in for their yearly checkup the decision should be made at that time.

Thanks Crawl - you put my mind at ease about it and you are right they probably would not be very cooperative without anesthesia but I just thought maybe there was a very talented vet out there that was able to do a dental cleaning just using some kind of numbing agent.

My in laws new mix, she a DSH with Tabby and Bengal like spots on her sides


We asked the shelter about dust free litter we were pointed in the direction of this
http://swheatscoop.com/ available at petsmart.
The sell a corn based product as well, but it is not flush-able as i recall

Seems to work very well so far, clumps hard, and is flush-able.

My friend's savage cats managed to trap a mouse in a vacuum tube tonight, but as you can see it got away.

[ ]

I just bought a box of this at Petland Discounts. It seems great, it clumped right up, and makes no noticeable dust when pouring or scooping. The grains are bigger too, so it might be less messy as far as getting tracked around. The only issue is the price. A 13.5 lb. box of the multi-cat version was $16.99 ($14.99 for single-cat), compared to a 42 lb. bag of Scoop Away at Costco for $11.99. It is less dense though, so that the 13.5 lb. box seems to contain more than half as much litter as the 42 lb. bag. I will try to find a cheaper source but it might be worth it either way. Scooping the clay just now filled my whole apartment with that ultra fine dust.

At this point there isn't a audio device in this house that has sound coming out of both the left and right chans thanks to perpetual cord chewing. I have some cord protectors on some stuff, but they've found like everything that was exposed. Thankfully it's just speaker wire and headphones, and not power cables and more important stuff- but man. Little savages.

Big project this weekend to protect/hide/replace everything.

Mine got bored of chewing wire at about 9 months.

Just think of the alternative: our boy cat had to have 2 teeth extracted because of decay. Now we've got both cats eating a dental formula food that helps keep their teeth clean, but they still have to go in and get annual cleanings.

I had to have the teeth of the boys (fortunatly the cat is fine she never seems to have any health issues the boys have) cleaned with anesthesia. They took it fairly well - they where a bit nausy (right word?) and tired in the afternoon after having the teeth done in the mornig but right the next day all was "forgotten". And thinking that otherwise they will have constant irritation and pain on their gums or even infections that may spread I rather took the lesser evil. I feed them special food now and my Vet gave me some toth paste like stuff (but that of course being mission impossible to accomplish) I have their teeth checked at the vets once a year and every other year cleaned. Its not a big deal even I understand perfectly that one would rather spare the cat from the anesthesia. But as far as I know (and I did research on alternatives as well because I was scared to have them narcotized) there is no other way to get that done.

Still wishing for you that all goes well.

The cat seems fine, it just has awful taste in people.

anyone else have anything to add to the great cat litter debate? I need to change from Fresh Step -- I don't know if I am running bad or what, but the past few boxes have been absolutely insane on the dust.

It's not like it is dust free normally, but this has just been a joke. Anyone tried the litter below, Precious Cat? Reasonable price, great reviews, and apparently low dust. It is clay based -- assuming it is really low dust, is there a compelling reason to go say wheat vs Precious Cat (great name... )?

http://www.amazon.com/Precious-Cat-P...5227675&sr=8-2

I'm pretty sure that's the type of Precious Cat litter I use. It seems to be the least dusty out of their line and other brands in my experience. Also I like the way it clumps more than other brands.

Although there does seem to be some variance. I didn't remember the kitten type being bad when my cats were young, but had to buy a bag recently and the dust reminded me of when I owned a chinchilla.

cool, glad to hear it. I think I am going to give it a whirl, I'm running a bit low on the Fresh Step. Thanks.

I let the Man-Tiger out twice a day to poo in the neighbors yard. His urge to mark territory and conquer land is insatiable. I'm guessing your cat's an herbivore?

I keep my cat inside. Aside from the risk of vehicles, I don't think he has what it takes considering tiny female cats have chased him around.

This oooooooooold dog has been a neighborhood nomad for as long as I can remember. He has a home somewhere, but his owner lets him take walks solo. He visits often. On a recent visit he ran into Zeuss.

That dog is awesome and walking cats is lame.

He's the last of his kind, an unleashed neighborhood roamer. At least 15yrs old, prob older.


Great insight.

I'm sure you know lame when you see it.